12-19-2009
20:22

Corps news and announcements

by Drum Corps International

Carolina Crown, the Cavaliers, the Colts (Legion Aires) and Phantom Regiment, are among the 100 organizations that made it beyond the first round of the Chase Community Giving program through Facebook. Each of the 100 groups will receive a $25,000 grant from Chase and now have a chance at a million dollar grant as part of the second round of the program which will continue in the coming month. Read a Chase press release about the first round voting results.

Percussion caption head and arranger Omar Carmenates recently earned his doctoral degree in music from Florida State University. In addition to his work with the Boston Crusaders, Carmenates is currently an instructor at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. where he oversees all aspects of the percussion program including classical, jazz, and world percussion studies.

The Blue Saints recently launched a redesigned Web site which includes a look at the corps’ 2010 schedule and a list of instructional staff for the upcoming summer season.

The Cadets’ administrative staff is keeping an eye on impending winter storms on the East Coast while the organization prepares to host its December audition and rehearsal camp in Woodstown, N.J. beginning this Friday. Posted on the corps’ Web site: “As of midnight on Thursday, we are still planning to run the camp as scheduled. We ask that travelers coming from the south to leave as early as possible to avoid driving through any challenging weather later in the day.”

Blake Daughtrey and Preston Cheek, both brass players with Carolina Crown since 2005, have been selected to lead the corps in 2010 as drum majors. “As drum major this season, my goal is to make sure that we not only are championship caliber on the field, but a championship organization in every other way. As a group we need to develop a ‘work hard, play hard’ attitude that ensures we are set up for success and enjoy what we do,” said Daughtry.

The Cavaliers recently hosted their second audition camp of the 2010 season in Austin, Texas. Brass caption head Scott-Lee Atchison said about the audition, “It was incredible! [The talent level of the prospective members in Texas] is like no other place in the country. We could fill nearly the entire horn line with great talent from this satellite camp alone.”

Leon (Steve) Stephens Jr., an original 1938 member of the Madison Scouts, passed away in November at the age of 85. Joining the Army Air Corps after graduating from high school in 1942, Stephens flew 40 combat missions over Germany during WWII as a member of the 49th Fighter Squadron.

Music City’s 2010 competitive production will be titled “River Sounds.” The program will take audience members on a journey down the Mississippi River drawing from musical selections including the traditional “Down to the River to Pray,” “St. Louis Blues,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Mississippi Suite,” “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Ol’ Man River.”

Andrew Bill and Brian Stockard will join Pacific Crest’s percussion staff in 2010. “We look forward to rounding out our staff with Andy and Brian,” said Matt Altmire, percussion caption supervisor. “These guys have great qualifications both as performers and teachers, and I know they will have a positive impact on the experience of our members.”

Alan Casey, a Spirit of Atlanta staff member during the 1980s, passed away Dec. 11 after a long battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was 49 years old.

Teal Sound announced several additions to its design and instructional staff for the 2010 season.

Corps news and announcements

Boston Crusaders

Blue saints

The Cadets

Carolina Crown

The Cavaliers

Madison Scouts

Music City

Pacific Crest

Spirit

Teal Sound