In December, Academy program coordinator Glen Crosby and visual designers Brandy DuBose and Richard Hinshaw presented the concept and musical inspirations for the corps' 2009 production. Titled "The Ascent," the program will feature works by Joseph Curiale, Richard Strauss and John Mackey.
Read more at ArizonaAcademy.org.
Four individuals with Blue Stars affiliations completed a tour of Japan with "Brass Odyssey," a stage production that featured a 47-member female cast in a fast-paced mix of musical styles combined with marching and dance.
Read more at BlueStars.org.
The Boston Crusaders revealed details about the corps' 2009 program which will "focus on Eve, the original 'Femme Fatale,' temptation, and the aftermath of her first bite of the apple." The production will utilize compositions by Saint-Saens, Strauss, Respighi, and Psathas, in addition to other contemporary works.
Read more at Crusaders.com.
A Cadets drum line of current and alumni members will perform this weekend in Harbor, Md., at the national convention for direct marketing cooking company Saladmaster. "We are thrilled to have these performance opportunities for Cadets past and present," said Cadets director George Hopkins. "Not only does it give the activity exposure, but it's a fun performance opportunity for a Cadet."
Read more at YEA.org.
The Crossmen organization recently announced its drum major selections for the 2009 season. 2008 Jim Jones Leadership Award winner Meghan Huber will return to the podium for the corps, joined by South Brunswick, N.J. native Michael Roche.
Read more at Crossmen.org.
Four-year Jersey Surf member Richard Caschera was selected for the Bands of America Honor Band which performed on Jan. 1 as part of the 2009 Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, Calif.
Read more on JerseySurf.org.
The Madison Scouts announced that Chris Komnick will join the organization's administrative team as executive director, a move that will enable previous director Jeff Spanos to focus his efforts in a newly created development director role. "I am very excited to work with Chris in this structure," said Spanos. "I asked the board to help develop a solution that would enable me to focus on a few key growth areas for the organization and I am pleased that Chris offered his time and expertise."
Read more at MadisonScouts.org.
Hundreds of students attended the Mandarins' December rehearsal camp, as the group used the weekend to work on basic techniques and exercises in preparation for the 2009 drum corps season. "While we are encouraged by the turnout, we certainly understand that member recruitment and retention will be a high priority over the next several months," said Mandarins director Ray Mar.
Read more at Mandarins.org.
Pacific Crest revealed a new uniform design that the corps intends to debut during the 2009 Drum Corps International season. "It's definitely a change of direction for us," said Pacific Crest executive director Stuart Pompel. Over the last few months, the organization utilized a committee of board members, instructors, donors and alumni to weigh in on the new design.
Read more at Pacific-Crest.org.
Phantom Regiment announced a new partnership with the Fred J. Miller (FJM) uniform company. FJM designer and Drum Corps International Hall of Fame member Michael Cesario will work with the corps to "re-imagine the classic Phantom Regiment image," which he helped to create more than 20 years ago.
Read more at Regiment.org.
At the end of December the Vanguard Cadets kicked off the 2009 season with almost 200 attendees at their weekend educational clinic/audition session. "We were thrilled at the enthusiasm and excitement everyone brought to the clinic and hope their time together provided them with new musical, movement and performance opportunities, concepts and ideas," said corps director Rob Ripley.
Read more at SCVanguard.org.