The Academy
The Academy recently announced new and returning brass staff members for the 2009 season. They will be led by caption head Christian Carichner who will be assisted by instructors Joe Gray, Will Plenk, Chris Johnston and Matthew Petterson. Gordon Henderson will join the corps in a newly created brass caption consultant position.
Blue Knights
The Blue Knights will add Marc Sylvester and Tim Newburn to the corps’ 2009 staff. Sylvester will serve as a visual designer and program coordinator, and Newburn will be the color guard caption head. “These two are perfect fits for the Blue Knights. They are long time friends and I am looking forward to working with them to bring the Blue Knights to even higher levels of excellence,” said longtime Blue Knights visual coordinator Rob Billings.
Blue Stars
The Blue Stars announced the return of Frank Sullivan (brass arranger and composer) and Kevin Ford (drill designer), as well as the addition of Neil Larivee (percussion arranger and consultant) to the corps’ 2009 design team. “I could not ask for a more innovative and creative design team for our drum corps,” said corps director Howard Weinstein.
Boston Crusaders
The Boston Crusaders’ 2008 Jason W. Maxner Scholarship was this year awarded to third-year corps member Justine Williams. The award is given annually in the memory of Jason Maxner, a Crusaders member and drum major from 1991-1997.
The Cadets
The Cadets have revealed a season-long (March, 2009 through the Aug. DCI World Championships) series of events that will commemorate the organization’s 75th diamond anniversary. “For seven-plus decades, this drum corps has provided thousands of members, staff and supporters a sense of pride, honor and passion. Lifelong relationships have been formed, skills and lesson learned on the field have been carried into life, and the stories and memories are indelible. It is only fitting we celebrate in a very big way!” said Cadets director George Hopkins.
Capital Sound
After not participating as part of the 2008 DCI Summer Tour, the Capital Sound board of directors announced that the organization will spend another year as an inactive corps while the board looks to restructure the organization to better fulfill its mission. During this process, the corps will continue to operate a concession stand at the University of Wisconsin as a fundraiser.
Cascades
Cascades director Sal Leone announced that Ron Comfort has been appointed as the corps’ program coordinator. Returning to the organization’s staff will be John Freeman (visual caption head) and Kurt Jull (design coordinator and drill writer). Pending the outcome of an official review of organizational operations by the Drum Corps International participation review committee, the Cascades look to return to the 2009 DCI Summer Tour after not fielding a corps last season.
Dutch Boy
Dutch Boy will host a reunion for members of the organization’s cadet corps from 1969 to 1976. The event will take place on Oct. 25 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Madison Scouts
The Madison Scouts’ entire 2008 design staff will remain intact for next summer. Leading the team that will bring the corps’ 2009 production “El Relampago” to life is program coordinator Ramiro Barrera, with Vince Oliver (music arranger), Ken Karlin (drill design), JC Caceres (choreography) and Roger Carter (percussion arranger).
Oregon Crusaders
The Oregon Crusaders have launched a brand new indoor percussion ensemble that will compete this winter as part of the Northwest Association for Performing Arts and Winter Guard International circuits. Leading the group will be percussion instructors Jeff Bush and Mike Stevens.
