Corps news and announcements
by Drum Corps International
The Academy is looking for highly motivated 16- to 22-year-olds to join its World Class winter color guard ensemble.
Learn more at ArizonaAcademy.org.
The Blue Devils announced that Chip Crotts, associate professor of trumpet and director of jazz studies at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., will join the corps' brass staff for the 2010 season. Ricky Odello, son of Blue Devils B and C Director Rick Odello and grandson of corps founders Ann and Tony Odello, will join the percussion staff.
Read more at BlueDevils.org.
Bargain hunters be on the lookout! The Blue Knights' annual garage sale will take place this Saturday, Sept. 12 in Arvada, Colo. Stop by to lend a hand or to find a few great deals while supporting the corps.
Learn more at BKnights.org.
The Blue Stars are looking for volunteers for an upcoming fundraising event at the La Crosse, Wis. Oktoberfest. Individuals are needed from Wednesday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 4.
Learn more about how you can help at BlueStars.org.
Bluecoats program coordinator Michael Gray will once again lead the corps' design staff in 2010 which will be made up of several familiar names in the brass, percussion, color guard and visual captions.
Read more at Bluecoats.com.
The Boston Crusaders will serve as "artists in residence" at Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, Fla. for the corps' 2010 winter rehearsal camp and workshop season. As part of the partnership between the school and corps, Lakewood Ranch arts programs will have access to Crusaders staff and equipment as well as the ability to participate in the Crusaders winter program at a reduced rate.
Read more at Crusaders.com.
You can help create a new look for Allentown's finest as the Holy Name Cadets wrap up their 75th anniversary season and transition back to their longstanding title, "The Cadets." A new contest lets you submit a logo design for the corps up until Sept. 14, with the chance to win $200 in Cadets merchandise.
Learn more at YEA.org.
Carolina Crown percussionist Evan Worrell is featured in a recent article on Examiner.com for his participation in the 2009 DCI Tour. A junior in college, Worrell is working toward a degree in sports management.
Read the article at Examiner.com.
Cascades director and CEO Sal Leone has appointed Ron Comfort as the corps' new assistant director and COO. Stepping into the program coordinator position vacated by Comfort will be Mike Leone. Kurt Jull will return as design coordinator.
Read more at SeattleCascades.org.
The Cavaliers have made several new staff appointments after director Bruno Zuccala stepped down from his position this week. Formerly with the Troopers, Scott Atchison will take on the role of brass caption head, Mike McIntosh will return to the group after a several year hiatus as battery percussion arranger, and Brian Tinkel will take on the role of percussion caption head.
Read more at Cavaliers.org.
Chris Sakowski and Chad Schaedler will serve as percussion caption heads for the Crossmen in 2010. They will take the place of Jaime Alvarez Calderon who will become the corps' program coordinator. "Jaime became such an integral part of handling many aspects of the 2009 tour production that it became very evident that he has extraordinary coordination skills. His move to this position will benefit our corps as we put together the show this year", said Crossmen director Mark Chambers.
Read more at Crossmen.org.
Leading the Mandarins' management team in 2010 will be Ray Mar as executive director with Jim Tabuchi serving as corps director. Names of the corps' caption heads and visual design team have also been released.
Read more at Mandarins.org.
Among several recent staff appointments by Mystikal is Roger Marquis who will be a part of the group's visual team in 2010. "I am excited to have Roger join our team. Working with him as a member in the past, I am confident that he will bring a great deal of energy and knowledge to the position," said program coordinator Chris Magonigal.
View a list of all staff members at MystikalYouthArts.org.
Members of Revolution's design staff are already at work preparing the corps' 2010 production. The team will be made up of returning staff members including Oliver Bullock (drill design), Bill Clark (brass), Carlos Botello (battery percussion), Scott Ward (front ensemble) and Ajay Riojas (visual).
Read more at RevolutionYPA.org.
The Vanguard Cadets are gearing up for their annual end-of-season banquet celebration which will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27 in Santa Clara, Calif.
Learn more at SCVanguard.org.
Spirit has appointed Andy Putnam and Todd Snead as its brass co-caption heads for the 2010 season. The corps also announced that it will debut a new look in 2010 as the organization continues its partnership with uniform company Fred J. Miller, Inc.
Read more at SpiritDrumCorps.org.
The Troopers introduced their brass leadership team for 2010. The group will be lead by veteran staff member Kyle Thompson who will take on the role of brass caption head.
Read more at TroopersDrumCorps.org.