The Academy



The Academy invites all corps members, staff, volunteers, parents and fans to the organization's annual awards banquet on Dec. 11 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Phoenix-Airport.



ArizonaAcademy.org




Blue Stars



The Blue Stars announced the return of Chris De Leon, Robert Barfield, and Kevin Ford to its visual staff for the 2010 season. "Chris De Leon and Bob Barfield made great strides in establishing a visual identity for the corps last season, and Kevin Ford continues to do amazing work for the corps from design conception to delivery of the final visual product," said Brad Furlano, executive director.



BlueStars.org




Cascades



Ronnie LaGrone will join the Cascades for the 2010 season as percussion co-caption head, sharing duties with Chris Grant. LaGrone has previously served as percussion arranger and caption head of the Colt Cadets and Oregon Crusaders.



SeattleCascades.org




The Cavaliers



The Cavaliers' color guard staff will be led in 2010 by designer Andy Toth who will additionally take on caption head duties this season. "After 15 years of service to the Cavaliers, it is a privilege and honor to lead this undeniably talented color guard staff in 2010," said Toth. "The incredible passion that they have for their craft is inspirational and is the reason why we all continue to work together throughout the year on many other projects as well."



Cavaliers.org




Madison Scouts



At the organization's annual meeting last week, the Madison Scouts appointed three new board members to one-year terms including Bryan Hughes, Rich Rodes and Ton Stam. Board members Gregg Auby, Steve Matson and Joe Murray were re-elected to three year terms. "I'm very energized about the board we have assembled," said Jeff Manion, board president. "Our objective was to supplement a mix of entrepreneurial experience with strong finance skills. I'm looking forward to working with this new team in 2010."



MadisonScouts.org




Mandarins



The Mandarins named several individuals to their 2010 percussion staff. Complete bios are available on the corps' Web site.



Mandarins.org




Phantom Regiment



Phantom Regiment added Mike Sloan to its visual staff for the 2010 season. Sloan, who for more than 25 years has been involved with numerous drum corps, marching band and color guard ensembles, will primarily assist the Phantom Regiment with staging, choreography and movement.



Regiment.org




Pioneer



Pioneer's 2010 competitive program will depart from the group's traditional Irish fare, focusing on its "Corps Prayer" as the premise of the production. Music will be arranged from a variety of sources including a gospel blues rendition of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," the Grammy-winning piece "The Prayer" made popular by artists Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, and symphonic works from John Rutter and David Holsinger. The corps' staff will primarily be made up of returning individuals with the addition of a few consultants.



Pioneer-Corps.org