Drum corps: A state of mind Johnson City Press Spirit of Atlanta will be wrapping up its two-week spring training session with a performance of their 2012 show — "Sin City," featuring music including Frank Sinatra's "Luck Be a Lady" and Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." "Our primary job is to entertain the audience and to give them a great show, but what kids of all ages get when they come here is they learn a sense of personal discipline, they learn a high level of performance, and they learn that this is really a family of people that they have to rely on," says Spirit Executive Director Todd Snead in this Johnson City Press feature. Watch the video.
Genesis members begin intensive training Brownsville Herald Genesis began preparation for their third season with a summer training camp at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. "They're proud of their community," founder Chris Magonigal says about the Rio Grande Valley-based corps. "The pride we have is very unique. It's something that these other kids in the groups we compete against are in awe of. It's been something I've never experienced." Read this article.
Blue Stars headed back to their roots La Crosse Tribune "We're returning to a show that is lyrical with great images on the field to tell a story and should have a lot of appeal," says Blue Stars Executive Director Brad Furlano about the corps' 2012 show, "The Blue World." After debuting their show at Onalaska High School, the corps will travel to Akron, Ohio, before returning to La Crosse three weeks later for its own local show, "River City Rhapsody." Read this article.
Phantom Regiment kicks off Sinnissippi Music in the Park Series Rockford Register Star Phantom Regiment both debuted its 2012 show and kicked off Rockford, Ill.'s Sinnissippi Music in the Park Series this week. "We expect to do well this year," Phantom Regiment Program Director Dan Farrell says in this Rockford Register Star feature. "We certainly don't count on anything, because there are so many variables. So far, things are looking great." Watch this video.
Musicians and Color Guard Wanted For Arbella Drum & Bugle Corps Salem Patch After a 30-year hiatus, the Arbella Drum and Bugle Corps of Salem, Mass. relaunched in January. The corps looks to perform in local parades and at local civic events this season, and will be launching a competitive color guard next year. Read this article.