From a Seattle Cascades' press release: The Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps, the fastest-rising drum corps in the history of the activity, has selected its membership for the 2003 season. The premier youth music organization's members come from Washington, Oregon and Idaho, California, Texas and Arizona, as well as Alberta, Canada. Performers auditioned from as far away as Florida for one of the 135 coveted spots in the percussion section, horn line and color guard. The Cascades will embark on a 26-city, 17-state tour beginning June 27 in Stockton, Calif. Highlights include Drums Along the Rockies in Denver, the Southwest Championships in San Antonio, the Midwest Championships in Indianapolis, culminating at the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships in Orlando, Fla., from August 7-9. The corps will also host two shows for its fans, the first on July 5 at Husky Stadium and the second at Mariner HS (both in Seattle) upon its return from the World Championships on Aug. 12. The Seattle Cascades celebrates its first season as DCI World Finalist with the soaring melodies, driving rhythms and exotic dances of Latin America in its 2003 production, "Festiva Danza." The energetic opener explores the simple but memorable melodies of the "Huapango" with vibrant color and movement reflecting the culture of our Mexican neighbor. Alberto Ginestera, one of the most celebrated Argentinean composers of the 20th century, contributes his "Concerto for Harp and Orchestra" in the next production. This virtuosic piece, with its angular melodies and complex rhythms, features the percussion section. Its ritualistic elements, so common to Latin American cultures, are brought to visual life by the color guard. "Oblivion," a beautiful, flowing love song with its film score roots, comes from yet another great Latin American composer, Astor Piazzolla. Brass and color guard soloists as well as the full ensemble are provided with opportunities to express the music's elegance and richness. Piazzolla is considered the father of the tango, the passionate Argentinean dance form. It is only fitting then to feature his exciting "Libertango" in the corps' fourth production. An explosion of color and rhythm promises to make this tango unforgettable.
The show concludes with Aaron Copland's "El Salon Mexico." The powerful, distinctive piece is based on Mexican folk melodies, including the popular "hat dance" that Copland enjoyed while visiting Mexico. It is a fitting climax to the Latin American passion, romance and fire performed throughout the Seattle Cascades' production of "Festiva Danza."