Name, hometown, corps: My name is Kara Hoeflinger, and I'm from Harlingen, Texas. This will be my second year with Phantom Regiment. What is your role in the corps this summer? I am one of the conductors for 2004, along with David Simon.

Kara Hoeflinger
Where (if) do you go to school, and what extracurricular activities are you involved with there? I'm a Junior at Baylor University and am studying music education. I'm in BUMEA (Music Educators Association), the Golden Wave Marching Band, band council, and Golden Key Honors Society.^ Give us your full drum corps/marching music background, and how each position prepared you for the leadership role you're in this summer. I went to Harlingen High School South and was drum major for two years. During this time I was able to define a leadership style that suited my personality and master troubleshooting on the field, but most importantly, I learned the meaning of a servant's heart. At Baylor, this will be my fourth year with the Golden Wave marching band and second year as drum major. Having an active role in teaching and rehearsals is a great asset for this summer, and seeing what goes on behind the scenes is also very educational.
Marching in the Phantom Regiment mellophone line in 2003 was my first year with DCI, and has been the best life experience to date. Saying it changed me is not accurate -- it enhanced me. The gifts and skills it has given me continue to be revealed. The last good book I read: "The Lord of the Rings," by Tolkein The last great film I saw: "The Passion of the Christ" Three CDs I'd want on a deserted island: A Rachmaninov piano collection, Josh Groban's "Closer," and "Slavonic Dances" by Dvorak My favorite TV show: "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" Favorite performers: The Canadian Brass How do you "blow off steam?" I usually talk to close friends or family members, but ultimately I have to sit myself down, put things into perspective, and try to find a solution to the problem. Prayer plays a big part too. Why I march with the corps I am in: Been hooked since age 4. I've come to realize that the classic Phantom Regiment image is a true reflection of a classy group of individuals. I can't express the deep love I have for my phamily. Was it always your goal to be in a leadership role? I've always thought it would be awesome to serve in this unique way, but that's just it, I wanted to assume whatever role that would be most useful to the corps. You can be a leader no matter your role; it's all about the example you set. How will you go about balancing the roles of leader and corpsmate? Actually, I don't see the two as being separate. I try to set a good example on and off the field. Basically, I just plan on being myself. What has been your formative drum corps moment? The sound after the last chord on finals night -- not the release, not the sonic boom of the crowd, but the sound of pants, gasps, and guttural yells that you only get to hear when packed in tight with your closest friends that have collectively wrung every ounce of emotion and energy they possess. It's a culminating sound that you feel though every nerve of your body. Best drum corps show ever: I'm partial to '96 Regiment myself ... What are you most looking forward to about the summer? Working hard and growing with my phamily -- pushing it to the limit. Best thing about being a drum corps leader: The added responsibility and challenges Worst thing about being a drum corps leader: It's more difficult to sleep. During tour, the best part of the day is: Hot showers! During tour, the worst part of the day is: Cold showers! Favorite drum corps personality and why: Gene Monterastelli. He is one of the most uplifting, inspirational and helpful persons I know. What do you want to be when your drum corps career is over? I would like to be a music educator in the public schools, and it would be great to continue working with Regiment and DCI.