Name, age, hometown: Stephanie Nicole West, 19 (July 18, 1983), San Antonio, Texas What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? Carolina Crown. I play marimba in the front ensemble. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. I marched Revolution '03 and Carolina Crown '04. I also marched bass drum in high school for three years, and then tenors my senior year, all at Judson H.S.

How did you decide to be a member of your corps?I first wanted to march Crown back in '03 when I was with Revolution. We were done playing our show, due to the fact that we went first because we were the Division II corps playing with the Division I corps, and I was breaking down the marimbas.

Stephanie West
I then heard a front ensemble warming up. It happened to be the Carolina Crown front ensemble. It was amazing to me at the time! I told myself, "I would like to be in a corps like that one day." So later on, the summer ended. Then I was about to march Revolution '04 until they went inactive. In May, I got a call from a friend asking if I still wanted to march and I said, "Yes, why?" Next thing you know, Mark Teal, the pit tech of Carolina Crown '03 (FANTASTIC teacher, by the way), called me up and said that there was a spot open. I took it. This year, I decided to come back to Crown because of the horn staff, a new drum staff, and because of the definition of front ensemble that Seth Adams (our pit tech) gave to me. If you want to know the quote, ask him -- because I don't want to ruin the exact way he said it. I'm also really excited about our show. Especially the song "Angel." For me, it's in memory of my father, who passed away four years ago. Every show will be dedicated to him because I know that he's "my angel" watching over me during every moment of my life.

What first attracted you to the drum corps activity?What first attracted me to drum corps was going to a camp with a friend. He told me to come and try out and I did. I then had to really sink into what it really was, but I learned about it while on tour. Great fun!

What advice would you give to young people who want to march? Of course, never give up and live every moment that you have here. Take the opportunity and run with it.

The last good book I read: "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

The last great film I saw: That would have to be "Tommy Boy."

Where I go to school and what I'm studying: University of Texas at San Antonio studying music education.

Jobs I have/have had: I help out with high schools and have a part-time job at Red Robin, and I help out the family with our pool business.

Three albums I'd want on a deserted island: Any Dave Matthews CD, Journey and Norah Jones.

My favorite TV show: "Family Guy"

Favorite performers: Mark Teal :), Mark Ford, Keiko Abe, Bob Becker, Steve Gadd, Michael Burritt, and the list goes on.

How do you "blow off steam?"I was an idiot once and punched a cement wall when I was with Revolution in '03 because my mom told me that I couldn't do drum corps anymore. LOL. But other than that, I just breathe in and out real slow and walk around.

Best drum corps show ever: I would honestly say Blue Devils '04 -- great concept.

What are you most looking forward to about the summer? I'm really looking forward to meeting more and more people. It's like a huge family.

Best thing about being in a drum corps: The atmosphere of everyone wanting to be there for the same reason. Worst thing about being in a drum corps: Controlling the marimbas down the hills. You know what I mean.

During tour, the best part of the day is:Whenever it's a laundry day, the day is great! During tour, the worst part of the day is: 2 p.m. and no trees or shade.

What I want to be when I "grow up": Still indecisive. I don't like to plan too far ahead just in case the road doesn't take me there.

Feel free to add anything else you'd like. Anyone may feel free to drop me an e-mail: malletheadchic@yahoo.com . Come check us out this summer!