Shining Beat Report, Part 2

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You cannot go wrong when "drum corps" and "free" are combined in the same media. Round 2 of All Japan Infant Marching Association’s Shining Beat opened the doors to Kansai’s "older" ensembles at Osaka-jo (Osaka Castle) Hall on Monday, November 3rd, free to the public. Sponsored by an array of big name companies within the marching arts world, various ensembles ranging from independent color guards and drum lines, to full high school marching bands and drum corps took the floor for this inaugural event.

The afternoon event opened with a commentary and interview by the Blue Devil’s percussionist and host of ScoJo’s Lick of the Week, Scott Johnson. Scott mentioned his 27 years of dedication to the Blue Devils, his enjoyment of judging and watching a variety of ensembles, his involvement with Tokyo marching units, and his video projects with the Blue Devils organization. Scott Johnson, along with Las Vegas resident and DCI/WGI/BOA adjudicator Kyle Miller, Pro-Mark endorser and Japan resident Steve Ulicny, DCJ/AJMBA adjudicator Yoshiyuki Tanaka and former Blue Stars/Cavaliers instructor Uichi Kajiyama were on hand as evaluators for this event.

The Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, as part of the Explosion tour, made their premier, giving the crowd a taste of good old fashion louder than loud drum corps, with a stand still performance consisting of screaming sopranos, flaming mellophones, and a baritone sound gentle enough to make grown men weep with excitement. Selections included a medley of tunes from the popular manga/anime Lupin III and Malaguena.

Long time All-Japan Contest participant, Tokushima Indigoes from the island of Shikoku made the trip to Japan’s mainland with their show titled, "The sun shines upon us all." Familiar selections included Rocky Point Holiday and Sonora Desert Holiday. All the way from Wakayama Prefecture, the Susami Starfish performed their show, "A small seed" brought the familiar Magalone number "Land of Make-Believe" to the floor. The Susami Starfish were established by longtime Blue Devils supporter and driver Norifumi Shintani and has grown to a full size marching ensemble within the last five years.

Participants from the Kansai Regional Contest included Maboroshi, Himeji Saints, Legend of Angels, and Jokers. Jokers also brought with them a full marching percussion ensemble, performing their winter show, "Minuano."

Shining Beat, Round 2 was sponsored by Roland, Pyware, Marching Show Concepts, Pro-Mark, Bremen, Pearl and Sabian. Shining Beat, Round 2 also enjoyed friendship partnerships with Drum Corps Japan, Drum Corps International, Winter Guard International, Etany Studio and Press J.

Recaps for Shining Beat, Round 2 can be found here.

Posted by on Saturday, November 8th, 2008. Filed under Other.