On January 19-20, 2008, the Spokane Thunder Drum & Bugle Corps held its first rehearsal camp and Open House for the 2008 competitive season. The number of members at this event was the largest in the 4-year history of the corps. An enthusiastic group of members and parents were in attendance to hear from corps director Rich Harvey, and to meet many of the new caption heads and staff. About 20% of the attendees are new to Thunder and drum corps. Spokane Thunder is a member of the new Drum Corps International (DCI) “Open Class” and will be marching its largest corps ever.

The weekend was devoted to learning new marching and visual basics, auditions, sectional rehearsals, and learning the first 2 minutes of the opener. The staff was impressed by both the talent and enthusiasm of the members. Corps members are very excited about the possibilities for Thunder in 2008. The next camp is scheduled for February 8-10, 2008.

For 2008, the corps will present a show titled “Antithesis”. This is an original composition written by Nick Golding and Jeffrey Willis. The show design is being done by Anthony Parnther. It will feature the usual Thunder solid brass sound. If the first camp is any indication, the 2008 Thunder will include a very large, high-quality percussion section.