GoldNews

Start off the New Year right with Carolina Gold at their next rehearsal January 7, 2006 from 10 AM - 7 PM at Nash Central Middle School in Rocky Mount, NC. Gold's 2006 production of Tower of Power is already shaping up to be a HOT one!!!! If you live outside the NC/SC/VA area and have been debating on marching corps this year, we invite you to check us out. Our rehearsal schedule is conducive to those wanting to march, but are unable to give up every weekend between May and Labor Day. Our rehearsal sites are located in the Nash-Rocky Mount area right off of I-95 (45 minutes south of VA). Gold 2006....worth the drive!!!!

Nash Central Middle School. Directions/info to be posted on the website soon!

Who said numbers were low????? During the show and tell at the end of the 12/17 open house, the hornline stretched WAY acrross the gym floor.......Put it this way, I hope that we are going to need a 3rd bus this year B)

Carolina Gold has made several recent additions to its staff. We are EXTREMELY pleased to officially announce Carolina Gold's very talented 2005-2006 Design and Instructional Staff heading into our first open house 12/3/05: Eddie Griffin Program Coordinator Eddie’s experience in the marching activity started in 1986 as a marching member of the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum & Bugle Corps. His tenure with the Hawthorne Caballeros spanned from 1986-2002. He served as a marching member until 1994, after which, he served as Assistant Visual Caption Head/Drum Major for the Hawthorne Caballeros from 1995-2002. During 2003-2005, Eddie served as Visual Caption Head and Show Coordinator for the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps. Since 2004, Mr. Griffin has served as Visual Consultant/Instructor for Magic of Orlando Drum & Bugle Corps. Along with his drum corps involvement, Eddie has instructed and designed for numerous high school marching bands including the Saverville War Memorial HS (1993 & 1996 USSBA 2A Champions) as well as Kearny HS (1999 & 2000 USSBA 3A Champions). While not working with high school bands, winter indoor percussion groups or drum corps, Mr. Griffin uses his spare time as a visual adjudicator for a number of associations including Cavalcade of Bands (judging coordinator), USSBA, Kentucky State Marching Band Championships and Musical Arts Conference. Chris Bernotas Brass Arranger Chris is currently the Instrumental Music Director at Mountain Lakes HS in New Jersey. He received his B.M. from William Patterson University in 1991. In addition to teaching in the public schools system, Mr. Benotas arranges music for many high school bands in NJ as well as for drum corps. Mr. Benotas has been the Brass Arranger/Caption Head for the Hawthorne Caballeros and Brass Arranger/Consultant for the Magic of Orlando, Connecticut Hurricanes, Rochester Crusaders and Sunrisers. Chris has also served as a music consultant with the Syracuse Brigadiers. DCI, BOA and several state marching band championships include some of Chris’ adjudication affiliations. Mr. Benotas’ professional memberships include NJMEA and MENC. Danny Raymond, Jr. Percussion Caption Head/Battery Arranger Danny Raymond, Jr. is active as an adjudicator, instructor, performer and clinician in the world of marching percussion. He is also the 1989 and 1990 Drum Corps Associates Individual and Snare Champion and his solo compositions have been published with Rudimental and Row-Loff. Danny is currently the Percussion Arranger/Caption Head for the Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps. He is a proud clinician and endorser of Dynasty Percussion USA and PRO-MARK drum sticks. His clinic performances have seen him travel across the United States, Canada and Japan. A Walt Disney World performer for over sixteen years, he is one of the original members of the popular group “Jammitors” at EPCOT. Damon Underwood Visual Designer Damon received his B.S. in music education from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. While attending WCU, Mr. Underwood performed with numerous ensembles and served as Drum Major for the Marching Cats. In addition, he was the Drum Major for the 1993 Division II World Champion, Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as a marching member of the 1991 Magic of Orlando Drum & Bugle Corps. Damon was previously band director of Wake Forest-Rolesville HS in Wake Forest, NC and Assistant Director of Bands at South Johnston HS in Four Oaks, NC. Mr. Underwood is currently the band director for Nash Central Middle School in Nash County, NC and returns as the Visual Designer for Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps. Paul Rowe Brass Caption Head Paul currently lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife Roxanne and 2 yr. old daughter Jordan. Since 2001, Paul has been the Director of Bands at Apex High School in Apex, NC. Prior to this, Paul spent 14 years as member, and then as the leader of Walt Disney World's infamous Future Corps group at Epcot. He also performed with MGM Studio's - The Hollywood Hitman band, magic Kingdom's - Main Street Philharmonic band, and the Tomorrowland Blast band. Mr. Rowe was a guest clinician/conductor with the Magic Music Days Instrumental Music Program, conducting a workshop with bands from around the world. Recordings to Paul's credit while at Disney includes Epcot's "The Future Corps" CD and "The Candlelight Processional" holiday CD narrated by Louis Gosset, Jr. Other drum corps experience includes 3 years as a member of the Suncoast Sound Drum & Bugle Corps (1982, 1983 & 1985) while under the direction of Robert W. Smith, Frank Williams and Jerry Kelsey. Mr. Rowe holds a BA in Music from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL and received his Music Education Licensure at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Mr. Rowe also attended the University of Florida-Gainesville for Music Education. Paul has been a sought after drill designer for 15 years and wrote the drill for the opening ceremonies for the 1998 DCI All-Star Drum & Bugle Corps in the Orlando Citrus Bowl. As a trumpet player, Paul regularly performs with the Raleigh Jazz Orchestra - RJO and freelances with other local groups including The Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra and Leon and the Moonlighters. Ryan Jacobs Visual Caption Head Ryan Jacobs begins his second season as Visual Caption Head with Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps. Mr. Jacobs is a graduate of Western Carolina University where he received a minor in Music Education. Ryan served as trumpet soloist and section leader for the WCU “Pride of the Mountain” Marching Band. Mr. Jacobs is an alumnus of the 1993 Division II World Champion Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps as well as the 1995 World Finalist Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps. Ryan received his B.S. in Elementary Education from East Carolina University. He currently teaches at The Williford School – “An Impact School for Technology”. Mr. Jacobs also serves as a lead clinician with Superior Band Camps Incorporated, a company committed to “Motivational Leadership Training” nationwide. Ryan serves as a designer, clinician and consultant to many of the nation’s finest musical arts programs. Lenny Westmoreland Guard Caption Head Lenny has taught guards throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio and Tennessee for over 22 years and brings a wealth of knowledge in design and instructional experience to Carolina Gold’s guard program. Lenny was a performing member of the Pride of Cincinnati Winterguard and was the founder of Aubreata Winterguard – the first independent guard from North Carolina to make finals at WGI World Championships. He is the former Instructor/Designer for WGI World Finalist Concord HS. In 2002, he began working with Croatan HS and developed that program to their current prominence with a 2nd place finish and silver medal in the 2004 Scholastic Opens Division of WGI. Mr. Westmoreland is also currently working as Guard Designer with the Scotland County HS outdoor and indoor guards. Lynda Kachman Asst. Guard Caption Lynda returns to the Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps family this year in the capacity of Assistant Colorguard Caption Head. She is no stranger to Carolina Gold, having marched on the weapon line in 2003 and 2004. A 1997 graduate of South Granville High School, Lynda offers a wealth of performing and instructional experience, having marched with the Tarheel Sun Drum and Bugle Corps in 1996 and CVP in 1999. She has been a clinician with Central Carolina Camps, taught numerous band camps for many schools in Southern, Central, and Eastern NC, and has instructed many award-winning high school units over the years including East Wake HS and Cape Fear High School. Lynda begins her 5th year with Scotland High School, where she is now the Guard Director. Jaraun Ransome Brass Instruction Jaraun is a native of Rocky Mount, NC. He received his degree in music from East Carolina University, where he was the Drum Major of the ECU Marching Pirates. Upon completing college, Mr. Ransome was Director of Bands at Chowan Middle School in Edenton, NC. For the past four years, he was the Director of Bands at Kellam HS in Virginia Beach, VA. While at Kellam, the program was a repeat recipient of the prestigious Virginia Honor Band Award and received a host of superior ratings and top honors in marching band, concert band and jazz ensemble. Mr. Ransome was named as Kellam High School’s Distinguished Educator for 2005-2006, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (2003, 2004, 2005), Governor’s School Outstanding Educator (2004), and received the Governor’s School of Visual and Performing Arts Presidential Citation of Educational Achievement (2005). He’s an alumnus of Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps (1993-1995). Mr. Ransome is an adjudicator/clinician throughout the Southeastern United States. Professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, International Trumpet Guild (ITG), MENC, National Band Association (NBA), and CBDNA. Mr. Ransome currently resides in Harrisburg, VA with his wife Stephanie. Together, they are Graduate Assistants to Dr. J. Patrick Rooney, Director of Bands at James Madison University. John Adcock Brass Instruction John Adcock has been involved with marching band, drum & bugle corps, and indoor guard for over twenty years. His performance experience includes Suncoast Sound Drum & Bugle Corps, Concord Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps, and the 2005 DCA World Champion Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps. He has worked as a tuba player and music arranger at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, and as a tuba and bass trombone player at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and as a freelance low brass player and private instructor in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. John has also taught a myriad of high school bands as a music and visual instructor and is currently the Assistant Director of Bands at Spring-Ford Area High School in Royersford, PA. In addition, has served as the visual and movement designer for the Brouhaha Winter Guard and Spring-Ford Area High School Indoor Guard. In 1997, John was on the instructional staff of the Americanos Drum & Bugle Corps as visual caption head and low brass instructor. He is a member of the National Judges Association where he serves as a music adjudicator in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Mr. Adcock recently completed seven years of service in the US Army Band where he performed as a tuba player, bass trombone player, and live sound engineer. He also served as an arranger and visual designer for many of his band's performances. In 2003 and 2004 he was deployed to Southwest Asia as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, spending time in Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar. John is married to Michelle Adcock. They live in Thorndale, PA. Brad Landess Brass Instruction Brad received his music degree from Mansfield University, where he studied trumpet under Dr. Michael Galloway, Mr. Landess has taught for various schools such as Marcus Whitman Jr./Sr, HS, Arkport Central School, Tarboro HS, Martin Middle School, and South Lenior HS. Mr. Landess currently is the Director of Bands at Southern Alamance HS in Graham, NC. Brad has been both a member and/or an instructor of the 5 time Drum Corps Associates World Champion - Empire Statesmen, the Danville White Sabres and the 2002 & 2003 Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps. Brad and wife Christine, have a beautiful 5 month old baby girl named Maggie. Shane Benson Brass Instruction Shane received his B.S. in Music Education from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. While attending WCU, Mr. Benson performed with numerous ensembles and served as Staff Coordinator for the Marching Cats. Shane was previously band director of Riverwood Middle School in Clayton, NC and Co-Director of Bands at Clayton HS in Clayton, NC. Mr. Benson is currently the Co-Director of Bands for Smithfield-Selma HS in Smithfield, NC and is also working on a Masters Degree in School Administration and Leadership at North Carolina State University. Shane resides in Smithfield, NC with his wife Crystal and their son Samuel. Johnathan Richards Percussion Instruction Carolina Gold is very excited to introduce one of the newest editions to the percussion staff, Johnathan Richards. Johnathan is currently the percussion arranger and caption head at Midland Valley High School in Langley South Carolina, a position that he has held since 2001. Prior to that, he was on the percussion staff at Irmo High School (SC) and White Knoll HS (SC). His marching experience includes being a member of The Capital Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from 1999 to 2000 and a member of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in 2001. He was also a member of the 2000 University of South Carolina 'WADSQUAD' drumline. In his spare time Johnathan is the percussionist for an Augusta, GA area rock band. Johnathan lives with his Fiancé and daughter in North Augusta, SC. Lyn Benitez Guard Instruction Lyn is a graduate of Powhatan High School in Powhatan, VA. She attended and graduated from East Carolina University where she marched with the ECU Marching Pirates Colorguard from 1990-1993 serving as captain in 1993 and instructing in 1994. She began teaching high school colorguard in 1991 and has continued to do so for the past 15 years. Lyn has worked with a number of successful band programs throughout the states of NC and VA including George Washington HS, Indian River HS, Williamston HS, White Oak HS, Jacksonville HS, and Havelock HS. She is currently the visual coordinator for the Havelock High School Marching Rams in Havelock, NC, where her guard has continued to win top honors every year. She is also the instructor for the indoor guard Panache. She continues to judge many fall competitions throughout the state of NC and served as a visual consultant to many bands in the eastern NC area. When not assisting her husband, Jorge Benitez-Band Director for the Havelock High School Band, she is actively working as a full time mom to her two beautiful children, Analise and Mariela. Michelle Adcock Guard Instruction Michelle Adcock is a color guard designer in the Southeastern Pennsylvania area. She is the color guard director and designer at Spring-Ford Area High School in Royersford, PA where she oversees both the outdoor and indoor guard programs. Her performance experience includes the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Marching Band, Zephyr Indoor Color Guard, the Steel City Ambassadors Drum & Bugle Corps, the All-Star Flag Team for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2005 DCA World Champion Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps. Michelle has served as color guard designer for several high school band programs in Pennsylvania, including South Western High School in Hanover, PA, Avon Grove High School in West Grove, PA, and Conestoga Valley High School in Lancaster, PA. In addition, Michelle has served as the director of the Brouhaha Youth Organization, a successful multiple-independent indoor guard organization, for twelve years. She is a member of the National Judges Association where she serves as a visual adjudicator in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Michelle is the technology teacher at Avon Grove Intermediate School in West Grove, PA. She and her husband John live in Thorndale, PA. Nikki Branch-Daye Guard Instruction Nikki is no stranger to Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps. However, she is returning this year in a different capacity as part of the instructional staff. She was part of Carolina Gold's guard during the 2003-2005 seasons, and served as co-captain during 2005. Her previous teaching experience includes Guard Instructor as Northside High School in Jacksonville, NC. Currently, Nikki resides in Raleigh with her husband, Gregg, and is expecting their first child. John Gifford Visual Instruction Jon "Giff" Gifford graduated form Rocky Mount Senior High School in 2001. Mr. Gifford was a marching member of the 1999 and 2000 additions of Tarheel Sun Drum and Bugle Corps. Jon served as a lead soprano and section leader during his tenure with the corps. Mr. Gifford joined the Carolina Gold family in 2002 as a lead soprano. He returned to Gold in 2003, serving as a lead soprano soloist, as well as a visual instructor. Jon was the featured "screamer" during his age out season with East Coast Jazz in 2004. He returned to his home and family for the 2005 season and is staying for good. Jon served on our visual staff under Ryan Jacobs for the 2005 season, while also being a soloist and soprano section leader. His name has been affiliated with such high school band programs as Southern Nash, Clayton, Hobbton, and Rocky Mount Senior. Mr. Gifford is currently attending East Carolina University and is majoring in Music Education. He is an active member in many music ensembles, a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity, and lives with his wonderful wife Brenda in Greenville, NC. "We are so fortunate to have Jon with us at Gold! He brings an unmatched love and dedication to the Carolina Gold family." Sam Bogan Visual Instruction Sam Bogan is a graduate of South Johnston High School. Sam has gone on to pursue a Music Education degree at Western Carolina University. Since his arrival, Mr. Bogan has performed as principle trumpet in the Wind Ensemble and lead trumpet in the Jazz Ensemble. Sam has served on the music departments student advisory council and currently serves on the Dean's student advisory council. After being trumpet section leader during the Fall, 2004 marching season, Sam was named High Brass Coordinator for the 2005 Pride of the Mountains Marching Band. At Western he is also studying voice. Mr. Bogan currently serves as a clinician for many of westen North Carolina's finest marching programs. Sam is a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, a Probationary Member of Phi Mu Alpha, and is a member of MENC. "Sam is truly an asset to the Carolina Gold family. He brings an extraordinary excitement and passion to an already wonderful visual staff." More info at www.carolinagold.org

10 more days.....

The Administration, BOD, and staff of Carolina Gold wishes everybody a safe and happy holiday this weekend! The "Power" is on.... OPEN HOUSE 2006 - December 3, 2005 carolinagold.org

Will send a map....You don't want to miss this!!!!

What do you get when you mix jazz + old school funk (with a new school flavor), season with rock and a generous serving of soul and IN YOUR FACE SOUND? Carolina Gold 2006: Tower Of Power More details coming soon!!!! Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps

OPEN HOUSE #1 Date: Sat., December 3, 2006 Time: 9am - 10am Registration 10am - 4pm* Introductions/Meet/Greet/Rehearse Location & Directions: TRITON HIGH SCHOOL 215 Maynard Lake Rd. Erwin, NC 28339 OPEN HOUSE #2 + December Rehearsal Camp Date: Sat., December 17, 2005 Time: 9am - 10am Registration 10am - 5pm Introductions/Meet/Greet/Rehearse Location & Directions: APEX HIGH SCHOOL 1501 Laura Duncan Rd. Apex, NC 27502 ALL Directions will be posted on our web-site Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps

It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointments of Carolina Gold's new Administrative Staff for 2006 and beyond. Please join me in welcoming this team of individuals who are responsible for putting together a very talented Design Team and Instructional Staff for the 2006 season. They have been working together behind the scenes for a number of weeks preparing for what is to be another exciting year for Carolina Gold, its' members and more importantly the DCA fans! You do not want to miss this year! Please check out the Carolina Gold website: www.carolinagold.org regarding the following announcements: Carolina Gold 2006 Open House Dates, 2005 End-of-Year Banquet Date and the 2006 Show Announcement (coming soon!)... Jason Malugen, Corps Director 2004-2005 2006 Administrative Staff Corps Director: Mike Kachman Mike’s experience with drum corps started as a charter member of Carolina Gold in 2000, having served as a performer and as a member of the Board of Directors. In the 2002 season, Mike served as a member of the Board of Directors, as a performer, and as a percussion technician. In the 2003 season, Mike’s roles included performer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Interim Corps Director. During the 2004 season, Mr. Kachman accepted a job and moved to Washington D.C. During that time, Mike marched with the Reading Buccaneers Drum and Bugle Corps which culminated in a 3rd place finish at the DCA World Championships. He moved back to NC a year later and proceeded to resume his involvement with Carolina Gold, both as a visual technician and then later as a performing member. Mike is a graduate of East Carolina University where he marched with the ECU Drumline in 1992 and 1993. He started teaching marching percussion in 1987 and has continued to do so for the past 18 years. Mike has worked with a number of successful band programs throughout the states of NC and VA including Smithfield-Selma HS, Roanoke Rapids HS, Rocky Mount HS, South Johnston HS, South Granville HS, NW Cabarrus HS, and Floyd E. Kellam HS in Virginia Beach VA. He is currently the Percussion Caption Head for the Scotland County High School marching band in Laurinburg NC. Over the years, Mike has been active as an adjudicator and served as the Percussion Coordinator for the Atlantic States Judges Association circuit in 1995. He has taught numerous percussion clinics in the state of NC and has served as an All-County judge in Wake and Johnston Counties. When not working as the Percussion Caption Head at Scotland County High School, Mr. Kachman works a full-time job at Scotland Memorial Hospital utilizing his degree as the Rehabilitation Clinical Coordinator for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy. Mike and his wife Lynda have two beautiful daughters and they reside in Laurinburg, NC. Assistant Corps Director: Ryan Jacobs Ryan Jacobs begins his second season as Visual Caption Head with Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps. Mr. Jacobs is a graduate of Western Carolina University where he received a minor in Music Education. Ryan served as trumpet soloist and section leader for the WCU “Pride of the Mountain” Marching Band. Mr. Jacobs is an alumnus of the 1993 Division II World Champion Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps as well as the 1995 World Finalist Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps. Ryan received his B.S. in Elementary Education from East Carolina University. He currently teaches at The Williford School – “An Impact School for Technology”. Mr. Jacobs also serves as a lead clinician with Superior Band Camps Incorporated, a company committed to “Motivational Leadership Training” nationwide. Ryan serves as a designer, clinician and consultant to many of the nation’s finest musical arts programs. Business Manager: Judy Sgammato Judy Sgammato is no stranger to drum corps and the marching activity. Her drum corps involvement started with The Saints Drum & Bugle Corps, Woodbridge-Edison, NJ. From 1973-1976, she marched in the corps on mellophone and flag, and was also a member of the corps indoor guard program. Judy was a guard member of the Garfield Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps from 1978-1979. In 1983, she was a member of the rifle line in the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps, Harrison, NJ. Originally from Bayonne, NJ, she received a B.A in Early Childhood Studies with a Teaching Certification in Nursery/Kindergarten from Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ, in 1986. She also received an additional Teacher Certification in Elementary Education from William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, in 1987. After completing her education and starting her family, Judy still found time to work with a number of high school guard and winter guard programs. She was a guard tech for Pompton Lakes High School Marching Band, Pompton Lakes, NJ, and Monsignor Farrell High School Marching Band, Staten Island, NY. With the Pegasus Winter Guard of Northern NJ, she served as a guard tech, then the Business Manager. Most recently, she has been the guard advisor for the Athens Drive High School Marching Band and Winter Guard, Raleigh, NC. Judy is married to Frank Sgammato and has three children. Carolina Gold was fortunate to have the “whole” Sgammato family become part of “our” family in 2005. Laura marched in our Honor Guard, Greg as a member of the front ensemble, Nicole as a member of the color guard, Frank as a member of the soprano line, and Judy as a member of our Board of Directors.

Some bio info on Mr. Rowe.... Paul E. Rowe - Paul Currently lives in Raleigh. NC with his wife Roxanne and 2 yr old daughter Jordan. Paul is the Director of Bands at Apex High School, Apex, NC. 2001-current ( www.apexhighband.org ) Prior to this, Paul spent 14 years as a member, and then as the leader, of Walt Disney World's infamous Future Corps group at Epcot. He also perform with MGM Studio's - The Hollywood Hitman band, Magic Kingdom's - Main Street Philharmonic band, and The Tomorrowland Blast band. Mr. Rowe was a guest clinician/conductor with the Magic Music Days Instrumental Music Program, conducting a 3 hour workshop with bands from around the world. Recordings to Paul’s credit while at Disney include Epcot's "The Future of Corps" CD and "The Candlelight Processional" Holiday CD narrated by Louis Gosett Jr. Other drum corps experiences includes 3 years as a soprano player with the Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps (1982, 83, 85) while under the direction of Robert W. Smith, Frank Williams and Jerry Kelsey. He holds a BA in Music from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL and received his Music Education Licensure at the University of North Carolina – Greensboro. Mr. Rowe also attend the University of Florida Gainesville, FL for Music Education. Paul has been a sought after drill designer for 15 years and wrote the drill for the opening ceremonies for the 1998 DCI All-Star Drum and Bugle Corps in the Orlando Citrus Bowl. As a trumpet player, Paul regularly performs with the Raleigh Jazz Orchestra - RJO and freelances with other local groups including The Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra and Leon and the Moonlighters.