trptmagnet

and ... Fusion high visual (tracking those nice to see grey boxes in the recap) Thanks for these gorgeous photos, all delivered real time - wow. Made this remote experience exciting.

I'll go with that one! Enjoying the posts here, esp. from folks who stopped by rehearsals today. I saw Bucs and Fusion at the standstill Bucs Preview. And I saw Fusion at Family and Friends last Saturday, where an insider said, with great technical detail: “Cabs are good”. So not a lot info here, but I’ll offer mine: Cabs 78.50 Bucs 78.00 Fusion 74.50 Windsor 66.00

I expect the Knicks to push hard full out, and play team ball, and so we in a drum corps - is it really 2013? - do same. And so we set sail for Reading this weekend for Spring Preview. Like Xmas when we unwrap the presents. Long fall and winter of prep, some Spring polish - looking forward now to crowd reaction and cross-corps energy. 1st outdoor grass field for our parking lot corps - don’t get me started on Field Lining ‘cause I have a lot to share. Can you say front to back hash insanity? (97.5, 100, love it, solve it). Like a show day … sweat it out on the field and get some reps for Wildwood. The annual turkey feast Amazing Alumni corps Awesome drum corps crowd, definition of Spring Preview of the awesome Bucs Amazing hosts: Reading Excited … 3 days … and for those that will be there, I promise … our core will be … (can I say that? ooops, LOL) … in a fresh Chapter. Privileged and thrilled to take part. Back to prep – this ain’t easy.

Yes, welcome Richard to Fusion, right here now in, well the calendars say 2013, a mere 45 years since we first met, or at least as I know it now. So I’ll ramble on as I do with some personal anecdotes – enjoy. At a recent rehearsal, I was told that there was someone who wanted to say hello. I knew the name but not the person, and so Richie says, “we marched together”. No way, yes way …. Skyliners hornline of 1969. Richie played baritone alongside my great friend and car pool buddy, Joe Aiello and all the rest, and I was a kid on 2nd Soprano. The other guy in the car pool that summer was Pee Wee (who was of course Ralph’s Uncle as I would learn in 2003). So tragic that both of these amazing guys passed on way too soon. Anyway, there is a certain sense of humor I experienced at the Skyliners. I survived some of the rough, near ridicule taunts all with love I am sure, you know like “You Dunce”! And many of you know who that character may have been. We loved it. What a different time compared with now when we are mostly so PC. Evolution, and it all makes sense. So now here is Richie saying he was “at the diner”, a Howard Johnson’s (not exactly a diner) but close variation, … the scene of one of my famous Pepe stories with the crushing of my demo kit pots and pans. Richie was not clear if the HJ was on the Jersey side or Bronx side of the bridge – way too funny. And I cannot remember if I marched in 1970 as many of you know – only Lisko seems to know. Sorry for personal ramblings, but for me there is exhilaration in drum corps to know just a glimpse of the history and the characters involved. So it is linked up for me a bit in this thread welcoming Richard, with Andy jumping in to testify. As I spoke with Richie this past Sunday, there was mention that Andy the Historian would know. Yikes, memories flood in …. “Don’t be a dunce you dunce”. Almost like a Howard Stern, “don’t be a moron you moron”. (Guess Who? is probably a good place for some of this) Just a story about growing up, or never growing up. Don

It's a drum corps day. Looking now at 10 Oscore statues and I'm not allowed, per creative team, to send any pics. Time to pack 'em up for the Banquet and get set for travel. (Yes, drum corps involves travel!) Who will be the 2012 recipients? I'd say at least 5 go to Field Lining Crew. Any other last minute nominees? Don (Not the only, but the first and last Don of The Hit 2012 - LOL)

Maurice is missed. He was a giant in spirit, hard work, “can do”, fun and love of drum corps. Maurice did it all as an ambassador to the community he grew up in, with schools, retail and fraternal organizations throughout the region. In our first year, we found ourselves rehearsing at different Posts and lodges in at least 5 different towns. He was a passionate recruiter, encouraging the young people to experience drum corps. Members will not forget the kick in the butt fire and passion he instilled at show time, especially when needed most – “C’mon Fusion, whatcha got??!!” … Somethin’ like that. He was a chef, and would single handedly feed the corps – so many great dishes such as, well for him a simple chicken and rice with just the right spice and kick! Those who knew Maurice take away life lessons on how to live. His spirit lives on. Don

Thanks for the heads and nose up regarding this brass team. I am also worried about what goes on in horn arc. Chili here in round 2 of cooking, trays are out for AM transport. I know of a few other serious competitors. Blind taste test and voting it will be, up against 2 mellos, and a bari that I know of. Schedule change confirmed ... >>>Sat Feb 19 - Rehearsal @ Stanhope Church 9a-6p http://www.fusioncorenj.com/newschedule.html Saturday Feb 19, 1:00 - 1:45 PM - CHILI COOK OFF LUNCH Come on out folks for a visit and even to sit in. I think you will dig the SOUND! Don

As staff announcements go up and the fun jive starts up, I had to check this earlier set of profiles. Quick reference here ........

Holly, good thinking! This will be a rough few weeks of decision. Wait, watch, listen, ................decide. So, like Xmas we got first look at Deb's Brass opener early this AM. Check trumpet parts – then I said let's glance at that mello madness I heard on the midi sampler. There it is with 1/16 trips and 32's. Doodla-doodla-doodla – all you, and crazy mid rangers everywhere I suppose. Congrats to Brass team – welcome to the Core. Some interesting attributes discussed above – no worries, fresh start. Don

Standing up in the top row since all seats were wet, watching end of the show, and schmoozing with a contingent wearing Cabs jackets, I mentioned some of my related acquaintances. The Alumni Bari guy said, “tell Frank to get his lawn chair.” Geeeeezzzz… that is harsh.

Hats off to the corps – THANKS. And for us it was plumes off right at the last second before taking the field. “Save them for Prelims”, yelled the Director. I feel inspired to write about this RAIN DAY OF DRUM CORPS. Maybe we need another thread to reminisce this aspect (or if done before I need to read up). So here we go, part review, part blog perhaps. This was a drum corps day reminiscent of WATERBURY shows of past. It was rain off on off on off on off on and now at nite ON but show was on. Well Waterbury cancelled at least once in recent years I think. Reading in past few years was classic rain delay and downpour with corps on field. Today actually was sneak it in, no delay. So Fusion in horn arc this AM at Show Site went thru a series of incremental rain spikes with no break and no lightning (we stop on lightning). It really got us ready for our show it seems in retrospect, because after opening hit and then a few more drill sets, the rain opened up. We played thru no doubt, and fought it and got energized. At end I felt a little bit of “wow we did this and got thru, it’s over”. But the “Big Boys” are yet to come and we have no clue what will happen. We saw Bush as we trooped out and they obviously performed in a downpour. Then we got back to the truck and Cabs were nailing it in that back industrial lot horn arc. It was a now DOWNPOUR and I know Bush was on the field. Folks, this NJ scene is somewhat surreal to me with the industrial NE, and Turnpike and NY skyline all juxtaposed at this place. The Stadium is right on the TURNPIKE and the marsh weeds give some sound barrier. This is right near the new Giants/Jets stadium. Maybe Jimmy Hoffa is in these weeds? Mini review: Hurcs from backfield. Graceful and sweet. Guard laying down on wet turf at far backfield was a sight. Each had their own way of dealing with it. Then they were up and back out on main field. I was there on other side of the back fence as Cabs waited to go. . Hurcs came out and trooped with that bass drum Mag 7 lick. That groove rocks. Cabs from top of stadium: Power brass and great marching. The snare feature with duets building to about 5 snare unison is awesome. Trpt soloists are great. Gauditio hits this opening high note sting like Whit WHOOOOO … So I said to this cabs alumni bari guy – was that a mistake or planned? (‘cause I thought it was great) He said ... well he went to Madison but he came back to us. But I need to hear this impact again ...whitt woooo. Anyway the duet with Gaudito and Wilke is ba*** out drum corps. I love seeing this Cabs show. Go get ‘em I yelled as they marched in on the industrial long gravel or bad asphalt road to Stadium. At Toms River I thought Cabs had a shot. This was a serious rain day performance folks. On radio on ride home, Yankees after long RAIN DELAY got huge lead in 9th. Drum Corps across the river … no rain delay. btw, the crowd of less than 100 was awesome. No lack of ovations and yells. Hot dog was great and I heard cheeseburgers were as well. There should be more people at a show like this. Scott W as drum major for Hurcs in retreat standing against a NY Skyline – classic. Hurcs should be proud – nice victory. This today was hard fought in tough conditions and Cabs brought it! Not aware of all captions but Cabs brass with these super exciting chords replete with high notes and blend/balance – that is serious drum corps. Don

We were first of the 6 corps to be on the street for step off, and just as we did, it Reading was up to perform, with their backs to the Shoprite, facing out across the lot toward the street where we were. The sound was deep, enormous and exhilarating. (What is that piece they played? I don’t know if it was from their show - maybe the part toward end of opener when they come to a company front type formation? That was great at Bridgeport, btw. Or perhaps it is a big warmup variation of “F Tuning”, or well I wonder what it was.) So, to be honest, I got chills from the thrill of that big sound of horns, outdoors of course, on July 4 in the context of stepping off for last of the 6 parades. For those that have played this tour, it is a marathon of sorts, and as with any marathon (my 5 boro 25 mile bike tours count - LOL), you get into a bit of a zone, and so that contributed to the moment. This parking lot throw-down was a spectacular drum corps experience. The camaraderie was awesome. Thanks to our friends with Carolina Gold, we joined arcs for approx 50 horns in a circle. Contrasting uniforms of their black bibs, and our grey corps shirts had a cool look. We played some show sections for each other, and ended with a bluesy jam with soloists from both corps. Then we ran over to hear Sun Devils. Wow – they look sharp, hornline was great, and drum major led with intensity and focus. We had to line up as Alliance and Music City and others started trading off. MCL played a beautiful chord warmup (are these F Tuning variations?). My friend Tim from Nashville conducted, and it was a passionate sound. We have shared drum corps stories 2-3 times now standing out in front of that old Bel Air armory. These stays offer a great chance to meet the other corps members. John from Sun Devils tells a great story of forming his corps, and the travel issues for that region – hello 7 hours to Atlanta? I was keeping track by geography – we had Florida, Nashville, Atlanta, Carolina, PA and NJ corps representing DCA. ooops - did I miss Shenandoah Sound? If so, we had 7 corps or more. As we stepped off I thought, well wouldn’t it be great to have all corps in one huge circle. Looks like it happened. Next year we should share a common “F Tuning” chart and play as one, G and Bb multi key all combined. Don

A good year! As a HS school kid I got invited down to the Salderini Post one Sunday for a Winter rehearsal, and then it was on to Kingsbridge Armory for some M&M, and then we put it all together at Randall’s Island in prep for my first season with ... The New York Skyliners in 1969. And so when I returned to Skyliners in 2003, I was often heard well, “back in ’69 …”, with my stories about Pee Wee, Pepe, Sol, Grass, Aiello, and Ednie and the rest. We blew out the house, from Symphony Hall to MSG Felt Forum to Hamden CT for the Fresh Air Fanfare. Andy L has the memory for these days better than most. The big question for me, did I march in 1970? Many say YES. And legend says I got thrown out eventually for long hair – this I do not recall. In 2003, at first drill basics, I instinctively did a high step on command MARK TIME, and Debbie runs over with a hug of the legs and “honey, we don’t march that way any more!” This is true. I can’t resist the story telling! I did get a nickname in 2003 from my esteemed colleague Harry Senior – he had to say, “shut up 69” and that stuck. I told my son who was 12 at the time, it‘s not what you think. Or was it? ooops “perceptions?” Wow full circle, first circle ... ramble on. Don

So the parade tune arrangement of Let is Snow is right on. We’ll be performing that one next weekend. Open House ended an hour early to allow for safe travel, but of course a couple snowballs in the parking lot were thrown at me first. Good reflex training for drill time perhaps? It was a great Open House, complete with the buffet from our chef-in- residence. Met a lot of amazing folks who are joining Fusion. More tubas for us than ever – wow, what a sound. And there was also tribute to our vets – 3 fast years of history gives pause for some celebration. Don

Weather report is calling for 1-2 inches snow tonight. That's OK, it snowed in Houston yesterday right? Traffic report - check - Rt 17 S in NJ closed - OK no impact here. Lindsay with the inside scoop announcing the "early reg" for the returning members. 2 hours approx LOL until the announced start for ALL. C'mon out folks for some serious "all-age" all weather all traffic all everything drum corps. Don <--- avoiding math breakout at all cost Oh yeah, parade tune up today for next Saturday's parade: Let It Snow!

Hey Tom, Happy Birthday. Breezing past a big 6 0 - wow. As Sean posted one, I'll add a few of the Judge expressions that come to mind: "It Don't get Much Better" "Enjoy Your Hobby People!" "Who Knew?" and known at least to me, "I am one marchin' M*****F*****!" LOL And most powerful ... he says this in hornline when the playing gets rough, as he whips out a mouthpiece change... "If you need to shoot it, Remington 7 ought ought; if you need to hit it, Schilke 14A4a" (sorry, it goes somethin like that, a very exact phrase which I can never quite remember - someday I'll get the rifle part"). oh yeah, and "Pride of the Poconos" - this guy is hysterical. OK - no need to get carried away, just quick BDay roast, the man ain't dead - no way, probably headed for Hawaii sometime soon. Don

one performer's view ... 11:00 we did have exactly a 7 minute warning. Most accurate forecast ever! 11:30 Lighting hit was a spectacular strike. Luckily maybe 5-10 miles away. 1:30 3 amazing Strikes (serious folks!!!!!) - side lecture on Fingerlakes Region weather patterns! 2:30 We practice for the likely indoor standstill 3:30 Weather turns GORGEOUS. Director calls for run thru. Great event! And Brigs in the parking lot sounded great. Mighty St. Joe's - G horns baby! Thanks Crusaders for a great event! nice stadium! Don

Oh Yeah. Robert V, this is your thread - welcome to Fusion. Can't wait to meet up with yet another amazing staff person we seem to find! well not me finding them, but as our Admin does - LOL. Don

Sayre, ... speaking of "you had to be there", 2 great stories come to mind: Skyliners field rehearsal when you launched into some back move fast like 15 paces in wrong direction with your huge Contra coming at me full speed. I yelled out "9/11" as it was same look as an incoming jetliner, which is not funny at all, but Harry E was there and agreed that was the look. We screamed! And then the Angel photo with caption of Heather, "what did he do now? ... it will be a long ride home!" That was crazy Angel humor at its best. Anyway, you two should drive out to Fusion for the Walmart Lot kickoff this weekend. Where ya marchin' in '09? Some cool spots you could fill, and the music is a groove in some sort of weird Fusion way! Ask Ralph about The Charge part of opener. Don

Yes, Fusion is conducting field trials of an Anti-aging pill which may reverse the time clock in humans. After successfully conducting studies on mice, the anti-aging pill can be tested in human trials. It activates the same receptor as the much-discussed resveratrol, the chemical in red wine that may slow some effects of aging. “We are very excited by these results. These compounds are mimicking calorie restriction and exercise while lowering levels of glucose. It’s a game changer”. The exercise habits are recorded. Members were able to run twice the distance of untreated mice. “A powerhouse of a cell because of all the energy they produce”. (disclaimer: this may be a fake science jumble)

Inside her brain, “what is he talkin’ about now?” OK quick reflection on any crazy questions last weekend. Basic block (in the wrestling room) … quiet, good thing I didn’t get into serious match with unnamed baritone dude. The neck bridges and headstand were risky enough – could not resist. Oh yeah, “last time I was in a wrestling room, it was 19 …… (all joined in!) 69. In horn arc, I recall one question – I can’t resist sometimes, I know. Unnamed horn instructor says, “ya know when I was a teenager, I asked every possible question in the world. There’s a lady over there that marched with me and she knows!” Anyway, so that question was probably “wtf???” Remember? “If out of range, should we sing falsetto or down an octave?” Whatta look – priceless. LOL at myself. Back in the day (19 …) we didn’t sing so much. Progress: Chaos/Order/Meaning … bring it, and experience it. Good weekend, a little rough on Saturday, esp. as visitors stopped in, but one Long Island horn player made a return and bolstered the horn line right fast! In a small line, you too can make a big impact – very cool. C’mon down, bring it, freakin doit, and have fun.

At our hotel party after 08 Finals, after a few assorted brews, I somehow sat down in the lobby and talked abstract algebra with Keith. He was explaining abelian groups (as in, if the group is abelian, then gi ⋅ gj = gj ⋅ gi). Gotta love drum corps people! He was excited to get back to college to continue his math major. I told him abstract algebra is what did me in as a pure math major some 37 years ago, so good luck. I suspect college and his other timpani activities may be keeping him away this year. OK, so the sauna story of 07 one more time with Crusaders in VA. So I am reluctantly sleeping on the gym floor at the amazing Aquatics center, and settling to close eyes on my luxurious air mattress. There a few feet away was an ecstatic Keith babbling (sorry dude) about the sauna drum jam. Then I wake up like 6-7 hours later and Keith starts up again, “dude the jam in the sauna was amazing” – repetitive loop, maybe abelian even LOL. OK, where’s Keith? Where is the next timpanist? Holly – who knew? Links … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abelian_group http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timpani (check the music clip >>>Bugler's Dream has a timpani fanfare to begin the piece and beats throughout. It is the Olympic theme.) Don

Please tell us the story of why it's called "light partying"? This could be your Jackie Gleason routine, sometimes "I got a big mouth". But that was then, now we're pros. Got it. Frank is beyond pro I think, beyond alumni even. LOL - stop down and bring some high F's (uhhhh Ab for you - no problem, I know) LOL Don

OK a mello, a bari, and now from trumpet section … This opener is very challenging in a unique way, and I’m like “OK, ONE MORE TIME..........I GOT TO TRY THIS LICK ONE MORE TIME!!!!!!!”. <--- sounds familiar Need finesse in at least 4 key centers and for the usual Fusion mix of time signatures, up tempo, and range challenge (some sustained High F for trpt – well high for me – HELP!). Holly, too funny – I just got done practicing and now I read this. You hit it … “OK, ONE MORE TIME … I GOTTA TRY THIS LICK ONE MORE TIME”. I’m working lip slur harmonics (Colin), long phrases (Clarke), set, breathe, attack, air flow (Reinhardt), and more for off season sheddin', but I promised myself to not talk about it – LOL - that didn’t last. 5 days to be ready – can’t show up with weak chops folks – yes, Ralph, music to dig chops into here - energy to feed on. Can’t wait to play this in the line! Any more horns ready to drop in? Seriously, check it out. Don

We know the response ... yeaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh oooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! ... in honor of our esteemed creative colleague! (But will he be at Open House III?) And what surprises? (I think I know one!) Last call for posts prior to Open House 2009 (fiscal year type concept here) .... geeeeezzzz it feels like a drum corps weekend! LOL