brassomaniac

I'm starting to find some used b-flat/F horns available out there. am looking for some experienced insight on the several makes available. Have found some Dynasty, Blessing, Olds, King, Yamaha. I am looking at mellos, trombones, bari's and euphoniums. I don't mind picking up a lesser make, to get started, because I can upgrade down the road. But, I want to research whether there is some history with any of these makes; any in particular that I should steer away from. Thanks for any input you might have, to guide me along.

bari's euph's mellos and marching or convertable tubas

Thanks for all the info Donnie! I have been running a pro group (Brass-O-Mania!) which started as an all-acoustic band to do parades and parks. We've been a fixture at Saratoga Race Track for 11 years now. It's morphed into a full Big Band, with some of the areas best players. I'm looking to build on the success I've had with B-O-M by creating a new "amatuer" group of ex-corps and band people. Recently, I've heard from people who run similar groups around the country, and what I've heard has been very encouraging.

Have had lots of response re: my post (Albany, NY Adult Corps), and there appear to be some like feelings out there: to perform locally; giving fans a charge in the dozens of big events within a short drive. to play on a quality instrument (maybe my own strad). to perform some effective, fun arrangements that will WOW the crowds. to spend a couple of hours in rehearsal, not the whole day, and go away with a lot accomplished. to take a local group to the NEXT CORPS THING - untethered by tradition or the pressures of travel and competition. I know that this has been done elsewhere (many elsewheres); some have grown into excellent mini-corps organizations; others play only in the off-season, so as not to conflict with marching committments. But, it hasn't been done here. And, we're finally getting started. If you want to help shape this idea, drop me a line.

those looking for more info can view several replies under the same title in Alumni corps discussions Thanks for your interest

OK, people are asking for a web site - so.. to start with, I guess I need someone to help me to put one together. If this is your area of expertise and want to help - send me a note.

That's right. Right now, it's mostly just my own vision, with only some preliminary input from others. The shape of the group will be affected by the people who help me to form it, of course. That said; I personally am interested in forming a LOCAL-Only performance group, that would be geared toward an excellent performance product to be showcased in parades and major events in my area (ball-games, fairs, the racetrack, etc.). I run a Big Band and also play, occassionally, in a couple of other pro groups. So, I am definitely NOT available to do field corps. However, I do miss the excitement and big crowds that I enjoyed in drum corps, and I'm looking for like-minded people who'd also like to experience the old RUSH of charging up a crowd. Drum Corps instrumentation and corps-style arrangements; fun, crowd-pleasing music; but maybe a new thing (at least for my area) that is not tethered to tradition nor geared toward growing into a field exhibition/competition corps. We'd invest some time to learn and polish a small book and then go out and PLAY baby PLAY!

Thanks for all of the great and supportive messages and calls re: this project Just a clarification for some who have inquired regarding the basic nature of the group ..... This is definitely a "drum corps" project, and though it may begin (soon) as a brass ensemble, my expectation is that it would grow into a corps large enough to be a formidable presence on the parade scene. In my years since exiting the senior corps scene, I have produced a parade corps, a marching band and for ten years now have run a professional big band with some of the areas finest musicians: most of them music educators or full-time musicians. A few of us are ex-corps guys and I've long thought of organizing a local group of solid players who could produce A LOT in a short amount of time: to do parades and big local events. We already have a 501c(3) organization and a lot of prior corps-management experience. There are a lot of details to discuss (and hurdles to leap) but based on the feedback I'm getting, we could begin working on something real soon.

In response to some e-mails I've received: We're just in the beginning stages of discussing the possibilities of what this can become. Going to take it slowly and do it with a high degree of excellence right from the start!

am VERY interested in any informed advise on b-flat performance Want to start a group that would use seasoned band and corps performers Anyone with experience with b-flat/f lines, with some good advise, please respond.

looking to do something in a different direction than the existing group; and not in competition with it. And yes, there are plenty of players out there that would qualify and hopefully, be interested in this new group. The approach I have in mind would be more compatible with ex-band people than traditional corps has been. In fact, I have had a considerable amount of interest from experienced and very talented players already. Also, I'm not proposing an all-age group, but an Adult group of corps and band veterans who are looking for an exciting and rewarding performance experience- but one that does not require the all-summer committment and extended rehearsal hours of a field corps. Don't necessarily need a lot a people, since the project would not be intended to grow into a field corps. I have plenty of venues in mind, should it start very small. I have also had extensive experience in creating and producing amatuer and professional groups on the street and field and on the stage. So, I'm not starting on this adventure without some knowledge of what to expect.

Looking for experienced corps personnal to help form new, adult performance group in the Albany, Ny area. My initial vision calls for local and regional performances, with expert staff , first rate players and the most modern of equipment.. AND, lots of FUN performing great arrangements for big crowds in area events. Serious, experienced persons, who JUST WANT TO PLAY and would like to help me to get this project started, should drop me a line.

Looking for experienced corps personnal to help form new, adult performance group in the Albany, Ny area. My initial vision calls for local and regional performances, with expert staff , first rate players and the most modern of equipment.. AND, lots of FUN performing great arrangements for big crowds in area events. Serious, experienced persons, who JUST WANT TO PLAY and would like to help me to get this project started, should drop me a line.