TallAZEuph

Yes, The Academy in 2007 used this for our ballad.

The recording session is taking place this weekend. Look for it in the coming weeks!

Just to clarify, the Rite of Spring is FAR from minimalism. The movement didn't start until the 1960's with the likes of Phillip Glass, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and others. Minimalism is characterized by ostinato with very subtle changes to harmony, rhythm, and texture over a period of time. Nothing very subtle about the Rite of Spring. Speaking of which, I'm excited to hear The Academy's arrangements this summer.

The main difference is that baritones have a more cylindrical bore, which means the tubing stays the same diameter longer, so they play with a brighter timbre similar to a trombone. Which is why it is typically used on upper tenor brass splits. The euphonium uses a conical bore, meaning the tubing has a more gradual flare, giving it a rich, warm timbre. The King and Jupiter euphoniums project very well. I typically prefer a mix of both so you have a gradual blend of timbres from top to bottom, giving the brass a sound similar to a British style brass band.

Tempe Town Lake!

Long's Bakery has incredible donuts and other baked goods! It's just a little ways north on 16th street. Not really walking distance from downtown, but perhaps a short bus ride would get you there. Worth the trip! Every time I had been there was a line out the door. Howl at the Moon is a dueling piano bar downtown, always a great time! Anyone familiar with Indy should know about Yats up in Broadripple. Well the owner opened Bar Yats downtown. I have not been yet, but hear it's great. That is on 9th St and Pennsylvania. For a sweet treat, the South Bend Chocolate Company has a cafe in Monument Circle. Also, if you are looking for late night eats, Mass Ave just northeast of Monument Circle has many different bars and restaurants. If you have a car, or don't mind taking a bus, Broadripple is a must! Bazbeaux Pizza, Broadripple Bagel Deli, and the Brugge Brasserie are just a few of my favorites! Also, many bars as well.

Essentially, the goal of the Breathing Gym is to enable you to become a more efficient breather by using as much of your lung capacity as possible, in the most relaxed manner. That is accomplished by a series of stretches, therapies (exercises to improve your inhale/exhale), and flow exercises to simulate musical phrases or work on endurance in high intensity breathing situations. It is a pedagogy that is extremely beneficial when used multiple times a day to remind your body how to breathe in this abnormal way. I feel most people miss the ball when they don't apply the same technique on the horn. Anyway, there's my two cents for this thread.

This argument happens every year, and while I think it's important to start strong, early scores really don't matter a whole lot. I've learned as a performer, and as a fan, they evolve and other groups surge at various points throughout the summer. So early scores are a nice barometer, but don't really hold up.

First time since 2001 I won't be at this show, but good luck to all the corps tonight!

I was at Family Day this year, had a fantastic time, and here are some of my thoughts about the A corps... BD's hornline this year is one of the most, if not the most powerful I've heard since I began following drum corps, which is about a decade now. The new System Blue horns sound fantastic, and the hybrid "bariphoniums" project with a warm depth. The show itself uses large boxes to outline a "house", which are spun, pushed, and moved about throughout the show. There are many intricate visuals and drill moves that take advantage of the 6' white columns which provide stunning effects without the "confusion" of reflections in a mirror. The show has several "park and blow" moments that make your eyes pop and ears sizzle. I found myself thinking, "There's no way they are going to get louder..." but they do. There is a very nostalgic feel to the show, with lots of outstanding solo work in the hornline. Looking forward to watching this show evolve!

Yes, there are 2 stripes on the leg. Also, the capes are in two pieces, and the back side is a solid blue which is different from previous years.

Yes, I saw a couple other pictures you can see it better, but they have full tails. They weren't wearing the shakos, but those are going to be fairly unique as well.

That picture is from the "Centerstage" performance. The theater isn't big enough for the entire corps, so that's only about half of the music ensemble. I've heard they have 83 horns total this year! Oh and spotted a few pics of the new uni floating around on facebook after the first public "unveiling"...

I'm certainly excited to see them! With all the changes/improvements across the board, it's going to be a very exciting 2011 for The Academy. If only I could be in Tempe tomorrow night for Centerstage!

A couple thoughts. First of all, of course "drum corps folk" should be concerned with the health of public school music programs. That's where nearly everyone gets their start in music, and is introduced to the marching activity. California is, and has been, a hotbed for talent for decades. There are many large, very successful programs throughout the state that will be at risk in the coming years. Southern California was just the first region to be hit. Also, many of the leaders in the drum corps activity spend their fall honing their craft with high school marching band programs. If there aren't any bands to teach or design for, where do they go? That's obviously a doomsday scenario. Also, suggesting that California band programs don't have band boosters already is asinine. No band program can succeed without strong boosters. I sat through a booster budget meeting last night for my program. Without the support of these amazing parents, well our program wouldn't be thriving the way it is now. However, if students no longer have to pay fees and we lose that source of income, then the size and scope of our program is going to do a complete 180 and we won't be able to create the same experiences we do now.