GaryD

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Oh...thanks. I meant that I am looking for a used horn.

If anyone can point me to a 3-valve Kanstul G-soprano, please respond to me here. Power bore (preferably), but either of the standard models will do. Thanks, Gary

Looking for something a little different? Swing House rehearses in Penns Grove, NJ (near the Delaware Memorial Bridge) ~2 times/month, performs at alumni drum corps functions, jazz festivals, and other special events. We are all brass, key-agnostic. Membership includes drum corps alumni from pre- and post-DCI eras, and from bands and orchestras, from VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY, CT and beyond. We recorded a CD last year (available from the Swing House web site), a sample of which can be heard here: Swing House Sampler. Music is by Larry Kerchner. Our next rehearsal is Friday, 28 October, at 7:30PM, at PGHS (Map to PGHS). Full schedule is on the web site. Come check us out!

Greetings! It was a gorgeous day in North Jersey today (Sunday, 16 October), where drum corps history was made once again. Today the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights performed at St. Lucy's Parish, Newark, on the occasion of the Feast of St. Gerard. The drum corps world no doubt recalls the rivalry that existed between the cross-town corps Blessed Sacrament and St. Lucy's during the latter 1960s. "Who would have thought?" - is an understatement! Alumni of St. Lucy's Cadets were on hand, joking that the rest of their corps was on the roof of the Community Center, ready to pelt the gold blouses with eggs and the like (...all jest, and all in good fun). It was great to chat with our old rivals. The truth be known, several St. Lucy's alumni were also Blessed Sacrament alumni - those who marched with BS in 1970, after St. Lucy's folded at the conclusion of the 1969 season. If you have never attended such a festival, note that it is a scene straight out of "The Godfather" trilogy, with priests and dignitaries escorting a statue of the patron saint through the neighborhood. But instead of the typical Italian band that accompanies the procession, it was the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights that welcomed the procession with "National Emblem March," "In the Still of the Night," "Free Again," "Give Me the Simple Life," and "America, the Beautiful." BSGK was large, clean and powerful on this beautiful Fall day. Veteran snare drummers Bill Lundy, Bart Carrique, Joe Fontana and Mike Teleczewski dazzled the dense crowd with vintage Bobby Thompson drum solos and backsticking, while the amazing lead soprano line did its magic on the many exciting solos. The "Battle Hymn" dixieland quintet was also a favorite today. The corps is busy preparing for the 2012 season, having already completed two new numbers. It will be an exciting season, as the corps will be performing at the 2012 DCA Alumni Spectacular in Annapolis, Maryland. It's a show you will not want to miss! Here are a few photos from today's show: For more information on the Golden Knights, see Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights

This 4-valve King BBb marching tuba was used for one season by a World Class DCI corps. The 1141 model has three standard valves, plus the fourth horizontally opposed, left side. Excellent condition, with only a single dent in the bow (visible in the first photo). $1750. Please respond to GaryD here if you are interested.

The 21st Annual Dixie Stinger will be presented this year under the sponsorship of Swing House, Inc. Details are in the poster below. Note that you can purchase tickets online by clicking here (or on the poster below), as well as download the Dixie Stinger Program Ad Book literature. There is also a special offer for two tickets at half price with the purchase of a Swing House CD. (If you haven't heard the CD, click here for the sampler.) Since this is the first year that Swing House is sponsoring the event - and with a smaller organization than the Yankee Rebels had, the group is hoping that alumni corps enthusiasts will help us to make this, the traditional season opener for the alumni activity, a huge success. Visit the Swing House site and check it out! All the best - GaryD Yankee Rebels (alumni) Swing House (tuba, communications) Blessed Sacrament (brass arranger / instructor) Drum Corps World (writer)

Swing House has released its first CD, available at http://www.swinghouse.org/swinghousecd.html. A sampler mp3, including clips of all 12 tunes, is available at this link.

...the first winning season: ...and the final competing season. Note: BSGK was a founding member of DCI, but decided not to attend the first DCI championship in Whitewater.

October, 1958

The drawing was created by Harold Davis, a student of the late Bobby Thompson - when Harold was 11 years old. Bobby was Harold's first drum instructor. Harold relates that Thompson "...told me about Blessed Sacrament and gave me a Dream contest album...maybe 1959 or 1960. I played it all the time, practicing the [rudimental] bass drum solos.... I would draw pictures in crayon of some of the top drum corps. ...I was visiting my Mom in NYC a couple of months ago [and found that one of the pictures had] survived. I marched with St. Roccos Cadets, then the New York Skyliners. I'm now a studio drummer, recording sound tracks for movies and for jazz and pop artist, including Les McCann, Stevie Wonder, Average White Band, the late Grover Washington, Jr., and others. I'll always remember Mr. Thompson - the man who helped a poor kid from NYC!" Many thanks to Harold for sharing his picture and the story behind it.

Blessed Sacrament, 1958 (...the first year of the "new" uniforms, with the black and white stripes added to the gold blouse). Record for the year: 20 wins, 1 loss (to St. Vinnies, early in the season), including the VFW Nationals, AL Nationals and Dream.

(To appear in the next issue of DCW. Your are encouraged to subscribe: www.drumcorpsworld.com) Alumni Drum Corps Shine at 20th Dixie Stinger by Gary J. Dickelman Baltimore, MD March 27, 2010 With Spring 2010 just six days old, alumni drum could no longer wait to make an appearance. For the 20th consecutive year, the Yankee Rebels kicked off the unofficial alumni drum corps season with a power-packed show that featured ever more interesting, polished and familiar brass and percussion units. The lineup included the Archer Epler Musketeers from Upper Darby, PA; Swing House from Penns Grove, NJ; Lancers Senior Alumni from Hanover, PA; Buccaneers Alumni from Reading, PA; Yankee Rebels from Baltimore, MD; Bridgemen Alumni from Bayonne, NJ; Reilly Raiders Alumni from Willow Grove, PA; and the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni from Hawthorne, NJ. Remarkable this year was the polish evident in each performance. Back in the day, we would be rough around the edges in March, not ready for prime time. On this cool Spring evening every unit was hot! You may notice that I am saying “unit” rather than corps, as Swing House isn’t a drum corps. It is a brass and percussion ensemble that includes G-bugles and a variety of traditional brass in their native keys, and the repertoire includes Swing, Jazz, Fusion and more. Swing House is the brainchild of former Blue Rock member Bill Rasmussen, who enlisted the genius of Larry Kerchner to reach beyond tradition and pave a new path. More on Swing House later. The Archer Epler Musketeers kicked off the show, true to Dixie Stinger tradition. Drum corps classics filled the Parkville, MD auditorium, including “Abide With Me,” “We Are the Musketeers,” “Black Saddle,” “Woodchoppers Ball,” “South Rampart Street Parade, “ and “I Have Dreamed” - the latter reminding us of Archie’s innovative “King and I” field presentation in 1957. The corps also dazzled us with aria “Nessun Dorma” from the opera “Turandot,” true Archer Epler’s tradition. Duke Terreri does a terrific job with the brass, with Dennis Marta writing an impressive percussion program. We saw drum corps legend Ray Eyler on stage with Archie, along with a host of dedicated alumni like Bob Ellis. I had to smile as I rushed to the auditorium to experience Archer Epler (between my own performance preparations), and was greeted by “We Are the Musketeers.” Thanks for the memories, Archie – and thanks for a great 2010 show! The Hanover Lancers were a new addition to the Stinger after many years. I have crossed paths with the Lancers in parades throughout Maryland and Virginia and have always been impressed with this group. From their impeccable green cadet uniforms to a very impressive book of music, it was wonderful to experience Hanover up close and personal. The repertoire includes “Georgia,” “Aztec Fire,” “Patriotic Medley,” “Lame Duck,” “Get It On,” and the corps theme song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Rudimental drumming legend Bob Zarfoss (remember the 1958 Air Force drum quartet?) handles the drum line, while Brian Moul and Rick Anderson arrange and instruct the horns. The corps repertoire includes arrangements by the late Truman Crawford of Marine Corps, Yankee Rebels and Royalaires (among many others) fame. Later in the evening I ran into a few Golden Knights colleagues who were able to enjoy the show as spectators this year, as the Rebels rotate participants and the gold and black sat this one out. “Hanover was GOOD,” said original Blessed Sacrament “Cadet” Bill Semanek, who also marched with Bob Zarfoss in the Air Force years ago. The Lancers have a solid and clean program, and they look every bit the classic drum corps. Great job! Another addition to the Stinger was the “Buccaneer Alumni Association” corps. With such a proud Buccaneer history (DCA World Champions 1965, 1968, 1979, 1980, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009), this alumni unit boasts 23 years of continuous operation. The corps draws on 50 years of tradition for its program, which includes “Navy Hymn,” “Land of Make Believe,” “Bellavia,” “Russian Christmas Music,” and “Beyond the Sea.” I have always enjoyed the Bucs alumni, from the very first Dixie Stinger I attended. 2010 was no different from a mid-1990s edition, where one of the few corps to not assault my eardrums indoors was the Buccaneer alumni. The corps was musical, dynamic and interesting. I am happy to report that this is still the case today. Thank you, Bucs, for an enjoyable and nostalgic journey thorough five decades of drum corps excellence. Concluding the first half of the show was Swing House, a hybrid with shades of drum corps, big band and jazz ensemble. “Did I hear trombones,” asked a fan after Kerchner’s original “Bloogle Blues?” Indeed, you did, as Swing House includes those classic valveless Bb instruments. The remarkable thing, however, is that the many G baritones in this capable brass line mimic the big band trombone sound by themselves. The brass includes Bb trumpets, baritones, trombones and tubas; a CC tuba and a G contrabass; and the standard fare G sopranos, mellophones and baritones. Kerchner has all he can do to keep these folks in tune, but he somehow pulls it off. John Rozum is the “drum line,” commanding a drum set in a manner that rivals the best of the best. Tonight’s repertoire included “Bloogle Blues,” “You and the Night and the Music,” “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life,” “Spiderman,” and “Birdland.” Did I mention that Swing House includes drum corps alumni well into their 70s and a range of ages to high-school students? It is quite a mix, and quite a tribute to Rasmussen’s inspiration. Somehow he has attracted his 17 year-old daughter Kay to Swing House, where she dazzles us with her Birdland tuba solo. George Headley, Curt Hawkins, Jamie Hawkins, Bob Gaff and Joe Silverstein contribute to the dazzling solo work. In its second year, Swing House is featured at jazz festivals in addition to drum corps stage shows, and has recently concluded a recording session. Watch for the CD at www.swinghouse.org (as well as links to recordings of this evening's performance) ! The Yankee Rebels kicked off the second half with a show that is 100% southern. The true-to-Rebels-form Kerchner repertoire includes “Are You From Dixie,” “Bound for the Promised Land / Shenandoah,” “Southern Nights,” “Rebel Rouser,” “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South,” “Lazy River,” and excerpts from the corps’ classic “Requiem for an Era.” The corps was large and musical tonight, with an amazing drum line by legend John Flowers. When the Rebels play the southern book, the audience sways and smiles. It is that kind of show. The book reminds you of gospel, includes strains of Dixieland jazz, and provides vivid images of the historic Civil War. “Battle Hymn” is perhaps the most performed song in drum corps history, yet the excerpts from Truman Crawford’s arrangement included in Kerchner’s rework never fail to evoke deep emotion. As always, there was great solo work by Ricardo Gabriel and Danny Fitzpatrick to round out the show. Noteworthy was the Rebels’ Honor Guard. To quote an observer, “…the Honor Guard…instilled a feeling of pride to all present. In an activity where so many corps have abandoned the idea of displaying and guarding our most cherished symbol, this section serves as a reminder of not only the patriotic roots of drum corps, but of how fortunate we all are to able to enjoy our way of life.” That Honor Guard proudly displayed the colors as the corps concluded with “Grand Old Flag.” Nice work! According to its charter, the Bridgemen Alumni’s goal is to “ENTERTAIN AUDIENCES!!!” Saturday evening in Baltimore was another example of how this corps achieves its goals. I must say, I was fortunate to be in back of the auditorium during the performance, for the Bridgemen is a huge corps that plays with passion and has fun doing so. The repertoire includes Bridgemen classics “In the Stone,” “Spanish Dreams,” and an excerpt from “The William Tell Overture.” “Lombrero” and “Rainbow Connection” were also performed this evening. I recall competing against St. Andrew’s Bridgemen circa 1970 when the corps had the audacity to feature triple-tonguing sopranos on “William Tell.” It is not surprising how the corps rose to the top of the DCI heap over the following decade. Kerchner, DeLucia, Hoffman and others introduced some amazingly entertaining things over those years. This year’s Stinger performance reminded me that the Bridgemen are a transition corps, one that bridged (pardon the pun) between more traditional drum corps – military bearing, military uniforms and the like – and a stage show form of entertainment that is characteristic of DCI. During my era (1970 and prior), one did not lean back, sway or smile. “Class” manifested itself in a rigid coolness while playing with feeling. The Bridgemen helped to let a spirit suppressed by years of military and quasi-military tradition out of its confinement. Some might argue that an evil genie was let out of its bottle, but so be it. Thank you, Bridgemen, for sticking to your goal and entertaining the hell out of us! Reilly was absolutely stunning tonight: Clean, polished, exciting and entertaining. Bill Pusey is doing a superb job of maintaining tradition while opening the door to innovation. “Bally Hoo March” is an example of Reilly stepping out of the box (remember the 1965 Royalaires?) “Celtic Symphony” drags us back to Reilly Raider roots, but “When a Man Loves a Woman” has us swaying with delight at something different. The medley of “America” and “My Buddy” was impressive – a great arrangement, competently performed by excellent soloists. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed “Savilla” as well. I sat with a fellow who marched in Reilly circa 1960, who both enjoyed the current book but longed for some of the more traditional tunes. My feeling is that tradition is clearly there. First, the number of authentic Reilly Raiders in the ranks is amazing. The uniform speaks volumes of who they are, and the Irish themes are never more than a few measures away. But the instruments have changed, the performances are primarily indoors, and the number of people who remember Reilly on the field is dwindling. I therefore admire the balance in the program, which is a commitment to tradition and a promise for the future. Thanks, Reilly Raiders. Great show tonight! The last corps to perform this evening was the venerable Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni. We missed Jimmy Russo leading the corps tonight, and pray for his speedy recovery. Jim has been hospitalized and will likely be absent from the Cabs for some time. So the maestro himself stepped in. From behind me, I thought it was Russo giving commands and conducting. Larry was, I am sure, delighted to be leading his pride and joy – and it showed in the Cabs’ performance. I have to admit that I enjoy this amazing corps much more in the great outdoors than I do inside. The Hawthorne Caballeros drum corps is built for industrial strength performance, with its massive horn and drum lines, and huge Latin sound. But this evening I sat front-and-center, and was literally blown away by more than sheer volume. It was evident that these guys and gals really know their parts and played their hearts out. Let’s face it: This style of music was invented for big brass and percussion. From the opening “Chorale” and into the 1970s off-the-line “Man of LaMancha,” it was pure excitement! “Rio,” “McArthur Park,” and the “Evita” pieces were magnificent, as was the classic, haunting closer. I was just a little boy when I first saw the Cabs on the starting line at the Dream in Jersey City. The corps evokes the same amazement and excitement today that it did fifty plus years ago. I love the way the soloists stand with class, those waiting their turn facing back and those finishing their amazing solos marching humbly back into line. Classic championship drum corps! Wonderful job, Cabs. You put the icing on a delicious cake that was the 2010 Dixie Stinger! For those readers craving more alumni drum corps, check out The Serenade in Brass (Harrisburg, PA, April 10th), The Brass Reunion (Havertown, PA, April 17th ), Spring Preview (Elverson, PA, May 8th ), JamFest2010 (Cinnaminson, NJ, May 15th ), the Cavalcade of Music (Secaucus, NJ, May 15th ) and the Shamrock Festival (Horsham, PA, August 15th).

Miraphone 14501 CC 4 rotary tuba Lacquer finish - minor scratches, superficial dents Excellent condition - slides, rotors free - used continuously Includes gig bag and Yamaha 67C4 mouthpiece Great horn for transition to professional CC I used this as a practice horn for a number of drum corps (CC's go nicely with G horns, plus you don't have to lug the contra on your shoulder!) $2500 http://files.epsscentral.net/images/Miraphone1a.jpg http://files.epsscentral.net/images/Miraphone2a.jpg http://files.epsscentral.net/images/Mir_logo_mouthpiece.jpg

King Marching Tuba - 4 valve, BBb, Model 1141, Silver plated (left shoulder carry, forward projecting) Excellent condition - a few scratches and dents, largest on right side of the bottom bow This model has 3-valves in typical right-hand position, and fourth valve played with left hand (perpendicular mount) Includes rugged King hard case Includes Denis Wick 1L mouthpiece Used one season by DCI World Class Corps Tuba photo1 Tuba photo2 Logo and mouthpiece Case $2500 + shipping Respond here or email with contact information if you are interested.

Likewise, Fran! Gary

The following article appears in the current issue of Drum Corps World. If you are not already a subscriber, you will find DCW a great publications for all things drum corps. www.drumcorpsworld.com. Note that DCW Online appears here on DCP. Buccaneers' Spring Preview Draws a Full House by Gary J. Dickelman, DCW Staff Elverson, PA. May 9, 2009. It is now four years and counting that the Reading Buccaneers have held the DCA World Championship title. It is very clear exactly why this is the case, for as you climb the impressively steep hill to Twin Valley High School, you are greeted by “Dr. Beat,” that obnoxious amplified metronome that endlessly drives the Bucs percussion section. DING-DING-DING-DING…accompanied by rudimental drumming, mallet instruments, cymbals and more. They are relentless in their passion for the craft and their persistence to get it all exactly right. It is a before-sunrise-to-after-sunset rehearsal day for the all-age, competing Buccaneers. All age? They look like kids to this old man, for sure. In fact, as I turned the corner into the parking lot and encountered the athletic builds and scanty attire of these mostly twenty-somethings, it took me a moment to get my bearings. “This is an alumni show?” Perhaps they should be called “other age” corps. No matter. It is all good. For the entire day there is no silence to be found. “The rim shots and horns made me deaf, you know,” said Quasimodo. Each alumni concert is regarded by the corps with the same competitive spirit that was ever-present back in the day. The difference is that many players are common to more than one alumni corps. It is not unusual to see folks running from one corps rehearsal to another or changing uniforms back stage when performances are, unfortunately, consecutive. I played with three groups this year, but was fortunate because there was at least one other performing group on stage in between my scheduled appearances. Which were my three? I’ll let you guess from among the Buccaneers Alumni, Steel City Ambassadors, Swing House, Reilly Raiders, Yankee Rebels, St. Rita’s Brassmen Alumni and the Skyliners. To conclude the show, a packed auditorium was literally blown away by the ever-phenomenal Buccaneers competing corps. The Buccaneers Alumni kicked off the Spring Preview. I have mentioned elsewhere that the alumni program has been infused with new energy. From the opening chords of Pachebel’s “Cannon in D” to the “exit” number, “Beyond the Sea,” I was once again profoundly moved. The book also includes “Rainmaker,” “Bellavia,” and “Russian Christmas Music.” Competing Bucs drum major Josh Decker has introduced the new charts, arranged by the amazing Lee Umberger. Together with Rich Hammond and the inimitable Chris Feist, this alumni corps has a kick-### staff. I noticed several younger faces, perhaps retirees from the competing Bucs or other DCA corps. Nice! It is a rare thing that an alumni corps actually has an active competing corps to draw from. For a while it seemed like the stylistic differences between alumni and competing corps were chasms. The plan here is to level the playing field – or, at least, the playing stage and parade routes. To be sure, the likes of soprano soloist Gary Koenig is still delighting us, along with Chuck Runkle, Danny Fitzpatrick, and Randy Mutter. This Buccaneer alumni corps is talented, musical and determined to express that “new life” I referred to earlier. Why, the alumni corps even have a theme, like the competing corps: “Four Decades of the Balance & Blue.” Each tune was played at one time or another by the eight time World Champion corps. The Buccaneers are not just an organization, they are an institution. And we are looking forward to great things as the alumni corps bar rises. Buccaneers Alumni? Nope. "Buccaneers Light" is what we witnessed. Nice! While the Yankee Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps no longer competes and is exclusively an alumni unit, the bar has clearly been raised in Baltimore. This is a medium-sized corps with a good handful of former Rebs from the glory years, but also includes sons, daughters, spouses and other extended family members, with some who never marched in the competing corps at all. Regardless, this wonderful group has worked hard to earn accolades of late. “This is, by far, the BEST Yankee Rebels I’ve heard in years,” said several fans. It has been over twenty years since George Bull reassembled the corps for one parade (HA!) and fielded over one hundred and fifty members, including 75 horns and 16 snares. But the corps hasn’t fizzled. It is perhaps a bit smaller, but it has grown in quality of musicianship, in musical complexity and in stage presence. First Truman Crawford led the way, then Larry Kerchner moved things further forward. No wonder this corps is so good! Director Phil Gentile handed Larry the musical reigns some years back, following the sorrowful loss of Tru Crawford. Kerchner honored and expanded on the legacy. The book now includes a dusted-off and augmented version of the Crawford classic “Requiem for an Era,” which is part of a Southern extravaganza. “Are You From Dixie?”, “Bound for the Promised Land / Shenandoah,” “South,” “Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?”, “Lazy River,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “Rebel Rouser,” “There Was a Time,” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” comprise the most entertaining show in alumni drum corps today, which is arranged exclusively by Kerchner. The Rebels are balanced, musical, pleasant to listen to, and professional. The immortal John Flowers commands the drums like only John Flowers can. To experience the Rebels, consider “South,” as you imagine a humid night somewhere in Alabama or Georgia, milling around with friends in your cottons, sipping mint julep or sweet iced tea, on an expansive portico. You hear the Southern heartbeat that is the tuba, playing perfect fourths behind “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby…” and in time with a simple snare, cymbal and bass drum. Suddenly four players come forward: A father and daughter and a husband and wife. They play the most delightful quartet you’ve ever heard, one that makes you smile inside and want to sway. That’s Bill Rasmussen, his daughter Kay, Bob Ellis and wife Robbie. Crawford had the kernel of the idea back in the 1970s, and the genius of Kerchner produced the contemporary arrangement. Magnificent! Kudos to all the featured players in addition to those mentioned above who play in “South” - Ralph Hamilton, Jr., Ricardo Gabriel, Ray Eyler, and Eddie Lynd; and to the insight of Director Phil Gentile for providing Kerchner and Flowers the autonomy to create a show-of-shows. Wonderful! The Skyliners were loud and fun, again. I was on stage with them briefly as they set up and I was breaking down. They had me in stitches. Yes, they invented loud. “Broadway,” “Slaughter,” “Miserlou,” “Elks Parade,” and “Little Ol’ New York” are all there as part of the Skyliner sound. At any moment you will find either Johnny “Grass” or Johnny and a few other soloists, or a small ensemble of something or other, blowing their brains out to honor the legacy, or perhaps to hear themselves over the massive drum line. That’s just my guess. It is as if you are on the field with them circa 1966 – only you are instead within a rather confined space, witnessing acoustic tiles raining from the walls and ceiling, with small children weeping as they hold their ears and…JUST KIDDING. They even have happy cymbal and contra bass players, who shimmy, sway and cajole, obviously enjoying the shtick. Go figure. Bill Moore, Joe Jacobs, “Jomba” O’Connor, Bobby Steinhilber, Frank Rogers, George Petrunchio, Carl Ruocco and Ray Priester have joined forces to produce one heluva Skyliner organization. Do you wanna be in drum corps? I mean, REAL drum corps? Join “Sky.” It would be the most fun thing you ever did. Then came Swing House, and down came the house. Magnificent! Breathtaking! Wicked-cool! The wall of sound that is the opening chord of the Kerchner original “Bloogle Blues” is followed quickly by Curt Hawkins’ wailing soprano. The back beat of this 12 bar blues is provided by the legendary John Rozum and a couple of tubas, one of which is 15 year old Kay Rasmussen. Kay belted out a tuba solo later on in “Birdland” that defies the fingers and diaphragm. But back to “Bloogle,” where George Headley, Jaimee Hawkins, Bob Gaff and stand-in Duke Terreri (Joe Silverstein was out of town) follow Curt in successively imaginative improvisation as the 12 bars ensue. Before you know it, the wall of sound returns and Curt is wailing away again. They make you wanna dance. They take your breath away. They make you smile. That’s what Swing House does for you. This eclectic collection of alumni drum corps folks, freelance musicians, high school and college students, playing every kind of brass instrument that is produced (except, perhaps, the Helicon), can really SWING, thanks to Larry Kerchner’s vision, talent and boundless enthusiasm. Signature tune and Kerchner original "House of Swing" begins with solo tubas in a minor key and expands to just the right backdrop for George Headley’s smooooth jazz solo. What is so unique about Swing House? The sound. Kerchner’s compositions set the bar VERY high and at the standard of the best big bands in the genre. Percussion is featured via John Rozum’s astounding “Birdland” drum break. For a few minutes you are taken on a journey of intricate technique, awesome skill and artistic flair. John entertains and instructs. He is the gold standard, evidenced by the hoards of drummers who move ever so close to him to figure out what he’s doing. Extraordinary! I’ve mentioned loud and smooth; then comes soft and emotional. “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life” is perhaps the most beautiful ballad ever written. The controlled dynamics behind Curt Hawkins’ solo work is moving, in a profound way. And what about the classic, “Fever?” Mellophone and soprano trills, tuba counterpoint, and solid baritone/trombone melody underscore the genius of Kerchner’s arrangement and the perseverance of this group. Director Bill Rasmussen has assembled a wonderfully entertaining organization that is just now six months old and very, very good. But we all know Kerchner: The goal is excellent and outstanding. That will come. In the meantime, Swing House is knocking their socks off. Keep up the very, very, very good work … and keep improving! The Reilly Raiders had a big sound, many members and, of course, Bill Pusey – with green bow tie – conducting. I love Reilly’s color guard, gently swaying and adding flag and rifle work that is reminiscent of days on the field. This is a big guard that is proud of its entertaining choreography. The Irish themes warm the heart, and the occasional wall of brass and percussion reminds us of drum corps times past. Those were the Reilly Raiders who “hopped, skipped and jumped around the field.” This is the corps’ 15th year as an alumni unit. Through this period it has gained national and world recognition and is now sought after for all sorts of engagements, including patriotic parades in Washington, DC. This evening we were delighted with the corps’ 2009 show, which includes “I Can See for Miles,” “Savilla,” “Danny Boy,” “Stardust,” “Nights in White Satin,” and a patriotic medley. Reilly truly has a loyal following. They know how to entertain an audience with recognizable tunes. In my opinion, this is the true mark of a successful alumni corps. Keep up the great work. Steele City Ambassadors was a big corps with a big sound this night. The 2009 repertoire includes “Danny Boy,” the Casper Troopers’ “Black Saddles,” “Land of Make Believe,” “The Children of Sanchez,” “Let It Be Me,” “All Night Long,” and “National Emblem Swing.” Bob Menear and Randy Kratofil continue to do a superb job with the book of music, and aptly supported by Brian Coiner’s percussion. This year Steel City has achieved a new level of excellence with rich, bottom brass (LOTS of contra basses / tubas), smooth and complete mid-voices and, of course, those upper voices that can really wail! The audience especially like the opener, which was a lone soprano on stage with the curtain closed behind him. It was a signature drum corps solo that takes you back to the day, perhaps to Symphony or Carnegie Hall, where “An Evening With the Corps” included such features. At the conclusion of the solo, the curtain opens and there is the huge, majestic Steel City Ambassadors. Brilliant. The Brassmen Alumni of Brooklyn continues to amaze its fans with precision, richness and volume emanating from a rather small number of player. They show versatility, excellence and generate excitement. As we know, many alumni corps rehearse only occasionally and members have only marginal command of the music. But that is not the case for the Brassmen. Each member is exceedingly strong. They know their parts, they know the dynamics, they play in tune and they carry their weight – each and every member. That is remarkable. Like last year, I was offstage, left, experiencing the performance – and enjoying every moment of it. Their precision and power are delightful and entertaining. I have noted the Brassmen’s history, especially in the early 1970s, until they folded following the 1973 competing season. This corps was clearly on the rise during that period. The powerhouses of the day included Garfield, Blue Rock, Blessed Sacrament, Bridgemen, Muchachos and more. At one time or another, St. Ritas Brassmen found its way to the number one spot against such competition. That is, indeed, remarkable. So when I listen to the Brassmen now, I get the impression that they are here to drive an historic stake in the ground: We were there, and we did good! Yes, you did. And your performances today underscore that legacy. Very nice work. Keep it up! And to the Brassmen member who was still in his uniform pants at the corner convenience store after the show, and with whom I had a chat, great talking with you. I am glad I had the chance to congratulate you in person. What can you say about the closing exhibition by the amazing Buccaneers all-age competing corps? As in past years, they rehearsed relentlessly throughout the day. Being the closing act was clearly incidental to their agenda. The corps is preparing for another winning season. “Is that the Blue Devils?” – asked a few understandably confused attendees. Personally, I see no difference between this Buccaneer corps and the top four DCI corps. It has come to that. “Demons and Angels” is the name of the 2009 program. Yes, they have both. The program will open with “Dies Irae” from Giuseppe Verdi’s epic Requiem. It is a viscerally powerful opener with precise, in-your-face brass and remarkable percussion moments. Even at this time of year, the corps shows a pension for musical nuance, which is the mark of a contemporary champion - although it is not so subtle in this piece. I understand that this is an encore presentation of “Dies Irae,” performed previously by the Bucs in 1973 and 1974. The show continues with “Ritual Fire Dance,” from the ballet, El Amor, Brujo. There have been many drum corps versions of this tune, from Garfield in the early 1960s to Anaheim Kingsmen in the early DCI days (and more after that). This is, by far, the best arrangement and performance I have heard. Delightful. The piece simply moves horizontally and frenetically, providing more than amply opportunity for the percussion section to shine. This drum line as technically precise as it is visually satisfying. The line is a show unto itself, and “Ritual Fire Dance” provides an outstanding vehicle. But contrast comes quickly with a Leonard Bernstein feature, “A Simple Song,” from his Mass. This is the tune for the horn line to show off subtle nuance, no? Finally, the show closes with “Symphonia Resurrectus” by David R. Holsinger, who also composed some of the Bucs music from recent winning seasons. According to Program Coordinator Rich Hammond, “There will be something for every drum corps fan in this great piece: speed, volume, color, intensity, movement and lots of great layering of different voices.” What better way to conclude a field show? - and what better way to end the Spring Preview. Marvelous, Buccaneers. We can’t wait to see you in competition again this year. Indeed, Spring is here. Brass and percussion are in the air. The pounding and clanging of “Dr. Beat” has returned. We look forward to another wonderful drum corps season, and thank the entire Buccaneer organization for helping to usher it in.

It's that time again (almost). The Yankee Rebels' "Dixie Stinger" will be held on April 4th. The lineup is terrific, including the first alumni show appearance of "Swing House," a newly formed brass-percussion Jazz/Swing ensemble, under the musical direction of Larry Kerchner. Details below, and also at www.yankeerebels.org:

Friday, December 5th marked another banner day for Swing House as the group welcomed new members in lower, middle and upper brass sections. What a sound! Couple this with the addition of the amazing free-lance jazz drummer John Rozum (left) and you can easily image where Swing House is heading! John has performed with big bands and combos throughout the northeast US. He has been playing and teaching professionally for 39 years. Many of his students have joined the ranks of top DCA and DCI drum and bugle corps through the years. John has also been involved in studio recordings, has performed with the Reading Pops, and was the percussionist for over 40 musicals. John has also backed up such celebrities as Helen O’Connell, Dick Shawn, Phyllis Mcguire, Jack Carter, Myron Floren, Al Cohn (Woody Herman), Richie Cole, (Buddy Rich), Johnny Petillo (from the Duprees) and the Day Brothers, to name just a few. He has performed and adjudicated with former members of the Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Glenn Miller, Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras as well as Jim Snidero, Chris Vadala, Dave llama, Dennis DiBlasio, Dave Stahl, Matt Neiss, Bob Curnow and Larry Kerchner. On Friday night Swing House completed its fourth number, "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" plus added Rozum's outstanding percussion to "The House of Swing," "Fever," and "Bloogle Blues." Swing House will clearly be ready to punctuate the Jazz Festival with a world-class performance on March 14th. Further, a second performance has been added to the growing schedule: The Dixie Stinger! The Yankee Rebels' "Stinger" is one of the most popular and successful alumni drum corps events each year. The lineup is always terrific, the auditorium fills to capacity, the food is great and it is typically the drum corps season opener for many. Swing House is sure to be a crowd pleaser with its unique and upbeat form of brass and percussion. Swing House's schedule through the "Stinger" is as follows (rehearsals, unless otherwise indicated): Dec 19th, Jan 9th and 23rd; Feb 6th, 20th and 27th; Mar 13th, 14th (Jazz Festival), 27th; April 4th (Dixie Stinger). While the ranks are growing, there is still room for more. So please stop by Penns Grove High School, 334 Harding Hwy, Carneys Point, NJ 08069 on rehearsal nights. Come on in, and Swing House will do the rest! Best regards, Gary PS Check out the web site http://www.swinghouse.org and the blog http://swinghouseinc.blogspot.com.