BrigadierBrass

Big camp this weekend folks- the corps still has 2 trumpet spots and 2 baritone spots available if anyone out there is getting bored and needs to work on their tan! The guard and percussion sections are full and adding members to the drill each camp. Let's get those last 4 brass players in to complete the recruiting process for 2009. If anyone has any questions regarding the corps they can contact Rick Martin at richardmartin@brigadiers.com or they can contact me at pblake905@yahoo.com. Thanks and looking forward to meeting some new folks

Whoa there Randall.... easy boy. I just sent you the revised Promenade so now you can go practice As for Mr. Bob, Sal, Brigs Alum.... just let him be folks. He obviously enjoys stirring up some feelings and unfortunately appears to want to take out his frustrations here and/or on The Brigadiers. Fortunately, as an organization, we don't talk about this forum so most of our members are not even aware that it exists. They are more worried about school, work, family, and life in general. For those that do know it exists, they are at least somewhat intelligent enough to refrain from comment. Especially seeing as there was already a DCP altercation with Sal in the winter. So, while maybe you have a source "inside" the corps Sal/Bob, you need to realize that not everything you hear from said source is accurate. EVERY organization has false rumors that occur from within regardless of whether it is the youth T-ball league or Microsoft. People overhear things and then twist the story as they tell it to someone else. Was our corps hurting, yes. Is it totally better, no. Are we folding, no. Did we have a camp with 14 horns, yes. Have other corps in the top 10 had camps with 14 horns, yes. We have also had camps of 23, 25, 18, 28, and 35 horns but those rumors never get out. That being said, if you want the most accurate information, send someone on our administration an email to verify the rumors that you hear before you want to blast people here. Or, join the corps again and find out first hand for yourself how/why things have changed. If the corps as an organization has made it their mission to provide education first, rather than focus on competitive success, that's their prerogative, and there's nothing wrong with that. You may disagree, but it has worked. From last season to this season, we had 5 of 30 brass players go on to march DCI World Class hornlines including Phantom, SCV, Cadets, Crown, and Colts. So, we must be doing something right since we are sending teenagers to hornlines like Crown after only 1 year of experience. Thanks to everyone out there for their recent support. The last month was rough but fortunately we are through that now and the corps is in good shape this year. Let's get this back on track to a discussion about the corps' successes this season, not what could have been.

Camp this weekend folks as Scott mentioned- the schedule is a little different due to the winter seasons: Brass: Saturday, 1-9 pm & Sunday, 9 am - 3 pm Battery: Saturday, 4-9 pm & Sunday, 9 am - 3 pm Front Ensemble: Sunday, 9 am - 3 pm Color Guard: Sunday, 9 am - 3 pm Going to be a great weekend everyone- looking forward to seeing many faces- new and old alike.

Dave is right... camp was changed today to March 7-8. This gives the corps a full weekend to rehearse instead of working around the parade. Should be an exciting weekend with the entire corps in attendance on Sunday and all sections being able to play through the entire show. The corps is well ahead of their pace in any of the past few seasons- come on out and be a part of the Brigs family.... you won't be disappointed.

Welcome back Dave- the Brigadier family is glad to have you around once again. Going to be a great camp folks- looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

Hi VOReason- I believe that Tom was implying that the Brigs should release their brass staff budget from the championship corps'. That would be my guess there. During the Bucs run here there has not really been any discussion of them buying championships similar to the chat that was around during our success. Having been on those championship brass staffs and knowing all of your guys down at Bucs, it is safe to say that your folks are not getting the same amount of money as the Brigs guys did- that's why I think Tom was referencing the Brigs with the staff budget thing. The Bucs have developed a local staff of highly qualified teachers with the addition of a great mentor in Gino and fantastic mind with Bocook. That is the reason for their success.... if you look closely, almost every corps is following that trend with local staff that are employed in the world of education- usually as band directors. Now back to our regularly scheduled program...... tuba christmas, this Saturday, let me know if you want in.... or as Jean LeBlanc pointed out in an email yeasterday.... ophicleide christmas!!!

That's a great question.... I know that the Brigs have discussed in the recent past (nothing more than a quick comment to pick peoples brain) the idea of trying to convert to a DCI div 3 equivalent corps. There is a large group of professional musicians and teachers in our area that would welcome a DCI age corps but still want to resist DCA. In 2008, roughly 68% of our corps was under 21 and in 2009 I would expect that number to be closer to 80% based on our methods of recruiting. While it may be a great move for the corps in terms of a recruiting standpoint and local support standpoint, the big issue is really the financial ability to make it happen. And the ability of people involved to do the mini-tour. Although I think it is reaonable to think that a DCA corps would switch circuits, it is very unlikely. I think that the current model of DCA groups training kids for DCI is going to be the norm for years to come.

Thanks Chris- we are sorry that you had to miss this weekend. Like you, we are all looking forward to January. The weekend was successful on many accounts, but most importantly for me- we have succeeded in changing the "sound" of the Brigadiers brass. It was amazing the number of individuals that were able to hear the differences in arranging styles- and the smiles were plentiful. Have a great holiday my friend- see you in January with the rest of your tuba crew.

Hey Scott- thank you for the kind words... I am really glad that everyone involved with the organization is really digging my charts. This show is definitely going to be special for the corps. I only wish that the rest of you could hear Bob Vitti's comments

Congratulations Donny and to Pioneer as well. They have made some good strides the past few years and having Donny involved at a higher level is only going to make them better. Best wishes....

Hey- did I see a message on facebook that said Dave Keck was going to be stopping by the Open House??? Hmmm.......... maybe rumors can come true Shine 'em up Brigs!!!

Thank you Dennis- the whole concept is very exciting for us... the "new" direction. Best wishes to you and Hawthorne as well- see you in December.

Thanks Joe- the corps has had a very exciting past 2 months. Best of luck to you and everyone in Rochester as we begin another one.

Congratulations to Tom, Paul, and The Sunrisers. I agree with Donny- both of these gentlemen can really teach percussion and have produced some of the best lines I have seen and worked with in the past 5 years. Good luck this year- you're off to a wonderful start.

Steve Vaughn.... the early front runner for member of the year!!! That is the best picture under your post ever!!! And btw..... when Randy tells people to drive fast, take chances...... he's joking (I think) buddy

Nice closing there 103!!!! But you forgot the 'B' Guess this post means you got home alright.... and at least you still have computer access Great weekend Brigs!!

Pete knows more exciting news!!!! But you can't know yet.... ha ha Stay tuned folks...... 2008 - Reflexions A show you won't forget!!

Great camp this weekend Brigs!!! Anyone out there that has enjoyed a Brigs hornline over the years does not want to miss the St. Joes Classic. Come on out and see The Brigadiers perform for the first time on Bb horns..... it is a new age in Brigadier history. The quality of sound for this time of year could amaze you!! Oh yeah... and we'll be playing our 2008 show. Good job this weekend people.... now the fun begins!!!

That's funny Mike- Tom and I were just talking last night about how 'warm' it's been here this winter. For all of you betting types out there- he arrived in a long sleeve shirt, no sweatshirt. But, he did bring warm clothes and gloves- so he claims. He did not slip on the ice. He was like a giddy little school girl with the snow. And he did take several pictures with his phone of the snow to send them to Amy. Some of them from a moving car that included mostly a picture of my dashboard rather than the snow. I never would've thought I would meet someone that everytime they see snow, it's the first time they've ever seen snow....... kind of like a groundhog's day. Camp today....ESM high school..... 1 pm - 10 pm B there

Maybe I'll clean the ice off the steps for him tonight..... then again, it's probably more fun watching a South Beach guy try to walk on ice at 12:30 am

Free Tom Santino trading cards for anyone in attendance to this weekends camp!!!! B there .... and yes, the 2002 pink shirt card will be available

Hey John- We have a few of the SUMB involved. Mostly alumni like me. I was there from 95-99 and recently have started doing some work with the music department on campus. Some guest presentation type stuff to the marching band tech class and MENC chapter. The big problem we find with getting their students involved is that most of them don't stay in Syracuse during the summer, which is when we need them. But fortunately, there is a much better working relationship between the two organizations to the point where the corps is supposed to be doing a master class / clinic for the marching band this August in the Dome. Hopefully, next season we will start to see more SUMB kids involved with the corps.

You have been trained well young jedi- it's a good thing you weren't around back in 2000-2003. I fear that you would've fit in too well with that group of contra's and we wouldn't have a corps anymore because the union would've taken over. We'll have to wait and see for the weekend though- if more players show up than we have tubas for, your powers become weak!!! Anyone out there want to be tuba number 12? I think we can get Martin to buy 2 more horns!

Better pay system?? You already get to do basics without your horns.... what better pay do you want?? No mouthpieces for buzzing??? Sheesh

Kill-Joy hugh.... I prefer Task-Master..... just ask those contra basses that get a whole 45 seconds to run from the back of the field to the front for water, and then back to their spots about my Task-Master skills. That was until they figured out it was easier to put their water on the back side line