drillman1ca

If you want to sharpen your performing and technical skills or just learn more about drum corps, join the Starriders Drum Corps at their workshop in Bad Münder on October 30th. More details available at: www.starriders.de

Check out: www.skipp-photogaphy.com For Bluecoats 2009 portraits go to: http://skipp-photography.nextproof.com/

I totally get Jersey Surf's desire to be a limited touring World Class corps. It's not about "fairness" at all. There's no money (and not enough shows) in being an Open Class corps any more. Surf wants to survive, offer their kids a great drum corps season and live within their means. Totally makes sense. More power to them - Go Surf! Gareth

Just got the movie and watched it right away last night. Here's my first impressions. Because I was part of that season with Bluecoats, it really affected me - I'm totally biased. It took me back to that summer. And seeing all the faces again! What I loved about this movie was the grittiness. It could have been all sappy and sweet as I'm sure the activity has been portrayed before. Working and touring with a DCI corps is really a tough journey. I think the film makers were successful in taking us on that journey. For example, I truly felt the claustrophobia that is tour life on the buses. I felt the tedium of all those long rehearsals along with the members. I could feel their frustration, their exhaustion and their determination. Sometimes just the expressions on their faces tell a story. The movie also managed to capture the humour and the bittersweet moments that are the reality of the activity and the Bluecoats. It really gets across the atmosphere, emotions and the mechanics of it all. It communicates the blood, sweat and the tears but also the joys and ultimate rewards. And they get into so many details that we, who participate in the activity, take for granted sometimes. Not knowing what day it is. All those nameless truck stops. The food line. Moments I loved: the Operations Director doing the food shopping in a grocery store. Luke Bauerlein speculating about the origins of the "Blooo!" cheer (some drunk guy from Ohio?). The Japanese trumpet player and her unique challenges. The frustrations of Alex Bender, the trumpet soloist. Those are just a few of the many. This movie was done with a lot of heart by an independent film company. Kudos to JEM Films! They got it. They came to understand what it’s all about, this drum corps thing. They captured the essence of what we do for a wider audience while bringing back some memories for those of us that have lived it. The Bluecoats should be proud of this movie - their story about the 2006 season. And really, it’s the story about every member who marches a DCI corps. The drum corps activity can also be proud of this movie. Gareth Skipp

The documentary film about the Bluecoats called, Throw It Down, is scheduled for release this October. This movie was filmed all through the 2006 season. Previews and information can be obtained here: http://www.throwitdownthemovie.com/information.html

Topic should read: Drill Tech for Germany!

Is there anyone with DCI marching experience who is living in Germany and might be interested in teaching marching technique to a corps near Hannover? If so, contact me at drillguy@rogers.com.

Does anyone know of an American or Canadian residing in northern Germany (Hannover area) who has drum corps marching experience and could work with my group over there? Please let me know by emailing me at drillguy@rogers.com