THEEXCELSIORDIRECTOR

It amazes me how often the English language is misconstrued – At no time were any words used to demean, belittle or what ever else YOU have construed to think that post meant – in any way --- that letter by the way was a reply between former AG folks and was not a “post” per say on the site. A few of us were having a conversation about old times. My original post on our web-site/DCP reply was discussing the coming together of 2 DCI corps incidentally, and the fact that it was 25 plus years ago when that happened and when it ended. . The fact that Knights & CB ( All Age Corps) came up during that time was avoided specifically and touched on briefly Tom- so that YOU wouldn’t think I was talking about you – as seems to be the case when ever ANYONE talks about local corps. But alas … you managed to figure out how to twist it into what you want to think It says or doesn’t say in this case. – None the less, as previously stated, I was sad to say that I never got to see any of the corps mentioned in the shows that you competed in and gave examples of such listed from your own web – site. How you got that I was insulting them or “dragged them in” in anyway behooves me. In fact, I got the impression from your original post that they were big corps at one time and was asking a legitimate question about rather or not there were any youtubes or recordings of those corps – in fact, I was thinking how I remembered hearing… and I am sure you can corroborate this since you were at some of the first meetings of Excelsior…. – that they , Excelsior- almost called themselves Excalibur - but it was ultimately voted down. – As for why I was not around then … since you inquired … I was quite Pregnant – and raising a family - 5 children all together between 1989 and 2000 when I had my last one….. and when Excelsior popped up in 2004 I joined. – My family joined in fact. As you so politely say … Do the math. Donny – I couldn’t agree more about the forces coming together in the area to create a Super Corps--- But, alas – when the Excelsior powers at be suggested that – (Before My Time of course ) The Director was told – not interested in DC at this time. It was about 2 months later when yet another new DC/Ensemble popped up. As far as ...who all marched in AG and CB and KNC – My husband and I are very familiar. We (Excelsior) too have former CB folks – and we are well aware of your organization’s past No insult was ever intended against you Tom or any corps mentioned after the fact. No-one was taking away from you or your organizations accomplishments. – I simply in the interest of peace avoided mentioning YOU – in MY Post. Perhaps re-reading the post with a different mindset and less assumption… might help. Ps- Just in case it is still not clear… at no time were there any insults implied, or other in any of these postings. – Read them. I was simply replying to YOUR “Quoting” from MY conversation and notes. ~ As always - A pleasure Donel Mataruga

Nice Piece ! The Archive on the DCA corps history of The Knights of Noble Callahan who lasted for 2 years and then changed hands as you described and became the Capital Brass who in turn lasted for 5 is very insteresting reading. I'm sure as most would admit... it was a short life relative to all the Giants out there who have had history for 20 or more years. The statements lend well to the quotes you made from "The Director's Chair" of the Excelsior Web-site. Especially with regards to the relatively short lived appearance of those competitng Drum Corps - It was great to see the placements they accomplished from 1989 - 93 Cap. Brass - I was sad that I never got a chance to see such corps as Excaliber , Sound of Long Island , Guelph Royalairs, the Lamp Lighters etc. Who you mentioned as the Giants. Is there any Video on those corps ? I was also noticing that on most of the score listings from "The Press Box" It calls the then competiting corps " Cap Brass Ensemble " - What is the history behind that ? In today's DCA format the organization likes to see at least 4 or more corps to a show - was it common place back then to compete 2 drum corps to a show such as the 89 July 2 Canastota Show and July 29 and 30 Colonie and Verona shows ? It truly is great to see that Capital Brass has come back since 1993 despite its 12+ year absence, Field competiting or not - It's good to hear the old names come back. I look forward to the day When there will be more then 1 field competitng drum corps from the Eastern region of NY. great informational piece !

Gotta love those uniforms !

We did actually think about it - we are fans of the Danny Lutz charts - Al DiMeola , the ELO stuff Piano Concerto - Egyptian Danza etc. We need another themed show under our belts tho before getting eclectic on the crowd. We're not yet worthy ---- ha ha ha . The current staff is really high on having a Jazz book some day - So we are working the skills now and hoping to really make some great strides in the next season. Donel

The Business Machine !!!

I don't believe that is true... If you note the posts that are speaking to "best soloists ever" best this ... best that ... all of the folks on those lists were - start ups in Drum corps - And today .... I just don't see the same kinds of talents I saw then - reading music and being able to articulate is not what its all about --- its how you are able to make that instrument sing... they are all clean and tight but not " OUT OF SIGHT " ....IMO

Love you Brian !!!!

Frankly Keith , There is a lot to contend with now... Internet, XBOX - Laziness. I have 7 Children - I have seen a migration in rescpect, attitude, care, gratefulness, dignity and the list could go on - In kids who are their friends ( cuz god knows I would not tolerate that in my own children - ) that I can not believe. If it's not blikin or twinkin or making noise and or able to text they could be bothered - None of today's kids have the drive or the tenacity to do what we do by choice. And the kicker is.... most adults (parents) are to tired from working their butts off to do anything about it. Today's kids are getting over weight and complacent - Happy enough to be merely living and having a good time. Not really striving to be more... not really getting exposed enough this great activity to know what they are missing really. This area is large and is very difficult to work - I really need a full time recruiting GURU - who has marketing skills and access to the right places. There needs to be a tremendous marketing campaign - with NEWS stations and PAPERS on board to revive this and our kids. IF Drum Corps is going to survive - People need to get proactive.... It is far more easy - and attainable for kids to get music scholarships then SPORTS - with today's economy parents can't afford to over look what drum corps can do for them !!!!!

Excelsior January Camps 1/16th-17th - CBA & Community Center 1/23 - Tentative Drum Camp in Mass. watch website for details : www.excelsiordrumcorps.org

Excelsior has filled the position for MASSACHUSETTS transportation - Thank you to all of the applicants. We are still looking for a REGULAR SEASON TRUCK DRIVER ! There are a scheduled 52 events / rehearsal dates - Clean Lic./Insurance required. Interested parties should contact The Director : Donel Mataruga excelsiordrumajor@gmail.com

Greetings, After an amazing 72 requests.... for which I am grateful and shocked ! I have finally made a new Director's chair to kick off the 2010 season - In answer to the request of making them weekly ( ???) - I'm not sure that I have enough time or material to really do that. The monthly ones are hard enough but, I'll think about it. With the staff being a lot bigger this year, I just might be able to fulfill that request. ha ha ha. And In answer to the question on the previous Director's chairs - I have archived them - and you can access them from the links on the left of the page. Anyway... it is really great to see the page has fans. It's been fun writing them. I promise to try and keep up on them. Thanks again -

Thank you to all of the applicants for the Hi- Brass Position It has been filled. We will keep your resumes on file through out the rest of this season and for the 2011 season. Thank you all again ! Donel

Watch for CAMP Details for JAN- 16th and 17th on our website Camp to be held at CBA & Mechanicville Community Center

EXCELSIOR is 6 years old now. Is in their 2nd season of Competing - and is from Both the Capital Region of NY and The Berkshires ~ and has more so firmly planted roots since the alliance with the Targets in 2009 in the Springfield/ Holyoke/ Pittsfield / Chicopee / Ware / Ludlow etc. Mass area. Imagine if you will, ( if all the people who are traveling to far off drum corps' firmly planted their foot in their own back yard) ...... how more then Class A Their local drum corps could be If they all committed to the area. Donel Mataruga -