Sun Devils Corps
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Hi, I am happy to announce that the IRS officially sanctioned the Pittsfield Red Knights Drum & Bugle Corps of Pittsfield, MA as a 501©(3) Public Charity. It has been a long process ... that's all I'll say about that. The corps can now except donations, which will be tax deductible for the contributors. I just want to make this information known to the public ... Thanks, Paul Christopher, Director/Business Manager .. Red Knights.
That's great news Paul. Congrats on another step forward!
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Dear Mr. Reason....
While I apprecaite your comments, I DO believe you are WAY off base....
We have 11 more weeks to clean our show.....not as short as you might think. Our show IS done, just some catching up to do in ceratin areas of the corps that are just not quite there yet. I will say it again....in some people's eyes this may look like a problem, but NOT to the members of this corps. We are focused, determined, and can't wait to present the full show, which we will in Bridgeport! Come to the show, check us out, and then form your opinion and let us know if we have "problems".
We KNOW what we have to do, and it WILL get done....PERIOD!
That is all I am going to say on this subject....
Have a great week everyone....see you all in Bridgeport!
Cabs will be fine! It's been a tough winter for most everyone due to weather and economy. Corps sizes may be smaller all around this year. Or shows not complete yet. Or dirtier then usual as newest members get the show down. It will all work out. Drum corps people know how to get the job done.
I am impressed with Fusion, Gold, and Windsor Regiment scores. Nice job everyone. And of course Sunrisers back on the field is awesome! I believe this year will be the first year a Class A corps or 2 will outscore an Open class corps in prelims.
Frank...you've been around the block once or twice. No explanation needed. Your out there doing it! that's what counts!!!
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I'm pleased to annouce the 2011 Govenaires production of "What happens in Vegas....."
Repertoire includes:
Luck be a Lady (From Guys and Dolls reprisal)
Money (Pink Floyd)
Money, Money, Money (ABBA)
Big Spender (Sweet Charity)
Can't help falling in love with you (Elvis)
Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Viva Las Vegas (Elvis)
Our next rehearsal weekend is scheduled to take place this weekend at St. Peter High School on Saturday, February 12 from 10 until 6, and on Sunday, February 13 from 10 until 4.
Leading the charge will be Sandee Conlin (corps director), John Mayer (drum major and artistic consultant), Larry Pawlowski (brass caption head), Bobby Bonslater (brass/visual tech), Jeremiah Falvey (brass assistant), Dennis Argul (brass arranger), Andy Falvey (visual caption head), Lee Krueger (percussion caption head and arranger), Pat FitzGibbons (percussion tech), Molly Norton and Jeffrey Peterson (color guard co-caption head), and Craig Thiltgen (color guard tech).
We still have a few openings for membership in our horn and drum line. Stop by and check it out. Don't be shy. We love new members!
Are you going to hand out flyers to the fans in the stands to explain what your show is about? I'm not getting the connection.... :0 Love you guys!
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Thank you EVERYONE!
Planning has begun, and everyone here is committed to this 100%
There is nothing more uplifting and motivating then the support and well wishes from our peers.
Those that know how difficult it is to field a corps year after year.
Thank you all so very much!!!!
JC...I like SDWBD :)
The Buccaneers have been our mentors and friends from our very 1st show in Virginia 3 years ago.
Thank you for exuding CLASS to some new little corps from Florida!
Holly and Fusion Core are also our new friends as of last seasons parade marathon!Pancakes anyone??!
Dick, Sayre, Charlie, Pat, Liz, Fran, Ed.....you guys(and girl)rock!
We shall adapt and overcome, and Leave No Doubt!!!
John Hoekstra
Executive Director
Sun Devils
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Sun Devils Drum & Bugle Corps is announcing that we must take the 2011 summer off from DCA field competition. We hate to do this, however the economy has us tanked. We have been funded by member tuition and parades from the beginning. Unfortunately, the economy has made it difficult for our members to continue to pay the amount of dues required to get us on the road. With our closest show an 8 hr. bus ride away, and our average age being 17...we are short on funds to compete this year. We will be focusing on getting the financial base set, where dues are secondary to operational funds.
It is going to be a challenge, but must be done in order for the corps to survive for the future. We also need to purchase our own set of horns and pit percussion. The Sun Devils have made it this far on sheer determination. Now we need to regroup and get the financial base solid. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
John Hoekstra
Executive Director
Sun Devils Drum and Bugle Corps
www.sundevilsdrumcorps.org
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Hope it all works out okay John.
Working on a solution. As a friend of mine calls them...Challenges!
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Sun Devils camp scheduled for this weekend, January 22 & 23, is cancelled.
No camp this weekend.Extreme circumstances have forced us to cancel.
John Hoekstra
Executive Director
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Very sad news. We'll miss you Darrell!
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(Hot Springs, AR) – On November 6th, 2010, over 65 individuals attended a historic first rehearsal for Arkansas Thunder Drum and Bugle Corps. The corps is an all-age unit that will compete in Drum Corps Associates, and is open to anyone ages 14 and up. Approximately 27 brass, 24 percussion and 14 guard members attended, with approximately 12 or so committing to the corps that couldn't attend because of conflicts.
The corps began operations on May 15th, 2010 and has been in preparation for this event for 6 months.
The day started with a 90-minute informational meeting, leading up to the announcement of the 2011 musical show and its selections. In the early afternoon, the different captions split up and worked on fundamentals and exercizes, and concluded the day with a “show and tell” session from the brass, percussion and color guard.
The theme of the show reflects the steps involved in a new group coming together from differing origins and struggling to forge a singular identity. “Year One: From Chaos To Unity” travels through the different phases of this development through music, percussion and choreography. Musical selections will be announced publicly in 2011.
The corps plans to perform at both Drum Corps International and Drum Corps Associates shows in the mid-south region. Definitive locations will be announced in Spring 2011, after the corps is evaluated this April by both DCA and DCI officials for approval and acceptance into DCA Central and DCI Central.
The corps' creative staff is in place and are as follows:
Patrick Laxson, Executive Director and Program Coordinator
Shane Fudge, Brass Caption Head and Program Coordinator
Bradley DeBow, Brass Caption Head and Brass Arranger
Jay Chipman, Percussion Caption Head and Percussion Arranger
Peter Maggio, Percussion Caption Head and Percussion Arranger
Trey Antonetti, Color Guard Caption Head and Corps Choreographer
Stacy Williams, Visual Caption Head
Brittania Panuska, Visual Instructor
Veronica Lanier, Visual Technician and Drum Major
Randall Standridge, Visual Designer
Arkansas Thunder is still in need of a Front Ensemble Technician / Arranger. Anyone living within a day's drive of Hot Springs, Arkansas with an interest in this volunteer position is asked to send a resume to Patrick Laxson at execdirector@arkansasthunder.org.
Some members of the corps will make their first public appearance on December 6th in the Hot Springs Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Oaklawn Rotary Club.
The corps' next rehearsal will be held on Saturday, December 11th at 1pm, at Cutter Morning Star High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas. At this rehearsal the corps will start working on 2011 show music.
For more information on joining the corps, find them on Facebook, or visit their website at www.arkansasthunder.org.
This is most AWESOME!!!
Way to go Patrick. Can't wait to see you on the field.
I like to see more corps start up. It's definitely not a task for the squeamish!
See you this summer.
John Hoekstra
Executive Director
Florida Sun Devils
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A uniform is more than just what a corps wears on the field, it's part of their identity. Tampa Bay Thunder has just taken the first step to creating their new identity in the all-age drum corps community by acquiring a new set of uniforms.
Thunder will be wearing jackets from the Cesario Collection of Fred J. Miller. A pretty drastic change from the original corps uniforms used in 2000 & 2001. From head to toe, members will be wearing white helmets with white plumes, khaki jackets with red baldrics and silver buttons, black plants, white gauntlets and black shoes.
Come check out our Open House on December 4th, 2010 for your opportunity to be one of the lucky members to wear this uniform on the field in 2011.
A special thanks goes out to Pat Seidling of Pacific Uniform Accessories for helping Thunder in obtaining a great deal on uniforms for the 2011 season.
Keep it going Tampa Bay Thunder! Looking forward to seeing another corps in the South, and especially from Florida.
John Hoekstra
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The Board of Directors of Music City Legend Drum Bugle Corps has agreed upon a new uniform design, created by Brent W. Becker of Stanbury Uniforms of Brookfield, Missouri. The new uniforms will be ordered in time for delivery prior to the beginning of the 2011 season....
... Read the rest of the article here - http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/index.php?o...6&Itemid=39
These look very sharp! I hope things are shaping up well for a MCL return this summer. Looking forward to seeing my friends from the Northern part of the South!
John Hoekstra
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Hi, This Sunday, Oct. 10th, 2010 is the first anniversary of the Red Knights Drum & Bugle Corps from Pittsfield, MA. Yes, we are only a parade - exhibition corps at the moment, but I stilll want to say THANK YOU to all of the members who stuck it out through our beginning until now. You know who you are ... and I know who you are ... people who have marched with some of the finest corps in the past, but now willingly humble themselves to try to bring drum and bugle corps back to an area that was once rich in this activity. Thank You so much ... as any baby that is in its first year, you will someday walk then run. Happy First Birthday Red Knights .... Paul Christopher ... Director .... Red Knights.
Happy 1st anniversary Red Knights!
We are entering our 4th year this year. A lot has changed from those early days...
Hoping for much success for your group!
John Hoekstra
Executive Director
Sun Devils
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Last night, former Rochester Crusader Steve Howie (brother of Bill) was struck by a car in Canandaigua while bicycling. He was seriously injured and air lifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He had emergency surgury during the night to pin his hip back together and had a collapsed lung among numerous other less life threatening injuries.
The 80 year old man who hit him was from my home town of Webster and was ticketed...
We all wish Steve a speedy recovery.
Hoping for a safe and full recovery Steve. And for the driver too who must feel horrible.
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David "Sully" Sullivan passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 14, 2010.
Sully marched in Legion Vanguard, The Cardinals, North Star and Bridgemen. He was was 51 years old.
Sully will be waked on Sunday at Gately Funeral Home, 79 w/ Foster St, Melrose on Sunday, Sept 19th from 4-7 pm.
We are organizing The Legends, and anyone else who wants to participate, to play at his services around 6:30 PM.
Please consider gettining involved, anyone who has live the Drum Corps life knows that a loss of anyonone deserves a fitting tribute. Music should be available.
if you want to play for Sully and contact the Legends, either Mike Cahill @ macahilldrum@verizon.net or Steve Wolpe @ stevewolpe@yahoo.com .
A mass will be held at St Marys Church in Melrose on Monday at 10am.
Thank You
I marched with Sully in Bridgemen. Great guy. More sadness this week.....
John Hoekstra
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Maybe a DCA region with corps just from Maryland.
To be called "DCA Kinda Sorta South."
The Tweeners!
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Gulf Coast Sound is alive and well. We have entered into a partnership with Lone Star College North Harris campus to offer Drum Corps as a Continuing Education class. Not all participants will be required to march the summer but it will be suggested. It seems that with the feed back we have received, it's going to be a successful partnership. The staff and administration of the college have been fantastic and GCS will represent the college in the best way we know how. By keeping our reputation clean and providing a positive educational process for all participants while giving the fans an exciting and entertaining show.
We will see everyone back on the field in 2011.
Yea Tom.
It was a little light in the Knights representation on the field this year.
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No one can debate that North Carolina is a southeastern state. However, what might surprise some folks reading this is the fact that Gold's home base, just north of Greensboro, is actually 16 miles CLOSER to Harrisburg, PA than Atlanta, GA. Therefore, the cost of travel... buses, vans, trucks etc. is essentially EQUAL traveling north or south. When Gold was based in Raleigh and Rocky Mount the NE competitions were actually closer by a couple hundred miles.
I'm just a marching member, but I have been told that the NE shows that Gold attends help cover some of the travel costs. I know the corps members and staff would love to head south for a competition but it just hasn't been possible. Hopefully things work out with next years budget and schedule to allow that.
So the bottom line, as boring as it is, the reason Carolina Gold competes in the northeast is money. If the travel costs are equal, getting some money to attend a competition helps balance the budget. This allows the corps to grow and invest in new equipment without going into debt. Seems like a smart decision to me.
For the record, I am a transplanted yankee. Born in Johnsonburg, PA and I grew up in North Tonawanda, NY. So if you insist, I am a wuss, this year's heat was brutal. I am really looking forward to winter!
OK.
So we start a NEW geographical circuit. DCA Central Atlantic! Get a couple more corps started in the area, and it's a go!
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GULF COAST SOUND ANNOUNCES PARNERSHIP WITH LONE STAR COLLEGE-NORTH HARRIS
The Gulf Coast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps of Houston, Texas (GCS) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Lone Star College-North Harris Campus (LSC-NH). The partnership will entail the offering of a drum corps class for continuing education credit during the Fall 2010, Spring 2011, and Summer 2011 semesters, and optional membership with GCS and its competitive all-age drum and bugle corps.
The class will be taught by Dr. Brack May, Director of Bands at LSC-NH, and Brass Caption Head for GCS. Full instruction in brass, percussion, and guard will be provided. In conjunction with this partnership, GCS will move its rehearsal facilities to the LSC-NH campus. In commenting on the partnership, GCS Director Corey Mark, said, “This partnership will benefit both organizations in the coming years. It will enhance the LSC-NH Music Department’s reputation as the premier performing arts program of the growing Lone Star College System, and will provide the local community and 16,000 students of LSC-NH a way to enjoy post-secondary participation in the marching arts with the region’s only nationally touring drum and bugle corps.”
Classes will begin on September 18. For information on class enrollment, please contact Dr. May at Brack.M.May@lonestar.edu. Comments and questions concerning the Gulf Coast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps can be sent to Corey Mark at Director@GulfCoastSound.org.
That's great news guys! Work on the younger folks...they'll get older! That's what we are doing :)
Look forward to seeing our friends from Houston this summer!
John
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Looking forward to the trip north - it's 102 today and we broke a string of 18 days of triple digits yesterday - we are ready for the "cool" stuff! :)
My flight leaves in 5 hours - Minnesota here we come!!
Come on..... Take the bus like the rest of us. Take a chance on getting there and home with out a breakdown.
Where's your sense of adventure. Nothing says FUN, like a 24 hr bus ride!!!!
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Aldo joined the Kilties in 1994 and was one of our most dedicated and loyal
members. He traveled from Michigan every weekend to march with the
Kilties until his health kept him off the field recently. He already had
his room booked for Rochester and was planning to march in the Kiltie
American Section at championships.
The news of Aldo's untimely death hit us all pretty hard yesterday, particularly
in the mellophone section. We had a hard time just keeping from crying
everytime we thought about it. We know that Aldo is playing his favorite
Kiltie mellophone part from "Claire in Heaven" with Lothar and Hoffie. Aldo
loved that lick so much that he had it tattooed to his arm.
Rest in peace Aldo. You are gone but never forgotten.
WWBD!
Marched with Aldo, and new he always gave 100%.
What a shock....
Rest in Peace my friend.
I'll toast you with our other Kiltie brothers in Rochester! We are all staying at the same hotel.
WWBD
John Hoekstra
Kilties 96-98,2001
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Good times indeed. The lodging at the Armory wasn't as bad as I thought it would be with five corps staying over. It all worked out fine. The multi corps breakfast was also great. Thanks to all who participated and to Reading for coordinating.
John Hoekstra, your amazing. You worked that grill all morning after getting pretty much no sleep since THURSDAY!!! Thanks a bunch!!
My favorite part definately was the parking lot in Bel-Aire. I totally plan on trying to get some common warm up or piece of music to play. I'd LOVE to get the Cannon warm up that Alliance was playing to be played by all of us.
Those are the moments that stay with you forever!!!!
Our airconditioning went on the bus so we had an impromptu water balloon assault on our member at the suggestion of one of our members who happened to bring a whole cooler of them with her!!! It was so funny watching the shock on everyone's face when they didnt' realize what was happening!!!!!!!!
I hope you all got home ok!!!
See you on the field :)!!!
Holly, it's always a pleasure talking with you! You have a great group there.
Thanks to the directors of all the corps for understanding and supporting the TRUE essence of drum corps.....FRIENDSHIP!!!
As the newest kids on the block, the Sun Devils were treated with respect by every one of the corps there, as if we have been around for decades. I can't tell you how it warms my heart to hear our kids talk all the way home about what a great time they had hanging with the other corps!
To the Buccaneers...from the administration through to the newest retired band director, you were a class act!
Seeing the 2 corps intermingle after the circle of sound was what it's all about.Next year we all need to play a tune together!
I can't say enough about this past weekend! Hail to the QUEEN, Lois, and her crew, for getting everything we needed to feed 300 people.
Jerry Ware....I owe ya buddy. Thanks for coordinating this.
Warm fuzzy's all around!
John Hoekstra
Executive Director
Florida Sun Devils
Thank you to
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The Sunrisers Drum & Bugle corps will not be fielding a competitive DCA corps for the 2010 season. While the Sunrisers maintain a nucleus of members, this difficult decision was made due to several unsuccessful attempts to recruit additional members in order to put out a product that meets the high standards of both the Sunrisers Organization and DCA.
The Sunrisers Organization will continue to explore opportunities to perform this summer and to prepare for the 2011 season. The Organization is also exploring ways to further our ties with the local communities.
Our thanks go out to everyone for their dedication and continued support of the Sunrisers Organization.
Keep working it guys.....
Sun Devils support the Sunrisers!!! A rich history indeed!
John Hoekstra
Executive Director
Florida Sun Devils
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Where: Strider Field 195 Martin Road, Jamestown Ny on July 24th starting at 7pm doors open at 6pm.
Competing Corps: Sun Devils, Carolina Gold, White Sabers, Empire Statesmen, Minnesota Brass.
Exhibitions By: Erie Thunderbirds & WNY Drum & Bugle Corps.
Tickets: All tickets $15.00 each and kits under 8 years old free. For tickets please send check with a self
stamped address envelope to Carl Vullo at 2124 Willard St. Ext. Jamestown,Ny 14701.
Please make all checks out to The Brigadiers Music Association
Sun Devils are very excited to be making the trip up North to see all these great corps!
(Well....also to get out of the HEAT of Florida in July)
We hope the place sells out.
John Hoekstra
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Carolina Gold has just been added to this show.
This is going to be a great show! Can't wait to see all the corps this year!
Why isnt FUSION in Open Class for DCA?
in DCA - All-Age Corps Discussions
Posted
I believe June 1st is deadline to declare Class A. If you are found to have more then 65 at a show, then you compete Open class with a penalty, and go on 1st in Open class.
In addition....an Open class corps can't move to Class A after June 1st. However...I believe a corps that has declared Class A CAN move up and compete Open class at prelims.