fRmuzik

if i could just say that playing cymbals in our regimented world of performance can be extremely physically demanding....if youre doing it right just by nature...like all instruments, there is a certain "touch" or "finesse you apply as you would your embouchure, fulcrum, what have you. Your just carrying about 8 lbs in your hand while you do it. i say, if you have the control and stamina of your body and can produce a great quality of sound by hitting, sliding and slamming 2 pieces of metal together and carry yourself with the utmost caliber of presence...use that technique if thats what you want 'em to look like. cause when it comes down to it...its about quality control. We can all imagine how difficult it is to make beautiful, gorgeous sounding music with abstract sounds. i think cymbals are great! fR

Hi all! fR

CALLING ALL BRASS SLAPPERS!!!! (and those who would like to become one) The Velvet Knights will be showing up with 4 Cymbals in the lot for the summer of 2008...will one of them be YOU? The VK plates are working very hard to achieve greatness this summer. However, due to some unfortunate circumstances beyond our control, we have lost a member. Leaving us with one spot to audition for. The plates are eager to meet you all and are excited to get started on their quest this summer. We are calling everyone interested. Experience is a plus, but a teachable, positive attitude/outlook will take you much further. We only require, at this point, that you bring some running shoes, shorts/sweats (no jeans), water, a positive attitude, and a great work ethic. Marching cymbals can and will be very physically demanding. Not MY choice, thats just the nature of the beast, so come prepared. Auditions will be held Fri 5/23 7PM. The line will be set on sat 5/24 AT LUNCH. John Muir High School 1905 N. Lincoln Ave Pasadena CA 91103 this WILL be an OVERNIGHT CAMP so pack your sleeping bag and a toothbrush please. DO NOT BE LATE. If you have any questions at all please send them to me, Fred Ramirez at: Fred@vkyao.org or visit us at VKYAO.ORG or ADD us on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/vkyao I look forward to meeting you all. Best of luck. fR

The Velvet Knights will be producing a line of 4 Brass Slappers this year... As for their purpose in the corps i would have to say that the plates have a purpose SECOND TO NONE. its subjective really. do you want the sound and texure of plates on the field as opposed to just up front? 4 bass drums or 6? B flat or G?? what makes sense? what can we make happen? to say that a musical instrument has a lesser place, let alone no place at all on the field just doesnt make sense...especially a percussion instrument having a place in a drum and bugle corps... "a great cymbal line makes beautiful music by pushing metal together....gorgeous music. does that sound beautiful? pushing metal together? you need to MAKE it beautiful." fR