capitalbrass

Sorry that what we're doing now compares so poorly to all that you're doing for drum corps with your smart-*** comments; hidden behind an annonomous avatar. Don't worry. As you can see, my efforts are drifting farther away from drum corps. I'm well aware that your opinion is not unusual on here, and it has certainly affected my opinion of the activity, it's future, and my role in it. But I'll go away on my own terms, and won't be chased away by cowardly, ignorant thugs.

While exploring new frontiers is our mission...., we have also tried to honor drum corps tradition, and to do our little part for the common good of the activity: Noble Callahan/Capitol Brass 1985-1993 - DCA Associate Members, 1991, 1992, 1993 Photo here: CBE Friends of Ron Ghetti Tribute Ensemble, 2006 - produced by CB! Capital Brass! members, performing with 20th Century Limited since 2007 CB! Alumni All-Stars, 2007 - Photo Here: All Stars 2007 Interstatesmen 50th Anniversary Tribute Enemble, 2008 - produced by CB! CB! Alumni All-Stars - 2008 NYS A.L. State Convention Champions 2008 Harrisburg MCA Invitational - show day coordinated by the staff of CB! 2008 MCA Championships - produced by CB! Active support of the Buglers Hall of Fame Championship from 2007-2010 2010 debut of new Capital Brass! Parade Corps Hosting the Upstate Historic and Interstatesmen Websites

I will make the trip down there, if need be. But, there must be someone closer than Albany that could spare an hour to help this family to honor their Dad on that day. If you know a player, in the area of Florida, NY, please help to pass the word about this need. And have them contact Tom Allen.

Then "most" will continue to be disappointed and probably would be better off saving their intelligent and insightful commentary for their favorite large or hopes-to-be-large drum and bugle corps, instead of wasting it on our silly little novelty act. Meanwhile, we will go wherever we are wanted, with our brass ensemble and our tiny parade drum and bugle corps and JUST PLAY!, for an ever-increasing base of appreciate sponsors and fans. We have tried to stay involved in the drum corps activity, despite a dearth of interest in our area; and the parade corps (and the drumline currently being considered) are our latest attempts to do so. But we receive far more positive reaction outside the activity, than from within. But, thanks for your sincere interest anyway. P.S. .... time-saving tip for you: Don't bother to open our threads. You'll only get more of what "most" don't care about or want to see.... performances for Veterans, funerals, shut-ins and charities... an environment where amatuer perfomers and music students get to grow and enjoy a wide variety of music experiences... and a corps-style ensemble performing in all sorts of main-stream venues: Music School recitals, professional venues, recording sessions, band festivals, jamming with jazz bands.... and reaching new audiences with our music, virtually on a weekly basis.

This summer is all mapped out and booked, with lots of parades, plus some concerts and parties... but work is already underway on some exciting, new partnerships and projects, to take us to the next "thing".

There is a request out there for a bugler for Sat 6/12 , noon, in Florida, NY (Middletown area) For a deceased Vet. Surely there is someone nearby who could play taps that day. Send a note to Tom Allen. I believe the request came through him.

Not as far as I know... but Dano might know. He's been playing some big shows, and for some big names, and has recently returned to the Albany area. Here's his bio: John Hines

Another bright spot, this Spring, has been getting our first new players from local school marching band programs: A trumpet alumnus from Mohonosen HS - who volunteered to try out the mellophone, and has turned out to be just tremendous on it. He also got his first taste of the "All-age" activity when he performed with us at Bridgeport... and loved it.. a new convert! And... another recent trumpet find, from the CBA (Christian Brothers Academy) band, who is performing with us for the first time, in Troy. Being that we're back to marching parades, it was great to find some new recruits with experience.

Tom... you are a great ambassador on this issue. Keep spreading the word about this important role that buglers can play to perform a final honor for our Veterans. And please remember that we are always ready to perform, should anyone have a need in our area.

We've added another great trumpet player to the line-up: John Hines...John will join us starting with the Troy Flag Day Parade. Two, BIG trumpet lines that day... don't miss it. Capital Brass! is developing into the trumpet-place-to-be.. with all of these fine players participating this year, and some of the very best players in the area signing up for parades! Andrew Bisnett Bill Davis (tpt/mello) Tony Gambaro Terry Gordon Kevin Hendrick John Hines Paul MacDonald (tpt/mello) Tom MacDonald (tpt/mello) Gene Messercola Mike Perry Mike Stanley Terry Stoliker Scott Thompson Omar Williams Fred Young Jeff Young Our gradual re-entry into the parade business, over the last few years, has developed into a huge success. And we're leaving behind delighted sponsors and audiences... while having a blast! Watch for more developments as we continue to move ahead......

... if you're in Hoosick Falls (CB!) or Wynantskill (SNAP!) for the parades on Monday... be sure to check out what we're doing with our new "Big Noise from Winnectka". It's developed into our feature parade number. Even with our small drumline, we provide a whole lot of show on the street. And, both parade groups will march in the Troy Flag Day parade, with a new trick or two to be unveiled that day!

Ran into some Alumni at the Cohoes Parade last night, and was asked about taking more brass players... We are booked for personnel, on all gigs this summer. But we are getting invitations for Fall, and may also need a sub, as we go along. So get your name on the list if you want to be considered for later gigs. The Capital Brass! Parade Corps performs in a limited number of parades. We wear a summer-comfortable uniform, have a very limited rehearsal schedule, play some fun tunes, and really have a great time. Besides that, we will certainly be one of the big highlights of any event we march in this year: Hoosick Falls St Patrick's Day Waterford Memorial Day Hoosick Falls Memorial Day Troy Flag Day Schuylerville Turning Point Celebration I'm encouraged by the Alumni and fans of the former Capitol Brass Ensemble, who have expressed their support for seeing Capital Brass! back on the street. Next Spring, we may announce opportunities for spots in an expanded brass line, depending how things go.

Things keep moving forward for us, and a new, potential project has recently developed. We've gotten Capital Brass! back on the street this year, with a couple of early parades already, and a few more on the schedule. We are using personnel we've had for some time, plus some new recruits and subs. And, we're going very basic with the drumline; pretty much like many of the mini-corps/small parade corps that are doing parades out there now. It's not the big, precision drumline you Alumni corps have, but it's getting us down the street as a very entertaining parade corps. Sponsors and audiences have been very pleased, so far. Parade Music includes: Big Noise from Winectka Saint's Hallelujah America Danny Boy Peter Gunn Recently, one of our CBE Alums has stepped up with a plan to develop a more sophisticated, expanded drum line, to perform with the parade corps in a limited schedule of local parades. The object would be to to produce a drumline that will have a large presence on the street, to rival the very strong lines we had with CBE in the 90's. And of course, we would pair the line with our strong brass section, already doing parades. The commitment level and schedule will be reasonable, with the idea being to perform maybe 6 or 8 times a year, close to home. I'm not sure there are enough experienced players in our area still interested in parades. But, I'm encouraged that we have this very capable, talented Alumnus stepping up to try and get this rolling. And, if we get some interest, we could have the line doing gigs in the near future. Maybe next Spring...., maybe even later this year. Our big-picture goal, is to maintain a sustainable, local drum corps unit designed to fit with the realities and demands of life for drum corps alums and other musicians; while also maximizing the quality of the musical product and the joy of the experience. Inquiries to my e-mail below, or through Facebook. Will keep you posted should this start to go somewhere.

Percussion spot filled... I do believe we are all set for parade personnel for this season... we have enough players to field 2 parade units at once, plus a few subs..... thanks!

Trumpet spots filled...THANKS!!! If interested in being considered for future openings (any section) please send an e-mail. Could still use 1 drummer.