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.

... our first appearance (17th) , 2 weeks after the "schism of `88". Members of Knights of Noble Callahan, traveled to DCA with most of the original corps... but had to borrow drums and flags from the Fort Edward Vagabonds (Thanks to the late Brent Farnsworth). We entered the contest simply as "The Knights". The record often has us confused with, alternatively, the Hamilton Knights or the Southern Knights. A month or 2 later, we had a new administration, a new name, "Capitol Brass Ensemble"; and were off to a fresh start in both DCNY and DCA competition. September 4, 1988 DCA Championships - Prelims Hershey, PA 1. Sunrisers 94.600 2. Bushwackers 93.440 3. Crusaders 90.760 4. Empire Statesmen 90.060 5. Caballeros 89.960 6. Skyliners 88.300 7. Steel City Ambassadors 84.140 8. Westshoremen 83.700 9. Hurricanes 82.100 10. Buccaneers 79.900 11. Royalaires 72.360 12. Fitchburg Kingsmen 69.300 13. Chicago Vanguard 68.440 14. Excalibur 62.860 15. Sound of Long Island 62.100 16. Chieftains 54.600 17. Southern Knights 46.600 - should be Knights (of Noble Callahan) 18. Keystoners 45.340

...we also hosted a couple of DCA shows, in Schenectady, in 92 and 93, when we carried a full DCA schedule, (10 DCA shows in each year). THANKS, to Mickey Petrone, the DCA Board and member corps, and show sponsors who were so supportive and welcoming to CBE! July 24, 1992 Schenectady, NY 1. Hurricanes 87.400 2. Crusaders 74.800 3. Skyliners 74.200 4. Les Metropolitians 72.200 5. Sunrisers 69.100 6. Capital Brass Ensemble 65.900 July 24, 1993 Schenectady, NY 1. Empire Statesmen 79.300 2. Crusaders 71.100 3. Brigadiers 66.000 4. Skyliners 65.800 5. Capital Brass Ensemble 55.700

CBE had some of our best performances, on our annual trip to the DCA show in Sheffield. August 4, 1990 Sheffield, PA 1. Sound of Long Island 79.000 2. Capital Brass Ensemble 70.000 3. Chieftains 62.200 4. Grey Knights 57.900 August 3, 1991 Sheffield, PA 1. Capital Brass Ensemble 63.600 2. Chieftains 58.300 3. Sound of Long Island 58.100 4. Grey Knights 55.500 August 8, 1992 Sheffield, PA 1. Brigadiers 75.000 2. Capital Brass Ensemble 65.400 3. Steel City Ambassadors 63.500 4. Chieftains 61.300

It's been a great ride, so far! After an absence of 13 years, we've brought the corps back, and in the last 3 or so years, our little group has experienced so much... - a dozen I & E and Mini-corps competitions - many concerts for shut-ins , Veterans organizations and charity events - soon to be a 4-year run of performances at the Saratoga Race Track - our 3rd invitation, this July, to perform at the Lake George Community Band Festival with groups from all over the N.East and Canada - 2008 NY State American Legion Title for our All Star Alumni parade corps - Ron Ghetti and Interstatesmen Tribute ensembles - coordinating the 2008 Harrisburg MCA Invitational - hosting the 2008 MCA Championship - Recording of Brass Section feature and backgrounds for upcoming Blues Evolution CD! - learning a ton of great music - Recital at College of St. Rose Music School - performances at several Church and school functions - a variety of performances at drum corps events, including Indoor Shows, DCI shows and Drum Corps reunions - several opportunities to perform along with pros from BOM! - later this year, our first charity Christmas Concert: "A Capital Brass Christmas" and now, the Capital Brass! Parade Corps has returned to the street! And all on a part-time basis, with just 2-1/2 hours of week-night rehearsals , Jan-Jun, and bi-weekly in the summer. We've also been able to manage a schedule that balances our hobby with our family lives.... and still have a BLAST!

We could also take a mellophone, instead of a trumpet, and move one of ours over. We're using 3 mellos for parades, but all three play trumpet for us, too. I've had several inquiries from low brass players, including a contra player who approached me at the parade today..... Right now we have plenty of low brass signed up for parades. However, we're always on the look-out for qualified players, in any section, for our core group, Capital Brass! (Brass Ensemble); and any new Brass Ensemble regulars would be given priority as gig opportunities come up.

We've been using two new parade tunes this, year, which have both gone over really well with the crowds: Big Noise from Winectka and The Saint's Hallelujah added to our parade standards: Late in the Evening Peter Gunn Everybody's Everything Danny Boy America

The parade units ARE run as professional ensembles. Much like Hitmen, Prime Time Brass, and most Adult parade groups in our region. But, aside from our Music Director, NONE of the guys in Capital Brass!, proper, are professionals. CB! is made up of music students and serious amatuers (including two recent grads hoping to get teaching gigs). However, the rest of the players who fill out the CB! Parade Corps and SNAP! ARE predominantly Band Directors, private instructors, and local full or part-time music pros. There are also a few more hobbyists and students, who don't play regularly with CB!, but who will perform in a few parades. So, the parade group players have a real mix of backgrounds. I might add... that, in 2007, my partner and I laid out about $20,000 out of our own pockets for a nice set of King instruments, to provide for drum corps alums who might want to join up. Among other benefits of going leaner: we were able to reduce that inventory substantially.

We tried, for 3 years, to get an Alumni corps going, where we took everyone who wanted to march..... going for size and volume ... and calling everyone out to participate (with a VERY low level of cost, commitment and appearances). But the interest from the immediate area was almost nil. We were able to produce, for a few events, a moderate sized, pretty decent sounding corps ( 2008 NY State Legion Champs) by combining the Capital Brass! guys with many players from 20th Century Limited Drum Corps, and a (very) few others. But local corps alums just were not interested or dependable, and after 3 years of trying, it was time for another idea. In 2008, we decided that, if it was going to be small anyway, we would aim for a professional-level group, that could pull off the "future-corps"-size ensemble well enough for sponsors to be willing to pay for it. Since we didn't have a corps-style drum line, we borrowed 3 drummers from Brass-O-Mania! and sold the corps as a "Mardi-Gras style parade group. That group morphed into what we now call "Strange News from Another Planet" (SNAP!)... an incredibly flexible horn ensemble which can perform with 5 to 20 players, in a number of configurations. It was a huge success in 2009. This year, answering the call from some for a corps-style parade group; we decided to bring CB! back into the parade business as well; also as a group not depending on large numbers to make an impact. So both groups are set at 17 horns and 3 perc, max. We feel that it is a reasonable number of quality players for us to go for, and we can also be more choosey about the level of players we accept, since there are limited spots. So far, it's worked out quite well! We would, however, like to expand by adding a small, working guard for the CB! Parade Corps. We've had some interest. But, we'll need a leader to step up and help to make that part happen.

Although all spots are filled for our other dates, so far... opportunities to sub will come up , as the season goes on. AND, we're still being offered gigs on dates where we're already booked, so we'll likely be doubling up again. Our schedule page has been updated, as well as the upcoming gigs, on our Home page... for those who want a look at what is coming up: Capital Brass! Both CB! and SNAP! have gone over SUPER, so far this year; and are in high demand. I love it when a plan comes together!!!

Sunday, 6/13, Troy Flag Day Parade To march with one of our parade units. Experienced, fear-less, corp-style drummer to play bass or toms. 2 solid trumpet players who can come up to speed quickly. We are performing this year with a maximum of 20 players, and we have 35 on the roster for parades, all of whom are scheduled for one time or another this Spring. But on a few dates we are marching 2 units, and that leaves us short a couple of players on this date. This is a great opportunity to perform with an excellent parade unit that lights up the street with fun and great music. And it could lead to more gigs down the road. FYI: SNAP! will, once again, be marching along with the Hellions of Troy Roller Derby team. It was a HOOT, last year! e-mail link is below.... Hoosick Falls St. Patrick's Day - 2010 (with Tony Gambaro and Scott Thompson on the same gig - OUCH! - the rest of the trumpets were no slouches, either: Terry Gordon, Kevin Hendrick and Terry Stoliker and 2 more, me and Andrew Bisnett, pushed off to Mello and Bari, due to trumpet overload!) Troy Flag Day parade - 2009 - (with the Hellions of Troy Roller Derby team)