BrassCats

We are here and growing. Look for us in Mini Corps 2012. We are up to 18 horns now and need some percussion. If you are within 2 hours of Huntsville AL and want to participate let me know. Bill Gullatt rocketeersbdc@earthlink.net

Rehearsal this Sunday 10/23 from 2 - 4 @ Grace Presbyterian Church, Madison AL. If you are interested in joining us or just checking us out please feel free to drop in. Bill

We've already started but it's not too late. If you are in the North Alabama / Southern Tennessee area and looking for a mini corps then come join us. Currently accepting horns and percussion. Next rehearsal Oct 9 at Grace Presbyterian Church, Madison, AL. Next performance Nov 6 - Under the Christmas Tree, Huntsville , AL Contact us at rocketeersdbc@gmail.com http://www.therocketeers.org

Check the CorpsVets website. They have several for sale.

What brands are the sops, mellos, baris? Will they sell individual or package only?

As The Rocketeers grow will need additional G horns. If you have any Kanstul, King or Dynasty G horns for sale please email me and let me know what you have, price and location. Send pics if possible. Bill Gullatt The Rocketeers rocketeersdbc@earthlink.net

It would be a separate show but if possible just down the street at the middle school. I think having them the same weekend would be a draw for both. Just thinking at this point.

I was thinking the same thing. There are several WGI events in the area through the winter. I was thinking maybe shoot for the same weekend when it is at the High School and have it next door at the Middle School. Makes for a good audience and might even have some that participate in both events.

I have had several emails. If it were a full I & E would more be interested?

Dick, You did reply. I am just trying to get feedback on our performance. I got one email with feedback from our arranger Marrin Williams. I thought others might comment as well

So much for that request!

The implication was not directed at one specific performer. The point here is that this is our national anthem. While having your own arrangement is one thing it is difficult to sing along when it is not sung or played in a traditional manner. I am speaking out of patriotism to our country and not jabbing at the performer. I am not saying she was not patriotic nor am I saying she was bad. I am simply saying that The Star Spangled banner needs to be played, sung, hummed or whatever somewhat traditional and those in the audience need to be encouraged to sing along. Then there is the placing your hand on your heart but that is another topic in itself!

We are in the Huntsville area.

My comments were in reference to the prelims and Mini Corps. Sorry if I did not clarify. I was not at Alumni or Finals so was just speaking to what I was at. Sorry if I did not make that clear. I am glad to hear that there were live performances at Alumni and Finals.

This was my first experience at a DCA Finals. Why do we play a recording of the National Anthem? It seems to me DCA would have for both the field and mini-corps events a live drum and bugle performance of SSB. With as many corps as were represented there could be a single arrangement (allowing for different keyed instruments) and have a lottery that each corps picks to determine which part they will supply. If all of the corps already know the arrangement then it is a matter of having the dozen or so horns and percussionist meet for a run through on Friday evening. While I am on the topic of the Star Spangled Banner ... Why do some people feel that getting asked to play or sing the National Anthem gives them artistic license to go all over the place with it. Play it straight! This is our National Anthem not American Idol!

For the corps in the South, what do you do in the "off" season? Who would be willing to come participate? CorpsVets Alliance The Thunders (Tampa Bay and Arkansas) Star United Music City Legend Cincinnati Tradition Carolina Gold Shenandoah Sound The Rocketeers (that would be us) The new Southwind (there is something brewing in Montgomery!) Other DCA & DCI corps?

I wanted to test the waters and see which corps would be interested in attending a "Winter" Mini-Corps show in North Alabama? (It is warmer down South!) I can think of a lot of you who are just an interstate trip away.

I feel like I have gotten another empty orange sheet!

No longer availale Bill Gullatt The Rocketeers rocketeersdbc@earthlink.net

I have two nice Ultratone VR horns available. Soprano in great condition, clean and not beat up. $140 includes shipping in CONUS Bari - This was my personal horn. Very nice. $185 including shipping CONUS Will send pictures upon request. ** Will consider trades! Bill Gullatt The Rocketeers rocketeersdbc@earthlink.net

Since there was no feedback on the score sheets I thought I would offer this opportunity for anyone that wants to give us a little. The Rocketeers had two ensembles in I&E. The larger group was SRB (Solid Rocket Brass) that placed 6th and the smaller group was Stage 2 placing 13th. I was playing bari in the smaller group and had the opportunity to hear the recording. It sounds to me like I let my nerves get to me some. As a first time for us to compete what feedback do you have that could help us improve and take it to the next level? Bill Gullatt The Rocketeers

My father once made 4 chimes from galvanized fence posts for their community band. They didn't have a chime set and needed just the four notes. We hung them with leather straps from a four arm iv stand we picked up from the hospital auction and used the rawhide mallet from my brothers leatherwork tool set.

Those aren't strings they are a "snare"

Same with us. No comments or anything just two numbers and a total. It kind of makes it hard to work on something when you don't know what you are working on.

I'm thinking BLUE MAN GROUP! Check the grand piano on the left side of the stage