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nallop24

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    The State of Florida Drum Corps and What You Need to Know

    in DCA - All-Age Corps Discussions

    Posted

    First, a brief history lesson:


    On December 1, 1996, paperwork was filed in the State of Florida to create Heat Wave of Orlando Drum & Bugle Corps, Inc., the first DCA corps to come out of the Sunshine State. Heat Wave would go on to win or share the DCA Class A Championship twice.


    Skip ahead to 2009, when a change of direction led to a NEW name, Sun Devils, Inc. The Sun Devils took a more “serious” approach to programming than their fun-loving Florida-themed predecessors. Through a series of ups and downs, the Sun Devils would ultimately go on to become DCA Class A Finalists twice amid numerous DCA South Class A titles.


    Following the 2014 DCA season, there were philosophical differences that led to a split between the Sun Devils’ staff and administration. On October 1, 2014, the Board of Sun Devils, Inc. voted to change the name to Florida Marching Arts, Inc. The name change was part of a marketing decision based on the fact that we support more than one performing unit. On October 7, 2014, a group of former Sun Devils staff members founded Solaris Performing Arts, Inc. as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of Florida. You can read more about them here: http://www.solarisdrumcorps.org.


    To be clear, these are two separate groups operated by two separate organizations.


    So then you may be asking yourself, “well what happens to the Sun Devils?” That’s a very important question. There was much discussion on this topic and it was decided that, given recent events, it would be wise to forego competition in 2015 in order to firm up the corps’ infrastructure and ensure its long-term success. That said, the group is not experiencing financial woes (as is often the case in drum corps today). Additionally, the team in place has already made huge strides in repairing and/or replacing aging equipment and resources. And to be clear, the group is FAR from “inactive.” In fact, the group will be rehearsing in coming months in order to prepare for summer performances as well as solidify the nucleus that will help bring the corps BACK to competition in 2016 and beyond. Our new website is being developed at this time, but you can look for updates periodically athttp://sundevilspag.org.


    Moving forward, Florida Marching Arts, Inc. endeavors to create and foster more performance opportunities in the State of Florida. Our mission is first and foremost, to give back to the community by providing a positive atmosphere in which our young people receive an education in the performing arts and develop life-enriching character traits such as discipline, teamwork, integrity, leadership, dedication, and good citizenship.


    Our newest program offering is called PHOENIX. PHOENIX is a mixed ensemble that will perform in WGI’s Winter Winds circuit and possibly DCI’s new SoundSport division.


    By now you may be asking yourself, “so what is WGI Winds?” Glad you asked!


    “Continuing the Sport of the Arts tradition of performance and competition, WGI Winds is a unique form of the marching music activity. In fact, winds doesn’t mean “winds only.” Groups can include anything found in a concert band or orchestra as well as color guard and percussion performers. Winds is a natural extension of the WGI organization and will complete WGI’s support of the total band program.”


    What this means, is a unique and exciting performance opportunity that is open to literally EVERYONE! PHOENIX is open to all ages, ability levels, and instrumentation. Anyone with a great attitude and a desire to participate is welcome. The first organizational meeting for PHOENIX is scheduled for January 17th. More information will be available at their website: http://www.phoenixcorps.org/


    PHOENIX is currently looking for staff and member applicants for their 2015 campaign. This first exploration of a new circuit(s) will start small – staying primarily local – with minimal fees and expenses. This is an excellent opportunity for those who have always wanted to check out the activity to “get their feet wet” so-to-speak without the exorbitant financial commitment normally associated with drum corps today. Please go to our website for more information on how you can become a performer or staff member today!


    We would be remiss if we did not offer a mention of our sister organization – Impact Drum & Bugle Corps. Impact has been performing at DCA’s mini corps championships and entertaining audiences all over for the past three seasons. The corps has shifted gears a bit this year with regards to programming and has taken on a very challenging but extremely fun and modern book. Impact welcomes all players ages 18 and up.


    You can find out more about Impact here: http://www.impactoforlando.org.


    In addition to the groups mentioned above, there are many more WGI Winds, DCI SoundSport, and other groups in development all over the state – probably the most exciting of which is the return of junior corps to the Sunshine State! Our friends at Heat Wave of Florida are bringing DCI-aged drum corps back to Florida. You can check them out here:http://www.heatwaveofflorida.com.


    In summary, drum corps/the marching arts are not dead in Florida. In fact, they’re very much alive AND GROWING! If you’ve read this far, we want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read and understand what has been going on. We appreciate your patience while we went “silent.” During any transition period emotions and tensions understandably tend to run high. It was our intent to stay quiet until emotions calmed and details were worked out and ready to share.


    We invite you to follow ALL the goings on at Florida Marching Arts, Inc. by visiting our website at http://www.fmainc.org. From there you can find information on all of our performing units, make a donation, learn more about joining, volunteer, or inquire about joining our staff.


    From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued support. We’ll see you on the 50.


    Florida Marching Arts, Inc. is the longest running active drum corps organization in the State of Florida. Florida Marching Arts, Inc. is incorporated in the State of Florida and is registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service as a 501©3 not-for-profit corporation, governed by a board of directors.


    Mini Corps for 2014 - Who is in?

    in DCA - All-Age Corps Discussions

    Posted

    The eleventh mini-corps listed is Cincinnati Tradition, who are apparently have two ensembles at DCA this year. Here is the schedule:

    8:30 p.m. -- Thunderbirds

    8:45 p.m. -- Rocketeers

    9:00 p.m. -- Thunder Brigade

    9:15 p.m. -- Cincinnati Tradition

    9:30 p.m. -- Renegades

    9:45 p.m -- Minne-Brass

    10:00 p.m. -- High Country Brass

    10:15 p.m. -- Impact of Orlando

    10:30 p.m. -- Sacramento Freelancers

    10:45 p.m. -- Star United

    11:00 p.m. -- Ghost Riders

    Anyone want to make predictions?

    Why there should never be another Star

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Maybe I'm stuck in the past but I would love to see Star of Indiana again. Look at the quality and level of musicianship of Star United...I'm sure if SOI came back there would be plenty of people willing to get involved. If you look around drum corps there are alum everywhere with successful music careers that would probably be interested in a rebirth of their corps. If it happened I'm certain it would be all out...full force and they'd be ready to produce quality...that's what they did before and that's the only way they know how to do it.

    One can dream....can't he?........ :satisfied:

    Boerma's Back at Madison!

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Their design and performance has generally been around the bottom of Top 12 (or lower, looking before the current administration). Add the fact that seemingly EVERY corps has significantly upped their game as far as design and performance, thus making it incredibly difficult for any corps to move up the competitive ranks (Cavaliers making Top 6 again this year for the first time in awhile, after winning five Championships last decade = a great example of competitive nature of the activity, IMO). That's the most honest, no-frills answer. Many corps have been performing better-designed shows than Madison the last several years.

    I'm excited to see what Scott brings (back?) to Madison, and I look forward to hearing his arrangements played by Scouts again!

    Thanks, most of that is what I speculated. I can't wait to see what the future holds.

    Did you forget your souvie purchase at Finals?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    A gentleman on my row left some merchandise he purchased when he hurried out after Finals night. As soon as we realized we tried to run after him and locate him, to no avail. I would love to be able to find the owner. I already contacted the corps who the items were purchased from and am awaiting a response, but this young man seemed as though he was definitely in the know on drum corps stuff so I thought he might come here too. So if you left something behind please contact me and tell me the items you purchased, from which corps and your seat location to verify it's yours.

    I know I would be so disappointed if this happened to me since we all know souvie's are NOT cheap!

    WOW, one more reason to still love drum corps. Way to go MalletMom...classy. Maybe there is hope in America.

    • Like 1

    DCA All-Age Drum Corps Advice

    in DCA - All-Age Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Realize that Mini's focus on one show - the DCA I&E at Championship weekend (unless they do SDCA) ... so, your commitment will be to reherasal time together and most likely a lot of practice at home ... while the show itslef is marketed liesurely, I can insure you that all the groups who show up are severely intense ... the talent level in Mini's is VERY high ... even for the ones out just for a good time ... it's uncanny ...

    :-)

    I have noticed...There are a few Star United videos on youtube and wow...there is some serious talent there.

    • Like 1

    DCA All-Age Drum Corps Advice

    in DCA - All-Age Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Expect a welcoming, friendly attitude. If you show a willingness to work your can off, have a we vs. me attitude and treat others with a bit of kindness, you should be okay.

    The big thing nowadays is that the corps try very hard to make good use of their time. Hustle the best you can and it'll be noticed and appreciated. Be as prepared as you can be musically or work-wise if you're a guard member. Make sure your chops are in shape as best you can if you're a horn guy. Even buzzing the mouthpiece driving around while you get to places helps, I know.

    Dan Detweiler and Frank Ponzo also stress being as fit as you can be. If it means starting with a walk every day for 15 minutes and going up from there, do it. I'll let them go into the fitness details.

    Good luck and enjoy!

    Thanks!!!

    Although I sort of miss-spoke...I should have put Mini-Corps. Not an all out All-Age Corps...my fault. this is all kinda new to me.

    • Like 1

    Show ideas for next year's corps?

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Uh-oh -- I hear that the Cavaliers show next year will be titled "Fight Scenes," and ... well ... uh ... Perhaps I've said too much. :-P

    (But to answer your question: http://www.corpsreps.com/corpsreps.cfm?view=SongSrch&Song=Carmina%20Burana)

    Check corpsreps.com. Most recently (2000), the Blue Stars did an entire show of Carmina Burana, as well as the Raiders in 2003. Bluecoats in 1977 and Cadets in 1979 also played it.

    It's still great music. I wish I had composed it (and was getting all the royalties).

    Wow...How did I miss this? I have been away from the activity for a while...oh well, next.

    So how were the later versions? If you know...

    Staff merrigoround

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    hoping to see a different brass arranger at Phantom Regiment. My vote goes to frank sullivan! But another logical choice might be someone currently on their staff page who has arranged a championship program before...

    Would also see michael gaines return to cavaliers if not anywhere else... I really miss being wowed by his drill!

    That would be a great choice!!

    • Like 2

    My first live show in 2 decades-Atlanta, GA

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    As a low brass player, I can immediately tell the difference between the brighter tones of the trombone and the darker tones of a baritone, and even darker tones of the euph. It's pretty glaring.

    It's like the difference between a trumpet, cornet, and a flugel horn to me.

    I too can tell the difference and all I'm saying is it was unnoticeable from where I was sitting in Atlanta. I guess I need to watch these shows again on FN to hear the trombones. So if it didn't add anything in the stands then isn't that useless? I'm sure it will be different on the recordings.

    My first live show in 2 decades-Atlanta, GA

    in DCI World Class Corps Discussions

    Posted

    Great review!

    FYI, Cavies euph player is mic'ed. It had problems that night.

    I am ok with the trombones.

    What did you think of the concert double french horns solo in Cadet's show?

    Thanks! I didn't know they were having issues with the euph's mic...and there is the problem with amplification. I'm ok with t-bones also but I just didn't feel they made a huge impact. Maybe they will sound better on the recordings. I thought the french horn can across better and I'm ok with that one...actually I forgot about it until you brought it up.

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