pitcap1

I taught with Eddie and AJ at Magic in 2005, then taught at Paradox Percussion in 2006-2007 and eventually, Teal in 2008-2009. Brought the Eddie/west coast hybrid style back to Teal in 08 and also to infinity/stryke with Obed and Javi Vides. Also, Eddie and AJ were the brainchilds between the crazy I&E wins by Spirit in 2003-2004 that are copied by tons of indoor lines now. Eddie also helped teach one of the greatest indoor lines I can remember in Mystique 2006 (Drew Johannessen aged out in that line). Eddie really taught me and countless others how to do great with the "forgotten" instrument. Eddie's website about his book: Cymbal Technique Zildjian: Legend of cymbal makers Amazon link

I have to say, this is a joke. Not only did I perform for the pregame, but I TAUGHT the music! I know it was cheesy music...Concert snare track played over the P.A. people. The tenors were timbales and I cannot honestly tell you what the bass drums were because they were not on the track. We had a week to learn everything marching wise and considering how little time we had, we did a good job. For all of the bashers out there...Tell me how many times you've played for 90 million people. As far as show band style goes, it is what it is. Show bands perform the hell out of their music and they DO work their butts off. They strive for the same goals as drum corps do, just maybe not to the same degree. I have to say, though, anyone who thinks show bands are equal physically to drum corps, try 5 weeks of move in in 115 degrees. Try getting 3 hours of sleep on a cramped charter bus then practice all day. Try doing the shows that night.

Lol. I think you'd have to fight Jenn over that one. Can you imagine the child though... Awesome hands but too #### lazy to do anything but play timpani heh.

I love Paul. I have to say, if Doug and Kiwanis hadn't merged with Thunder back in 2002, there would've been almost 100 kids that would not have marched. I met me fiancee in the corps and will do my best to support the corps and the administration. I truly believe the corps will thrive in Miami and will do whatever I can to support them. Love all of my fellow kiwanis supporters. Justin Robards

I think the big problem with everything going on is lack of communication with what's been happening from up north to down south. I have had many conversations with Paul on the road, especially in 2002 (By the way Paul, I don't know if I ever had the chance to thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for pulling my spirits up when they were at the lowest in my life.). I do not think even the new administration staff knew why the website wasn't handed over and assumed it was out of hatred. I am sorry for running with what seems to be false information. Tilt, I was not meaning you as far as alumni helping out... I remember you in 2002 up all night painting those drums for us (Which did look very good, I might add) so I'm sorry if you thought I was just singling you out... I was talking about alumni in general. As far as everything else goes, why doesn't everybody here that has been on this topic just work together to make the best possible drum corps available? If we all step back, we'd realize we are all very passionate for the corps and we should all just get together, drink a few Molson Canadian's (Best beer in the world in my opinion), and figure out what everybody can do to help. Justin Robards PS- I did pay my fees off eventually Duder, but you were right.

After having an inside view of what has been happening the last couple of months with Kiwanis, I have to step up and say something as a loyal KK alumni, having marched 2002-2003 and teaching there in 2004. I absolutely love Doug Darwin and I know he put his entire life into Kiwanis. He can recall who played timpani in 1985 like it was yesterday. It was very unfortunate that kiwanis had to go inactive in 2006, but a lot of it could've been prevented. More alumni could've recruited for Kiwanis, instead of bashing them. After being involved with Tampa Bay Thunder in 2000 and 2001, and the Magic in 2005, I can promise that Kiwanis has by far treated alumni better than most would have. I've seen alumni that has posted on here in the past bashing Doug and Kiwanis on these forums just to go up and ask him for staff passes to see the show for free (He did give them the passes even though he knew those same people bashed him). What is so unfortunate now is that these same people are wanting the organization to fold, even while setting up alumni sites. To the people who held the www.kavaliers.com site hostage from the new administration...Grow up. People like you are why so many drum corps have folded (Don't give me the whole "Money took out drumcorps" because many people who post that garbage never paid dues!). I have been a loyal alumni for the Kiwanis Kavaliers from Kitchner-Ontario, Tampa, Fort Myers, and now Miami and will continue to support them throughout the rest of my life...For all of the Kiwanis haters...why don't you show a little more support for the organizations that are not doing as well instead of digging the grave for them. Justin Robards