musicteacher

Is Ben Pyles still with Manderins?

One of the very best. He will add a great perspective as a teacher and human.

1982's "Rocky Point" was a landmark achievement -- the dawn of contemporary concert band literature as a DCI programming force.

1984. Arranging perfection.

Ironlips, I was blown away by compositional artistry of this arrangement. Much ahead of his time.

Years ago I taught a corps that received a thunderous reception, complete with a stating O from a filled stadium. One judge's response, "This is not General Effect." Post-Cesario this doesn't happen.

Mr. Craig, thanks for your quick response. Another great season for BAC is in the bag, in a bag, in a bag...

Don does good work. Very much enjoyed his arrangements when I taught Glassmen.

Re: '64 Kevin's. Iron Lips, I couldn't agree more. It is fascinating to hear how Frank Bergdoll bobs and weaves to deal with the limitations of the instruments so creatively. The drum stuff is hip for the era, brass and percussion ensembles are squeaky clean and the French horns crackless -- a true accomplishment. "This Nearly Was Mine" has long been my favorite Kevins' thing. Bergdoll was certainly a pioneer. I don't think there are fighter fighters writing for top drum corps any more. We owe the pioneers a huge debt of gratitude.

How many horns they got?

Iron Lips is here spot-on.

Or his inability -- despite his talent -- to last anywhere long. I kinda wish he stayed. Mike and Tim: that would have been juicy.

This is a familiar pattern in this activity for him. Didn't last the winter with Colts a number of years ago and was out after a year as Boston's artistic director.

The roar of the crowd when the first view of red combining over the hill into the stadium was a thrill beyond words. By the time the corps assembled, you could barely hear the corps that was on the field. Fan love of the first order.

Craig's earlier analysis of the inspirations for this production are spot-on.