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rhythmaniacs

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Posts posted by rhythmaniacs

  1. I had a lot of fun on Friday at Nokesville, the drive home in the dark was a bit grueling at times, but the run North to Bucknell, pretty much on the same road was uneventful. I ate quick on the way, and Mom and Dad told me their dinner at the Lewisburg Hotel was excellent for those of you who want something more than the fare at the contest of from Sheetz or Wendy's.

    When I think of Bucknell, it reminds me of the highs and lows one can experience in this activity. I remember my Rookie year that it was one of the first shows in the season that things began to come together for our corps, and the excited feelings I had as the performance came off well in front of the appreciative crowd. Nothing can beat the high of a great run by your corps.

    I'm very proud of the 1982 win there, and it felt great to do the retreat standstill.

    1983, was a very hard day and that's a serious understatement. It was very hot, Rehearsal didn't go well from the get-go to say the least, things were a mess, and we pretty much conceded the rest season to Sun and others at that contest. Things happened on that practice field that still upset and anger me to this day when I think about them.

    Without those kinds of days, you wouldn't know how unreal the great experiences are. I think we all keep telling ourselves that at times when it gets hot like it was on Saturday and we have a lot on the line as every competitor at this contest clearly did.

    I had nearly a nearly perfect seat, 4 rows down smack on the 50. Only the Judges had a better vantage point, which I may come back to later.

    The pre-show was handled by the combined Mifflinburg and Lewisburg HS bands along with a fine military color guard and color presentation group. I was happy Matt Wagner, the Mifflinburg HS director, was doing well and looking hale and hearty. He's a very fine director, a great individual, with a very discerning taste in wind band music that gets me looking up music and learning.

    The next exhibition was to be performed by the Commandant's Own, but they were unable to make the trek because of the issues down in DC. The Saints' Brigade, (30 Brass, 6CG, 1DM, 15 Battery) was brought in to fill some serious boots.

    they set up in an arc, and the mini-concert was full of some good old and new Drum Corps chestnuts after they blew through the F Tuning sequence.

    They performed a jazzy signature arrangement of "When the Saints go Marching In" as their parade and starter, "Moondance" with a solid Bari soloist, an old Bucs' classic in the form of Earth, Wind and Fire's "Fantasy". Mike the corps director/person in charge/snare guy came out and gave a sincere heart-to heart talk about his corps and how much they appreciated being invited to the show. The crowd's a great crowd, and they were very appreciative of his kind words and good humor.

    They finished up with a solid arrangement of "Empire State of Mind", with a great screamer and the Bari solo/duet, again handled very well.

    Their percussion battery is hard-working and generates some great groove at times. Kudos to the Basses and Snares!

    The corps has only been around for about a year and a half, and considering they're taking interested people with no experience at all in any section and training them up, I'm impressed. There are moments where the inexperience can show with certain people, but if that's the level of musicianship achieved by them in 18 months or less, that's pretty worthy of some serious respect from those of us who have been around.

    I know some of us have been discussing here on DCP the need for the table to be bigger and that there needed to be more organizations exactly like this one. Everyone, slide over and give the Saints' Brigade some serious room at the table and support them, even if it's a word of encouragement at a show.

    I don't know what the long term plans are for the corps but I can't help thinking that Class A in DCA would be a good fit. No need to tour like crazy people, shows are much closer, crowds appreciative, and the corps level of experience and such would be a very good fit if and when they would decide to be ready for it.

    I got a lot of great vibes from this corps and from Mike when he spoke. I was lucky enough to be mixed up in Garden State in the mid 90's, and got to know Carmen Cirlincione very well and I know right now he'd be very proud of this organization and what it's doing for people both young and old.

    I'll continue, bit by bit when I have time during lunch and after work. I type slowly, and I do need dinner before this shift. :satisfied:/>/>

    What an enjoyable read. You really capture the moment and have a point for detail. Although I am speaking on behalf of the Saints, this is probably some of the most sincere words I have ever heard described about us. As for myself I am in the snare line and I take just as much immense pride in this corps as the one and only DCI corps I marched with. I'm sorry you could not have experienced our whole horn line as we had a number of members missing (I believe the full number is upwards of 45-50!). Glad you enjoyed the musical selections and for next year we have some interesting gems to add to the mix.

    Note: The corps director is Frank Barchella. Too bad the microphone did not work :P

    The drum corps activity would not survive without recognition and support. People like yourself are great advocates to help spread the good word. For you to mention our corps and having others welcome us in the activity as a 'player', that means the world. For now the Saints will remain a parade/exhibition corps and we have no plans to pursue the field.

    • Like 1
  2. Just want to share that the Saints Brigade will be making an appearance this weekend in Lewisburg, PA for their 4th of July parade and then Bridgeport, CT for the Champions on Parade exhibition. The following weekend the Saints will be making the same trek back to Lewisburg, PA on July 6th for the Cavalcade of Champions show to perform in exhibition. Keep an eye out!

    Come this time next year the Saints will be 'rolling out' with a whole new look...just let me say...you won't freakin' believe it. Come join us or just support us. It's great to meet so many new people and supporters at these parades/exhibitions. Drum corps is a great activity as a whole and the basis for surviving is interest and support.

    THANK YOU!

  3. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Any plans to hit the field?...God I miss the grass. But I'm an old fart now and everything creeks...lol

    Thanks yes we are! There are no plans to hit the field. We are focusing on being as strong as we can in the street and exhibition arena. Well sometimes we might not be able to physically push ourselves on the field so maybe this could be a good opportunity to march! :winky:

  4. I have two customers of my that are in need of used marching drums.

    1st school need 6 snares, 3 quads, and 5 bass drums, any color, any brand but the free floater design snares.

    2nd school needs 2 Pearl quads-- small set 6,8,10,12,13,and 5 Pearl bass drums, championship series in (color)white.

    If you have any leads be let me know.

    Thanks.

    ron@2coolpercussion.com

    423-462-2059

    Hello,

    The Saints Brigade Drum and Bugle Corps from Port Chester, NY still have practically new Pearl quints (exact size that listed) and 5 bass drums. I believe we have 3 tenors left. The only issue is that they are the stock red color. http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/msg/3878743421.html

    On2percussion will available soon so you can definitely change the color to white if need be. (A fraction of the cost).

    We provide the stands, covers and carriers.

    Let us know!

    Matthew

  5. Greetings drum corps members, fans and prospective marchers!

    I am speaking on behalf of a brand new parade/stand still drum and bugle corps that has formed in Port Chester, NY. I am not here to shamelessly 'plug' the corps, (or am I? haha) but to just simply announce that a new corps has formed with quite the beginning strength. It's not too common you hear of new corps only starting up because of financial downfalls but starting fairly strong as well. There are a few unique aspects to this all age corps that I would like to bring to the public's attention here on DCP.

    First off, as I wrote in the title, to join and become a member it costs you $0! Yes. No hidden fees anywhere. No fees for instruments, no fees for uniforms, no fees for instruction, no fees for traveling (except you traveling to rehearsal). This is one aspect that is UNHEARD OF in ANY CORPS! Now don't get me wrong just because there is not any cost on your end does not mean a sacrifice in the quality of the corps. We are playing on all brand new horns and drums. However there is not a front ensemble and the guard will be growing more once WGI ends.

    Second, this corps gives back to the community. The town of Port Chester has allowed the partnership use of it's former YMCA which is now The Carver Center (a local youth center from early grade school through high school) and in return, a few of our members are working with 4th grade and beyond to create a 'cadet corps'. We are teaching them the basics of drumming, how to play a horn, military discipline and marching skills so hopefully by next summer they will be out on the street with the 'big boys'.

    The brand new corps is called The Saints Brigade.

    Another attractive plus that this corps offers is scholarships! Yes a drum corps that will actually PAY YOU to march. Now there are certain requirements to obtain a scholarship but nothing out of the ordinary. ATTENDANCE is the only thing that affects your standing towards a scholarship. If you are a high schooler looking for a little extra money towards college then this could benefit you if you interested in marching! This may apply to college students as well.

    I'm just simply putting the corps name out there and seeking performers who are in high school and college through the 20s/30s age range. We currently have many high school kids which is fantastic but we are looking for a handful of some more experienced marchers. As in any beginnings of any new corps, the growth may be a little slow but that is fine. Over time WE WILL GROW but will it be with you?

    The battery is planning on attending DCA's in Annapolis, MD this year to perform...we hope you're around to catch us and see what this is all about. We currently have 4 cymbal spots that are open with all brand new Sabian 18" cymbals and gear. Maybe you can strap up with us? :)

    Expect to see some videos and updates from The Saints Brigade in the very near future. Right now you can check out our website at :

    http://www.saintsbrigade.org/

    We hope to see you soon!

    I'm surprised not one person has asked a question. Well here we are now only 19 months after our initial birth and we are growing every day. The Saints have been featured among some great parades and performances thus far. We have been asked to perform before the 4th of July parade in Bristol, RI, have numerous DCA exhibition shows and many other great events planned. We have also brought on a number of wonderful sponsors such as: Tama Drums (first drum corps to use them), Vic Firth, Fred J. Miller, On2percussion and White Lightning. With the full horn line in attendance we are about 45-50 strong. Running a 8-9 person snare line, 4 tenors, 5 basses and still an open cymbal line. The guard is roughly around 14 or so. Everything else is still true and we're always looking for members seeking a fresh new unique opportunity if they cannot hit the field but still want to be part of drum corps. Come check us out at Bayonne, NJ this coming weekend. We will eventually have a full table/video booth set up.

    http://www.saintsbrigde.org/ for more information!

    • Like 1
  6. Greetings DCP community.

    I am speaking on behalf of The Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps from Port Chester, NY. We are in our last few hours of our Kickstarter.com pledge drive. We are simply seeking anyone whom is capable of making a tax-deductable donation to the corps in regards to their uniforms. Any and all drum corps members know how expensive uniforms can run. A tiny fraction of assistance from everyone would greatly ease our financial tensions as we hit the street this spring. The Saints Brigade Battery Ensemble will also be making an appearance at this years DCA I&E competition. Thank you so much for reading and hopefully helping out!

    Kickstarter Project

    Saints Homepage

  7. ‎***THIS JUST IN***

    The Saints Brigade drum & bugle corps from Port Chester, NY is selling 8 pearl ffx championship snare drums 14 inch by 12 inch,carriers,stands,covers...4 pearl championship marching tenors/quints..6,8,10,12,13 inch drums with carriers,stands,covers..5 pearl championship marching bass drums..18,20,22,24,26 inch drums with carriers,stands,covers. All in championship red...only eight months old..IMMACULATE!!!! $13,000.00/plus shipping..call 914-924-4839 (Ask for Frank)

    here is a video from this past DCA Championship weekend!

  8. RFA MOVED to the old Griffiss location?? Sweet! I wonder where are the base they are....will have to look it up.

    Edit....Found the map! http://www.romechamber.com/gsac/downloads/griffiss-map.pdf

    Trying to remember back almost 30 years, but it looks like the new RFA is where the base hospital was....probably refitted the building. My old dorm was inside the Geiger/Brookley Rd loop. My workplace was where the Defense Financing and Accounting Service is (east building).

    And I wonder if the people at Family Dollar know their building is on Able Row.....where the loaded and fueled B-52's once sat, waiting for the go call to go bomb someone. I think the red ares on top of the runway was WSA (weapons storage area).

    A lotta good memories of my time there....glad they found a way to reuse the base.

    Oh the former base is still used quite a bit to this day. A lot of scientific research goes on. It's a big attraction for technology and defense related jobs I believe. There are still many practice 'runs' from all the C-130s and whatnot. When I was home last week it was fun to watch them circle around the area!

  9. Is the show still at Rome Free Academy??

    It was SO nice to have a drum corps show in town when I was stationed there (RIP, Griffiss AFB).

    Well yes the show is still at the old RFA school. The field was redone back in the late 90s I believe? RFA has their new school built on the former AFB. I used to remember going there all the time as a kid. That's where I was born in fact...back when it was still commissioned! I'm working the Drums Along the Mohawk show again as this is my 3rd year volunteering. I was lucky to perform with the Boston Crusaders both in 06 and 07 on my home turf! I will be playing host to the Blue Knights when they come in this year for the show!

  10. Greetings,

    I would like to extend my service of arranging for any marching bands regarding the battery and/or front ensemble. I know most programs have already been planned out for months and preparation is under way. I realize there are always a few groups that start later or are just interested in the drum line/pep band setting for the fall such as football games etc. If you are looking forward to the winter months, services could also be arranged with details to be discussed. I work on the Mac OS X platform with Sibelius 6.2 and Virtual Drum line 2.5.2

    Thank you for any opportunity you may pass my way!

    Matthew Bauer

  11. Hello fellow DCP members,

    I wanted to simply bring to your attention of a brand new drum corps who is hitting the ground and running hard! We are a new corps from Port Chester, NY and only 7 months old but running strong. We will be out on the street next March or May of 2013! In the very near future the drum line will be performing at DCA weekend in Annapolis come Labor Day weekend! Please take a moment of time and check out our webpage and new promotional video! Thanks for viewing.

    Website

  12. Here is a picture of the Ergo Sonic Marching Bass Drum, very cool I can't wait to see them in action this winter indoor season.

    They are going to have a booth at WGI championship in Dayton, so check them out at the booth.

    I talk to Ken at Ergo Sonic and that the bass drummers that use them said that they feel lighter than normal bass drums, light drums good for the back.

    Plus the bass line can crap walk like everyone else in the line. And play even harder notes, all good.

    Everett_1Web.jpg

    I'm sorry I have to say I very much dislike these drums. They look 'amateur' and the sound of them is nothing like a 'traditional' bass line. As for playing harder or more notes...I don't really see it. If you have disciplined and skilled bass line they can play fine with the 'traditional' drums. The lines I saw using these actually played fewer notes. The tuning was quite close and lacked any true bass sound. I think these are just gimmicky but a shout out to trying to bring back some old school style drums. Great attempt...but back to the drawing board on these!

  13. Greetings drum corps members, fans and prospective marchers!

    I am speaking on behalf of a brand new parade/stand still drum and bugle corps that has formed in Port Chester, NY. I am not here to shamelessly 'plug' the corps, (or am I? haha) but to just simply announce that a new corps has formed with quite the beginning strength. It's not too common you hear of new corps only starting up because of financial downfalls but starting fairly strong as well. There are a few unique aspects to this all age corps that I would like to bring to the public's attention here on DCP.

    First off, as I wrote in the title, to join and become a member it costs you $0! Yes. No hidden fees anywhere. No fees for instruments, no fees for uniforms, no fees for instruction, no fees for traveling (except you traveling to rehearsal). This is one aspect that is UNHEARD OF in ANY CORPS! Now don't get me wrong just because there is not any cost on your end does not mean a sacrifice in the quality of the corps. We are playing on all brand new horns and drums. However there is not a front ensemble and the guard will be growing more once WGI ends.

    Second, this corps gives back to the community. The town of Port Chester has allowed the partnership use of it's former YMCA which is now The Carver Center (a local youth center from early grade school through high school) and in return, a few of our members are working with 4th grade and beyond to create a 'cadet corps'. We are teaching them the basics of drumming, how to play a horn, military discipline and marching skills so hopefully by next summer they will be out on the street with the 'big boys'.

    The brand new corps is called The Saints Brigade.

    Another attractive plus that this corps offers is scholarships! Yes a drum corps that will actually PAY YOU to march. Now there are certain requirements to obtain a scholarship but nothing out of the ordinary. ATTENDANCE is the only thing that affects your standing towards a scholarship. If you are a high schooler looking for a little extra money towards college then this could benefit you if you interested in marching! This may apply to college students as well.

    I'm just simply putting the corps name out there and seeking performers who are in high school and college through the 20s/30s age range. We currently have many high school kids which is fantastic but we are looking for a handful of some more experienced marchers. As in any beginnings of any new corps, the growth may be a little slow but that is fine. Over time WE WILL GROW but will it be with you?

    The battery is planning on attending DCA's in Annapolis, MD this year to perform...we hope you're around to catch us and see what this is all about. We currently have 4 cymbal spots that are open with all brand new Sabian 18" cymbals and gear. Maybe you can strap up with us? :)

    Expect to see some videos and updates from The Saints Brigade in the very near future. Right now you can check out our website at :

    http://www.saintsbrigade.org/

    We hope to see you soon!

    • Like 1
  14. Ok, I really want to say that this is my first public expression of my views on these SPECIFIC corps. Be kind as they may not be as detailed as others or accurate how YOU may see fit.

    Couple of notes:

    The day started off kind of overcast with the possibility of rain. That quickly cleared and led to a beautiful warm/hot day which led to an even better atmosphere for the evening performance as the weather cooled down to a perfect temp.

    I was able to spend a little time checking out the Bluecoats in the morning and Legends' afternoon rehearsal. Both viewings were the first time I have seen either of the corps live.

    For all the the shows, I was viewing them at just slightly above field level. There won't be a large focus on the visual aspect because I cannot fairly comment on them.

    In the order of appearance were:

    Raiders

    Legends

    Pacific Crest

    The Academy

    Troopers

    Bluecoats

    Open Class

    Raiders 73.450

    From the first time I have seen them in Wayne, NJ, this corps has improved tremendously! The juxtapositions of Brubeck and Ticheli were fun to listen to and fairly cohesive enough for the audience to pick up on (granted they know the musical selections...but who doesn't)? The marching was executed fairly well but there were still spacing issues. There seemed to be some ensemble issues as well as individuals but not anything to create any 'tears'. The electronics in the pit were so-so (and I am a supporter of electronics...blah don't hate). Overall I was impressed and Raiders had some great impact moments. I hope the corps doesn't lose any steam going into Indy and they should place somewhere in the middle tier I believe!

    Legends 76.300

    I spent a few hours before the show watching them rehearse. This is quite a little corps with a program that seems quite suitable for them. The battery off the bat seemed to catch my attention. They were playing quite a few notes and I thought at very few times there seemed to be a slight balance problem...maybe it was where I was standing? Their bass line had some nice single splits! This was the only corps I believe to not use any amplification. It worked fine though with out it. For the size of the horn line there was a fairly focused sound and decent balance. Their visual program was within their skill level and had some impact moments. Again I knew some of their musical selections so it was interesting to see how their arrangements worked. I hope this young corps will max it out in Indy because they will do fairly well.

    I am hitting the road in a few hours and I should be able to finish the rest as soon as I am back home...

    • Like 1
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