John M. Johnson

Let's do this. Sun Devils Drum and Bugle Corps! We are the ONLY competitive all-age corps in the ENTIRE state of Florida. That's right. THE ONLY ONE! Plus, we have super low dues! I met some people on the fence at a guard show today. The time is now. Sure, you can join next year, but you won't be a charter member. You will miss out on hundreds of 'firsts'. There is something special about living history. We can always use more folks in each and every section of the corps. I am noticing that more and more folks are piping on the Sun Devils threads. You live in Florida. Come to a rehearsal and see. Don't let something like a little bit of inclement weather be a hinderance. After all, this is DRUM CORPS. GO SUN DEVILS

WHOOO HOOO!!! Congrats! See you at retreat!

Don't talk about it. Just do it. GO SUN DEVILS! P.S. Thank you to everyone for their kind words during this time of mourning. It meant a lot to me. Thank you.

To all my drum corps brothers and sisters, Today there was a campus shooting at my Alma Mater, Northern Illinois University. My little sister was in the classroom where the gunman shot and killed 5 students. I ask that we, as a community, pray for the victims, their families, and the survivors. Thank you.

I can see that pic is going to get some mileage. I am pretty good with photoshop Keith and Tammy. Just a small FYI GO SUN DEVILS!

That is NOT me! That is my stunt double standing for me at the NIU homecoming pre-game show. I swear it's not me...

I lost that pic Keith... and you don't have one either. GO SUN DEVILS

I have been quiet on the boards for a couple of weeks. No reason really. Anywho, come check out the Sun Devils this weekend! The Brass and guard will be in Sarasota, while the percussion will be in Daytona. One big remote camp across two Florida schools. For more information check out the NEWLY REDESIGNED Sun Devils webpage at: http://www.sundevilscorps.org GO SUN DEVILS

Got my room booked for the weekend! Maybe I will post some video from the camp weekend Register at http://www.sundevilscorps.org. Let us know that you are coming out! GO SUN DEVILS

Alan, is this what you had in mind?

S.K.O.B Siesta Key Oyster Bar http://www.skob.com 10 minutes from the school, good food, on the water, good live music. I love this corps. Every rehearsal is like going out for a mini vacation!... You can too! join at: http://www.sundevilscorps.org GO SUN DEVILS

Camp# 1 Jan 26 - 11:00am - 8:00pm Jan 27 - 10:00am - 4:00pm Official Weather Report for The Sun Devils Camp#1 Saturday Jan 26 Partly Cloudy 75°/59° Sunday Jan 27 Partly Cloudy 76°/60° http://www.sundevilscorps.org GO SUN DEVILS

FYI - The percussion parts have been moved to the MEMBERS ONLY section. If you still want to see them, then JOIN THE SUN DEVILS! Camp# 1 Jan 26 - 11:00am - 8:00pm Jan 27 - 10:00am - 4:00pm http://www.sundevilscorps.org GO SUN DEVILS

The Sun Devils Drum and Bugle Corps ALL AGE - ALL GOOD - ALL NEW Register on http://www.sundevilscorps.org. You don't want to miss out on becoming a CHARTER MEMBER! GO SUN DEVILS

And if you missed the Open House, come check us out! Like Pokey just barked, the schedule has been posted. I still am thinking about that first Sun Devils downbeat...ever GO SUN DEVILS

Sheesh - I am feeling really good about this! It has been a VERY long time since I felt this accomplished after a rehearsal. It was fun! I Am Sun Devil GO SUN DEVILS

Thanks! ... But Alan wrote the report. I almost lost my mind when I read it. 2 weeks seems so far away!!! GO SUN DEVILS

Sun Devils Open House Report "A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step." Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher As Dr. Frankenstein would say, "It's alliive!" Sunday, January 13th, 2008 at the Sarasota Military Academy the Sun Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, once the dream of a few, became a reality shared by many. The day was filled with many historic firsts, including a quiet buzz when the assembled members were addressed as Sun Devils for the first time. The day began with a short welcome from executive director John Hoekstra, followed by the introduction of the instructional staff. More on them later... The corps then immediately split up into sections to get further acquainted with their respective caption heads and techs and begin the process of defining the style, sound and look that will be uniquely Sun Devils.While the brass warmed up and then split into sections to begin tackling the complete horn books they received, the guard moved outside where they worked on movement as well as flag, rifle and saber technique. The drumline spent much of the day working basic exercises and shuffling positions to find the best mix before splitting up into sections. Later they learned the introduction to the first movement of our show, The Last Samurai. Throughout the day it became apparent that the high degree of familiarity between the sizable staff was enabling the corps to jump right in and make remarkable progress for the first ever rehearsal. Every caption had an effective team of staff members in front of them, with a clear understanding of each others techniques and methods. Under the guidance of Program Coordinator and brass arranger Mark Cole, the rehearsal moved along like clockwork. As a result, ninety minutes into rehearsal, the entire brass line was able to run the first movement from top to bottom. After a short interlude during which the visual staff took the hornline through an overview of the marching technique the corps will be employing, the brass reconvened inside and were able to run the entire second movement, with several goose bump moments along the way. To round out the day, the corps gathered for a half hour ensemble rehearsal where the percussion and brass were able to run the intro to the first movement together. The most commonly heard comment from both members and staff was a desire to continue rehearsing because the corps was in a groove and rocking through the show. If you're on the fence, now's the time to get off. Come sweat, miss your family, spend time and money(not much, dues are low!) you don't have...all while growing as a person and a performer, making the best friends you'll ever have, performing in front of thousands of people and generally having the time of your life. The Sun Devils have hit the ground running and there's no looking back. Downbeat of the next camp is at 11 AM, Saturday, January 26th. Be there! Sun Devils awake Eyes open, a new heart beats The birth of a corps

PICS are now posted on our website: http://www.sundevilscorps.org Here are just a few examples: Go see the rest on the site! GO SUN DEVILS

I have to say that I was VERY happy with our FIRST OPEN HOUSE! I took over 300 pics yesterday, many of which I will post sometime day. I still have to do my job today :-) Anywho, it looks like we are off to a great start. The hornline has the ENTIRE muscial book in their hands. The drumline is close behind with their book. I need a day or so to gather my notes and whatnot for my official camp report. But know this... The SUN DEVILS are a GO I look forward to camp in 2 weeks. GO SUN DEVILS

Nothing like DCP reports from the bar on the ole iPhone.

Alan and I found the new corps hangout! Siesta Key oyster bar! 10 minutes from the rehearsal site. I am in the back right now writing this report. I just had to share. I cannot wait for the open house!

1 DAY LEFT!!! I already have some pre-Open House pics taken. I will be posting them on the site tonight. Tomorrow looks like it is going to be a GREAT time! Come check us out! GO SUN DEVILS

I almost ran out of time...2 DAYS LEFT!!! Register on http://www.sundevilscorps.org First Open House EVER SUNDAY Jan 13, 2008 from 1:00pm-5:00pm Let's do this! We will compete THIS YEAR at DCA!!! GO SUN DEVILS!

Alan and I are planning on coming down Saturday. What are we going to do that night??? Perhaps us old Heat Wave people should rehash the...WING HOUSE or some new local Sarasota cuisine. I cannot wait for DCA in 2008 Yeah, now I rap But don't ask me to do it Open House, which by the way is Sunday at the Sarasota Military Academy. The time? I am so glad you asked! It starts at 1:00pm and goes till 5:00pm What should you bring? Really, you don't know? Okay, I will tell you: Bring a mouthpiece, sticks, guard gear, a smile, and a couple dozen of your friends REGISTER: http://www.sundevilscorps.org GO SUN DEVILS!