gottalovit Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 This may sound like an odd question, but I remember when Impulse first started out, they were almost considered a spin off of Velvet Knights. I seem to recall hearing that alot of former VK alumni were involved with the corps at first. Then, last year VK came back. I am really glad to see them back on the field. But I was wondering, since they have so many similarities, is this causing any friction between the 2 corps. I mean, I think recruiting for either corps may be made difficult being they are both in California, and if I am not mistaken just a few hours away from each other. So it almost seems like the kids would be split between the 2 corps. I have loved both corps over the years, and I guess I am also wondering out loud if there would be a possibility of these 2 corps becoming one unit. I know it probably isn't an option, but just thought if you combined the memberships of these 2 great smaller units, you could probably have one very good sized, DI potential corps. I for one would love to see a corps performing to the level of VK 92 again. That was in my top 10 shows of all time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acecannon Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 nope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84BDsop Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 nope. Aren't the Zilinger brothers still involved....one with VK and one with Impulse?? That's GOTTA be worth some rivalry right there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrunchyTenor Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 Aren't the Zilinger brothers still involved....one with VK and one with Impulse??That's GOTTA be worth some rivalry right there! No. Dan was the director for VK for their inaugural season. He only ever intended to serve for one season to help get them up and running. Last I heard, Ron was not involved with Impulse this year. Garry in Vegas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvsPAisTe Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 VK's image was tied to the surf/skate culture that thrived in Orange County. However you spin it, VK now living in Pasadena seems just wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosski47 Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 VK's image was tied to the surf/skate culture that thrived in Orange County. However you spin it, VK now living in Pasadena seems just wrong. why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzeilinger Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 This may sound like an odd question, but I remember when Impulse first started out, they were almost considered a spin off of Velvet Knights. I seem to recall hearing that alot of former VK alumni were involved with the corps at first. Then, last year VK came back. I am really glad to see them back on the field. But I was wondering, since they have so many similarities, is this causing any friction between the 2 corps. I mean, I think recruiting for either corps may be made difficult being they are both in California, and if I am not mistaken just a few hours away from each other. So it almost seems like the kids would be split between the 2 corps. I have loved both corps over the years, and I guess I am also wondering out loud if there would be a possibility of these 2 corps becoming one unit. I know it probably isn't an option, but just thought if you combined the memberships of these 2 great smaller units, you could probably have one very good sized, DI potential corps. I for one would love to see a corps performing to the level of VK 92 again. That was in my top 10 shows of all time. There is no rivalry... Many of the people who started Impulse are "original" Velvet Knights alumni (about 90% of them). The Velvet Knights name was still active at the time of Impulse's conception or it would have been the "new" Velvet Knights like this corps is the "new" Velvet Knights...not a return of the old or Previous organization, that still owes the IRS mucho dinero from the 90's. In fact Charlie Groh, a former member of the Anaheim Scouts, Charter Member of the original Velvet Knights and a founding and current board member of Impulse Youth Arts was the person who named Impulse! ...and also helps out with the New VK. The new VK seized an opportunity to secure the name and start a new Velvet knights Drum & Bugle Corps in a new county (LA), in a new city (Pasadena), with a new charter (VKYAO, not Velvet Knights Inc), with a new Board of Directors. Now they are being welcomed for their energy and crowd pleasing shows, very much like the original VK they emulate....more power to them! Does this create a Rivalry? Not any more than any other corps that have former Impulse board, staff or member alumni involved. When Impulse was created back in 1998, it was decided that the organization would carry the torch, and the spirit of the Bayonne Bridgemen and the Velvet Knights from Anaheim. This was manifest in the uniform..hence the yellow and black color scheme with the corps logo on the coat similar to the Bayonne Bridgemen and the Baseball cap from the Velvet Knights. Impulse's founders did not want to use Chuck Taylor basketball shoes, that was treading on sensitive ice. They decided to go the way of the Bridgemen and wear black formal shoes and focus on being building a reputation for excellent marching. The other major part of the mission was to "proliferate the growth of drum corps in the region". Since 1998 it could be argued, Impulse has done that. The founding staff and management of the "New" VK were "mostly all" former Impulse staff and alumni. This may be perceived as a rivalry to those who don't know the histories and affiliations of the corps in Southern California. But that is where the rivalry begins and ends. The two corps are not fighting or competing to see who is the superior funny corps. They are just competing. Over the years, Impulse has continued to develop their brand of drum corps show design and has moved away from closely resembling borrowed elements and attitudes from the "former" Velvet Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. Some would say they are no longer embracing their roots. Lets just say the Impulse tree, though it shares roots from another tree, is growing it's own way and that no two trees are alike. The focus of Impulse as a drum corps has been less about design and always about the training the members receive. The focus being...to become the best performers they can, and to continue their love of the activity as educators. Now 10 years later, Impulse has witnessed at least a dozen of their alumni become public and private music educators. Bunches more alumni work as techs and creative staff for the local high school bands. In Southern California there are several corps that have had a helping hand by getting started within Impulse Youth Arts Organization.....The former San Diego Alliance, So Cal Dream started in IYAO, Mystikal started in IYAO, the New VK was founded by former board members and founding staff members from Impulse's early years. Other corps in the area like Hawthorn Gold, Incognito have or had staff members that were Impulse alumni as well. This is normal in any industry as individuals join and quit and start new business in the same market. Will the two (Impulse and the new VK or anyone else for that matter) merge? Not likely...Impulse's board made the decision many moons ago they will not merge with anyone so as to preserve the Impulse Brand. Why would they? Each corps enjoys their own uniqueness and more importantly, more corps means more drum corps opportunities for kids and staff. Fewer corps means fewer people involved in the activity. The audience member is certainly important when it comes to existing as a drum corps, but nothing is more important that serving the community in a positive manner. So let's celebrate the growth of Drum Corps. Lets enjoy the benefit of having enough local corps in So Cal to bring to the public a show with 8+ corps in it without having to depend on the "Headliners" from out of town to provide the audience with a great night! (though we love to have the out of towner's any time they like to visit) When I served as announcer (in place of Ryan H Turner, the voice of Southern California who was on a business trip) at the Impulse Show on July 13 this summer, I enjoyed seeing Impulse alumni involved with every single corps (minus the SF Renegades) participating that night. It was a very satisfying feeling that the Impulse founders vision of drum corps proliferation was realized. Not a Rivalry...a Celebration! Those are my two cents on this....from the horse's mouth. Best regards to all, Ron Z Velvet Knights Lead Baritone & Soloist 1980-1985, staff & volunteer 87,89,90,97 (logo designer) Anaheim Kingsmen M&M staff 86,89 Arizona Musketeers drill designer 87 (or was it 86?) Pacific Crest M&M staff 95 (1st half of winter season & logo designer) West Coast Sound assorted task volunteer 87, Assistant Corps Director 98 (logo designer) Impulse co-founder, vp board of directors, show programmer, drill designer etc, etc, etc 1998-2007 (logo and uniform designer) Kingsmen Alumni Corps Lead Baritone 2006-2007 Freelancer Alumni Corps Lead Baritone 2008 - presently active Supporter of the drum corps activity in Southern California and high school Drill Designer since 1985 Fruhauf Uniform Sales Rep California region Internet and Fleet sales Toyota of Whittier, Whittier CA Had enough? yeah..me too! Good night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzeilinger Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 Aren't the Zilinger brothers still involved....one with VK and one with Impulse??That's GOTTA be worth some rivalry right there! SAM SAM SAM....I love ya bro....but come on! For all you readers out there, here it is from one of the two horses.....mouths. "The Zeilingers" as a component of rivalry between Impulse and the new VK... this couldn't be more irrelevant to the topic. Here's why..... Neither of us hold any position in any drum corps as of today. And for Dan..he is done forever. (as he communicated to me) Dan Zeilinger was member/soprano soloist with the VK from 1971-1974, he was also a founding board member, head horn instructor, brass arranger and co-show programmer of Impulse and is also solely responsible for getting me involved. His desire to leave Impulse had nothing to do with starting a new VK, that was just a coincidental opportunity. As far as I know, he was approached by the new VK people and decided he wanted to be a part of this new VK's creation. He had been involved with the original VK twice in their history when they were starting all over and I can see where he wanted to be there for this too. With his numerous years as a touring musician and Impulse's Tour Director, he was the best person for the job to show them the ropes. He did, he retired from drum corps and that is that. He is enjoying being a grandfather and the assistant Band director at Canyon HS in Anaheim last we communicated. I still volunteer my time with IMPULSE! in an unofficial capacity, with absolutely no title or position. I consult the organization when asked, run errands and whatever else they need. Neither of us "owned" (not that owning was implied, I just chose to say that) either corps. We volunteered our emotions, time and finances with (Dan volunteered his family). We were volunteers just trying to make drum corps available to the kids in So Cal and have some fun doing it. OK SAM??? (Rabble Rouser) Best Regards to all, Ron Z Drum corps volunteer And...Follow your IMPULSE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gottalovit Posted August 3, 2008 Author Share Posted August 3, 2008 Thanks Ron for your insightful answers. I really appreciate the time it took for you to respond with all the details. I actually learned alot about Impulse that I wasn't aware of. I have enjoyed both corps alot over the years. I wish them both much success in the future as well. I would love to see both corps in the World Class division one of these days. I am really excited going into finals week, with such wonderful corps like these 2, and the many others that perform in Open Class. The audiences at quarterfinals are in for a huge treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonHill Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 VK's image was tied to the surf/skate culture that thrived in Orange County. However you spin it, VK now living in Pasadena seems just wrong. Have you ever been to either Anaheim or Pasadena? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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