Spring PREview is over - how about a REview...anybody?

[Puppet]

Hey there, Fran & John!

Thanks for the reviews! I want so much to get up there and be part of that whole thing again. And I'm sure that the Brassmen enjoyed every ounce of appreciation you guys gave them. And what can I say about Joanne, huh John?

Puppet

[MrKlark]

Thanks Fran/John,

Its always good to hear from those 'in the know'

Rich

[the mello guy]

It was great to see you again Fran.Tony,if I knew you and Donna were at the show I would of stayed around a little longer.Sorry I missed you both.

[TennTux]

It was great to see you again Fran. Tony, if I knew you and Donna were at the show I would of stayed around a little longer. Sorry I missed you both.

Billy,

I was hoping Donna and I would have gotten some time to talk to you, Jim Wellinghoff and Frank Simpson too...

We figured we'd get some time at the turkey (and ham) dinner. I wasn't expecting youse guys would have bus problems. Jimmy told me about your 2AM "dinner" stop... sorry you missed a great turkey (and ham) dinner...

Hoping we'll be seeing you in Wildwood at the Elks Parade on June 6th...

(AND the Alumni/CC Family picnic on the 27th! )

[the mello guy]

Tony,I won't be at Wildwood,but I will see you at the alumni picnic.

Billy Di Paolo

[TennTux]

Tony,I won't be at Wildwood,but I will see you at the alumni picnic.

Billy Di Paolo

Sorry we'll not be seeing you and Deb in Wildwood

b u t ...

WooHoo!! On your being able to make it to the Alumni/CC Family Picnic on June 27th!

[GaryD]

The following article appears in the current issue of Drum Corps World. If you are not already a subscriber, you will find DCW a great publications for all things drum corps. www.drumcorpsworld.com. Note that DCW Online appears here on DCP.

Buccaneers' Spring Preview Draws a Full House

by Gary J. Dickelman, DCW Staff

Elverson, PA. May 9, 2009. It is now four years and counting that the Reading Buccaneers have held the DCA World Championship title. It is very clear exactly why this is the case, for as you climb the impressively steep hill to Twin Valley High School, you are greeted by “Dr. Beat,” that obnoxious amplified metronome that endlessly drives the Bucs percussion section. DING-DING-DING-DING…accompanied by rudimental drumming, mallet instruments, cymbals and more. They are relentless in their passion for the craft and their persistence to get it all exactly right. It is a before-sunrise-to-after-sunset rehearsal day for the all-age, competing Buccaneers. All age? They look like kids to this old man, for sure. In fact, as I turned the corner into the parking lot and encountered the athletic builds and scanty attire of these mostly twenty-somethings, it took me a moment to get my bearings. “This is an alumni show?” Perhaps they should be called “other age” corps. No matter. It is all good.

For the entire day there is no silence to be found. “The rim shots and horns made me deaf, you know,” said Quasimodo. Each alumni concert is regarded by the corps with the same competitive spirit that was ever-present back in the day. The difference is that many players are common to more than one alumni corps. It is not unusual to see folks running from one corps rehearsal to another or changing uniforms back stage when performances are, unfortunately, consecutive. I played with three groups this year, but was fortunate because there was at least one other performing group on stage in between my scheduled appearances. Which were my three? I’ll let you guess from among the Buccaneers Alumni, Steel City Ambassadors, Swing House, Reilly Raiders, Yankee Rebels, St. Rita’s Brassmen Alumni and the Skyliners. To conclude the show, a packed auditorium was literally blown away by the ever-phenomenal Buccaneers competing corps.

The Buccaneers Alumni kicked off the Spring Preview. I have mentioned elsewhere that the alumni program has been infused with new energy. From the opening chords of Pachebel’s “Cannon in D” to the “exit” number, “Beyond the Sea,” I was once again profoundly moved. The book also includes “Rainmaker,” “Bellavia,” and “Russian Christmas Music.” Competing Bucs drum major Josh Decker has introduced the new charts, arranged by the amazing Lee Umberger. Together with Rich Hammond and the inimitable Chris Feist, this alumni corps has a kick-### staff. I noticed several younger faces, perhaps retirees from the competing Bucs or other DCA corps. Nice! It is a rare thing that an alumni corps actually has an active competing corps to draw from. For a while it seemed like the stylistic differences between alumni and competing corps were chasms. The plan here is to level the playing field – or, at least, the playing stage and parade routes. To be sure, the likes of soprano soloist Gary Koenig is still delighting us, along with Chuck Runkle, Danny Fitzpatrick, and Randy Mutter. This Buccaneer alumni corps is talented, musical and determined to express that “new life” I referred to earlier. Why, the alumni corps even have a theme, like the competing corps: “Four Decades of the Balance & Blue.” Each tune was played at one time or another by the eight time World Champion corps. The Buccaneers are not just an organization, they are an institution. And we are looking forward to great things as the alumni corps bar rises. Buccaneers Alumni? Nope. "Buccaneers Light" is what we witnessed. Nice!

While the Yankee Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps no longer competes and is exclusively an alumni unit, the bar has clearly been raised in Baltimore. This is a medium-sized corps with a good handful of former Rebs from the glory years, but also includes sons, daughters, spouses and other extended family members, with some who never marched in the competing corps at all. Regardless, this wonderful group has worked hard to earn accolades of late. “This is, by far, the BEST Yankee Rebels I’ve heard in years,” said several fans. It has been over twenty years since George Bull reassembled the corps for one parade (HA!) and fielded over one hundred and fifty members, including 75 horns and 16 snares. But the corps hasn’t fizzled. It is perhaps a bit smaller, but it has grown in quality of musicianship, in musical complexity and in stage presence. First Truman Crawford led the way, then Larry Kerchner moved things further forward. No wonder this corps is so good! Director Phil Gentile handed Larry the musical reigns some years back, following the sorrowful loss of Tru Crawford. Kerchner honored and expanded on the legacy. The book now includes a dusted-off and augmented version of the Crawford classic “Requiem for an Era,” which is part of a Southern extravaganza. “Are You From Dixie?”, “Bound for the Promised Land / Shenandoah,” “South,” “Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?”, “Lazy River,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “Rebel Rouser,” “There Was a Time,” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” comprise the most entertaining show in alumni drum corps today, which is arranged exclusively by Kerchner. The Rebels are balanced, musical, pleasant to listen to, and professional. The immortal John Flowers commands the drums like only John Flowers can.

To experience the Rebels, consider “South,” as you imagine a humid night somewhere in Alabama or Georgia, milling around with friends in your cottons, sipping mint julep or sweet iced tea, on an expansive portico. You hear the Southern heartbeat that is the tuba, playing perfect fourths behind “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby…” and in time with a simple snare, cymbal and bass drum. Suddenly four players come forward: A father and daughter and a husband and wife. They play the most delightful quartet you’ve ever heard, one that makes you smile inside and want to sway. That’s Bill Rasmussen, his daughter Kay, Bob Ellis and wife Robbie. Crawford had the kernel of the idea back in the 1970s, and the genius of Kerchner produced the contemporary arrangement. Magnificent! Kudos to all the featured players in addition to those mentioned above who play in “South” - Ralph Hamilton, Jr., Ricardo Gabriel, Ray Eyler, and Eddie Lynd; and to the insight of Director Phil Gentile for providing Kerchner and Flowers the autonomy to create a show-of-shows. Wonderful!

The Skyliners were loud and fun, again. I was on stage with them briefly as they set up and I was breaking down. They had me in stitches. Yes, they invented loud. “Broadway,” “Slaughter,” “Miserlou,” “Elks Parade,” and “Little Ol’ New York” are all there as part of the Skyliner sound. At any moment you will find either Johnny “Grass” or Johnny and a few other soloists, or a small ensemble of something or other, blowing their brains out to honor the legacy, or perhaps to hear themselves over the massive drum line. That’s just my guess. It is as if you are on the field with them circa 1966 – only you are instead within a rather confined space, witnessing acoustic tiles raining from the walls and ceiling, with small children weeping as they hold their ears and…JUST KIDDING. They even have happy cymbal and contra bass players, who shimmy, sway and cajole, obviously enjoying the shtick. Go figure. Bill Moore, Joe Jacobs, “Jomba” O’Connor, Bobby Steinhilber, Frank Rogers, George Petrunchio, Carl Ruocco and Ray Priester have joined forces to produce one heluva Skyliner organization. Do you wanna be in drum corps? I mean, REAL drum corps? Join “Sky.” It would be the most fun thing you ever did.

Then came Swing House, and down came the house. Magnificent! Breathtaking! Wicked-cool! The wall of sound that is the opening chord of the Kerchner original “Bloogle Blues” is followed quickly by Curt Hawkins’ wailing soprano. The back beat of this 12 bar blues is provided by the legendary John Rozum and a couple of tubas, one of which is 15 year old Kay Rasmussen. Kay belted out a tuba solo later on in “Birdland” that defies the fingers and diaphragm. But back to “Bloogle,” where George Headley, Jaimee Hawkins, Bob Gaff and stand-in Duke Terreri (Joe Silverstein was out of town) follow Curt in successively imaginative improvisation as the 12 bars ensue. Before you know it, the wall of sound returns and Curt is wailing away again. They make you wanna dance. They take your breath away. They make you smile. That’s what Swing House does for you. This eclectic collection of alumni drum corps folks, freelance musicians, high school and college students, playing every kind of brass instrument that is produced (except, perhaps, the Helicon), can really SWING, thanks to Larry Kerchner’s vision, talent and boundless enthusiasm. Signature tune and Kerchner original "House of Swing" begins with solo tubas in a minor key and expands to just the right backdrop for George Headley’s smooooth jazz solo. What is so unique about Swing House? The sound. Kerchner’s compositions set the bar VERY high and at the standard of the best big bands in the genre. Percussion is featured via John Rozum’s astounding “Birdland” drum break. For a few minutes you are taken on a journey of intricate technique, awesome skill and artistic flair. John entertains and instructs. He is the gold standard, evidenced by the hoards of drummers who move ever so close to him to figure out what he’s doing. Extraordinary!

I’ve mentioned loud and smooth; then comes soft and emotional. “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life” is perhaps the most beautiful ballad ever written. The controlled dynamics behind Curt Hawkins’ solo work is moving, in a profound way. And what about the classic, “Fever?” Mellophone and soprano trills, tuba counterpoint, and solid baritone/trombone melody underscore the genius of Kerchner’s arrangement and the perseverance of this group. Director Bill Rasmussen has assembled a wonderfully entertaining organization that is just now six months old and very, very good. But we all know Kerchner: The goal is excellent and outstanding. That will come. In the meantime, Swing House is knocking their socks off. Keep up the very, very, very good work … and keep improving!

The Reilly Raiders had a big sound, many members and, of course, Bill Pusey – with green bow tie – conducting. I love Reilly’s color guard, gently swaying and adding flag and rifle work that is reminiscent of days on the field. This is a big guard that is proud of its entertaining choreography. The Irish themes warm the heart, and the occasional wall of brass and percussion reminds us of drum corps times past. Those were the Reilly Raiders who “hopped, skipped and jumped around the field.” This is the corps’ 15th year as an alumni unit. Through this period it has gained national and world recognition and is now sought after for all sorts of engagements, including patriotic parades in Washington, DC. This evening we were delighted with the corps’ 2009 show, which includes “I Can See for Miles,” “Savilla,” “Danny Boy,” “Stardust,” “Nights in White Satin,” and a patriotic medley. Reilly truly has a loyal following. They know how to entertain an audience with recognizable tunes. In my opinion, this is the true mark of a successful alumni corps. Keep up the great work.

Steele City Ambassadors was a big corps with a big sound this night. The 2009 repertoire includes “Danny Boy,” the Casper Troopers’ “Black Saddles,” “Land of Make Believe,” “The Children of Sanchez,” “Let It Be Me,” “All Night Long,” and “National Emblem Swing.” Bob Menear and Randy Kratofil continue to do a superb job with the book of music, and aptly supported by Brian Coiner’s percussion. This year Steel City has achieved a new level of excellence with rich, bottom brass (LOTS of contra basses / tubas), smooth and complete mid-voices and, of course, those upper voices that can really wail! The audience especially like the opener, which was a lone soprano on stage with the curtain closed behind him. It was a signature drum corps solo that takes you back to the day, perhaps to Symphony or Carnegie Hall, where “An Evening With the Corps” included such features. At the conclusion of the solo, the curtain opens and there is the huge, majestic Steel City Ambassadors. Brilliant.

The Brassmen Alumni of Brooklyn continues to amaze its fans with precision, richness and volume emanating from a rather small number of player. They show versatility, excellence and generate excitement. As we know, many alumni corps rehearse only occasionally and members have only marginal command of the music. But that is not the case for the Brassmen. Each member is exceedingly strong. They know their parts, they know the dynamics, they play in tune and they carry their weight – each and every member. That is remarkable. Like last year, I was offstage, left, experiencing the performance – and enjoying every moment of it. Their precision and power are delightful and entertaining. I have noted the Brassmen’s history, especially in the early 1970s, until they folded following the 1973 competing season. This corps was clearly on the rise during that period. The powerhouses of the day included Garfield, Blue Rock, Blessed Sacrament, Bridgemen, Muchachos and more. At one time or another, St. Ritas Brassmen found its way to the number one spot against such competition. That is, indeed, remarkable. So when I listen to the Brassmen now, I get the impression that they are here to drive an historic stake in the ground: We were there, and we did good! Yes, you did. And your performances today underscore that legacy. Very nice work. Keep it up! And to the Brassmen member who was still in his uniform pants at the corner convenience store after the show, and with whom I had a chat, great talking with you. I am glad I had the chance to congratulate you in person.

What can you say about the closing exhibition by the amazing Buccaneers all-age competing corps? As in past years, they rehearsed relentlessly throughout the day. Being the closing act was clearly incidental to their agenda. The corps is preparing for another winning season. “Is that the Blue Devils?” – asked a few understandably confused attendees. Personally, I see no difference between this Buccaneer corps and the top four DCI corps. It has come to that. “Demons and Angels” is the name of the 2009 program. Yes, they have both. The program will open with “Dies Irae” from Giuseppe Verdi’s epic Requiem. It is a viscerally powerful opener with precise, in-your-face brass and remarkable percussion moments. Even at this time of year, the corps shows a pension for musical nuance, which is the mark of a contemporary champion - although it is not so subtle in this piece. I understand that this is an encore presentation of “Dies Irae,” performed previously by the Bucs in 1973 and 1974.

The show continues with “Ritual Fire Dance,” from the ballet, El Amor, Brujo. There have been many drum corps versions of this tune, from Garfield in the early 1960s to Anaheim Kingsmen in the early DCI days (and more after that). This is, by far, the best arrangement and performance I have heard. Delightful. The piece simply moves horizontally and frenetically, providing more than amply opportunity for the percussion section to shine. This drum line as technically precise as it is visually satisfying. The line is a show unto itself, and “Ritual Fire Dance” provides an outstanding vehicle. But contrast comes quickly with a Leonard Bernstein feature, “A Simple Song,” from his Mass. This is the tune for the horn line to show off subtle nuance, no? Finally, the show closes with “Symphonia Resurrectus” by David R. Holsinger, who also composed some of the Bucs music from recent winning seasons. According to Program Coordinator Rich Hammond, “There will be something for every drum corps fan in this great piece: speed, volume, color, intensity, movement and lots of great layering of different voices.” What better way to conclude a field show? - and what better way to end the Spring Preview. Marvelous, Buccaneers. We can’t wait to see you in competition again this year.

Indeed, Spring is here. Brass and percussion are in the air. The pounding and clanging of “Dr. Beat” has returned. We look forward to another wonderful drum corps season, and thank the entire Buccaneer organization for helping to usher it in.

[Fran Haring]

Great job as usual, Gary!!!!!

Fran

[GaryD]

Likewise, Fran!

Gary

Great job as usual, Gary!!!!!

Fran

[steelsop]

Thanks Gary for the great review you gave us. the turkey dinner is the greatest, and the show is a class act. Thanks for having us. BTW, the lone solo guy at the beginning of the show is my soninlaw John "rabbitt" gilliland, so i really appreciated the compliments. It was great having Curt Hawkins and Danny Mcgrogan back in the fold for one more show. This olde farte really enjoyed playing and watching the corps i was able to see.