Off the Line
Syracuse Brigadiers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps February 2009
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Welcome to the 2009 season of the Syracuse Brigadiers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps. I am extremely honored to have been selected to return as Corps Director for the approaching season. I will again utilize this “Off the Line” (Created by Brian Fulmer 2005) newsletter format as one medium to communicate with corps members. Reggie Smith is returning as our Business Manager in 2009. He is looking for different performance venues and for some ‘fun’ things for the corps to do this season.
The Drum Corps Committee (Jim Manning-Chairman, Lou Bilello-Secretary, Deb O’Neill-Treasurer and Tom VanEtten) has been working hard in the planning process to achieve a successful 2009 season. There have been numerous Drum Corps Committee meetings since the 2009 committee took office on October 1, 2008. Regrettably, Mia Wormworth resigned her position on the drum corps committee. This is a huge loss for the drum corps, since her counsel was invaluable to the committee. We thank her for her substantial contributions to the Brigadiers Alumni and wish her the very best.
As such and in accordance with our bylaws, it will be necessary to fill this vacant position on the drum corps committee. Therefore, we will conduct a special election at our next rehearsal on March 8, 2009. If you have a desire to serve on the drum corps committee, please contact Lou Bilello-Secretary and inform him of your interest. He can be reached at 380-8480 or e-mail him at dbilello@windstream.net.
We will be performing at the St. Patrick’s Day parade with the Brigadiers on March 14th, 2009. They are excited to be doing this again with the Alumni. There will be a rehearsal for this event at the Kirkville Fire Department on Friday, March 13th. More information will follow as soon as I get it. To keep things simple, the Brigadiers have chosen to do Black Saddle again. Yes, it’s not Irish, but it’s for the sake of the performance.
Syracuse Brigadiers Alumni and Brigadiers Drum & Bugle Corps together at Veterans’ Day Parade
Brass:
We are thrilled to have Dave Martin and Harold McJury back this year to instruct the horn line. They did an incredible job last year and they are looking forward to enhancing the quality of the corps this year. To that end, there will be a devotion to more sectional time at rehearsals to break down parts and help everyone maximize his/her performance level. We want to have the most efficient use of the limited time available at rehearsals.
Guard:
Judy Bacon has consented to continue as the guard instructor in 2009. We are delighted that she is on the staff again. This year, she will be teaching the corps some basic marching skills so that we all perform with the same precision.
Percussion:
We are very pleased to announce that Dave Mitchell will be the percussion instructor in 2009. He currently resides in Rome, New York and is looking forward to becoming a member of the staff. His drum corps experience goes way back. He marched with the local corps in Rome and then became a member of the Yankee Cadets. At the age of fifteen, he became a member of the Syracuse Brigadiers. After the Brigadiers became inactive after 1973, he travelled down the road and performed with the Auburn Purple Lancers. Following the Purple Lancers, he began to teach and write for several corps and marching bands in the area.
Our everlasting thanks go to Joe Wormworth for his dedication to the Syracuse Brigadiers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps and drum corps in general. We are very grateful for his contributions as percussion instructor of the Brigadiers Alumni. He deserves continued praise for all of his efforts and accomplishments and most do not know the work he has put into this organization to make sure it survives and excels. He has been forever an innovator in this activity. Many of you probably remember those “huge” tuned drums he put on the field back in 1968. Personally, he has been my mentor since I met him 45+ years ago and has forged my dedication to the Tradition of Excellence that is synonymous with the Brigadiers. Thanks again Wormy!
We are looking to start the year off strong, so your attendance is very important to our success. At this inaugural rehearsal of 2009, all corps members that attend this Sunday will be given a ‘gift’ to welcome you to the 2009 season.
Since our first performance of the year will occur in a little over three weeks, we will rehearse Black Saddle. You must be prepared, so practice this tune. We should only have to “dust it off” at rehearsal, so we don’t want to waste time learning notes. You should also work on tunes that we have played in the past-the Anthems, Grand Old Flag, the long version of Black Saddle, etc. We want to bring some old music back that members have asked to play again. Below is a listing of the music being considered for the 2009 program. As always, it will be the corps members’ commitment to learning, practicing, and playing that will determine the book that we can perform.
| Composition |
Arranger |
| Ø Star Spangled Banner |
Ø Steve Moro |
We will also have a Corps Jacket and other apparel that are under consideration for you to look at this Sunday.
Rehearsal plan- Please arrive at rehearsal early to pick up your member packet. To update and to ensure accuracy, all members will have to fill out new applications, medical releases, and equipment receipts. You must return these forms before you leave. If you have a shako with a number, kindly bring the number (not the shako) with you for us to record. A short meeting with all corps members will be held before we begin.
Expectations- All performing members will be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. We understand that there are times that a situation may arise where you may have to miss, but we expect these to be far and few between. Your commitment means our success.
Practice at home- You must practice at home to achieve better playing capabilities. We know, depending on your residential circumstances, it may be difficult practicing a horn at home. I know of at least one brass player who practices into a pillow. Where there is a will, there is a way. For those who can afford it, there is a terrific tool that you can purchase for practice purposes. It’s called a Silent Brass System. It consists of a mute for the horn, an amplifier and earphones. It’s great! I have one to use for Trumpet and for the Mellophone and French Horn. If you’re interested, search Yamaha Silent Brass System on the internet for further information and prices. I will bring some info with me on Sunday for anyone interested that does not have internet capability.
After rehearsals- We are in the process of negotiations with a nearby restaurant to provide drink and food specials following rehearsals for members of the Brigadiers Alumni. We believe that it would be terrific to have corps members gather together for relaxation and camaraderie. I’ll keep you posted.
We are looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday.
Yours in drum corps,