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Well this week has been quite the interesting one... had a meeting with the Red Barn Alumni Association Tuesday, which wasn't all that music, nor about entertainment, but figures in as when discussion came up about an event the next night, I was reminded of the Drum and Bugle Corps contest the next night and that I was going to be there or I would get beat like a drum head... soooo okee, Wednesday was all about the Drums and Bugles.
For the uninitiated, Drum and Bugle corps resembles Marching Band of our High School and College years, the difference being that while the percussion remain the same (snares, tenors/toms/multis, bass drums, and sideline pit percussion), there are no woodwinds on the field and the brass are all valved brass instruments (trombones are replaced by marching baritones, and marching euphoniums are used instead of traditional baritones or euphoniums... all, except for the tuba are held out in front similar to a trumpet. The tubas are not the traditional marching "wraparound" style known as the Sousaphone for their inventor, but are designed similarly to concert tubas and carried on the member's shoulder so that the bell which would normally face up, faces forward and can be quite cumbersome and heavy after a period of marching, including when not marching when they are carried vertically in front of said member). An interesting note, for those who envisioned a boy scout style "bugle", they would not be far from the original idea and design. Just over time and in the interest of both musicality and indeed cost, the bugles first had valves added, one at a time over the years (to account for the musicality in the number of notes that can be physically played) but the instruments were pitched in G. WIth the advent of the 3 valved horns, the governing body eventually relented and allowed for instruments pitched in the much more common keys of Bb and F for the mellophones (marching version of a french horn) so that groups could save money by not having to buy custom horns, and manufacturers could reduce costs by not having to put as much effort into a separate line. There are some subtle differences in design for say a trumpet versus a soprano bugle, but as the line blurs further, the distinctive design of the soprano bugle also fades.
Performances are far more over the top than traditional band performances and definitely dissimilar in theme to movies such as "Drumline" although the competitive nature can and sometimes is far more intense than even that movie portrayed. Everything from Rock and Pop to Classical to Jazz are utilized with varying degrees of difficulty. For instance, one group, the Cavaliers from Rosemont, Illinois did an interpretation of Billy Joel's "And So It Goes" that was phenomenal, in that instead of it being a direct interpretation of the song one would hear on the radio, a classical reworking was employed with grander lines, and development of themes already in the song. Billy Joel would indeed be proud of the music and effort put forth and of course, due to the DMCA and already existing licensing restrictions, he or at least the lawyers who oversee his writings are fully aware of the effort.
Another ensemble, the Phantom Regiment from Love's Park, Illinois performed a conceptual show they entitled "Air" that incorporated many themes and pieces from past year culminating in a very interesting reinterpretation the Finale from Igor Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite". It was a very intense show, with less "fun" per se than the Cavalier's show, but just as satisfying. The win should've been between these two ensembles as their effort was impeccable, the music was tight for 120 total people on the field (that also includes Color Guard/Flag Corps of course, so the number of brass and percussion vary from with a number lower than 120 (in the 2008 season, the total number of performers will increase to 150 members). And of course there's choreography to support the musical efforts. Horn flashes, constant movement and all the pomp and circumstance one would expect from such a show and effort put forth from such a group.
And the kicker of this event? All members performing at this event are listed as being in "Junior Corps", meaning they are all 21 or younger (usually High School or College age, but in the past many have had members as young as 9 or 10). On a funny note, the junior corps are far more competitive than their senior counterparts, who are actually open to any age, again, usually from High School age and up, but senior corps are most often referred to as "weekend warriors", out to have fun more than compete. The junior groups usually begin their camps (weekend rehearsal sessions) as early as November and will rehearse numerous weekends to the begin of the competition season in the middle part of June. The season continues with almost nightly performances culminating in the week that is Drum Corps International's (DCI) finals week. There the groups perform within their class and those in the lower classes whose scores and potentials (both musically and financially) show promise can move to the next class up. Competition continues with quarterfinals, semifinals, etc., until 12 groups remain for the Finals.
And for those decrying no mention of the ensemble The Cadets from New Jersey (who did win the competition), I refer to my brother's thoughts on their performance (also due to lack of space for this entry), "Shut up and play". :)
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kydruid
mon jul 16 2007
at 7:12 pm
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For those who'd like to know more, visit www.dci.org |
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kydruid
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My thoughts on life and the insanity therein. Sometimes uplifting and inspiring, sometimes filled with rage or sorrow. Regardless, it is what I feel, who I am.
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