Volume 6, Issue 4www.halftimemag.com

$4.95

July/August 2012

Celebrating 5 Years of Halftime MagazineRaising Tour FeesDrum Corps Associates Through the Ages

$4.95 U.S. $5.95 Canada

ISSN 1939-6171

Q&A with BluecoAtst

he

34 Show Stopping Colors! from Band Shoppe

F I R S T P L A C E S T A R T S H E R E ®

®

www.bandshoppe.com | 1.800.457.3501facebook.com/bandshoppe bandshoppe.blogspot.com youtube.com/bandshoppe

W W W . Q U A N T U M M A R C H I N G . C O M

IT’SHARDTOEXPLAIN

Phantom Regiment

People always ask what you did to get that tan.

We know it’s hard to explain.

Maybe it’s better that way...

presented by

September 22, 2012Louisville, KYPapa John’s Cardinal StadiumUniversity of Louisville

Monroeville, PA Gateway H.S. Stadium

September 29, 2012Kettering, OHKettering Fairmont H.S. Stadium

Denton, TXUniversity of North TexasApogee Stadium

October 6, 2012Conroe, TXWoodforest Bank Stadium

Pontiac, MI Silverdome

October 13, 2012Akron, OHUniversity of Akron

Jacksonville, ALJacksonville State University

October 19-20, 2012SUPER REGIONAL Indianapolis, IN Lucas Oil Stadium

October 19-20, 2012SUPER REGIONALSt. Louis, MO Edward Jones Dome

October 26-27, 2012SUPER REGIONALAtlanta, GAGeorgia Dome

October 27, 2012Towson, MDTowson University

Glendora, CACitrus College

November 2-3, 2012SUPER REGIONAL San Antonio, TX Alamodome

November 3, 2012St. George, UT Desert Hills H.S. Stadium 

November 7-10, 2012BANDS OF AMERICA GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPSIndianapolis, IN Lucas Oil Stadium

Join us as the marching music excitement continues this fall!

PerformBand directors, there are still limited spots to participate in the 2012 Bands of America Grand National Championships and most Regional and Super Regional Championships. Call us at 800.848.2263.

EnjoyOrder tickets online and find ticket information for Grand Nationals, Super Regionals and Regionals at musicforall.org. Be sure to get your MFA Club Experience seats for Grand National Finals, with Club Level prime seating and Club Lounge amenities.

Student Group DiscountMusic for All is offering deep discounts on general admission tickets for student groups of 20 or more to all of the 2012 Bands of America Championships. Motivate and inspire students with the opportunity to observe other outstanding performances.

Order tickets online at musicforall.org, or call 800.848.2263.

Corporate SponsorOfficial Student Travel Partner Official Uniform Sponsor Official Performance Equipment Sponsor

National Presenting Sponsor Strategic Advocacy Partner Media Partner

MFA2012June-JulyAd.indd 1 6/7/12 10:06 AM

AGENCY: JWT/AtlantaCLIENT: United States Marine CorpsAD#: MC_SSM_284321SPECS: 4/C Bleed: 8.375” x 11.625” Trim: 8.25” x 10.625” Live: 8” x 10.375”PUBS: InSchool Print HALFTIMEDates: Jan-Feb 2008

Music that inspires the countryService that protects it

Music Enlistment Option Program..There are few truly great career options; serving as a Marine Corps Musician is one of them. If you have what it takes to become both a Marine and a Marine musician, you will play at some of the world’s most honored events. Precision, discipline, and honor will be represented in every note you play. And as a Marine, you will distinguish yourself from the rest. To schedule an audition, call 1-800-MARINES or visit MARINES.COM.

MEOP_Ad_4C_8.25x10.625.indd 1 1/11/08 10:42:03 AM

Volume 6, Issue 4July/August 2012ISSN 1939-6171

I am very proud to bring you this 5th anniversary issue of Halftime Maga-

zine. In it, we look back at five years of marching arts coverage.

While many magazines don’t last past the first issue, we are still marching on—thanks to the many people who make Halftime Magazine possible. To celebrate this milestone, I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation.

First, a big thank you to our advertis-ers, especially those who believed in us from the very beginning. We could not continue bringing marching arts cover-age to the masses without you.

We’ve also been fortunate to become partners with many leading marching arts organizations, including Drum Corps International, Music for All, WGI Sport of the Arts, Drum Corps Associates, USBands, Tournament of Bands, Mid-States Band Association, Marching Band Open Series, Youth in Music, Southeastern Washington Cavalcade of Bands and Marching Roundtable.

I would also like to thank all of our contributors, including assistant editor Elizabeth Geli, fitness columnist Haley Greenwald-Gonella, crossword extraor-dinaire Matt Jones, editorial interns Jeremy Chen and Lydia Ness, as well as other interns, freelancers and Behind the Baton writers. We are especially thankful for our esteemed sectionals columnists (past and present). These writers have given up valuable hours of time in the midst of their busy per-formance tours, university teaching

positions and/or clinician schedules, and many readers have expressed appre-ciation for their lessons.

Designer Jana Rade deserves recogni-tion because visual layout is a big reason for Halftime Magazine’s success. Count-less people have told me that they love the look of the magazine.

A special shout-out goes to Ken Martinson, founder of Marching.com. Though some may think that we are competitors, we’ve actually become great collaborators. Ken has provided a vast majority of our Drum Corps Internation-al and Music for All images and written several articles. I’m happy to say that Ken has also become a great friend.

And, of course, a lot of thanks go to our readers. Without you, we wouldn’t exist. We appreciate all the comments, letters and face-to-face interactions. But mostly, we’re excited to know that we have helped you perform better and learn from each other.

Last but not least, thank you to my family members who jumped on my bandwagon and cheered me on.

Help us celebrate Halftime Magazine’s anniversary by stopping by our booth at the 2012 Drum Corps International World Championships. You could win some fun musical prizes.

We look forward to many more years of publishing Halftime Magazine.

Keep On Marching,Christine Ngeo KatzmanPublisher and Editor-in-Chief

PuBlisher & editor-in-chiefChristine Ngeo Katzmanchristine@halftimemag.com(310) 594-0050

Art director Jana Rade, impact studios

AssistAnt editorElizabeth Geli

editoriAl interns Samantha Berley, Jeremy Chen, Chloe A. Miller, Lydia Ness

coVer Photo Ken Martinson/Marching.com

contriButing writersLane Armey, Chris Casteel, Jeff Coffin, Haley Greenwald-Gonella, Matt Jones, Matthew Leddin, Chase Sanborn

contriButing PhotogrAPhersBrittany Angalet, Jeanne Brandone, Ilene Castaldo, Ben Chua, David Gwyn, Ken Martinson/Marching.com, Jared Thomas

weB deVeloPersMike McCullen and Jeff GrantIntegrated Communications

AdVisory BoArdDr. Arthur C. Bartner, University of Southern

California Trojan Marching BandTony Fox, University of Southern California Trojan

Marching BandAnthony L. White, Los Angeles Unified School DistrictCharles F. Whitaker, Northwestern University Medill

School of JournalismPeter G. Riherd, Entertainment WeeklySteve Goldberg, University of Southern California

Marshall School of Business

chief technology officerJoshua Katzman

logo designerTimothy Watters, Teruo Artistry

suBscriPtions:Halftime Magazine is published six times per year. In the United States, individual subscription price is $14.95 per year, and group subscription price is now only $1 per person per year with a minimum of 25 copies sent to the same address. Cover price is $4.95.

Send subscription orders to:Halftime MagazineP.O. Box 15247 North Hollywood, CA 91615

Halftime Magazine is published by Muse Media, LLC P.O. Box 428738, Cincinnati, OH 45242 Phone: 310-594-0050 Fax: 310-390-5351 Website: www.halftimemag.com

Printed by Royle Printing Company in Sun Prairie, Wis.

®

Halftime Magazine is proud to partner with the following organizations:

Thanks to You

4

PuBlisher’s letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Mass Middle School INpact Band at DCI; Colorado State Prepares for St. Patrick’s Festival; Rocking Out With Foster the People

sectionAls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Learn From “Mistakes”; How Much Should You Practice? (Part 1); Improving Musicality for Percussion; The Guard Journal

geAr uP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10SousaGuard; “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Conducting Music”

regionAls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Calendar of events organized by region

direct from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps

Behind the BAton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Our Song

fitness to the mAx . . . . . . . . . . . 34Heart and “Sole”

for fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Crossword: “Marching Units”—How Do you Measure Up

rAising tour fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14You want to march drum corps or independent guard/percussion but can’t afford the fees? Don’t worry. Find out about some creative ways to raise money, so you can have the tour of your dreams. By Lydia Ness

5 yeArs of hAlftime mAgAzine . . . 18Halftime Magazine is proud to be celebrating its 5th anniversary in July 2012. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at special moments in our history as well as the top stories and top covers. By Christine Ngeo Katzman

dcA through the Ages . . . . . . . . . 26Marching with Drum Corps Associates, you can be 20, 44, 59, or even younger or older; you can be a student, a business executive or a construction engineer; and you can be married with children. How does this activity draw such a diverse pool of participants, and how do they juggle their families, career and corps? By Elizabeth Geli

need more mArching BAnd mAteriAl?

Read more articles online at http://halftimemag.com/articles/web-exclusives/index.html

feAtures

dePArtments weB exclusiVes

14

• 2012 dci chAmPions

• middle school mArching

ensemBles

• choreogrAPhy And

moVement for the whole

BAnd

• And more . . .……

next issue

follow us on twitter

find us on fAceBook

© 2

012.

Jean

ne B

rand

one.

All

right

s re

serv

ed.

By ElIzABEth GElI

ColorAdo StAtE PrEPArES for St. PAtrICk’S fEStIVAl It’s the one day a year that everybody wants to be Irish—St. Patrick’s Day! The St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, Ireland, brings bands from around the world together to celebrate the national holiday with a 2.7 km parade for a live audience of more than half a million people.

“I think that there are certain parades around the world that are the high watermarks for what a marching band can do,” says Dr. Richard Frey, associ-ate director of bands at Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colo. “The Rose Parade, Macy’s and this parade are three of the biggest.”

Colorado State University is one of the 11 bands that completed the rigorous appli-cation and screening process and have committed to the 2013 Festival as of press time.

Other participating groups include Ohio State University from Columbus, Ohio; Purdue University from West Lafayette, Ind.; Fort Mill (S.C.) High School; Bartlesville (Okla.) High School; Brewster (N.Y.) High School; Spruce Creek High School from Fort Orange, Fla.; a combined band from the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Community School District; the New York Knights of Columbus #126 Pipes and Drums Band from Brooklyn, N.Y.; the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Orchestra from Turkey; and Dublin’s Clondalkin Youth Band.

“I was lucky to be able to go see the parade and what the atmosphere is like; the energy there is pretty outstanding, and the students will take away that experience,” Frey says. “They’ll gain a greater perspective and see groups from around the world and be able to see that we’re all connected in that way to a bigger fraternity of marching bands.”

Most of the CSU band’s 300 members are planning to go on the trip in March 2013. They must raise three-fourths of the cost themselves or pay out of pocket, and the rest is being collected as sponsorships by the university’s development office. The eight-day trip will include additional performances and sightseeing around Ireland.

“The students seem thrilled,” Frey says. “The students are in it because they love to perform, so the idea of performing for a half million people on the streets of Dublin is very exciting.”

The St. Patrick’s Festival, with its first event in 1996, is a four- to five-day multi-disciplinary arts festival culminating in the famous parade. For more information or to apply for the 2013 or 2014 festival, visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie.

MASS MIddlE SChool INpact BANd At dCI

A mass band of middle schoolers will come together during Drum Corps Inter-national World Championships for a new unique and inspiring experience as the INpact Indiana’s Future Band. “We’ve always wanted to reach out to middle school level kids but never had the resourc-es to do it,” says Sue Kuehnhold, DCI’s director of events and corps relations.

The band is funded by the LDI 100th Anniversary Celebration Cultural Partnership Gift Program. LDI, Ltd., a private, mostly family-owned company with holdings in value-added distribu-tion and logistics supply chain businesses, celebrated 100 years of doing business in Indianapolis by awarding $1.2 million in grants to 16 different local arts and cultural organizations they told to “dream big.”

With the Indiana State School Music Association and Indiana Bandmasters Association, DCI has planned a two-day, one-night program. The mass band will perform at the Indiana War Memorial to open the “Celebrate Indy Arts! Parade” and on the field at DCI World Cham-pionships Finals with former American Idol participant and music advocate Shaun Canon.

Band members will also have a leader-ship seminar, arts activities, speakers and tickets to DCI Finals in hopes that they are inspired to stay involved with the marching arts.

“As these kids are getting ready to go into their high school years and sitting down with parents and making decisions about what direction to take in their lives, we want to be in the forefront of their minds,” Kuehnhold says. “We don’t want them to miss out on the opportu-nity to participate in music.”

Visit www.dci.org/inpact for details.

6

roCkING oUt WIth foStEr thE PEoPlE

Grammy-nominated band Foster the People enlisted the help of marching bands around the country during its most recent tour. Best known for its breakout hit “Pumped Up Kicks,” the group brought local marching bands on stage throughout the venues during performances of its new single “Houdini.”

“It was really cool; people were screaming and high-fiving us,” says Netta Rotstein, a trumpet player in the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band. “By the time I had to play, I could barely hear anything over the crowd.”

While the logistics and venues varied from city to city, the song usually featured four marching band members on stage with Foster the People and additional band members marching through the audience.

Some of the other bands featured during the tour were Ohio University from Athens, Ohio; West Essex High School from North Caldwell, N.J.; Upper Dublin High School from Maple Glen, Pa.; University of California, Berkeley; Boston University; Baltimore’s Marching Ravens; Milton (Ga.) High School; and Chattahoochee High School from Johns Creek, Ga.

The marching band performers got the VIP treatment. “We were considered the artists; everyone treated us well and were very appreciative, thanking us for being there,” Rotstein says. “As far as the crowd reaction, people were very surprised to see us. It was really fun. We got really into it.”

FREE

BUY NEW 3D DRILL DESIGN SOFTWARE

AND GET AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION OF

+2 ADDITIONAL USER LICENSES

Take advantage of this limited opportunity.Visit www.box5software.com today.

© 2

012.

Ben

Chu

a. A

ll rig

hts

rese

rved

.

together

Let’s

SingIf you like to sing, you’ll love the debut issue of

Brought to you by the publisher of Halftime MagazineDownload your own copy today from MagCloud.com

July/August 2012 7

lEArN froM “MIStAkES”By Jeff CoffinOftentimes, we are our own hardest critics. I think most, if not all, of us are in pur-suit of the “perfect” playing experience or improvised solo. If we miss a note or phrase, it can feel embar-rassing or even humiliating.

I know—because I make a lot of mistakes! However, if

I’m not making mistakes, I’m not working hard enough. What?? How can that make sense when we are consistently taught to shoot for a perfect score and play everything correctly? opportunities to Learn. To be clear, I am not talk-ing about being lazy or neglecting your craft. I am talking about taking chances when you play. To some, a “mistake” might be a different interpretation, a dynamic marking, inserting a trill or growl, bending a note … or maybe playing a note you didn’t mean to while you were improvising, or you made a strange sound and you want to figure out how to do it again.

Some might call these mistakes, but I call them opportunities to find out more about your instrument and personal creativ-ity. I am not saying you should raise your hand in triumph if you crack a note, squeak or misplay a phrase; rather, what I am saying is don’t be afraid of making a mistake. Learn from them. Reach for the goal but learn from the journey.passion, not perfeCtion. I saw the Village Vanguard Orchestra in New York City recently, and as awesome as the group sounded, I heard “mistakes.” On the road with Dave Matthews Band, I make and hear “mistakes” all night long. On the road with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, you guessed it, more “mistakes.”

Mistakes are universal! Even the greatest, most virtuosic performers will never play perfectly. It’s the humanity in the music, not the perfection that stands the test of time. It’s the searching and the passionate performance that draws us in, not its perfection on paper. It’s interesting that when a performer struggles a little, sometimes the audience is more appreciative. Maybe, just maybe, we’re all human after all.

ABoUt thE AUthorJeff Coffin is the three-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist/ composer/educator from Dave Matthews Band (since 2008) and Bela Fleck & the Flecktones (1997 to 2010). As a Yamaha Performing Artist, Jeff has presented more than 300 clinics worldwide—from Farmington, Maine to Perth, Australia.

Jeff and the Mu’tet have a new recording, titled “Into the Air,” coming out Sept. 4, 2012. Dave Matthews Band will release a new recording, “Away From the World,” on Sept. 11, 2012.

Visit www.jeffcoffin.com for more information. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffcoffinmusic.

WIN

dS hoW MUCh

ShoUld yoU PrACtICE? (PArt 1)By Chase sanBorn

The “10,000 Hour Rule” states that achieving exper-tise in anything requires 10,000 hours of practice. I recently pondered whether this number rings true for

a musician and whether the status of “expert” connotes a high level of competence or something greater, approaching mastery or artistry.

If you practice your instrument one hour a day, every day of the year, it will take you approximately 27 years to accumulate 10,000 hours.

I’ve been playing the trumpet for 45 years. Differing amounts of time were devoted to the instrument during various periods in my life. Assuming I passed the 10,000-hour mark, when did that occur and what level of expertise had I attained by that time? How many hours have I practiced to date? Determining precisely how many hours I have practiced is impossible, but I’ll venture an educated guess. To allow for some variance, I calculate my yearly figures based on five days a week and 50 weeks a year. ElEMENtAry SChool (Grades 5/6)I started playing the trumpet in the 5th grade. My parents would not allow me to watch “Superman” on TV unless I had practiced for 30 minutes. That’s motivation!0.5 hours X 5 days X 50 weeks X 2 years = 250 hours of practiceMIddlE SChool (Grades 7/8/9)In middle school I took weekly trumpet lessons and practiced an hour a day.1 hour X 5 days X 50 weeks X 3 years = 750 hourshIGh SChool (Grades 10/11/12)During high school, my daily practice increased to two hours a day, sometimes more.2 hours X 5 days X 50 weeks X 3 years = 1,500 hours

By the time I finished high school, I had practiced for 2,500 hours, 25% of the requisite total. In my next column, I’ll calcu-late my practice time as a university student and professional player.

ABoUt thE AUthorChase Sanborn is a jazz trumpet player based in Toronto. He is on the faculty at the University of Toronto and is the author of “Brass Tactics,” “Jazz Tactics,” “Tuning Tactics” and “Music Business Tactics.” Chase is a Yamaha Artist. Visit his website at www.chasesanborn.com. Questions about all things brass-related can be sent to info@chasesanborn.com.

Br

ASS

Leading instructors provide practical tips for each section of the band.

8

IMProVING MUSICAlItyBy Lane armeyMusician/Drummer. Do you consider yourself both? Often thought of as oppo-sites, it is more important than ever that you and your drumline contribute musicianship to your band. Once upon a time, a drummer would prob-ably characterize his or

her job as a) keeping time, b) playing clean, and c) being cool. And all of those are fine goals. But if you want to achieve in today’s activity, you must play with a high level of musicality. It’s not just about how many notes—but how musical you can play those notes.matChing the horn Line. Musical drum-

ming is exciting drumming. As a drummer you can improve not just by increasing your chops and rudiment vocabulary, but also by learning to play everything across different dynamics and tempos. Drumming at one height and at one volume level can become dull and predictable. Plus it often contrasts with the musical intent of your horn line. But match the musical highs and lows of your horn line, and the entire ensemble will click and evoke more emotion in your audience. highs and Lows. Although it seems counterintuitive, the best way to make your drumline sound louder is to play softer. The more effort you put into the “lows,” the more extreme the loud “highs” will feel. You can work on this by ensuring your exercise program is played at a variety of heights. Work on 8-on-a-hand at 3 inches. Play your accent-tap exercises with 6-inch accents and 3-inch inner beats. Play rolls—including crescendo rolls and decrescendo rolls—both slow and fast, at a variety of heights. And remember that it’s critical to play with good sound quality; never play so low and weak that you are just “scratching” the head, and never play so loud that you distort the sound of the drum.star of the show. And hey, if you’re concerned about being cool, it is worth noting that one of the most celebrated drumlines of all time—the 1993 Star of Indiana drumline—earned a great deal of its reputation by doing something better than almost anyone: playing impeccably clean at extremely low heights and extremely high heights, maximizing their musicality.

Not to mention the most important reason to play musical—to make your band director happy!

ABoUt thE AUthorLane Armey is the battery percussion coordinator for Home-stead High School in Cupertino, Calif. During the past 10 years, he has worked with various groups including North-western University and the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps.

thE GUArd JoUrNAlBy Chris CasteeLThe summer training sea-son is an excellent time to start a color guard journal focused on the processes of equipment, movement and performance training. There are two ways that a color guard journal is used. dAIly loG. The first use comes when working

through new equipment basics or phrases that are taught dur-ing summer rehearsals. We all know that the mastery of any equipment basic will not occur within the time confines of a rehearsal. Instead, there needs to be consistent practice outside of rehearsal to fully master it. Most instructors who encourage color guard journals for their teams ask for a running tally of how many times a basic move or equipment phrase is practiced. Once the performers have logged 1,000 cumulative repetitions of a particular spin, toss, carve, etc., into their journals, they are then ready to demonstrate the mastery of the move. An example of how this might look in a color guard journal would be:

drop spins: date...................daily reps ............ Cumulative reps6/5/12 .................50 .......................... 50 6/8/12 .................70 .......................... 1206/10/12 ...............55 .......................... 175etc....................................................6/25/12 ...............50 .......................... 1,000

QUEStIoNS? Another way that the journal can be used is by entering questions you may have for your instructor(s). You may be spinning in your backyard when, all of a sudden, something that was said in rehearsal doesn’t make sense. Write the ques-tion down in your journal. This way you won’t forget to ask, and your instructor will be impressed by your attention to detail.PErSPECtIVE. Finally, the process of writing your experiences down gives perspective. In December, when you look back to where you were in July, you will be amazed at how far you have come, how you have persevered and worked through the hard times and come out understanding more about yourself and the awesome sport of color guard.

ABoUt thE AUthorChris Casteel has been involved in the color guard activity since 1981 as a performer and an instructor. She has a master’s degree in education. She has instructed several medaling guards for the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC). Currently, Chris is an adjudicator for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association and the WGASC as well as a guest adjudicator for many other circuits. She also holds the position of education coordinator for the WGASC.

GU

Ard

PEr

CU

SSIo

N

July/August 2012 9

Check out the following cool products before your next practice, show or competition.

By SAMANthA BErlEy

There’s a book for everything, even as intricate and complex as music con-

ducting. “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Conducting Music” helps music con-ductors of all ages and expertise levels hone their understanding of conducting in the multi-genre music world.

Author Michael Miller has written more than 100 books on a variety of

topics; some of his notable works regarding music include “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Solos and Improvisa-tion” and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music History.”

As every musician knows, music is a compilation of instruments, pieces of music, and the theory behind it. And with multiple genres of music out there, it only becomes more com-plicated. “People are moving into a certain type of music or certain role about music theory composition,” Miller says. “In this case there are a lot of folks who are serious about training to be conductors or people who are thrust into it and have no formal training, and this book is designed to help them do it.”

The guide is set up in three parts to better grasp the concepts of con-ducting. According to Miller, the first third of the book covers basic technique and beat pattern. The middle third teaches the reader to conduct with a more stylistic pat-

tern. Finally, the end of the book interviews about a dozen different conductors with different music genre experiences.

Miller says that this last section is his favorite because it gives the read-er real-world perspectives on the dif-ferent styles of conducting.

The learning doesn’t just end with the book. The book’s website provides 15 online videos hosted by Miller as well as full interviews with notable conductors includ-ing Pete Anthony, Glenn Northern and Lawrence Yurman. While the book highlights and emphasizes the knowledge and wisdom of con-ducting music, Miller says that the full interviews give “a lot of great insights for someone who wants to conduct.”

For more information and to view videos and interviews, visit www.idiotsguides.com/static/bookextras/musicperformingarts/9781615641680x.html

“th

E C

oM

PlEt

E Id

Iot

’S G

UId

E

to

Co

Nd

UC

tIN

G M

USI

C”

With a little innovation, a bit of plastic and a couple decades of experience, you may just create some-

thing that saves your instrument—and your wallet. The new SousaGuard, also known as a sousaphone bottom bow protection guard, does just that.

Retired band instrument repair technician Wayne Bulla had a vision, one that would harken a new era for one of the largest and most recognizable musical instruments, the sousaphone. Throughout his 20 years of repairing instruments, Bulla saw the same problem with sousa-phones: They all had the same hallmark dents on their bottom bows.

Those dents were easy to make but very expensive to repair. From its case to the field and the stands, a sousa-phone goes through a lot of wear and tear. And of course, the bigger they are, the harder they fall (or in this case, dent or break). So after Bulla retired, he decided to tackle the problem head on.

In order to protect the bottom bows on sousaphones, Bulla opted for high-impact ABS plastic. This kind of plastic can take a lot of the beating that the average sou-saphone cannot and is highly multi-purposed. When he implemented his work, Bulla designed the plastic guard to fit “nearly all modern sousaphone[s].” What’s more, it only takes “seconds to install,” which is great for on-the-go marching bands and corps.

For those concerned with the added weight on an already heavy instrument, the bottom bow protection guard is not a problem. Bulla said that the SousaGuard only weighs 18 ounces.

According to Bulla, not only is the SousaGuard light-weight, but the dents on the bottom bows are “virtually eliminated.”

With the SousaGuard, there’s less time worrying about damage. “You’re playing and swaying, and you’re moving side to side and setting it down over numerous times; [with the SousaGuard,] you’re preventing dam-age,” Bulla says.

For more information, visit www.sousaguard.com.

SoU

SAG

UA

rd

LikeÊNewÊMarchingÊBrass

NewÊMarchingÊBrass

MarchingÊPercussion

ConcertÊPercussion

ConcertÊBrass

Woodwinds

StringedÊInstruments

VicÊFirthÊSticks

RemoÊDrumsÊHeads

ZildjianÊCymbals

DigitalÊDrumÊPads

YamahaÊSynthesizers

HarmonyÊDirectors

SoundÊSystems

MarchingÊShoes

Rifles,ÊSabresÊ&ÊFlags

DigitalÊFlags

FlagÊPoleÊTape

DigitalÊFloorÊTarps

DrumÊMajorÊPodiums

AndÊsoÊmuchÊmore!

10

LikeÊNewÊMarchingÊBrass

NewÊMarchingÊBrass

MarchingÊPercussion

ConcertÊPercussion

ConcertÊBrass

Woodwinds

StringedÊInstruments

VicÊFirthÊSticks

RemoÊDrumsÊHeads

ZildjianÊCymbals

DigitalÊDrumÊPads

YamahaÊSynthesizers

HarmonyÊDirectors

SoundÊSystems

MarchingÊShoes

Rifles,ÊSabresÊ&ÊFlags

DigitalÊFlags

FlagÊPoleÊTape

DigitalÊFloorÊTarps

DrumÊMajorÊPodiums

AndÊsoÊmuchÊmore!

July/August 2012 11

mAjor eVents By region

westdrum Corps International

July 1—Riverside, CA—Western Corps ConnectionJuly 1—Tri-Cities, WA—Drums Along the ColumbiaJuly 6—Ogden, UT—Corps EncoreJuly 6—Casper, WY—Drums Along the Rockies

Casper EditionJuly 7—Denver, CO—Drums Along the RockiesJuly 7—Sacramento, CA—DCI Capital Classic

Corps ShowJuly 8—Pleasant Hill, CA—Loudest Show on EarthJuly 14—Mission Viejo, CAJuly 15—Bellflower, CA—So Cal Classic Open

Class Championship

Miscellaneous

July 6-15—Calgary, Canada—Calgary Stampede Centennial Events

midwestBands of America

Sep 29—Kettering, OH—Kettering Fairmont HS

drum Corps Associates

Aug 4—Naperville, IL—Heartland FestivalAug 17—S. St. Paul, MN—Sounds of MinnesotaAug 18—St. Peter, MN—Drum Corps Expo

drum Corps International

July 1—Muscatine, IA—Percussion on the PearlJuly 2—Eagle, ID—Boise Summer Music Games July 3—Cedarburg, WI—Rotary Music FestivalJuly 6—Whitewater, WI—The Whitewater ClassicJuly 7—Kalamazoo, MI—DCI KalamazooJuly 9—Centerville, OH—Souring Sounds 32July 9—Omaha, NE—Drums Across NebraskaJuly 10—Waukee, IA—Celebration in BrassJuly 11—Metamora, IL—River City Rhapsody

MetamoraJuly 11—Bowling Green, OH—Glassmen All Star

ReviewJuly 12—Salem, WI—Music on the BorderJuly 12—Davenport, IA—Music on the MarchJuly 13—Lisle, IL—Cavalcade of BrassJuly 13—La Crosse, WI—River City Rhapsody La Crosse July 14—Minneapolis, MN—DCI MinnesotaJuly 15—Rockford, IL—Show of Shows, a Tour of

Champions Series eventJuly 16—Olathe, KS—Brass ImpactJuly 16—Lebanon, IL—DCI St. Louis presented by

Etymotic ResearchJuly 17—Wichita, KS—Drums Across Kansas

July 28—Paw Paw, MI—Drum Corps in the VillageJuly 30—Spring Valley, IL—Music to the CoreJuly 31—Dublin, OH—Emerald City Music GamesAug 1—Rice Lake, WI—Rhythm Across Rice LakeAug 3—Oskaloosa, IA—Music on the March 2Aug 3—Avon Lake, OH—Shoremen Brass ClassicAug 4—Niles, MI—Four Flags SpectacularAug 6—Massillon, OH—Pro Football Hall of Fame

Enshrinement Festival Drum Corps CompetitionAug 6-7—Michigan City, IN—DCI World

Championships Open Class ChampionshipAug 8—Indianapolis, IN—DCI World Championships

Kickoff Party and Hall of Fame InductionAug 8—Indianapolis, IN—DCI World

Championships Open Class Individual and Ensemble Championships

Aug 9-11—Indianapolis, IN—DCI World Championships

Aug 11—Indianapolis, IN—Celebrate Indy Arts! DCI World Championships Parade

Mid-States Band Association

Sep 1—Clayton, OH—Northmont Band Premiere—Northmont HS

Sep 8—Kings Mill, OH—Kings HSSep 8—Columbus, IN—Columbus North HSSep 15—Franklin, OH—Bishop Fenwick HSSep 15—Martinsville, IN—Martinsville HSSep 22—Fishers, IN—Royal Invitational—Hamilton

Southeastern HSSep 22—Miamisburg, OH—Miamisburg HSSep 29—Wilmington, OH—Wilmington College

(hosted by Wilmington HS)Sep 29—Piqua, OH—41st Annual Piqua Invitational

USBands

Sep 24—Jerome, ID—Jerome HS (Silver)Sep 29—Caldwell, ID—Caldwell HS (Silver)

Miscellaneous

Aug 3—Indianapolis, IN—Indiana State Fair Marsh Band Day Competition

Sep 22—Waseca, MN—Waseca Marching ClassicSep 29—Luverne, MN—Tri-State Band Festival

northeastBands of America

Sep 22—Monroeville, PA—Gateway HS

drum Corps Associates

Jul 14—Clifton, NJ—48th Annual Drum Corps Grand Prix

Jul 21—Lynn, MA—Mission Drums

Jul 21—Downington, PA—Downington ClassicJul 28—Robbinsville, NJ—Xtreme Summer ClassicJul 28—Hornell, NY—Music Under the StarsAug 4—Kingston, NY—March of ChampionsAug 11—Flemington, NJ—Hunterdon InvitationalAug 18—Scranton, PA—Parade of Champions Aug 19—Secaucus, NJ—4th Annual Kiwanis OpenAug 25—Reading, PA—Big Sounds in Motion Aug 25—Bridgeport, CT—Fanfare 2012Aug 26—Pennsauken Township, NJ—Pennsauken

Invitational

drum Corps International

July 1—New Haven, CT—Connecticut Drums at Southern Connecticut State University

July 3—Bristol, RI—Summer Music PreviewJuly 6—Quincy, MA—CYO Nationals TributeJuly 7—Jackson, NJ—Drum Corps: An American

TraditionJuly 8—Chambersburg, PA—Drum Corps: An

American TraditionJuly 15—Manchester, NH—Fiesta de MusicaJuly 30—Erie, PA—Lake Erie Fanfare IJuly 31—Johnsonburg, PA—A Blast in the BurgAug 1—Erie, PA—Lake Erie Fanfare IIAug 1—West Chester, PA—Drum Corps: An

American TraditionAug 2—Lawrence, MA—East Coast ClassicAug 2—Rome, NY—Drums Along the MohawkAug 3-4—Allentown, PA—DCI Eastern ClassicAug 5—East Rutherford, NJ—Tour of Champions

Grand FinaleAug 5—Pittsburgh, PA—Three Rivers Summer

Music Games

tournament of Bands

Aug 4—Allentown, PA—TOB Education DaySep 8—NJ—Chapter 1 PreviewSep 8—Huntingdon, PA—Chapter 11 Allegheny

Mountain Regional Preview at Huntingdon Area HS

Sep 8—Williamsport, PA—Chapter 4 Preview at Williamsport HS

Sep 8—Camp Hill, PA—Chapter 6 Preview at Trinity HS

Sep 8—Wilmington, DE—Chapter 9 Preview at Brandywine HS

Sep 8—Connellsville, PA—Connellsville HSSep 15—Russell, PA—Eisenhower HSSep 15—Woodbury Heights, NJ—Gateway

Regional HSSep 15—Middletown, PA—Middletown HSSep 15—Milton, PA—Milton HSSep 15—Ramsey, NJ—Ramsey HS

12

Sep 15—Somerset, PA—Somerset HSSep 22—Bushkill, PA—East Stroudsburg HS NorthSep 22—Oak Ridge, NJ—Jefferson Township HSSep 22—Middetown, DE—Middletown HSSep 22—Pitman, NJ—Pitman HSSep 22—Camp Hill, PA—Red Land HS at West

Shore StadiumSep 22—Schuylkill Haven, PA—Schuylkill Haven HSSep 22—Cairnbrook, PA—Shade-Central City HSSep 22—Blossburg, PA—Southern Tioga HSSep 22—Royersford, PA—Spring-Ford HSSep 22—St. Marys, PA—St. Marys HSSep 22—Munhall, PA—Steel Valley HSSep 22—Runnemede, NJ—Triton HSSep 29—Collingswood, NJ—Collingswood HSSep 29—Bridgeton, NJ—Cumberland Regional HSSep 29—PA—DuBoisSep 29—Factoryville, PA—Lackawanna Trail HSSep 29—Aberdeen, NJ—Matawan HSSep 29—Mechanicsburg, PA—Mechanicsburg HSSep 29—Sunbury, PA—Shikellamy HSSep 29—Wilmington, DE—William Penn HSSep 29—West Lawn, PA—Wilson HSSep 29—Warren, PA—Youngsville HS

USBands

Sep 15—Danbury, CT—Danbury HS (Silver)Sep 15—Edison, NJ—Edison HS (Clinic and Preview)Sep 15—Souderton, PA—Souderton HS (Silver)Sep 22—Brick, NJ—Brick Memorial HS (Gold)Sep 22—Norwalk, CT—Brien McMahon HS (Silver)Sep 22—Burlington, NJ—Burlington City HS (Gold)Sep 22—Meriden, CT—Francis T. Maloney HS

(Clinic and Preview)Sep 22—Flemington, NJ—Hunterdon Central

Regional HS (Gold)Sep 22—Collegeville, PA—Perkiomen Valley HS (Silver)Sep 22—Scotch Plains, NJ—Scotch Plains Fanwood

HS (Silver)Sep 29—Newville, PA—Big Spring HS (Silver)Sep 29—Blackstone, MA—Blackstone Millville

Regional HS (Silver)Sep 29—Lindenhurst, NY—Lindenhurst HS (Silver)Sep 29—Linwood, NJ—Mainland Regional HS (Silver)Sep 29—New Milford, CT—New Milford HS (Silver)Sep 29—Lansdale, PA—North Penn HS (Silver)Sep 29—Pompton Plains, NJ—Pequannock HS (Gold)Sep 29—Piscataway, NJ—Piscataway HS (Gold)Sep 29—Rocky Hill, CT—Rocky Hill HS (Silver)Sep 29—Tabernacle, NJ—Seneca HS (Silver)Sep 29—Wallingford, CT—Sheehan HS (Gold)Sep 29—Toms River, NJ—Toms River HS East (Silver)

southBands of America

Sep 22—Louisville, KY—University of LouisvilleSep 29—Denton, TX—University of North Texas

drum Corps Associates

Jul 7—Nokesville, VA—Sound of the South 2012Aug 18—Douglasville, GA—Southern ShowdownAug 31—Annapolis, MD—2012 I&E/Mini Corps

CompetitionSep 1-2—Annapolis, MD—2012 World

Championships and Alumni Spectacular

drum Corps International

July 17—Bentonville, AR—Music on the Move

July 18—Broken Arrow, OK—Drums of Summer

July 19—Denton, TX—DCI North Dallas presented by Red River Thunder

July 19—Round Rock, TX—DCI Austin

July 20—Houston, TX—DCI Houston presented by THE exSIGHTment of SOUND, a Tour of Champions Series event

July 21—San Antonio, TX—DCI Southwestern Championship at the Alamodome

July 22—San Antonio, TX—DCI World Class Individual and Ensemble Championship

July 23—Lafayette, LA—Drums Across Cajun FieldJuly 23—Odessa, TX—Thunder in the DesertJuly 24—Ocean Springs, MS—Mississippi Sound

SpectacularJuly 24—Dallas, TX—DCI Dallas presented by

North Texas Festival of Drums and BuglesJuly 25—Hattiesburg, MS—DCI Southern

MississippiJuly 25—Edmond, OK—DCI Central OklahomaJuly 26—Little Rock, AR—DCI Arkansas presented

by Evans and ProMarkJuly 27—Murfreesboro, TN—The Masters of the

Summer Music Games, a Tour of Champions Series event, presented by Jupiter, Mapex and Majestic

July 28—Atlanta, GA—DCI Atlanta Southeastern Championship

July 29—Charlotte, NC—NightBEAT, a Tour of Champions Series event

July 30—Raleigh/Durham, NC—CrownBEAT July 30—Charleston, WV—Drums Across the

Tri-StateJuly 31—Salem, VA—The Summer Music Games of

Southwest VirginiaJuly 31—Warrenton, VA—Drum Corps in Northern

Virginia

Mid-States Band Association

Sep 22—Hebron, KY—Conner HSSep 29—Louisville, KY—Ballard HS Bruin

InvitationalSep 29—Hoover, AL—Spain Park (Alabama)

tournament of Bands

Sep 8—Elkins, WV—Chapter 13 Preview at Elkins HS

Sep 8—Accident, MD—Chapter 5 Preview at Northern Garrett HS

Sep 15—Martinsburg, WV—Martinsburg HSSep 15—Kingwood, WV—Preston HSSep 15—Walkersville, MD—Walkersville HSSep 22—Keyser, WV—Keyser HSSep 22—Felton, MD—Lake Forest HSSep 22—Eldersburg, MD—Liberty HSSep 29—Cumberland, MD—Allegany HSSep 29—Lewisburg, WV—Greenbrier East HSSep 29—Weston, WV—Lewis County HS

USBands

Sep 15—Great Mills, MD—Great Mills HS (Silver)Sep 22—Chesapeake City, MD—North East HS

(Silver)Sep 22—Owings, MD—Northern HS (Silver)Sep 22— Germantown, MD—Northwest HS

(Silver)Sep 29—Gambrills, MD—Arundel HS (Gold)Sep 29—Morganza, MD—Chopticon HS (Silver)Sep 29—Kingsport, TN—Dobyns-Bennett HS

(Silver)Sep 29—Lynchburg, VA—USBands Central Virginia

RegionalSep 29—Midlothian, TX—USBands Midlothian

ShowcaseSep 29—Herndon, VA—USBands Northern Virginia

RegionalSep 29—Pflugerville, TX—USBands Pflugerville

PreviewSep 29—Charles Town, WV—Washington HS

(Silver)

Miscellaneous

July 12-14—Nashville, TN—Summer NAMM July 20-23—San Antonio, TX—Texas Bandmasters

Association Clinic/ConventionSep 29—Kingsport, TN—Tennessee Valley

Showcase

www.musictreasures.comtoll free: 1-800-666-7565

Teaching aids - awards - gifTs

The Piston & Rotary Brass Maintenance System

Keep M’ Clean with

CCQ Brass Products, Inc.blowdrybrass.comblowdrybrass@gmail.com

VS

July/August 2012 13

You want to march drum corps or independent guard/percussion but can’t afford the fees? Don’t worry. Find out about some creative ways to raise money, so you can have the tour of your dreams.

rAising tour fees

By lydIA NESS

entrepreneurial spirit: Maria Brandone, a past member of the Troopers and current member of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, raised tour fees by starting a business—InfinityCords—making custom bracelets.© 2012. Jeanne Brandone. All rights reserved.

14

Three drum corps, four years in a WGI independent percussion ensemble

and nearly $15,000 later, I can say every penny was worth it. Through Drum Corps International and WGI Sport of the Arts, I learned life lessons in a few short years that I believe many learn throughout the course of their lives. Still, the task of raising thousands of dollars each season can be daunting.

I spoke with three DCI/WGI mem-bers and one parent about the creative ways they used for raising tour fees and why they believe the investment is worthwhile.

PersonAl touchSamantha Cope, a performer with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps (2006 to 2007) and the WGI indoor percussion group Rhythm X (2005 to 2008), raised money in a somewhat traditional way but with a nontraditional twist.

Cope found success in her sponsorship letters, which included several personal anecdotes and timely thank-you cards afterwards. “I would spend some time writing a personal letter that explained how I got started playing music, everything I’d accomplished so far, and everything I wished to accomplish,” Cope says. “The idea of drum corps and indoor percus-sion needs some explanation sometimes. I basically wanted anyone reading the letter to know how important doing the activity was to me.”

Cope not only sent a written letter, but she also included a photo collage, which showcased pictures from high school, college and any previous years she marched. “People liked the photos because they could actually see me enjoying what I was doing,” Cope says.

She also made sure to include an official letter from the organization, so that any potential sponsor could see that she was serious and also knew where and how to send donations.

Depending on the season, Cope used her creativity in different ways in con-junction with her support letters. One time she wrote a Christmas poem about indoor percussion, and another time she included a map of her Bluecoats tour, so people would know when they could watch her perform.

Cope sent 20 to 40 letters per season to extended family, friends, doctors’ and dentists’ offices in her hometown and

local businesses. Through these efforts, she usually raised about 75 percent of the fees. Twice she had them covered completely.

Business AcumenCurrent performers Nicholas Lentz and Maria Brandone literally invent creative ways to raise funds for DCI and WGI tours.

Lentz is a color guard performer for both WGI and DCI. He marched Ars Nova winter guard in 2010 and per-formed with the Crossmen from 2011 to 2012. To raise money, Lentz crochets and sells scarves, sends out sponsorship letters and also sells gift cards to various food joints.

However, like many participants, even though he manages to raise a good amount of support through these means, Lentz says much of the fees still have to come from his pocket.

Maria Brandone, former member of the Troopers (2011) and member of the Crossmen (2012) front ensemble, creat-ed a small business called InfinityCords on the popular artsy website Etsy.com to help raise funds for DCI tour fees.

After returning from tour with the Troopers in 2011, Brandone made a couple bracelets for herself, and her friends began asking for them on a consistent basis. She decided to create the online store and began selling InfinityCords that can be personalized to represent different drum corps and other interests.

She chose the name InfinityCords after a segment in the 2011 Troopers show that was called the “Infinity Chord.”

Brandone did not go into the process of business ownership haphazardly. She created a business plan that included fashion and college-style bracelets.

Brandone uses several means of communication to direct people to her online store. She uses Facebook and business cards and sends out emails to DCI participants and leaders. “Many corps directors and DCI faculty were extremely excited for my business and helped get the word out as well,” Brandone says.

Brandone’s small business was so successful this year that she raised more than her tour fee and was able to use the remaining money for camp and registration fees.

PArentAl suPPortWhile members are finding creative ways to raise funds, parents continue to play significant roles in their children’s involve-ment. Tina Guy, a former band and color guard member, supported her son’s eight years in DCI and WGI.

Throughout the years, Guy has also been heavily involved in the organiza-tions and has seen different ways that parents and members raise money for each other. “We have parents that will hire members for lawn work as well as inside housework,” Guy says. “Funny thing is that more often than not, the member who needs the money is already working two to three jobs, so his fellow members do the work to raise said mem-bers’ fees.”

is it worth it?Tour fees have steadily increased over the years and nearly doubled within the last five. WGI fees range from $1,000 to $2,000, and DCI fees run $2,000 to $3,000. With participants investing a significant amount of time raising this money, is it worth it?

Those involved in DCI and WGI believe that the experience of performing and touring is worth more than the dollar amount. Professionalism, commitment, excellence and dedication are just a few words used to describe the experience. “It is pricey, but the money goes toward the costume, equipment, show flags, food and gas for the buses,” Lentz says. “The entire experience really has no price in the long run. It’s 100 percent worth it.”

Cope believes spending any amount of money to do something you love is always worthwhile. “It definitely can be scary when you haven’t even left for your first summer on tour yet, and you’ve had to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fees,” Cope says. “However, I’ve never heard a single person express regret for doing a season of drum corps or indoor percussion. I’ve heard plenty of people regret not doing a season.”

Even with the expense, Guy believes it is worth the monetary sacrifice, espe-cially in regard to the performer’s future in the workplace.

“Members learn self-discipline, con-fidence, respect, responsibility and how to agree to disagree,” Guy says. “All of which are good qualities employers will be looking for.”

July/August 2012 15

For Brandone, being in corps taught her how to represent a group of people with integrity. She believes that without DCI, she would not have learned this skill until much later in her life.

fundrAising AdViceIn order to raise funds for tour, a well-crafted support letter is a great place to start. It is also helpful to think of creative ways to show people your passion in a way that encourages them to be part of your success through their donation.

For people who are interested in starting a business, remember the responsibility that comes along with it. “You have to be able to produce and hold a good name to your business,” Brandone says. “You are always in the public eye as a business owner, and you have to constantly remind yourself of that.”

One hindrance to fundraising is the fear of going out and asking people for support. Cope admits that she was afraid to ask people for money at the beginning. “Once I had done it and received lots of sponsorships as well as lots of happy good luck notes from my sponsors, I realized that people were happy to spend money on a good cause,” Cope says.

Cope also says that her sponsors expressed a joy in donating to her instead of foundations because they could actually see the results of their donations, either at a show or in pictures she sent them with thank-you notes.

“No one is going to give you money if you don’t ask,” Cope says. “So don’t be shy about asking anyone. As long as you maintain contact and show them how official it is and how meaningful it is to you, they won’t be bothered by it. It defi-nitely takes time and a lot of effort, but to get to do something you love without having to stress about money is worth it.”

ABoUt thE AUthorLydia Ness graduated from Biola University in La Mirada, Calif., with a B.A. in journalism and integrated media and a minor in bibli-cal studies. Lydia has experience in visual, print and broadcast journalism as well as public relations. She has performed in the Glassmen, the Bluecoats and The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, placing 1st in the 2010 DCI finals, as well as the Riverside Community College indoor percussion ensemble, placing 1st in the 2012 WGI finals. Lydia is a student at Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, focusing on international human rights.

personal touch: Samantha Cope, a past member of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, raised tour fees by sending sponsorship letters—with a twist. © 2012. Jared Thomas. All rights reserved.

http://www.vicfirth.com/MP101

Halftime Magazine has become well-known not only in the marching arts community but

has also been recognized as an expert source by the mainstream media.

In 2008, I had the privilege of being interviewed by the “Los Angeles Business Journal,” fol-

lowing the announcement of our 1-year anniversary. We have also been quoted by AOL News

about marching bands’ usage of popular music and featured on CNN.com for our article on the

“Top 5 Legendary Drum Corps Shows.”

Perhaps one of the most exciting moments came when we worked with Metro-Goldwyn-

Mayer Studios, Inc. to create a cross-promotional essay contest for the 2009 release of the movie

“Fame.” The stars from the show—Kay Panabaker, Walter Perez and Paul McGill—even created

a YouTube clip to announce the promotion. (You can still see the YouTube video by searching

“Claim Your Fame.”)

Deanna Colasurdo, a color guard member at Morristown (N.J.) High School, won a free

screening of the film for her essay, “Bringing Music to Life,” which discussed how her partici-

pation in the pageantry arts helps her deaf father be able to see and feel the passion of music.

yeArs of

Halftime Magazine is proud to be celebrating its

5th anniversary in July 2012. Here’s a behind-the-

scenes look at special moments in our history as

well as the top stories and top covers.

in the

news

In 2007, I debuted Halftime Magazine at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention/

Clinic. Five years, 31 issues and hundreds of articles later, we are still marching on.

Here, we celebrate and look back on five years of marching arts coverage.

hAlftime mAgAzine

By ChrIStINENGEokAtzMAN

18

In the last five years, a lot has changed in the marching arts. Throughout it all, Halftime Magazine has been there to provide

you with the latest news, trend stories and lifestyle articles. Here are just a few of the highlights.Historic MoMents: Halftime Magazine has been honored to exist during two of the most historic moments in recent history—the 2008 Summer Olympics and the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, the country of China opened up its doors to the world and presented one of the most amazing Opening Ceremonies ever witnessed. China also invited a conglomerate of marching band members to participate in the inter-national Olympic Orchestra, with 1,800 students performing at the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Tianjin. During Obama’s inau-guration, 108 marching groups out of an applicant pool of 1,382 ensembles represented the 50 states of the union. Visibility in PoPular culture: Throughout the past five years, marching groups have performed with rock bands at live concerts and music videos, in movies, in television shows and at the Superbowl. Because of these high-profile appearances, more people now recognize that marching band takes a lot of skill, athleticism and dedication, and the activity is seen as much “cooler” than it has been in the past.new enseMbles: Among the new marching groups that have formed, Music City Drum and Bugle Corps has made quite a name for itself, and many are anticipating the results of the inaugural year of Cadets2 in the all-age competition. On the college front, Georgia State University in Atlanta, Marian University from Indianapolis and Stevenson (Md.) University all had successful marching band debuts. Even Major League Soccer got a new band with the Sound Wave performing at Seattle Sounders FC games. But perhaps most importantly, the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band has given more than 600 high school seniors—and counting—a way to become recognized as All-Americans, just as important as their football player counterparts. coMPetition rules: Drum Corps International began allowing electronics—a controversial decision at the time—while WGI Sport of the Arts announced the use of lighting effects.college Football: In 2011, many universities announced transitions to different sports conferences in order to stay competi-tive. This year, representatives of the Bowl Championship Series stat-ed that it will soon implement a four-team playoff.Key Personnel: Music for All (which had resulted as a merg-er between the Music for All Foundation and Bands of America in 2006) has seen a variety of changes in the executive lineup. Bob Rad-dock, founder of Music for All Foundation resigned in 2009, fol-lowed shortly by CEO Scott McCormick in 2010. Key retirements include Ohio State University’s Dr. Jon R. Woods and Needham B. Broughton High School’s Jeffery “JR” Richardson. And there are those whose lives have been lost, including George N. Parks from the Uni-versity of Massachusetts, Amherst.organization naMes: Two organizations involved in the marching arts made significant name changes to reflect changing times. The U.S. Scholastic Band Association became USBands, and MENC became NAfME (the National Association for Music Education).

But if we had to choose our own highlights reel, the following five stories stand out the most.

In November 2011, the death of

Florida A&M drum major Robert

D. Champion, Jr., stunned the

marching arts community—

and the entire nation. Investi-

gators found that he died as a

result of severe hazing.

Since then, 14 people have

been charged with his death; band

director Dr. Julian White retired;

and the university suspended the

marching band until spring 2013.

While the story made widespread

national news, we wanted to do more

than just cover the facts. We wanted

to have the opportunity to educate all

organizations about how to stop hazing

and to tell marching members how to

say, “No.” So we spoke to national

experts on hazing as well as college

directors who have overcome hazing

allegations in the past. We hope we

made a difference in your program.

January/feBruary 2012

imPortAnt

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f

Flor

ida

A&M

Uni

vers

ity

July/August 2012 19

With input from drum corps directors, instruc-tors and fans, Halftime Magazine presented a countdown of the most legendary shows in Drum Corps International (DCI) history. 5. 1988 Madison Scouts, “Malaguena” 4. 1989 Santa Clara Vanguard, “Phantom of the Opera”3. 2008 Phantom Regiment, “Spartacus”2. 1984 Garfield Cadets, “West Side Story”1. 1993 Star of Indiana, “The Music of Barber and Bartok”This article sparked weeks of discussion on our own website, on Drum Corps Planet forums as well as on CNN.com, which recapped our story in a video segment. To this day, we still receive occasional comments about the piece. Many readers agreed with the picks while even more presented alternate choices.

With so many wonderful DCI shows, it was hard to make a selection. So we were very happy to read all of the feedback and generate so much lively discussion. One of our contacts even asked us to consider a “Top 5 Legendary WGI Shows.” What do you think?

JuLy/august 2007

JuLy/august 2010

In our premier issue of Halftime Magazine, we

wanted to present a cross-section of topics, in-

cluding something off the wall and funny. After

all, many of our best marching memories come

from inside jokes and crazy traditions. This par-

ticular story has a special place in my heart

because I was able to showcase my alma ma-

ter, Northwestern University. For who else

would use a toilet seat to display school

spirit?This article, however, sparked contro-

versy for the magazine because we also

featured the Leland Stanford Junior Uni-

versity Marching Band (or Stanford Uni-

versity). Many people in the marching arts

community find this scatter band’s spoof

shows to be objectionable. I even had a

web visitor refuse to subscribe for this rea-

son. When Stanford appeared at the 2011 Or-

ange Bowl, we again featured the group in

our bowl game coverage. Stanford once again

sparked an interesting controversy—though

that time it was due to the lack of controversy.

Mainstream media outlets assumed that Stan-

ford was banned from participating in half-

time though no such restriction existed.

While we certainly don’t ever mean to offend

anyone, we have always had the philosophy

that every band, every corps, every guard

and every drumline has a story. We show-

case unbiased coverage of the good mo-

ments and the bad moments, the competi-

tive groups and non-competitive groups,

the big and the small. And one certainly

cannot deny that the Stanford Band has

some crazy traditions.

the funniest… Craziest…

most inspiring

college BAnd

controVersiAl

discussed

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f

Dru

m C

orps

Inte

rnat

iona

l.

© 2

007.

Rob

by B

eyer

s.

All r

ight

s re

serv

ed.

the funniest… Craziest…

most inspiring

college BAnd

controVersiAl

Halftime Magazine always aims to provide informa-tive stories that highlight a cross-section of expe-riences. I’ve heard many marching band directors and students tell me that they often operate in a silo. There-fore, the opportunity to learn about or watch other ensembles becomes an invaluable experience.Many readers have cited “Band Camp Strategies” as this kind of educational story. In the piece, we looked at three different schools—West Orange (N.J.) High School; Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas; and South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, N.J., that had vastly different methods of operating their band camps. The New Jersey groups start meeting for rehearsals in June while the state of Texas prohibits camp from starting earlier than August. One group travels to an off-site location while two bands host camp at their schools. And two out of the three groups schedule recreational, team-building activities.With the variance in band camp strategies, directors and students took this article as an opportunity to learn about other schools and apply those methods to their own.

may/June 2010

January/feBruary issues

For five consecutive years, we have covered the Pasadena Tournament

of Roses in a visual photo spread. With its worldwide viewership, the

parade is undoubtedly one of the biggest honors for a marching band.

It’s exhilarating to watch the floats and bands on New Year’s Day and to

discuss the trivia. It also brings back great memories of when I marched

there more than 15 years ago. We’re glad that our readers have enjoyed

this series with us.

rose BowlPhoto sPreAd

The mission of Halftime Magazine has always been to edu-cate, entertain and inspire.

From the beginning, philanthropy has been one of our goals as well.

That’s why our first year of Halftime Magazine included the essay contest, “Nominate Your Band.” Through that pro-gram, we provided more than $3,000 in cash and prizes—

including equipment from Yamaha Corporation of America, Remo Inc. and Evans Drumheads/Rico Reeds—to winner Rachel Schaeffer and her band, the Old Bridge High School Marching Knights from Matawan, N.J.

More recently, we raised more than $2,000 in cash to help rebuild the Joplin (Mo.) Eagle Pride Band, whose high school was destroyed by a tornado in 2011.

AnticiPAted

educAtionAl

© 2

012.

Ken

Mar

tinso

n/M

arch

ing.

com

.

All r

ight

s re

serv

ed.

PeoPle we’VehelPed

July/August 2012 21

phantom regimentJuly/august 2007photo by Jolesch photography

This image of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps was featured on our debut issue. It shows raw emotion as well as the hard work and sweat that go into a drum corps show. Due to Phantom Regiment’s low shakos, we were never able to identify the person behind the cover, but somehow the mystery made the image even more alluring.

rCC winter drum Linemarch/april 2008photo courtesy of wgi sport of the artsimage of Javi ortega

According to one Facebook fan: “Some-times, it’s not the perfect moments that hap-pen for a split second that make the best memories. It’s the hilarious ones (like the strange facial expressions) that sometimes we remember most.”

That comment sums up this image of Riverside Community College Winter Drum Line performing its 2007 championship show, “Momento: A Collection of First Time Memories.”

Cover boy, Javi Ortega, agrees. “Thanks for all the likes everyone!” he says. “Thanks to Halftime Magazine for choosing my silly picture for the cover!”

usC trojan marching BandJanuary/february 2008photo by eric sullanoimage of Kyle wright

By an overwhelming response, fans “liked” the January/February 2008 cover featuring the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band. Directed by Dr. Arthur C. Bartner for more than 40 years, the Trojan Marching Band has appeared in the Rose Bowl more than 33 times and has countless other guest appearances in movies, television and around the world.

2 .

3 .

coVerstoP 5

At the beginning of July 2012, we asked our Facebook

fans and readers to vote for their favorite cover designs.

Here are the winning covers.

22

the u.s. marine drum and Bugle Corpsmay/June 2008

“The Commandant’s Own” U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps supplied us with this image of its members performing at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Monument). During the summer months, the group conducts Sunset Parades there ev-ery Tuesday evening. Not only is the image patriotic, but it also showcases the precision of the military ensembles with the members in perfect alignment.

west Johnston high schoolmarch/april 2010photo by Ken martinson/marching.comimage of Quinton Jean-Luc Christian

Though we didn’t know it at the time, this cover featuring guard members from the West Johnston High School Marching Band in Benson, N.C., would coincide with the winter guard’s 2010 WGI Scholastic Open Championship. The band has also been a strong contender in Bands of America and performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008.

usC trojan marching BandJanuary/february 2008photo by eric sullanoimage of Kyle wright

By an overwhelming response, fans “liked” the January/February 2008 cover featuring the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band. Directed by Dr. Arthur C. Bartner for more than 40 years, the Trojan Marching Band has appeared in the Rose Bowl more than 33 times and has countless other guest appearances in movies, television and around the world.

1 .5 .

4 .

July/August 2012 23

educAteentertAininsPire

cAlling All instructorsMake Halftime Magazine part of your classroom or ensemble

because your mission is our mission

www .hAlftimemAg .com/Articles/suBscriBe

Get a group subscription with copies for every student and staff in your band for just

$1PeR PeRSoNPeR YeAR

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Scan this

QR code

SubScribe nowsource code: CCTHS

www.halftimemag.comFind us on Follow us on

Scan this QR code

®

BecAuse eVery BAnd, corPs, guArd And drumline

hAs A story

By E

lIz

AB

Eth

GEl

I

Agesthrough the

Marching with Drum Corps Associates, you can be 20, 44, 59, or even younger or older; you can be a student, a business executive or a construction engineer; and you can be married with children. How does this activity draw such a diverse pool of participants, and how do they juggle their families, career and corps?

ABout the AuthorElizabeth Geli is the assistant editor for Halftime Magazine and a freelance journalist and communications professional in Los Angeles. She marched flute at Valencia High School in Placentia, Calif., and in the University of Southern California (USC) Trojan Marching Band, where she now works as a teaching assistant. She has a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and a Master’s in Specialized Journalism (The Arts) from USC.

26

Rachel Graackminnesota Brass (st. paul, minn.) 20 years old

It couldn’t have been a more success-ful rookie season for Minnesota Brass

guard member Rachel Graack as the corps won the 2011 DCA Championships and broke the Reading Buccaneers’ six-year winning streak.

“I think my favorite memory was just bonding with everyone, especially over winning championships,” Graack says. “That was, in its own, a great memory, and everyone was crying on the field in the rain.”

An undeclared junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Graack is now in her second year marching with Min-nesota Brass. Previously she had been in color guard at Irondale High School in New Brighton, Minn.

“I was in color guard in high school and fell in love with it,” Graack says. “I knew about Minnesota Brass since I was in high school when they came to our shows. My other friends were

marching and people I knew in high school.”

Graack balances her drum corps schedule with school, sorority and a part-time job at an assisted living facility. The last two weeks of the season, including championships, conflict with the beginning of her school year.

“It gets crazy once school starts because you have to drive back and forth and talk to your professors, but it ends up working out,” Graack says. “It’s a lot of time and effort, and there are many different factors, but you just need to be flexible.”

While Graack has considered march-ing in a Drum Corps International corps and could still qualify age-wise, DCA’s lighter schedule and monetary commitment make it a better option at this point in her life.

“I need to work and start paying off my student loans, which right now are more important to me, and being gone all summer is pretty hard, too,” Graack says. “Even if you can’t march a DCI corps, a DCA corps is always great because you still meet so many people. It’s just a little cheaper and a little less time consuming, but it’s still worth it.”

For Graack, the friends she’s made and the people she’s met are the most rewarding part of her drum corps experience. “There are quite a few people around my age or a little older but a few that are significantly older,” Graack says. “We all mesh really well, and it’s pretty fun. I love performing, so the chance to get to perform again is really great for me, and everyone’s really nice and laidback and easy to talk to.”

As she finishes college, she hopes to keep marching, maybe even for years to come.

“I want to keep coming back, but it just depends on what happens when I graduate from college and find a job,” Graack says “I’ll try to stay involved because it is so fun and very worth-while.”

Andrea Gwynreading (pa.) Buccaneers 44 years old

She’s a mom of two teenagers, an executive working to provide the

world with life-saving vaccines and drum major of the most decorated corps in DCA history. Andrea Gwyn is a veritable drum corps superwoman.

“I have a pretty serious career, and at times it is pretty hard to balance work and two active teenagers and drum corps,” says Gwyn, head of regulatory development for North America for Sanofi Pasteur, the largest company in the world devoted entirely to human vaccines. “Especially as the lead drum major, it’s not just the weekend rehears-als; I need to prepare updates, commu-nication, and ensure that everything is ready for rehearsal.”

Gwyn marched in high school and with the Penn State University Blue Band, joining the Reading Bucca-neers in 1987 for one year. She then marched two years with the Garfield

You can’t graduate, and you’ll never age out. For those who want to keep marching for life, Drum Corps Associates (DCA) is the place to be. DCA, the all-age drum

corps competition circuit, offers its members a rewarding marching experience while teaching them how to work with people of all different ages and walks of life.

Three DCA members from different age groups discuss why they march, how they make time for drum corps and what they’ve learned from their experiences.

Phot

os c

ourt

esy

of R

ache

l Gra

ack.

© 2

012.

Dav

id G

wyn

. All

right

s re

serv

ed.

July/August 2012 27

Cadets where she aged out and then came back to the Buccaneers as a mel-lophone and then a four-year drum major.

After an additional year as drum major of the Bushwackers, she took a 15-year break to “have two little Buccaneers.”

In 2011 she returned as an assistant drum major and now lead drum major. Her two children— Connor and McKenna Cassady, who are 16 and 13 respectively —have now followed in their mother’s drum corps footsteps.

“When I left, I said I’d like to come back someday and have my kids march with me, and now it’s actually happen-ing,” Gwyn says. “It was one of my bucket list items.”

Although the corps membership is relatively young—only five members are older than 40 with the oldest at 49—the varied ages still help the members learn from each other. Gwyn’s daughter, McKenna, is the youngest in the corps.

“Our drum corps is really pretty young, but it is interesting to see the high school kids and how they approach things,” Gwyn says. “They get some experience with the older college kids and the working life people to see how they organize themselves and approach rehearsals.”

Regardless of any differences, Gwyn is most in awe of the Buccaneers’ simi-larities. “That’s really part of what attracts me to Reading and to drum corps again,” she says. “You get to surround yourself with people that are working really hard on the same 10 minutes of show all summer. Drum corps people are a unique breed, and I like to surround myself with people of similar values. We have the same goal and work hard to get there.”

Gwyn’s husband, David, also helps out as a roadie and photographer for the corps. Being able to do what she loves while surrounded by her family is what Gwyn loves most about her drum corps experience.

“Sometimes I see them sharing this fantastic experience with me, and I get goose bumps,” Gwyn says. “I’m extremely proud of how hard they work, and I watch them push harder. Having the time with them and knowing that they’re learning the same things I did and will be able to apply that to their lives as they grow up is certainly a lesson that I think is good.”

Blaise Castaldohawthorne (n.J.) Caballeros59 years old

In his 47-year-long drum corps career, Blaise Castaldo has truly seen it all.

Forty-three of those have been spent devoted to the Hawthorne Caballeros, where he marched as a mellophone player and then transitioned into visual and support staff.

“I like all the music, and I find redeem-ing qualities in everybody’s program no matter how big or small the drum corps is,” Castaldo says. “It’s a passion. I love the camaraderie. I get a big kick out of the kids, especially the college kids; they remind me so much of how we were when we were younger.”

Castaldo grew up in a time of drum corps history very different from the one today.

He began playing in a firemen’s ju-nior corps and then the Envoys Drum and Bugle Corps in his hometown of Newburgh, N.Y.

“It was so good back then; there were so many regional drum corps in the Hudson Valley,” Castaldo says. “All of us young guys back then, we were all kids from the neighborhood, and in the 60’s if you didn’t do sports, you got interested in music. Anyone who could walk and chew gum at the same time was in. You didn’t have to be formally trained.”

In 1970 he joined the Caballeros and never left. Over the years he’s helped out as an instructor, co-director and/or visual staff.

He has also worked with smaller corps and as a judge during marching band and winter guard seasons.

With the Caballeros, he’s worn so many different hats, he can’t even remember all the roles he’s filled. Currently he is listed as equipment coordinator and rehearsal facilitator.

“Any way, shape or form I can help, I try to help,” Castaldo says. “If you ask me why, I don’t even know for sure. I look at the drum corps as a group of people that needs things done, and somebody’s got to do them. I’m doing it for us; I’m not doing it for me.”

Castaldo’s favorite memories include times when his wife and two of his three children marched in the corps, championships and undefeated seasons, as well as the many high-profile trips and events he experienced with the Caballeros in the 70’s.

However the bittersweet memories of hard-fought seasons particularly stand out to him.

“You watch the corps struggle in the beginning of the season and then improve; it’s so satisfying to know that you had a part of that and had some kind of input,” Castaldo says.

After overcoming difficult times in the past, Castaldo says that the Cabelleros will stay strong overall. “The corps can endure through anything,” he says. “You can have some really terrible years, but as long as we keep having good people who care on the staff, the corps will endure.”

Between lining the fields, shopping, and providing water and lunches for the corps (to name just a few of his responsibilities), Castaldo still works hard at his day job as a construction engineer operating heavy machinery, requiring him to leave home at 3:30 a.m. daily.

Castaldo doesn’t see himself leav-ing drum corps any time soon. “Drum corps is my passion,” he says. “Maybe I‘m trying to recapture my youth. I am getting older, and I am getting slower, and I just don’t want to throw the towel in. Maybe I’ll get my fill, but I don’t think so. I think I’m just one of those habitual people that will keep doing it because it’s what I do. It’s just what I do. I just do drum corps.”

© 2

012.

Ilen

e C

asta

ldo.

All

right

s re

serv

ed.

28

FJM_Halftime Mag ads.indd 17 6/11/12 11:02 AM

By JErEMy ChEN

The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps celebrates its 40th anniversary this

season and continues to maintain its mark of excellence on the field. Corps director David Glasgow, who won Drum Corps International’s Director of the Year Award in 2006, has managed the Blue-coats for the past eight years. During this time, the corps has achieved some of its most successful finishes, including a bronze medal in 2010.

With his deep relationship with the Bluecoats, Glasgow looks to engage the

alumni of the corps in order to make this season a special one.Halftime: tell us about yourself and your relationship with the bluecoats.Glasgow: I started with the Bluecoats in 1998 and played euphonium and in 2000 became drum major for my final two years. After that I was the tour coordinator, assistant director and became the corps director in September of 2003, and 2004 was my first season as director, and I have held that position ever since.

Halftime: you were relatively young when you became a corps director. was that difficult?Glasgow: I was really fortunate because I saw this as a possible career path early on. I kind of found that this could be a possibility my age-out year. So, it changed my initial perspective pretty quickly that year.

And also, I had really great people around me to help me and train me for this position. People like former director Bill Hamilton, for example. To be around

The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps have steadily climbed the championship ranks under the direction of David Glasgow. As it celebrates its 40th season, will this year be its most memorable yet?

BluecoAtsdrum And Bugle corPs

the

Take a lesson from Carol Abohatab, choreographer for the Santa Clara Vanguard Winter Guard and modern dance teacher for more than twenty years.

> Warm Up focuses on strengthening the core and stretching and lengthening of muscles with dynamic alignment.

> Technique Class offers a standing center class with technique for the spine, legs, and feet.

> Across the Floor teaches you all you need to know about methods of travel, getting in and out of the ground, turns, leaps, and jumps

wgi.org/store

Buy 2Get 1 Free!

2321WGI_MvmtDVD_HalftimeHlfPgAd_061512PRESS.indd 1 6/15/12 2:45 PM

© 2

012.

Ken

Mar

tinso

n/M

arch

ing.

com

. Al

l rig

hts

rese

rved

.

30

the leadership of the corps really gave me the tools to succeed. That way, I did not feel like I was being thrown to the wolves when I started, and I had a support sys-tem around me. The organization did a great job on transitioning in order to give me the resources I needed. Halftime: the bluecoats have seen a rise in rankings in recent years. what is behind that rise?Glasgow: I believe it is a combination of a whole lot of things. We went from being a small group with people coming and helping out on a volunteer basis to having full-time employees, which has allowed us to solidify our foundation and organization. Basically, trying to be excel-lent in everything we do and running the corps in a professional manner. We have been fortunate to have really talented staff designers and instructors and outstanding membership over the course of the last decade. With strong years in 2004, 2005 and 2006, we really set up a foundation in which we are a corps that people will want to be a part of.Halftime: How does the corps plan to celebrate its 40th season?

Glasgow: We are doing a number of things this coming season. One of them is a campaign we’re doing called, “I am a Bluecoat,” and our goal is to connect with 75 percent of our alumni from the past 40 years. We’ll have them wear a wristband with the campaign name and have them take a picture of themselves wherever they are for our 40th anniver-sary blog. We’re also trying to get 40,000 likes on our official Facebook page by the end of the calendar year. Halftime: How has the alumni support been for the bluecoats?Glasgow: It’s been very good. We have seen a surge in alumni support due to our “I am a Bluecoat” campaign and the 40th anniversary activities that we have done. We have been fortunate to have many years of performers. Like any

other organization, the support will only get better as we get more people. We are making a concerted effort to get our alumni involved any way they can and have them reconnect with the organiza-tion and be a part of our future. Halftime: what is in store for the future of the bluecoats?Glasgow: I think the future is bright for the corps. I believe that we will continue on the path that we are on. We are always going to make sure that we provide an outstanding area for our participants and strive in creating a really positive environment for them to be successful. We want to be as excellent as we possi-bly can, and we will continue to do that. Hopefully we keep on being a corps that people love to watch and will want to be a part of.

ABoUt thE AUthorJeremy Chen will be a junior majoring in broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California (USC). He marched cymbals for two years at Rancho Cucamonga High School before playing bass drum and snare at Upland High School. He is currently a snare drummer and office staff member for the USC Trojan Marching Band. He aspires to one day become a correspondent for the BBC.

Take a lesson from Carol Abohatab, choreographer for the Santa Clara Vanguard Winter Guard and modern dance teacher for more than twenty years.

> Warm Up focuses on strengthening the core and stretching and lengthening of muscles with dynamic alignment.

> Technique Class offers a standing center class with technique for the spine, legs, and feet.

> Across the Floor teaches you all you need to know about methods of travel, getting in and out of the ground, turns, leaps, and jumps

wgi.org/store

Buy 2Get 1 Free!

2321WGI_MvmtDVD_HalftimeHlfPgAd_061512PRESS.indd 1 6/15/12 2:45 PM

I was in the 5th grade when I first experi-enced a marching band, really truly expe-

rienced it in person. It was my town’s annual Memorial Day parade and what was to be my high school’s 40-some-member band came marching down the road. I distinctly remem-ber the deep excitement I felt in seeing that marching band perform: the groove of the drums in my feet, the strong impression of pride and the passion in every motion. I was so in love with what I saw that I followed that band all over town. I felt and experienced music in a whole new way. It was then that I knew I wanted to play percussion and to be part of a marching ensemble.

It wasn’t until 8th grade when I put on a bass drum—twice my size—that I got my first taste of what it meant to be in a marching band. I never would have thought that within nine years I would serve as the drum major of the Rumson-Fair Haven High School Marching Bulldogs from Rumson, N.J., the field major of the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights from New Brunswick, N.J., and drum major of the 2011 Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps from Princeton, N.J.

dIrECtING ChANGEIn those nine years, including the four sea-sons I served as drum major, I always had the distinct honor of working during a time of change. Not the changing of staff or march-ing styles, but the kind of change that starts

out slow and quiet. The kind of thing you feel before you realize that it is happening. What I am talking about is a change in band culture, when an ensemble suddenly takes a giant leap forward. When every member takes ownership of their performance and the band collectively decides to set the standard higher and to achieve what had been deemed impossible. That is when passion and pride drive the ensemble to heights it never could have imagined.

As a drum major, my role during all of this was to aid and direct this change, to amplify the instruction of the staff and to promote the beginnings of something great. However, this was no simple matter, and great improve-ments to the culture of the band can just as easily be snuffed out by a mishandled situa-tion or a slipup in practice.

To make sure I always helped the ensem-ble, I focused on passion. I considered it my job to make certain that the members of the band could not wait to practice, to perform and to see each other.

But how do you cultivate passion in an ensemble as large as the Rutgers 200-member band, as diverse as the membership of a Drum Corps Associates (DCA) ensemble or as filled with the intense relationships of a small high school group? Well, for me I always turned to one thing: fun. Pure, ridiculous and absurd fun.

I came to marching band because I loved

Behind the BAton

one drum major has averted disaster and driven change—by singing a song.

By MAtthEW lEddINPhoto by Brittany Angalet

our song

32

everything about it—from loading the truck to performing on the field. But sometimes people forget; they get lost in preparing for a pending competition, in the desire for new instruments or in the insane weather conditions.

SINGING thE BlIzzArd AWAy

To keep everyone on board and to remind them why they love marching band, I always turned to music, the one thing that links us all. No, not through our instruments, but in our voices. I can-not even begin to explain how a band’s vocal rendition of “Sweet Caroline” or “Build Me Up Butter Cup” at the right time can completely turn a bad situation around.

I specifically remember this past sea-son, the Rutgers Marching Band found itself performing in a freak October bliz-zard. We performed a full game with the wind howling in our faces. Trust me, it was an experience. On top of all this bad weather, there was a mix-up in our food, and we were stuck outside for an hour waiting for it to be resolved. The weather was awful; the band was hungry; it was a recipe for disaster.

So how was it resolved? Well, with Christmas carols, of course! We sang every song in the book.

As an ensemble we embraced how ridiculous the situation was, we laughed about it and grew from it. What could have broken the back of the band instead turned into a great memory for everyone involved.

SEttING thE toNEWhile on the practice field, I consistently used music to cultivate community and passion. Every Rumson-Fair Haven and Rutgers band practice started with my MP3 player blasting away on a Long Ranger that I was lucky enough to have commandeered.

The music did two things: It wel-comed all the members of the band to the practice field, and it helped to con-vey the field as a special location. The music helped to send the idea that the

practice field is a sacred place just for the band, where there is no room for school, stress and other problems.

IGNItING PASSIoNIf you still don’t believe me about the power of passion and culture to change the direction of an ensemble, then look to the 2011 Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps. In 2011 the group celebrated its 30th performance season, but 2011 brought many challenges. Membership was down, and at times it looked as if the 30th season was never going to be.

I didn’t get involved in the corps until about halfway through the season, but it was obvious the minute I arrived on the practice field that this corps would never disappear. It was fueled by something much greater than a desire to win on the field; it was driven by passion, deep love for what they were doing, the work they were putting in and the progress that was being made.

Never was this passion made more tangible than just before our final per-formance in exhibition at the DCA finals. It was a heartfelt moment for all of us, a whole season’s worth of emotions—every challenge and every triumph, every mountain we climbed, and every hurdle we jumped. It was in this moment that we came together as a corps—and sang.

We sang arm and arm before that final performance, and we all knew that it wasn’t about winning or losing, getting a great score or being the best musician; it was about passion. We knew that no matter what happened, we were walking away from that performance as champi-ons with heads held high. To this day I will always remember that performance, for never before have I seen so much emo-tion come roaring out across the field.

Basically what it comes down to is that marching band is a blast. Though we all do it for different reasons, in the end it is a crazy good time. Never forget this even when staff is changing, music is being rewritten, or nature seems to fight against you. Embrace the absurdity of the challenge and sing through the problems.

ABoUt thE AUthorMatthew Leddin is a recent graduate of Rutgers University obtaining his undergradu-ate degree in history. He is now attending the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, working to achieve his masters in social studies education. He has been playing percussion since he was 10. He has served as the drum major of the Rumson-Fair Haven High School Marching Bulldogs, the field major of the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights and drum major of the 2011 Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps.

July/August 2012 33

My mother always said, “If your feet hurt, then everything else

hurts, too.” When marching season rolls back

around, consider the comfort of your feet and the shoes you’re squeezing them into.

Learning drill in sneakers brings up an interesting challenge because you are continually rehearsing in shoes that you will not actually wear during performance. Tennis shoes go from the street to the field a little too easily; they allow you to feel a little too comfort-able during rehearsal.

While practicing in your heeled marching shoes will simulate actual performances, it may not be ideal for long periods of time. So, the idea is to get to a point where your tennis shoes feel comfortable during long rehearsal hours but also allow you to transition into performance mode.

fEEt toGEthErFirst, you need to know your feet—do you have high arches? Do you need insoles? What kind of tennis shoes feel best on your feet when you are standing and moving around for long periods of time? Do you need a running shoe or will a stan-dard athletic shoe do the job?

Also consider sneakers that have mesh on the sides and top to circulate air, so that your foot is not sitting in a puddle of sweat, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

SoCk It to MEYou will want to find the right socks for rehearsals as well. Some of the best socks that I have ever worn are running socks, which will not scrunch down into the shoe as you move around throughout the day. For the long hours of rehearsal, this type of sock is basically perfect.

However, these socks may not work best with your tighter-fitting marching shoes, which may require you to wear a thinner sock.

PErforMANCE ModEIn general, you should consider a shoe that will give you a bit of ankle support, especially if you have weak ankles. Also make sure that your shoes are not too heavy, which can lead to leg fatigue and affect your overall energy. I also don’t recom-mend marching in shoes with a thin sole, which do not have any arch support.

Moving from practice to perfor-mance, if you wear insoles when you rehearse, then you should also wear them during show times. Addition-ally, if your marching shoes have given you blisters during previous performances, consider putting on band-aids preventatively where you got blisters in the past.

Wearing a comfortable shoe and good socks keeps you cool and performing well from the ground up.

fitnessto the

mAx

After dancing since the age of 3, Haley Greenwald-Gonella thought it was time to try a new art. In elementary school, she began playing the flute and was in the marching band in middle school and for the first two years of high school. She also played the bassoon during concert season. Dance drew Haley back while in high school.

She graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with degrees in dance and English. She recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a master’s degree in Specialized Journalism (The Arts).

Haley is also a certified registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. She draws upon her dance and yoga training when it comes to all things fitness and the arts.

By hAlEy GrEENWAld-GoNEllA

heart and “soLe”

To ensure your optimum performance, take care of your feet with the right type of shoes.

34

Marching Band has a New Standard

usbands.org I facebook.com/usbands

Register for the 2012 USBands National Championships

November 8-11, 2012

MetLife Stadium I E. Rutherford, N.J.U.S. Naval Academy I Annapolis, Md.

USbandshalfftime:Layout 1 1/11/12 11:47 AM Page 1

aCross 1. “___ was I supposed to

know that?” 4. Throw a flag 8. Past the age limit for

trick-or-treating, maybe14. “Special Agent ___”

(Disney Junior show with a stuffed bear)

15. “That feels so relaxing ...”16. Fantasy land “Chronicle”d

in books and movies17. Band member’s

common board measurement? (2 words)

19. They’re aligned using the Alexander Technique

20. Attacked like a mosquito21. egyptian boy king

theorized until 2005 to have been murdered

23. In need of a map24. ___ pass (high school

permission item)26. Band member’s unit of

volume? (2 words)29. Poli ___ (college field of

study)30. Letters after M31. Abbreviation at the top

of sheet music32. What some sprays

replicate33. Animal that represents

Aries (2 words)35. “Family Guy” dog37. Band member’s really,

really big units of computer memory?

41. Sirs’ counterparts42. on _____ of

(speaking for)44. DeLuise in many Burt

Reynolds movies47. Prefix for “angle” or

“cycle”48. Massive-sized British

lexicon (abbrev.)49. Band with the

compilation album “And I

Feel Fine ...”50. With 60-Across, band

member’s measurement at an orchard? (3 words)

53. Puts together54. Instrument carrier55. organization that tracks

mercury emissions56. Hockey great Bobby,

winner of an NHL rookie award at age 18

57. Makes a correction to the text

60. See 50-Across (2 words)

64. What rests may represent

65. Huck Finn’s boat66. Photos, slangily67. “The Sixth Sense” actor

Haley Joel ___68. Three-person band69. James Bond, for one

down 1. Red ___ Chili Peppers 2. School that’s home to

the Beavers (abbrev.) 3. More likely to tip over 4. Heaviest American

president 5. “Now I’ve got it!” 6. “Please be quiet,” but a

bit ruder (2 words) 7. It may get shaped with

pruning shears 8. Clip-___ (tie types) 9. Seatbelt spot10. Part of marching band

practice11. Famous burger chain in

the southwestern U.S. (3 words, hyph.)

12. Afternoon nap13. Move quickly18. Feel sick22. Pageant headgear24. FDR successor

(abbrev.)25. eight, in German26. evaluate side by side27. Plagiarized, like notes for

a school paper28. Like worn-out rope30. Record-holding NY Jets

quarterback Joe34. Drink for pirates

35. DVD extra about the making of a movie, in film shorthand

36. To the ___ degree38. “Speed Racer” star Hirsch39. Liquids that hit a drum

when you’re sick? (2 words)40. Winter slider43. Car radio varieties44. “From the beginning,” in

sheet music (2 words)45. Current First Family46. The Sports Legends ___

at Camden Yards48. Similar, but not quite

equal (3 words)51. Hearing, for one52. Separated53. Circle section56. Prefix for “-mom” Nadya

Suleman58. Lion’s lair59. Ultra-fast jet retired in

the 2000s (abbrev.)61. “___ remember

correctly ...” (2 words)62. Body part that helps

form an embouchure63. Benzoyl peroxide brand

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16

17 18 19

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 32

33 34 35 36

37 38 39 40

41 42 43

44 45 46 47 48 49

50 51 52 53

54 55 56

57 58 59 60 61 62 63

64 65 66

67 68 69

ABoUt thE AUthorMatt Jones is a 1998 graduate of Willamette University in Salem, Ore., where he majored in music education. Since 1994, he has also written crosswords for venues such as The New York Times, Games Magazine and Stagebill. He currently writes a syndicated weekly puzzle for more than 50 alternative newspapers across the country.

“MArChING UNItS” By MAtt JoNES

soLution

For the solution go to

www.halftimemag.com.

Click on the magazine

issue on the home page

or “Archives,” then scroll

down to “Crossword.”

hoW do yoU MEASUrE UP?

• A Drum Corps at the Movies Event •• A Drum Corps at the Movies Event •

Only One Night: Live from the World Championship PrelimsOnly One Night: Live from the World Championship Prelims

Experience the world’s most elite marching music ensemblesfrom the air-conditioned comfort of a movie theater near you!

Live and larger-than-life from the50-yard line of Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium.

Thursday, August 9For participating theaters and tickets visit FathomEvents.com.

For event information visit DCI.org/cinema.

BLL9 Halftime 12.qxp:DCI Recruitment Ad 7/2/12 7:02 PM Page 1

36

• A Drum Corps at the Movies Event •• A Drum Corps at the Movies Event •

Only One Night: Live from the World Championship PrelimsOnly One Night: Live from the World Championship Prelims

Experience the world’s most elite marching music ensemblesfrom the air-conditioned comfort of a movie theater near you!

Live and larger-than-life from the50-yard line of Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium.

Thursday, August 9For participating theaters and tickets visit FathomEvents.com.

For event information visit DCI.org/cinema.

BLL9 Halftime 12.qxp:DCI Recruitment Ad 7/2/12 7:02 PM Page 1

www.dci.org

• The Madison Scouts begin using YamahaPercussion

• First Year ofYamaha MarchingPercussion instruments in DCI use with White, Chrome and Silky Silver

• The Cavaliers begin using Yamaha Percussion

• The Multi-Frame I for pit percussion instruments is introduced

• The Cadets win the High PercussionAward for the 3rd year in a row

• The 8200 Series Field-CorpsMarching Toms and Bass Drums are introduced

• Carolina Crown begin using YamahaBrass and Percussion becoming thenext “All-Yamaha” drum corps

• Yamaha and The Cavaliers celebratethe 20th Anniversary of the corpsusing Yamaha

• The Corps-Custommarching Snare Drum is introduced

• The Madison Scouts win the DCI Championship

• The Cavaliers win the DCI Championship and the High Percussion Award

• The Red Forest line of percussion is introduced

• The Cavaliers win the DCI Championship and win the High Percussion Award

• The Cavalierswin the DCIChampionshipand the HighBrass Award

• The Cadets win the HighPercussionAward for the 2nd year in a row

• Yamaha and the Madison Scouts celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the corps using Yamaha percussion

• The Bluecoats begin using Yamaha Brass, Percussion and Pro Audio products becoming the next “All-Yamaha” drum corps

• The Colts begin using Yamaha Brass, Percussion and Pro Audio products becoming the next “All-Yamaha” drum corps

• The SFZ Marching Snare Drum is introduced

• The Black Forest line of percussion is introduced

• The Cavaliers begin using Yamaha Brass becoming an “All-Yamaha” drum corps and the first to win the DCI Championship

• The Cadets begin using Yamaha Percussionbecoming the next “All-Yamaha” drumcorps and win theHigh PercussionAward

• The Crossmen begin using Yamaha Brass and Percussion becoming the next“All-Yamaha” drum corps

• The Cavaliers win the DCI Championship

• The Madison Scouts begin usingYamaha Brass instruments becoming the next “All-Yamaha” drum corps

• The Cadets begin using Yamaha Brass, are named DCI Co-Champions and win the High Brass Award

• The Cavaliers are named DCI Co-Champions and win the High Percussion Award

• The MTS Marching Snare Drum is introduced

• Carolina Crown wins High Brass Award

• Yamaha celebrates 25 years of Drum Corps involvement

• The Cadets win the DCI Championship• The Cavaliers win the High Percussion Award• Carolina Crown wins the High Brass Award

www.4wrd.it/dciht

PERC2787 Over 21 Years Ad HT_Layout 1 7/3/12 2:37 PM Page 1