Early February Review

Now let’s get back to the real sport, drum crops. What a challenge the weather gave us again this past Sunday; wind chills below zero and white outs that caused near zero visibility conditions BUT practice went on as scheduled. Over 30 horns and a solid drum line put together another day of hard work. During the ensemble in the gym the staff set up the corps in the way we’ll be set up for Harrisburg. Larry Keppel will be getting the stage dimensions to assure that we have enough room. We expect to have more than 50 horns and 22 drums at the show. The ‘A’ guard will be participating but the working guard will not be performing. The February schedule continues next Sunday, the 17th, at 9:30 with the next Friday practice a week from this coming Friday on the 22nd.

Larry Darch brought in his surprise guest instructor, none other than Drum Corps Hall of Famer, Doug Reynolds to introduce the drum line to another solo. This one proves to be a real challenge but will certainly be impressive when we get it down. Thanks to both Larry and Doug for their dedication to old-time drum corps.

Curt Anderson announced that Ed Reese has retired from Danka. He will be moving back to Western NY and will pick up the position of full time drum major with the corps. Congratulations Eddy! He will be complimented with the likes of Donny Allen, Kacy Dolan and Bill Christner during the season. Looks like our drum major issues have been solved.

It appears that most everything is coming together in fine fashion so far this year but I would be remiss to not mention a few sections that still could really use some help from everyone in the corps;

#1 the working guard is still struggling with its’ numbers. I spoke in length with Diane Wilson and here are some of her thoughts and concerns. Those attending practice are very pleased and happy with Barb Fitch, the new guard instructor. Her teaching methods and low-keyed attitude have impressed them all. There are some thoughts about dividing the working guard into 2 sections; one would do all of the flag routines on the field and during parades and a second group would just be a marching section. This may encourage some of those who wish to be a little less involved to join the corps. This may give some of the spouses/significant others an opportunity to participate in the corps. Not to send the wrong message about the numbers, the working guard is still looking for members to participate at its current status, one entity.

#2 the Baritone section is still looking for horn players. The numbers have increased this year but there is still room for a few more who are willing to work to make this a much more ‘sound’ section.

#3 the Bass Drum section is looking for a couple of young, strong-backed drummers to compliment our 2 regulars Art and Perry. Certainly this is the ‘heart-beat’ of the drum line and the corps and we could really use some help in this section. We still plan to see Sean and Tom at our next practice but a couple of extras to do summer schedules would be great.

Here are some pictures from an earlier practice this year, some young blood…….

some old blood and the guard hard at work (LOL).  Sorry girls, I had to do it....

 Bob
bobwielgosz@gmail.com