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January 2008 MSJ Practice Review |
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| 2008 has really started out with a tremendous air of excitement. These past 3 January practices have been especially exhilarating. Hope that everyone is getting the same sense about this upcoming season as I am. The hornline, averaging at least 40 per practice with a few missing each week, has done an exceptional job of getting through the entire new book and creating such a full sound from top to bottom. The drumline, with about 20 there each week, is keeping pace with the book and moving ahead with the new solo and some other added little features. The guard has been working diligently in the gym each week but the numbers appear to still be down so that’s an area that I would ask each and every member of the corps to work especially hard at recruiting. Also there are still openings in all of the sections especially the baritones and Sully has offered some kind of a “reward” for any new bari someone may bring in. Not exactly sure what that could be, maybe an old “Ace” Petersen autographed, SIZE SMALL T-shirt that I’m sure Sully has somewhere in storage. | ||
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Just a reminder, we have one more Sunday practice this week, January 27th, before the Super Bowl week break and it is imperative that each and every member make a special attempt to be there. Also, this Friday night is the first of the every-other-week, voluntary practices at the Batavia VA. In the past these Friday nighters have been very helpful for many and will make a big difference at the corps being ready for Harrisburg. Please try and attend when you can. Beats Friday night TV! |
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As I’ve said in the past there is so much work going on behind the scenes that make each season a success and I again would like to recognize a few people that are involved with several different aspects of this work. The Classic Committee has done a tremendous job at putting together what I think will be a great show this year. Along with all of the corps listed on the flier they have added CADRE (Canadian Associates Drumming Rudamental Excellence), winners of the 2007 DCA Percussion Ensemble Championship. Also bringing in The Light Brigade (formerly The 27TH Lancers) Alumni Crops will add something special to our show. I’m sure I won’t remember everyone but here are a few others that work behind the scenes with little to no recognition: Patty Bishop and Tony Pipitone, uniform and equipment inventory (be sure to get them the info they have requested), Dee Darch, who is taking the time to compile all of the survey responses that were received. Yes, many of you took the time to give the board your feed back on many issues and, as a board member, I would like to take this opportunity to ‘thank you’ for your candor and also for your bravery in signing your return. LOL. It may not be apparent at this time but several of your suggestions have already been acted on and I’m certain that more will be as the season and years progress. Also thanks to Art Schnitzer who week after week is spending time with the Cymbal Section to help Larry Darch in preparation for 2008 and to Kacy Dolan & Bobby LaDuca for stepping up in Donny Allen’s absence. You guys are doing a great job. As we all know Sully continues to do a great job at getting our schedule in place each and every year and this year looks to be another tremendous one. And one last couple that I believe this corps would not survive without, Curt & Margaret Anderson, our AD and his (or is it her’s) special advisor. Week after week they are there early and stay late, they are involved with ALL of the committees, they work through the week behind the scenes to be sure that everything is in place for the next week. And they also find time to perform with the corps. A special vote of thanks goes out to these two wonderful people/friends. Well, like I said, I have certainly forgotten many but will continue to rack my brain throughout the year to mention each and every one of you. In the next few weeks I will be putting a special “review” together with biographies of many of our current staff members to give us all an opportunity to get to know these special people a little better and this will also be made DC public through Drum Corps World to let everyone know what kind of organization Mighty St. Joe’s is. Hope you enjoy the reading and remember your comments and suggestions are always welcomed. Looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday and to another great season with the best Alumni Corps out there, MSJ!
Bob |
