Dear Marching Wildcats, It has been almost a full month since we have performed for an audience. We have NEVER performed the full show, and this was our first performance in uniform. AT a competition. One of the most stressful events that our younger members will go through, and one of the ones that ties even our most veteran performers up in knots at times. I was THRILLED with your performance tonight!! As I looked over the judges sheets and comments, we have a few structural (basic) things to fix like consistent feet, consistent articulations, releases, and forms. Everything else comes with experience and design. We are going to tweak this show like CRAZY in the next 2 weeks before the next competition. We will be adding lots of visuals, effects, potential props, etc., as well as some musical additions, so everyone really needs to know what theyre doing with what we did tonight in order to really bring it for the next competition. Im very proud of you everyone! (Chaperons and pit crew equipment movers, that includes you as well). Now that we have our feet wet, I have some homework for everyone. Students: 1. Go online, find TOP drum corps (DCI), or Bands of America finalists or champions, and watch them perform. Find the great ones and strive to perform that way. (Suggestions: DCI- Carolina Crown, The Cadets, The Blue Devils, The Cavaliers, Santa Clara Vanguard, and my corps- Spirit of Atlanta. Bands of America- Lassiter High School, Marian Catholic High School, Broken Arrow High School, Wando High School, and Tarpon Springs High School). 2. MASTER your show. If that means going down to the practice field by yourself, or going into the garage to hammer out your music...DO IT! Every single one of you is important, and I need every single one of you to be very proud of your show- even if you had to march it by yourself without the rest of the band. Parents: 1. If you dont hear show music being prepped at your house...please check with your student to ensure that your investment in his/her membership (member fees, instrument, food money, etc.), is being well respected. Even if you dont know music, you can hear whether what is being played is good or bad. Trust your instincts! Some instruments have been in lockers every night since the beginning of school....improvement cant be made that way. (Contact me directly if youd like to know if your investment has dust on it in the locker...Ill be happy to tell you!) 2. Come to the next competition to see your student! We need a massive cheering section, and you are important to your band member. Even if they seem really embarrassed by you and to not want you around...they still look for you in the stands, and are comforted to know that you are there. Teenagers are supposed to not care-- we know better, and need to be there to cheer for them like crazy. And ...if you happen to embarrass them...wear it like a badge of honor! (They really love it, and want you there) For some perspective...we have 3 weeks of competition season left. What say we whip open a can of GOYA and really make this something? Again, thanks everyone for a wonderful day, and great job tonight! Have a terrific Sunday, Mr. B
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 03:19:02 +0000
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