Drum Line Camp Report and 2009 First Rehearsal Dates!!

     Greetings from cold Gifford Elementary School and the second of four drum line camps during our off-season!  Patrick Coughlin, our percussion caption head, is very excited with the line already and thinks great things will be taking place come June and July.  The focus of these camps is to get a head start on the warm-ups and street beat we will use in 2009 as well as getting the correct technique in place EARLY so that when band camp and the season starts - the battery has a strong foundation.  Judges have always found Brigade percussionists to have strong playing technique and musicality - and this season will be no different!  Our tradition of strong technique is due to many things: the talent level of our members; amazing private teachers like Mark Pulice and Tom Sorensen, and superior staff instruction.

     Once again, our terrific Junior Brigade has proven to be an awesome training ground and feeder program for us with four rookies joining the line - all of whom marched in Junior Brigade last year!  Patrick tells me that they are all very strong players and should be able to fit right in with the veterans.  Of course - the actual line has not been set as far as who will be playing what instrument or how many snares, tenors and basses we may march.  But - I would not be surprised to see the entire percussion section looks something like this when we hit band camp:

Snares - 5

Tenors - 3

Bass Drums - 5

Front Ensemble - 8

     These numbers would be fantastic and I wouldn't even be surprised if they end up even larger.  I can say without a doubt that the Lighthouse Brigade percussion section (battery and pit) will be a strong force to be dealt with all season!  Many thanks go out to students and the winter camp percussion staff of: 

Patrick Coughlin - Percussion Caption Head

Steve Lange - Percussion Technician

Tony Holm - Percussion Technician

FYI - I have the dates of the first meeting and rehearsals for the 2009 Lighthouse Brigade:

Thursday, February 5th - Recruitment Night and Member/Parent Meeting

 Gifford Elementary School - 7:00pm in the auditorium

(All current and prospective members are REQUIRED to attend this meeting!)

First Rehearsals

Saturday, February 7th - 9:00am - 5:00pm at Gifford Elementary School

Sunday, February 8th - 1:00pm - 6:00pm at Gifford Elementary School

I'll post another blog entry next week during the color guard "spin camp" number 2!

- Rex out

A Great Time!

     It was so much fun to see such a great turnout for the DVD party!  I really liked having it at Charcoal Grill.  No offense to Gifford - but all RUSD schools turn off the heat during the weekends to save money - so in past years the auditorium has always been freezing cold, the sound system is very muddled, and you can't have any food or beverages.  I was happy with the food choices and I thought the sound was pretty clear.  Maybe the actual screen could be a little bigger - but all in all I thought the night was a whole lot of fun!

     I would like to thank Paul Ruffolo for all of the work he did for this project.  There are a million little touches he adds to the DVD that most people won't even notice......but take it from someone who was there every step of the way - I notice all of them and I am so lucky to have someone like Paul to help me with this HUGE project.  I met Paul when I was a young (right out of drum corps) instructor and he was a senior marching member of the Band of the Black Watch from Kenosha.  He "gets" what marching band is all about and I really think that shows up time and time again on the season DVD's.

     It was also great to have my big brother, Gene, in attendance.  For those of you who may not know - he is the designer and webmaster of our Brigade website.  He lives in the L.A. area and usually visits in September so it was a real treat for him to be able to experience the DVD party in person.  Gene and I will be updating the Brigade website as well as adding some new features such as the alumni directory.  I count my lucky stars that I have Paul and Gene as resources for Lighthouse Brigade.  Much like my world class staff who bring the members to such high levels of performance each year, these creative people make the Brigade extra special.

     The 2009 Field show production is now up on the member's page and on the latest brigade news page and I will also put it here:

"Legacy - The Music of John Barnes Chance" 

Music selections:

Incantation And Dance

Variations On A Korean Folk Song

     This show will feature the music of one of the most important composers to ever write for school concert bands.  In the mid 1960's he was digging a trench in his back yard when he struck a live wire and was killed, leaving a legacy of some amazing music.  I have wanted to do this show for a number of years, now and our 30th anniversary year is a great time to do it.  The "Legacy" in the title of the show also references former marching member Matt LaBelle who passed away due to cancer in the 1980's.  Mr. Donald Young, band director at Horlick High School, was selected by the Lighthouse Brigade to compose a song dedicated to his memory and Mr. Young entitled it, "Legacy".

     Plans are well underway for the 2009 season.  I am looking at starting at the end of January.  I'll post more information as I go.

- Rex out

DVD Release Party!!!!!

     The wait is almost over!  The Release Party for the 2008 Lighthouse Brigade DVD is right around the corner!  Put Friday, October 24th on your calendars and be ready for an awesome reunion and viewing of the DVD!  I am working with Paul Ruffolo from Southport Digital again and this is, without a doubt, the snazziest project we have ever put out!  I think you will all treasure this terrific keepsake and record of our amazing 2008 season!  Here is the info on the Release Party:

Friday, October 24th

The Charcoal Grill (8300 Washington Ave.  Racine, WI)

6:00pm - 7:30pm - Social for all Brigade members, family, staff, alumni and fans.  Ryan Bloom, a former marching member and now manager at The Charcoal Grill is working with me to provide a great place for our reunion.  There will be an outstanding array of food for the social - and the price per person is $15.00.  Coffee and soda are included in this cost and anything from the bar is on your own.

7:30pm - 9:00pm - First public viewing of the 2008 DVD.  If you only wish to come for the DVD viewing - you will need to be at here by 7:30.  Food will not be available at this time - but you may still purchase beverages from the bar.  After the night is done - you will be able to purchase your very own copy of the DVD for $35.00 each (please make all checks out to: Racine Band Boosters).

If you wish to come to the social - please contact me at: rex_rukavina@lighthousebrigade.org 

- Rex out

New Executive Board

     In November the Racine Band Boosters will be starting a new era with a totally "new" executive board of directors.  I say "new" because all of these parents have already been involved for the last few years!  Just elected at the band booster meeting last night: Jenny Miller - President; Bob and Cheri Harms - Co-Vice Presidents; Michael Ziolecki - Treasurer; Cathy Behling - Secretary; and Faith Christian - Past President.  Congrats to all of our new executive board members.  I look forward to working with all of you on our continuing mission of keeping the Lighthouse Brigade bands moving forward.

     I would like to give out a HUGE thank you to our departing executive board members.  They have been in these positions for many years, now and it has been an honor and pleasure to work with all of them: Faith Christian - President; Cheryl Thomas - Vice President; Diane Sluga - Treasurer; Karen Ludwig - Secretary; and Mark Buhler - Past President.  They will still be around to help out and I am glad they are more than willing to lend a hand with the new executive board members.  It humbles me each year as I see the amount of hours, dedication, commitment and love for this organization our parents give time and time again.  Our parents may not be wearing the uniform our marching members perform in - but they are every bit as important to what you see on the field of competition each season!

- Rex Out

- Go Bears!!

     WOW!!  Congrats to all of the marching members, staff and support team of the Phantom Regiment - the new 2008 DCI World Champions!  I am so proud of my corps (you see, when you have "worn the helmet" of the Phantom Regiment you will ALWAYS be a part of the corps and its traditions and history).  They were already champions after hearing the crowd reaction - the ending in first place was just icing on the cake, believe me.

     Aside from a very small minority of idiots who only try out for a corps because they think they will have the best chance to win championships with them, most people march in a certain corps because they love the style of music they play or the way they approach performing.  ALL of the marching members are champions for all of the hard work they put in this season - it's just that someone has to be crowned the ultimate champion and it sure is great that the Regiment can bask in that glory!  Their only other title was a shared championship with the Blue Devils in 1996 - so having one all their own is pretty cool!

Now, I've got to get back to working on the 2009 Brigade music and the 2008 DVD!!

- Rex out

What a fun evening Thursday night!  I was at the Quarterfinals broadcast at the movie theater and it was great to see so many Brigade members also there.

I am very proud of the fact that we saw five former Brigade members on the big screen:

Matt Jacob - Blue Stars

Nick Taylor - Bluecoats

Mike Kowbel, Joe Bauer and Tony Holm - Madison Scouts

Awesome job, guys!!  Now - it is obvious that I have a special place in my heart for my former corps, Phantom Regiment and I was thrilled to see that their field show production of "Spartacus" has already become a drum corps legend.  They are really throwing it down this year and wether or not they take the championship title - they have my respect and admiration.  The picture at the top is from the 1982 version of Spartacus!!  SUTA!!

Here is how I would have (HONESTLY) ranked the top twelve corps last night:

 

1.  Phantom Regiment

2.  Cavaliers

3.  Carolina crown

4.  Blue Devils

5.  The Cadets

6.  Santa Clara Vanguard

7.  Blue Coats

8.  Blue Knights

9.  Boston Crusaders

10.  Blue Stars

11.  Madison Scouts

12.  Glassmen

- Rex out

No More Flutes? Really????

Greetings from beautiful Winter Park, Colorado! I'm on vacation, but since I have internet access where we are staying - I thought I would add a new post.

Yup - the heading of this post is true. For the 2009 Brigade season there will not be flutes in the horn line. The reason I have decided to do this is not because I hate flutes - but because I love the sound of the flute so much (heck, my wife is a flute player!!). It breaks my heart each season to see our flute players work so hard to learn and memorize their music - and then pretty much not be heard on the field of competition. Yes, you can hear them a few times during the show - but the sound of a flute just CAN'T be heard that well (1) outdoors and (2) in a horn line with much louder instruments.

If you are reading this thinking I only have it out for flutes - please understand that there are many instruments we don't use in our horn line set up. Examples: oboes, alto/bass clarinets, baritone saxophones, french horns and trombones. People may think we are not playing fair when we make trombone players learn baritone - but often Brigade is all about the members learning new instruments to help flesh out our instrumentation. Take the pit, for example. Of the six pit members we had this year, only ONE of them was an actual percussionist! We had woodwind players playing brass instruments, percussion instruments or performing with the guard. We also had actual brass players switch to different brass instruments to help with the balance of our sound.

I can tell you from experience that switching from a woodwind to a brass instrument was a lot of hard work, yes - but it was also a ton of fun and it opened up my eyes to the world of brass warmups and building up my "chops". Flute players will have many opportunities with Brigade in the future. They can switch to louder woodwind instruments such as clarinet or saxophone. They can learn a brass instrument. They can see if the color guard would be something they would want to try. They can join the pit, try out for a battery instrument or even try out for drum major.

In 2006 we won championships with a brass line that was mostly made up of woodwind players who learned a brass instrument that summer. So - here are the "new" opportunities for the Lighthouse Brigade:

Horn Line:

Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
Mellophone
Baritone
Contra

Percussion:

Snare
Tenor
Bass
Pit

and of course, Color Guard or try out for Drum Major.

- Rex out

2008 - another season done!

Just as fast as the 2008 season started - the uniforms, instruments, equipment, and truck have been put away until the 2009 season gets underway. I was very happy with the field show production of "From The New World" and even though I didn't agree with some of our scores and even our placements - I could not have asked for more from our members, staff and parents. The show we "left on the championship field" in Traverse City was awesome and the crowd loved us. I am so very proud of our marching members and they improved their performances each and every night!

Lighthouse Brigade is a TEAM EFFORT and I would like to thank a number of people:

Racine Band Boosters - what an amazing group of parents who do everything from chaperoning, heading up our bingo games, preparing our awesome "Booster Dinners", organizing the home show, taking care of uniform fittings, fundraising, and a million other jobs. We would not be able to do what we do without your efforts and help! An extra shout-out goes to our executive board - Faith, Cheryl, Diane and Karen.

Brigade Staff - these are some of the most talented, dedicated and funny people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I sometimes wonder if the members realize just how lucky they are to be taught by our staff. You inspire me each year and keep me young at heart!

Scott Musiel - not only is Scott one of the best truck drivers out there, he will do anything and everything for the Brigade and its members. We would be lost without him.

Gifford Elementary School Staff - they work hard to make us feel right at home.

Racine Unified School District - for their continued support.

Our Brigade alumni and fans - we always appreciate your support!

Our Brigade marching members - what you all did day after day and night after night this season was incredible to watch. I am so proud of all of you and I can't wait to see you back at the DVD release party!!

Believe it or not - I have already begun work on the season DVD and the music for 2009. Start making plans now to be a part of the 2009 (30th Anniversary) Brigade Season!!

- Rex out

Traverse City Update

Greetings from the Horizon Bookstore in downtown Traverse City!!

I would first like to say congrats to the Shadow Armada (Oregon High School) on their 2008 MACBDA Championship! It was a well earned victory and they did everything all season with class and great sportsmanship. Great job!

The Brigade had a thrilling performance last night in Traverse City and the members left everything they had on the field of competition. I am just SOOOO proud of them and how our show improved night after night after night. The large crowd in Traverse City loved us and I hope everyone remembers what it felt like when I gave my last speech to the members. THIS is why we all do Brigade year after year - that very feeling.

We came in third place and, to be honest, I did not agree with most of the scores. I have been telling the members all season that I would be very honest with them and if I thought they should or should not be winning certain captions I would tell them exactly that. I feel like we should have been higher in a few of our captions and other ones I was ok with us scoring what we did. Oh, well - all of this is out of our hands. We can't control how the other bands perform or what 6 judges do as far as giving us a score. If we just focused on that stuff - we would all go crazy. We can only make the commitment to come back to Brigade next year and do everything possible to make this organization stronger and keep moving it forward.

The weather here has really been great. We were worried about rain all weekend - but it has been sunny and not too hot. The members marched in the Cherry Royale Parade today and have the rest of the night off in Traverse City to shop, relax, have dinner, visit the Cherry Festival grounds and stay for fireworks on the beach.

Tomorrow we will clean up our housing site, go to the Grand Traverse Mall to relax and perhaps catch a movie, and then work our way back to Ludington, MI to pick up the SS Badger Car Ferry home.

- Rex out

Traverse City Update

Greetings from beautiful Traverse City!!

We are staying at Silver Lake Elementary School and the last time Brigade stayed here was 1999. Alums from that year may remember a certain room that became decorated with post-it notes.....well - that room is now housing the staff (Guy Gregg and Matt Koscinski are very excited about staying in this room again - but they are promising not to shoot off any fireworks out the windows this time!!).

We do not travel "down and around" Lake Michigan to get to Traverse City like the old days! We drive a couple of hours to Manitowoc and catch the car ferry - the SS Badger. We are able to load our busses, truck, Durango and Big Jake for the four hour trip across the lake. On board there is a nice restaurant, snack bar, quiet area, movie theater, bingo area, gift shop - or the members might just choose to relax on deck. The trip is really pretty smooth and it is only another couple of hours to Traverse City from Ludington, MI. This sure beats the heck out of those 16-18 hour trips on school busses back in the 1980's and 1990's!!

The weather here is perfect and we will be rehearsing today from 9-5. I'm giving the members free time tonight - they deserve it for all of the hard work they put in this season. For breakfast today we had assorted cereals, pancakes ala Kurt, sausages, juice and assorted Pop Tarts and the like. The annual staff dinner is also tonight and we are all looking forward to that!!

Look for another Traverse City report tomorrow!

- Rex out

2008 Season Update

Our home show finally had decent weather - maybe a bit chilly - but after some years of rain - we will take it!! The Junior Brigade looked and sounded fantastic and were a terrific way to start off the home show! When it was our turn to perform we were very fired up to march in front of our loyal and loud home crowd! I always expect the members to have shows that get better each time out and our show on the 3rd did just that. Many thanks have to go out to the countless parents who made the home show happen. I felt that everything from start to finish went off without a hitch and I think it is one of the best organized shows in our circuit! Great job Brigade parents!!!!!!!

As a staff we felt that we took a rather large step forward and two nights later, in Sun Prairie, WI we had our best show to date. To be honest - I was not pleased with the scores in Sun Prairie. I felt that they didn't reflect how we should be compared to our competition.....but what can you do, right??!! It can be easy to get down or frustrated about all of this - but in the end you really just make things worse - so we just keep working on the stuff we know is not 100% solid yet and keep adding cool stuff to make our show have that little extra something that makes everyone make sure they don't miss our performance.

Tonight, weather permitting, will be our last show before finals in Traverse City. We haven't performed in Sandwich, IL since 2006 and I hope that we can close the point spreads in all of our captions. I'm not saying I expect to be in first place tonight - but I AM expecting to be very competitive in all captions. I also believe that we should be winning the visual execution (marching) trophy and I also think we have a shot at the percussion trophy. We shall see, I guess. Kudos to the members for not letting the scores affect how they rehearse - I think most if not all of our members have bought into our thought process of working really hard, improving, always moving forward with our performance levels, and finally - not getting caught up in something we can't control (scores and how the other bands rehearse and perform).

Last night in Kenosha we were .01 away from the high percussion trophy! Maggie, our outstanding drum major, took the drum major trophy - so congrats to her - she certainly has earned it!! The Brigade also took the high visual execution trophy as well as the "People's Choice Award". This award is a traveling trophy and is my favorite one of the entire season so far because it sums up what we are all about - we work really hard to put on a great show for ourselves and our audience......and maybe even a little bit for the judges - but in the end - what really matters to us is your crowd response!!

I can't wait to go back to Traverse City!! It is really beautiful there and there are many cool events with the Cherry Festival going on as well as great shopping and miles of beach to explore and enjoy. I will be giving our members plenty of free time to just relax and chill out with their Brigade friends. I realize it is finals week - but I also want them to have some down time in addition to some really serious rehearsals leading up to the 2008 MACBDA Championships. I'll try to find internet access in Traverse to bring you daily updates if at all possible. Until then,

- Rex out

Season Update

"From The New World" is turning out to be a fantastic production for us! We have completed four field shows and the members have been improving each time out. To be honest - we don't agree with some of the scores (some scores we agree with - but others.....not so much). We have been telling the members that what a judge says or what score they give on any given night or how another band performs is out of our control. The ONLY thing we can control is how the Lighthouse Brigade rehearses and performs - and we are doing an amazing job each day and each show. I am already SOOOOO proud of the members this year and I hope the scores for our next bunch of shows reflect where I think we should be scoring.

I personally think we should be winning the visual execution caption and I feel that our percussion should be right up there with the other bands. It's hard to take the visual general effect caption when you are smaller than the other bands - but with our guard show being close to complete - I think that score can go way up. Musically - it is amazing what our horn line does with less members than our competition. They are asked to do so much with my drill and they are expect to play everything and never "bag out"! The quality of sound from them is really great. Our color guard should be more competitive this week - so I am excited to see where we end up. We don't do this just to "win" or get first place - but it's just more fun when you are in the thick of the competition.

See you at the HOME SHOW!!

- Rex out

2008 Band Camp Update

Yesterday was the MACBDA social where CYO, Shadow Armada, Sound of Sun Prairie and the Lighthouse Brigade performed their field shows for each other in a relaxed setting. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the performances. All of this was followed by the Racine Band Boosters putting together all you can eat nachos with all of the "fixins"! They really outdid themselves and every marching member also received an official Lighthouse Brigade frisbee to take home as a gift from us (that was a great touch!!). Everyone had a great time socializing and I think lots of friendships of members from other bands were made yesterday. Thanks to all of our awesome booster parents for putting on such a great spread for us!

The show is really coming along and the attitude of the members has been outstanding. They are really working hard to make this show great. We finally have our first competition tomorrow night in Prophetstown, IL and we will be spending the night at the high school. On Friday we will rehearse there before going up to Dakota (for all of you Brigade alumni out there - I will have at least 5 lemonades in your honor!!!!!!).

I'll put up the scores on the "latest brigade news" site as soon as I can.

- Rex out

Band Camp '08 Update

Greetings from Gifford Elementary School and Band Camp 2008!

Tuesday was a fantastic day for the 2008 Lighthouse Brigade. We are now done learning new drill!!!!! We still have to tweak a few charts here and there and learn how to get on and off the field - but a HUGE hurdle was jumped yesterday. We also did a full run-through (without the "met") and the members got through it all in one piece. Sure - there were some pretty ugly moments right now - but they got that first "performance" under their belts and that is a really big first step as we get ready for real competition next week.

The members enjoyed a terrific lunch of four kinds of pasta from Noodles and Company yesterday! Many thanks to my wife, Karen and Jenny Miller for working to make that happen. The "booster dinners" are once again very yummy and I would like to thank our amazing parents for all of their hard work getting all of us fed. Yesterday the menu was: hot beef sandwiches, baked beans, chips, salad, fresh fruit, and assorted desserts. We always look forward to seeing what they prepare for us each night and our boosters are such an important part of our final product on the field each season!

The weather is PERFECT for band camp these days - sunny and not too hot.

- Rex out

Band Camp Update

Greetings from Gifford Elementary School and the 2008 Lighthouse Brigade Band Camp!

We have survived some heavy weather conditions, muddy fields and snow days and I am happy to announce that by Noon today the entire show will be taught!! Now comes the fun part - cleaning all of the drill moves and adding cool visual stuff. Our first real performance is this Friday at the "Madisonic" show in Middleton, WI with the Madison Scouts. This is not a competition, but it is a good chance for us to perform our show and get "judges tapes" from the Madison Scouts staff! It will also be a nice chance to see four of our former Brigade marching members who are marching with the boys from Madison - Tony Holm, Joe Bauer, Justin Haman and Mike Kowbel!!

We have about a full week to clean and polish our show before we enter into actual competition and I really look forward to seeing the daily progress of our production.

One new thing we will be doing this year is a MACBDA social next week - but more on that later.

- Rex out

Mud Camp '08

It's very strange that 10 years ago the Lighthouse Brigade was dealing with the mud at our old field down the street from Park High School. Two of our staff members (Guy Gregg and Matt Koscinski) can relate to all of your muddy legs, shoes and socks because they were marching members themselves that year! 1998 was the "Evita" show and is still one of my favorite Brigade productions. I have a feeling 2008 will join this list at the end of the season!

Things are going great despite having to deal with terrible field conditions and snow days. The rehearsal yesterday was supposed to be the last day of school and the 5-9 rehearsal tonight was originally a 1-9 rehearsal. In spite of all of this - we are already on chart #33! By the end of Thursday we will be through Goin' Home and by Saturday night it is very possible that we will be able to do our first full run-through of the season!! That is awesome! Last night was also the first time I started seeing the LIGHTHOUSE BRIGADE. What I mean by that is something started to click with the members and I am finally starting to see intensity and confidence and style and agression. That is great to see and we are starting to learn what it will take for this year's edition of Brigade to perform and be competitive. Bottom line is that we are on the right track.

I would like to thank the members for juggling their schedules to make this crazy week happen with final exams, graduation and end of the year stuff going on. I really appreciate all of your efforts! Let's try to make every rep. get better and every run-through get better so that by the time we have our first performance (Friday, June 20th in Middleton, WI) let's be proud of the product we have on the field.

- Rex out

Saturday!!

Yo Members!

I hope everyone is ready to work really hard this Saturday and the next few weeks of band camp! We have lots of charts to re-learn and new ones to start learning. Don't forget your:

- Sunscreen

- hat

- water

- correct clothes for the weather

- proper athletic shoes

- dot book

- drill/music binder

I will be handing out an order form for the official 2008 MACBDA tour shirt. These are due to me by Monday, June 9th. The shirts are only 12 bucks each. I will also be handing out the passwords for the "Member's Only" page which should be up and running by Saturday night. If my brother (the Brigade website webmaster) is still working on this page - you will still be able to get to a "test page".

See you all in a few days!!

Rex

Slight Schedule Change

I gave the members the first "Turn-out Sheet" of the season at the end of mini-camp - but there will be a slight change. During that crazy last week of school (where I added a bunch of 5 - 9 rehearsals) there will be a day off in the middle. On Wednesday, June 11th - Gifford is having a whole night of stuff for their graduating 5th graders and I have decided to just make that a night off from reheasing. I hope this helps everyone during finals week and all. So - the next few rehearsals look like this:

Saturday, June 7th - 9:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday, June 8th - OFF

Monday, June 9th - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Tuesday, June 10th - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Wednesday, June 11th - OFF

Thursday, June 12th - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday, June 13th - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, June 14th - 9:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday, June 15th - OFF

Monday, June 16th - 1:00pm - 9:00pm

My brother (the web site designer) will be adding the "member's only" page this weekend! Only current marching members and staff will have access which will include personal stuff from me to you; stuff from the staff; things you will need to know this season and when the season is done - sneak peeks at the season dvd and the 2009 production!!

I'll give you your passwords on the June 7th rehearsal!!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the 7th. Let's really get our correct rehearsal behavior going right away and start kicking butt on the drill! The faster we learn it - the faster we can start cleaning it and adding cool stuff!

- Rex out

Mini - Camp Report

The 2008 Lighthouse brigade took a huge step forward this past weekend during the mini - camp at Gifford Elementary School and I would like to post a report.

But first, I would like to congratulate all of the members for their terrific parent concert and an awesome performance in the Memorial Day parade and veteran's ceremony. I thought this year's edition of Brigade put on one of the stronger performances I have seen in recent years! As always, we all stop by the grave of Matt LaBelle - a former marching member from the early days who died of cancer in 1987. We award the annual Matt LaBelle scholarship award to one senior each year. I don't know if anyone else realized this - but Matt LaBelle's parents were behind us as I was talking to the members about his life. It is truly an honor to keep his memory and legacy alive and I sincerely hope that the words I spoke about him did justice to someone who is a very important part of Brigade history and tradition.

We got a lot accomplished during mini - camp. We are up to drill chart #17 and I pretty much only have to re-write one chart before our next rehearsal (sorry, mellophones!!). I'll be pretty busy the next few weeks finishing up the show. The members worked really hard and we let them know that mini - camp is basically a rehearsal for band camp (which is where the REAL work begins!!). As a staff, we will be turning up the heat a little bit each day and expecting more and more from our members. We want to get the drill taught and finished so that we can start to clean and add cool horn moves, body movement, and other exciting things to our show. Members should remember to bring their thinking caps - because it is going to be intense!

All members were given the first "turn - out" sheet of the season. I will be doing these informational sheets about once a week and they will include all dates, times, and locations of all of our rehearsals and shows. For band camp - all members will need to bring:

* Hat (ALL heads WILL be covered whenever we are outside. NO exceptions)

* "Dot" book

* proper shoes (no bare feet or sandals are allowed)

* Sunscreen (a MUST!!!)

* Aloe vera gel (when the sunscreen doesn't work) :)

* WATER!!!!!

* Drill charts/binder/music

* Positive attitude and work ethic (this means cutting down on the talking, working really hard, memorizing music, and everything else it takes to be a positive member of the Lighthouse Brigade).

That's all for now - everything is looking great in Brigadeland and I am really looking forward to starting band camp and the season - it's gonna be a great one!!

Camp Report

On Saturday, May 10th, the Lighthouse Brigade began learning the drill charts for their 2008 production of "From The New World"!!

Despite some chilly temperatures and a number of members not able to be there - every chart I had ready for Saturday was learned! I explained to the members that Saturday was a kind of dress rehearsal for what we will be doing during mini-camp and mini-camp will be a dress rehearsal for what we will be doing during band camp. If the speed we learned drill charts on Saturday is an indication of what band camp will be like in June - I think we will be in great shape to finish the show and have enough days of camp left to put in some serious cleaning before we begin our competitive season!

Here are some thing members will need for mini-camp:

- Themselves (I expect EVERYONE to be there unless you have cleared something with me in advance). "I have to work" is NOT a valid excuse. By the end of mini-camp I expect to have charts 1 - 22 learned.

- Hat (no hat = running)

- Water

- Sunscreen (a must!!)

- proper athletic shoes (NO bare feet or sandals are allowed)

- "Dot" book (w/pen or pencil)

- all music memorized

Here is the schedule for Mini-Camp @ Gifford Elementary School:

Friday, May 23rd - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, May 24th - 9:00am - 9:00pm (bring a bag lunch - Racine Band Boosters will provide dinner!)

Sunday, May 25th - 1:00pm - 6:00pm (parent concert in the auditorium @ 5:00pm - in full uniform!!)

Monday, May 26th - 8:00am - 1:00pm (we will be bussed to the parade and bussed back to Gifford for announcements and clean-up). Parade begins at West Blvd/Washington Ave and goes to the cemetary where the Veteran's Ceremony will take place.

See you all in a few weeks!!

Getting back on schedule!!

Hello all,

I have been neglecting my blog for a few weeks, now - sorry about that!

I will post a "Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff" next week and before that I will submit a report on the 9-9 rehearsal this Saturday at Mitchell. Remember - this camp is only for horn line and battery.

9-9 at Mitchell Middle School

We will be marching DRILL!!! Yeah, baby!!

Bring:

- lunch (Boosters will provide dinner)
- athletic shoes (no bare feet or sandals)
- hat
- sunblock
- instrument
- "dot book" (Matt and the boyz should have explained this at the last camp)
- whatever the weather - we will be marching outside......be prepared!!

Make sure the Introduction is memorized to perfection - the goal is to learn all charts for the Introduction (about 12 or so) on Saturday......marching AND playing!!

Later,

Rex

been awhile

Hello everyone,

It has been awhile since anyone posted anything on here, so here goes.

Brigade is cool.

The End



Stay tuned for much more in the exciting blogging world of Rex's Blog.

"special guest blogger"
Guy

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

Today's spotlight on the staff will be one of our new staff members: Danny Greenberg.

Danny will be one of our visual technicians this season and is currently director of bands at Merrill Middle School in Oshkosh, WI.  He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and is also a former marching member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.  I am looking forward to working with Danny and like the rest of you - I will be getting to know him as the season progresses.  Word has it that at least one other band we compete with was also trying to get him on their staff!  In just the short time I have worked with Danny, I already know that he will be a great addition to our staff!

So - this is a short entry because I am getting to know Danny like the members will be.  Next week: Brian Braatz.

Today's marching member "shout out" goes out to: Amanda (color guard)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

Today's spotlight on the staff is on one of our percussion technicians: Matt Geisler

Matt first worked with Brigade in 2006, our championship year.  Those who were around in 2006 remember Matt as "that staff member who always had his collars up"!  Matt is one of the most laid back and mellow people you will ever meet - but just spend a few minutes watching him help a battery member learn a hard percussion "lick" and you will see why he is a terrific person to have on staff.

Matt is a former marching member of the Green Beret (yes - that Green Beret!!) He also marched with the Capital Sound Drum and Bugle Corps.  He was not on staff in 2007 because he marched the full DCI season with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps.  Matt is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and also works part time at the movie theater in Janesville.  If you ask him nicely - maybe he can get you a cool movie display or movie poster!

Matt is going to be a huge asset to us this season as he works with two "rookie" quint players (rookie is in quotation marks because we have a three year veteran playing quints for the first time and one rookie member marching his first year).  If you get the chance during the season - kick back and drop by to say hi to Matt.  If you hang around long enough - you will see why he is a cool cat and all around nice dude!

Next week: our new visual technician - Danny Greenberg

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Ryan (alto saxophone)

Hey y'all

Just a reminder that you are to have all of your warmups, parade tunes, and first 3 show tunes memorized for this camp.

Remember rule #3: You are only going to get out what you give, so make sure you are doing your job to ensure that this summer is a great experience. We also are going to be learning drill real soon, so there will be significantly less music only time.

No Jeans please, we may go for a nice little jog together if the weather permits (breathing block anyone?)

DRUM MAJOR TRYOUTS-SATURDAY!
Don't forget if you are interested to tryout. You will be asked the following:

Conducting 2,3,and 4/4
A couple questions
Extra credit for a salute

See you real soon!

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

Today's spotlight on the staff is our new percussion technician: Meghan Christian

Meghan is another former Brigade member and I am very excited to have her join the staff this year! Her main focus will be the bass drum line and I am expecting great things from both her and the guys and gal playing BD's this season! Meghan marched in Brigade from 2002 - 2006. She spent one year on bass drum and moved up to snare in 2003 - the first of two straight years of high percussion titles at MACBDA (most people think we should have had the percussion title for three years in a row.....but, whatever!). In her age-out year of 2006, she was section leader and it was really great to see her graduate with the Brigade's first championship! Meghan could always be counted on to shout out at the audience at the end of shows in an effort to get them "on their feet".

Meghan is currently attending the University of Wisconsin - Eau Clarie and is working towards a degree in graphic design. I had the pleasure of teaching Meghan way back at Mitchell Middle School and I have always been able to count on her leadership abilities and talent. I am very excited to be able to work with her on staff and I am sure the members will, too. The only bad news for Meghan is that because she is a rookie staff member - her job at the end of each Brigade show is to go to the press box and get the staff our judges tapes. Sorry, Meghan....you have to pay your dues!!

Next week: Matt Gesiler - percussion technician

Today's marching member "shout-out goes out to: Hannah (color guard).

Patrick is now a married man!

Our percussion caption head, Patrick Coughlin, is now a married man!  He married Darlayne this past Saturday and it was a really beautiful wedding - complete with a song Patrick wrote for his new wife as she walked down the aisle!  I couldn't be more happy for them - they make a great couple!

Representing the Lighthouse Brigade family were myself, Steve Lange, Tony Holm, Mike Clobes, and Matt Koscinski and his awesome wife, Kim.  At one point during the reception, Patrick, Darlayne and a bunch of alumni from the University of Wisconsin Marching Band played the traditional cadence around a table using silverware and plates (I was told by Matt - another UW Band alumnus - that this was always done at their annual banquet as well).  Needles to say - there were many broken plates when it was finished!

So - congrats to Patrick and Darlayne!  I am sure he will have many great stories to tell about their honeymoon in London, Paris and Italy when we all meet again in April for Brigade rehearsals!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Andrew (rookie tenor saxophone).

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

Today's spotlight is on our co-music caption head: Guy Gregg.

Guy is one of our staff members who is a former member of both the Junior Brigade and the Lighthouse Brigade.  He also marched with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and is currently drum major of the Racine Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps.  Guy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and he is now one of the band directors at Oak Creek High School.

Guy began instructing Brigade in 2004, the year after he aged out of drum corps.  He worked as a marching technician for two seasons and became music caption head in 2006.  Of course, in 2006 the Brigade enjoyed its first championship as well as the high music execution trophy - and you can bet that Guy was a huge reason for that!

Guy is one of our favorite staff members and has many unique abilities.  He can produce a perfect cricket sound whenever he wants and he is also quite an accomplished french horn player.  He has a terrific voice and often will show off his talent in acoustically sound bathrooms.  Guy has a weakness for Buckets wings, Dakota lemonade, Chinese fire drills, staff dinners, sushi, and his amazing girlfriend (don't mess that up, Guy!!).

It has been really cool knowing Guy back in the old days when he was a Brigade member and it is a real thrill to see him become a fellow band director and have so much success with the Brigade!

Next week: our new battery technician: Meghan Christian

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Tony (rookie clarinet)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

Today's spotlight on the staff is on one of our percussion technicians - Steve Lange.

Steve came on board in 2006 and has been a real pleasure to work with.  Steve graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in geography.  He also marched with the Capital Sound Drum and Bugle Corps.  Steve is also a member of the awesome Green Bay Packer Tundra Drum Line (although I bet that every Packer fan, including Steve, is in a bad mood today with the announcement of Brett Favre's retirement).  As much as I respect Brett Favre - I will not shed a tear!!

Steve loves any kind of outdoor activity or sport and he has many great stories to tell.  What you might not know about Steve is that he is also an Irish dancer - so go ahead and ask him to show off some Riverdance moves!!  

Even though his degree is not in music - I am betting that within the next five years, Steve will find his way into a classroom.  I know this because I know how much Steve enjoys teaching.  He really loves working with the Brigade staff and members and we are glad to have him!

Like many of our staff members - Steve has a weakness for Bucket's wings....but, then - who doesn't??!!  He also likes gum, filming staff hi-jinks, collecting champagne bottle holders and Chinese fire drills.  So there you have it - our Tuesday spotlight on the staff and one of our most popular staffers - Steve Lange.

Next week: Guy Gregg

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Casey (alto saxophone)

Camp Update!

This past weekend was another camp for horn line and color guard.  All of our goals were accomplished including the horn line playing through the entire show and both the horn line and color guard having an elimination basics block (congrats to Jennifer - the last member standing!).

This weekend will be a camp for battery and front ensemble.  Their goal is to get through at least the intro and first movement together.  The next full camp for ALL sections will be Saturday and Sunday, April 5th and 6th.  I can't wait to hear full music ensemble.  At the April camp we will have "Show-And-Tell" again!  This will be on Sunday at around 5:20 and parents are encouraged to check it out!!  We will also have auditions for drum major.  It does not matter if you are a rookie or a veteran or what instrument you play - anyone may try out for drum major.  I highly suggest that many of you go through the process of the drum major tryouts.  Even if you don't get selected - it will still be a good learning experience.  I will be at the tryout as well as a number of staff members.  I give each of my staff one vote and I give myself one vote as well.  In the case of a tie - I will be the determining vote.  At the tryout the staff and I will:

- ask to see you conduct 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4

- ask to see you do a salute

- ask you some questions and let you ask us questions about being drum major

So, great job this weekend!  The music book sounds great (rough, but great!!).  It is going to be a fun show to march and clean.  The marching, for this time of the year, is simply some of the best marching I have seen from a Lighthouse Brigade.  I think this will be an area we can expect to be very competitive in show after show!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Cory (trumpet)

This Weekend!!

Just a reminder that the camp this weekend is for:

Color Guard

and

Horn Line

The camp is Saturday, March 1st (9-5) and Sunday, March 2nd (1-6) at Gifford Elementary School.

 Junior Brigade is kicking off their 2008 season this Saturday at Mitchell Middle School (9-5).

I love this time of year!!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Carson (bass drum)

Drill Design 101

So what exactly are all of those little dots on a drill sheet?  Could you put a dot on an exact coordinate on the drill sheet and then find the exact spot on the football field?  How do you know how far to move each member between each chart?  Do you have ways of cheating?

So many questions...........here come some answers!

If you look at a drill chart you will see a complete football field that is marked off in squares and yardlines.  We also use the front and back hash marks.  We use an "8 to 5" step which just means that it takes exactly 8 steps (at exactly 22.5 inches each) to march exactly 5 yards.  When we practice basics you will often hear an instructor saying, "1, 2, 3, HIT, 5, 6, 7, HIT".  What the instructor is pointing out when they are saying "hit" is that the members should be between a yard line on count four and back on a yard line by count eight.  We march basics over and over again so that our members can learn what the 8 to 5 step size feels like and so that it can become second nature for them to do.

Ok, back to the drill chart and the boxes.  Each box in the drill sheet grid represents 4 steps.  I can draw a dot anywhere on the paper and then find out on a real football field exactly where that dot should be by simply counting off steps.  A typical drill spot might look like this: Side one, two steps outside of the 40 and 4 steps in front of the back hash.  This may sound Greek to you or to rookie members - but they become experts in no time.  Once the members remember which side of the field is side one or side two all they have to do is figure out where the hash marks and yard lines are and use a 22.5 inch step size to find their spots.

As far as cheating - I do it all of the time!  Even when a form is a curve - I have set points in the form that end up on yard lines and hash marks.  The audience will only see a curve - but the members know where the cheater spots are located when they set up the form each time.  Anything that I can do to make the drill easier to learn and march......I'm gonna do it and the audience will never be the wiser!  I will answer the question about how I know how far to move each member between each drill set next week in the next installment of "Drill Design 101".

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Jamie (flute)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

Today's spotlight on the staff will be on our color guard technician: Danielle Birkholz.

Danielle is a former marching member of the Lighthouse Brigade color guard and was even rookie of the year in 2002.  She survived three different guard instructors in three years and was one of the reasons the guard began its climb into the upper level of MACBDA color guards - ending with the championship in 2006 and the high color guard trophy.  Danielle graced the field of competition with some amazing dance work and I would always tell Todd, "If you want to see exactly what you wrote for the guard - just watch Danielle".  

As a marching member Danielle NEVER took a break while rehearsing a show segment.  Even if a move was only 8 counts, you could be sure that Danielle was PERFORMING for all of those 8 counts.  It was pretty much a no brainer to hire her for staff last year and it has been a real joy not only to have another former marching member graduate up into a staff position, but to see someone like Danielle have great success so early on in her instructing career.

You may know that Danielle is a student at UW-Stevens Point but I bet what you don't know is that in addition to her superior dance and color guard abilities - she is a terrific singer.  She also LOVES football and even coaches a youth football team!  What more could any guy want but a girl who loves football??!!  If you are not a color guard member - feel free to get to know Danielle at lunch or on a break.  I think you will find her to be one of the nicest people you will ever meet.  I am very lucky to have Danielle on staff again this summer and it is my true pleasure to spotlight her today!

Next week: Steve Lange - percussion technician

Today's marching member shout-out" goes out to: Cameron (snare....finally!!)

Junior Brigade is starting!

The 2008 Junior Lighthouse Brigade is gearing up for another great season!

Recruitment night is this Thursday - February 28th @ 7:00pm in the Mitchell Middle School Cafeteria and Little Theater (enter door "K" off of Mitchell Street).

The first rehearsal is this Saturday - March 1st from 9:00am - 5:00pm at Mitchell Middle School (enter door "F" off of Mitchell Street).

I encourage all students in grades 6 - 8 to join the Junior Brigade and keep our strong feeder program going.  The staff from 2007 are all coming back with perhaps even a few additions.

Don't forget that for the Lighthouse Brigade - we have a horn line and color guard camp at Gifford this weekend (Saturday, March 1st from 9-5 and Sunday, March 2nd from 1-6).  I am looking forward to hearing Dvorak and seeing all of the members again!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Chelsea (baritone)

Something really cool!

Here I am watching the Oscars and they have this montage of all of the "best pictures" from 1928 - present.  The cool thing was the music they used............music from "Dragon Heart" (Brigade's 2006 show was the music from Dragon Heart!).  I just thought that was really cool hearing that awesome music again and I wondered how many Brigade people out there heard it as well?!

We had a great couple of days this weekend with the percussion section.  At our next camp in March - the plan is to be able to perform the intro and first movement together.  This is outstanding because it will only be MARCH!!  It's going to be a good season, let me tell you!  The street beat is almost "street ready" and the front ensemble is playing an original composition Patrick wrote just for us.  We are all really excited and we almost wish it was June already!

Don't forget that this week we have the Junior Lighthouse Brigade recruitment night (Thursday, February 28th @ Mitchell Middle School - 7:00pm) and two rehearsals this weekend - Junior Brigade (Saturday, March 1st @ Mitchell Middle School - 9-5) and Lighthouse Brigade - horn line and color guard - Saturday, March 1st (9-5) and Sunday, March 2nd (1-6) @ Gifford Elementary School.  See you there!!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Nolan (alto saxophone).

Thursday Rookie Tip of the Week

When we have marching rehearsals - why do we do so much with "basics"?

Don't tell this to anyone.....but back in the day I HATED basics.  I am sure if you ask Matt or Guy or Todd or Danny they will admit the same thing - that doing basics is not the most fun thing in the world to do.  However, I am sure they will also tell you that during any basics block - they worked super hard and took everything they were doing very seriously.  I know I did in Regiment!  What we all realized early on is that the real purpose of basics is not just to teach you the marching style our organizations used - but to get so good at doing the basic marching techniques that they became second nature....a habit.  With a good basics program - the field show will be better and we will score better.  It simply all starts with basics and building good habits right away!

Some directors make the mistake of spending most of the day cleaning drill or working on music.  I believe that a large chunk of the day should be spent doing basics, which then carries over into drill cleaning.  Who wants to watch a drill that is being marched poorly by the members?  When I judge marching bands I am able to tell within a few seconds not only the marching style the group is going for - but also what kind of a basics program (or lack thereof) they use.  Brigade has long been known for very strong marching and playing technique and this plays into our hands.  It doesn't matter how big or small a group is when judges are looking for good, solid marching technique.  If you are ever wondering why Matt and the visual staff keep harping on the same stuff over and over - it is because when we start performing - we want to march and play better than anyone else out there.....and it all begins during the winter when we start teaching....you guessed it: basics!!

I understand that basics can become a drag sometimes (believe me, I have been there!).  What I always did when basics started to become a real chore was to just max out my marching style and strive to do everything as perfect as I had ever done before.  The cool thing is that when a bunch of people start maxing out their individual marching performance - it spreads throughout the band and before you know it - I have more marching execution trophies to put up in my band room!

Rookies - take basics seriously and practice them at home.  You can always practice standing the correct way or holding your instrument up 10 degrees while you memorize your music.  You can find some space in a basement and practice moving forwards and backwards as well as those fun slides!  The best compliment you can receive is someone telling you that, "you walk funny" because they see you walking with your heel hitting the ground first and your toes pointed up to the sky!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Les (quints)

Rex is writing drill already!!

Yup - you read it correctly - I am starting the drill writing process and it is not even March, yet!  Everyone needs to be extra nice to me from now on because I have the power to make your own personal drill easy or a nightmare - simply by moving my little step size spacer just a little bit when I come to your drill spot!  BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

My plan is for the Intro of the show to be sketched out so that Todd can get a head start with his color guard writing.  I'll be at the percussion camp at Gifford this weekend and I plan on setting up shop in the cafeteria with my trusty drill writing tools and lots and lots of drill paper.  If you have ever wondered how I go about designing drill - here is an inside look!

It always begins with the music - everything we do is based off of that.  The first thing I will do is create a chart that will break down each movement of the show into musical phrases.  Each phrase is usually 16 counts, but there will be times when a drill move may only be 8 counts long or some strange ones that might be 17 counts with a move 16, halt 1 sequence or something like that.  My drill chart will also include which instruments have the melody or need to be featured as well as any special considerations such as a soloist.  The chart also includes very detailed guard instructions from Todd including what kind of equipment the ladies will be using and where he thinks they should be placed for a guard feature.

Often times in drill writing, the design takes a back seat to me just getting everyone where they are supposed to be.  Don't be fooled by trying to find a pretty drill picture - the real job of the drill is to get the members from point A to point B.  The movement IN-BETWEEN the drill charts is what I am really going for.  Unless the members are halted for a long period of time - the drill charts only last one count.  Maybe I'll start a "Wednesday Drill Design 101" post!

So - be nice to the drill writer.  Making me mad will have you running from chart to chart while your neighbors are easily marching charts with 8-5 steps and are laughing at you.  Also - don't ever be a JDW!  If you don't know what that is - come back next Wednesday for my next "Drill Design 101" post!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Marci (battery)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

Today's spotlight on the staff will be our co-music caption head: Dan Schmidt

We are very lucky to have such an outstanding musician like Dan on our staff.  Dan first started teaching the horn line in 2006 and had an immediate impact on the quality of sound and musicianship the horn line was producing.  He graduated from UW - Stevens Point (where it seems many of our Brigade staffers are coming from!) and splits his time with Brigade so that he can also serve as assistant director of the Junior Lighthouse Brigade.  This is creating a nice link for all of the members who march in Junior Brigade and then come up to the older group.  Dan is currently director of bands at Clintonville High School and is turning that program around into a real success.

If you want to start an instant conversation with Dan, just ask him, "So Dan - what do you think of the new Apple computers?".  Or - you may want to ask him, "Dan - what are the physics behind working a reed with sand paper?".  All kidding aside - if you honestly do ask him questions like these, you will see just how much he knows about all kinds of things.  He really is the thinking man's band director!

Dan has a weakness for Bucket's chicken wings, music technology and everything to do with Apple computers.  If you ever want to get the latest info on any of these topics - just ask Dan!  Like I said at the start - we are very lucky to have such a great musician on staff and it is my true pleasure to spotlight Dan Schmidt!

Next Tuesday: Danielle Birkholz, our color guard technician.

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Curtis (rookie alto saxophone).

Some Questions......

Happy Monday - although it feels like I never left this building!

Some questions:

Are you sore today?

Did you drink lots of water before/during/after rehearsal?

Do you know what music or warm-ups you need to memorize for next camp?

Are you working on at least one friend to come to the next rehearsal?

Do you love the Dvorak music as much as I do?

Do you think there should be a "shark" drill chart when the horn line comes in during the finale?

Just a few questions for a monday morning!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Melanie (color guard)

Posture!!!!!!!!

Greetings, again, from Mitchell Middle School and day #2 of our horn line and color guard camp.  As you can see in my title for today - we worked on posture!  I kinda think this will be a major theme Matt will be preaching all season long.  Great posture makes everything better and easier!  I am very impressed with the marching.  It is only February, but our members are marching like it is mini-camp!!

The attitude of the members is GREAT!!  EVERYONE is working hard and I hope they are having as much fun learning the show as I am hearing it live.  Finally, after endlessly clicking the notes on my computer or hearing the MIDI version - it is awesome to hear it being played by actual humans!!  I think all of the members can hear what great music this is.  I hope that many of you go out and get the original recording.  It may even open your eyes to classical music.  There is classical music out there that will take you to places you have never even dreamed of before - and the New World Symphony is a nice place to start!  Classical music is called "Music of the Ages" for a reason!!

This whole season so far feels just like it did in 2006.  A bunch of veterans chose not to come back, but the people who did come were amazing to work with.  We fought through a bunch of early season problems but ended up with a very strong program.  It seems like the same is happening all over again.  We have some vets who could come back to march with us - but are absent so far.  We are dealing with weather issues - but we are working through them.  I can say that the staff is very excited for this year.  We learned in 2006 that having huge numbers is not the key to success.  What was great that year was the effort of the members and the talents of the staff and design team coming together.  Everything just seemed to "click" and I have that vibe right now!  We all also know how 2006 ended up - with the first Brigade championship in our history.

Now - if you know me at all, you know that simply ending up in first place is NOT the goal for this organization or myself.  If it was - the other 18 seasons I have spent with Brigade were a complete waste of my time.  The championship was the frosting on a terrific cake.  The true success was seeing the members perform the heck out of our show night after night.  We will see what happens this season.  I do want to be competitive.....but with ourselves first.

All is good in Brigade land.  I would still like to see a few more people join - but right now we have a wonderful group and the possibilities are endless for us in 2008.

A special "shout-out" goes out to the Brigade color guard.  Because of bad roads and Danielle having to get back safely to school - they were without an instructor for three hours.  What did they do?  They worked together on flag technique and got better.  Mad props to the guard!!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Jamie (mellophone)

Brigade is not for the weak!

Greetings from Mitchell Middle School and another horn line and color guard camp!  Matt Koscinski just finished a killer session of marching basics with the members and I am so impressed with their attitude and work ethic.  The vibe I get this year already is that these members are going to work their tails off and strive to get better and better and better.

What we are asking these students to do IS NOT EASY.  We are asking our members to focus on what they are doing while pushing away the pain of keeping their horn up or twisting their body one way while the lower body marches another way.  I have been around Brigade long enough to get an idea of how the season will turn out as early as these camps.....and let's just say that I am really looking forward to 2008 and "From The New World"!!

The music still sounds rough, of course, but you can already get a good sense of what the show is going to sound like come summer.  When you start with great music - the end result is usually great as well!!  I think you will find this music beautiful at times, exciting at times and also dark and passionate at times.  It's the whole package this year, baby!!

My hat is off to everyone at camp this weekend - another great job!!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Anna (flute)

Rehearsal Tomorrow

This is just a reminder that the camp this weekend is for:

Horn Line & Color Guard

Saturday, February 16th (9-5) and Sunday, February 17th (1-6)

The camp will be at:

Mitchell Middle School

2701 Drexel Ave.

(enter door "F" off of Mitchell Street)

If you are not going to be at rehearsal, or if you will be coming late or leaving early - please call or email me!

The next weekend (February 23rd and 24th) is for Battery and Front Ensemble and will be back at Gifford Elementary School.

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Sarah (clarinet)

Thursday Rookie Tip of the Week

Here is another Thursday rookie tip of the week!  Actually - it can be broken down to three words that can make the life of a rookie a pleasure.  Here they are:

MEMORIZE YOUR MUSIC!!!!!!!

Everything we do on the field is based on music.  I write drill in small segments that are based on musical phrases (usually 16 counts each).  Members who are learning drill by numbers only (first chart - 16 counts, second chart - 16 counts, third chart - 12 counts and halt 4) will not retain the drill as well as those members who learn the show by (1) having their music memorized and (2) learning where they are moving based on what phrase in the music they are playing.

The faster members can get their feet and their music together in their head - the faster they will be able to really perform.  Here are some tips to do at home:

(1)  Bring a blank CD and I will burn you a copy of not only the horn line MIDI recording, but your individual part as well.  This way you can play along with the music and learn it faster.

(2)  Make the time to practice in your busy schedule.  I know we all have a million things going on like home work, jobs, concerts, family, etc. but everyone can find time to practice if they really want to!

(3)  Practice standing up - and hold your instrument correctly!

(4)  March, while playing, around your basement or outside (when it gets warmer) just to get used to playing and moving at the same time.

(5)  Get together with other people in your section and practice the music together.  Hey - make it a fun time - order a pizza, watch a movie and practice!!

(6)  Last - just get it done and get it memorized!!!!!!!  The staff will be asking you to memorize bits and pieces of the show a little at a time.  Stay on schedule!!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to:  Jennifer (rookie front ensemble)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

Today I will spotlight our color guard caption head - Todd Neuenschwander.

Todd began teaching Brigade in 2004 and his talents and teaching style had an immediate impact not only on the guard, but on the staff and band as well.  I have never heard Todd yell at a member - yet he pushes them to levels of performance they never thought they would be able to reach.  I can say without a doubt that Todd also writes the most creative and exciting guard work in the MACBDA circuit.

Todd is one of those rare people who has an enormous amount of talent and ability - yet has no trace of an ego to go along with it.  You may know that Todd is a former marching member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps - but did you know that during his two years marching with them, not only did they win championships - their color guard was the top guard in the country.  Here is an instructor with two (TWO!!) DCI championship rings and who is one of the most down to earth people I have ever had the pleasure to work with.  He is also a killer tenor saxophone player (even if he doesn't have a Selmer Mark VI like I do!!).

The minute you hear his HUGE laugh you know you are going to have fun working with him.  Sometimes I think we forget that whenever we have rehearsals in Racine, Todd has to drive 5 hours or so from Indiana to be with us.  The best compliment I have heard from Todd is him telling me of all of the color guards and marching bands he works with during the year - he likes coming to Brigade the best.  Todd does have one major addiction, however.....and that is NACHOS!  Do not ever challenge him to a nacho eating contest - he will beat you so bad you will want to cry afterwards.

So there you have it - our color guard caption head, Todd Neuenschwander.  Next week: one of our music caption heads: Dan Schmidt.

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Nick (contra)

Bring a friend!!

First off - I am sorry I couldn't be with you on Sunday.  I heard everything went fine and I hope you all had good "Show-And-Tell" experiences!

Right now we are - number wise - looking exactly like last year.  The battery is set as far as who will be playing which instrument and if we have any new members trying to get into the line - they will have to audition with Patrick.  We will still accept new members into the pit.  Color guard is pretty set - but we will still accept new members over the next couple of camps.

The section that is easiest to join in the horn line.  We will accept additional members right up until Memorial Day mini-camp.  If only half of the band brought ONE friend to join the horn line - we would be HUGE and our sound would be HUGE.  Talk to your friends and offer them rides - but get them to our next rehearsal!!!  The end result will just be us getting better and being more competitive.

Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Brooke (rookie color guard)

First Full Camp!!

Greetings from Gifford Elementary School and the first full rehearsals of the 2008 season!

These are crazy months with people missing out because of winter formal, swim meets, ACT's , honors band auditions.  We have had a good turnout so far despite all of these things and as of right now we are pretty much the same size as 2007.  Of course - we can always use more people - so we will be asking everyone to "bring a friend" to the next rehearsals.

I already like what I see as far as the work ethic and attitude of this group and I think this will be one of our stronger years.  These first camps are always kind of strange because there is so much snow on the ground and it is cold outside - yet we are starting to teach the concepts the members will be using in June and July!  I will be taking a bunch of footage (some will end up in the annual DVD) and I will be editing it and sending it out to my brother who is the web master for our Brigade web site.  Look for the winter camp video clips to appear on the site very soon.

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Justina (front ensemble)

Thursday Rookie Tip of the Week

     Many times rookies are not sure what to bring and what to wear to their first rehearsal.  Last week I talked about getting a binder.  Here is a list of what you need for your first rehearsal:

Positive Attitude

     Rookies who jump right in and get to know their instructors, talk to the director and make new friends have the best experiences.  When I went down to Rockford, IL to try out for the Phantom Regiment in the mid-1980's I went by myself and soon was surrounded by people from all over the country and even as far away as England, Canada and Japan.  At the first meal I got out of my normal "comfort zone" and sat down next to a bunch of strangers and introduced myself as "Rex from Wisconsin".  These people would later become lifelong friends.  I also took in everything my instructors taught me and even though the experience was very difficult at times - my positive attitude got me through it.  In Brigade - be ready to work really hard, meet some amazing staff members and fellow students, and also be prepared to fall asleep right away when you get home!!

The Right Clothes

     Jeans are not the best choice for winter camps.  Not only will we be playing our instruments - we will be stretching, moving and marching.  Sweats and warm-ups are the better choice.  Also - be sure to have sneakers.  During the summer, sneakers and socks are required - no bare feet or sandals are ever allowed on the practice field.

Lunch/Snacks/Water

     For Saturday rehearsals - first off - eat a good breakfast!  You will need your energy.  Bring a bag lunch because we ask that you do not leave Gifford during the lunch break.  Water is ALWAYS a good idea in the winter or summer and snacks are great to have at break times.  However, please do not eat any food in the auditorium!

Binder/Instrument

     This one should be self explanatory.  Brigade is all about being responsible and making sure you have what you will need to have productive rehearsals.

Payments

     Please keep up to date with the payment schedule and make sure all of your required forms are in.  If a member does not have the pink emergency card, for example, turned in - they do not travel with us.  Mr. Harms will be at rehearsals (usually at the start) to collect all payments and forms.

     This is a good start as far as what rookies (and veteran's, too!) should bring to rehearsals.  Here is to a great 2008 season......I can't wait to hear the music!!

     Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Olivia (guard)

Deja vu........I still hate snow days!!

     Just one week ago I wrote that I hate snow days......and here we go again.  At first I wasn't too upset that we had another snow day today because I always thought that after three snow days - you wouldn't have to make up anymore that happen after that.  Well, all teachers got an email from the district stating that, yes we will have to make up all days missed.  If this is the case - we went from having a Tuesday being the last day of school to a Monday the following week.  This would make the next day record's day (which means I still can't start band camp until 1:00pm).  The first true 9-9 day of band camp will now be starting an entire week later.

     What this means is that everything will simply have to be sped up from now until band camp.  We will have to teach drill faster and the members will have to learn drill (and retain it) faster.  I do think we are up to the challenge and it should prove to be an exciting next few months before our first show.  But.....I still hate snow days!!!!

     As soon as I can figure out this mess, I will hand out new schedules and post the new dates/times on the web site.

     Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Bennett (snare)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

     This week the spotlight is on our new visual caption head - Matt Koscinski.  Matt is one of the few married staff members (although after this year, we will have a few more!).  I have known Matt for 15 years, starting when he was a member of the Junior Brigade and I was the director.  From there he moved up to the Lighthouse Brigade where he proved himself as a leader, superior marching member, soloist and even drum major.  Anyone who was around Brigade back in the "old days" will remember the terrific flute/baritone duet at the end of the Evita production!

     Matt came back to instruct Brigade in 2001 and has been on staff for many years.  After taking a year off to get married, Matt came back last year - to the joy of many of our marching members!  Matt may have a "gruff" exterior, but he is actually one of the funniest people I have ever met.  Just ask the members from last year who were invited to his special "club" at the end of rehearsals!!  When I retire I should really write a book and include all of the great one-liners and quotes Matt has said through the years....I would make millions!  Just a warning for this year: you may experience Matt doing the "happy feet" dance quite often, but I promise that it will get funnier and funnier the more he does it.  Really, it will.  Here is some inside scoop on our new marching caption head.....he is very afraid of heights, so you will not see him climb up past the first level of any kind of scaffolding structure.

     Matt spent five years marching in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band and finished his college career at UW-Whitewater.  Matt now teaches band in Mukwonago, WI where some students are convinced that in real life he is actually the comedian Dane Cook!  Matt will expect nothing short of everyone giving him 110% effort at all times and I , for one, think that is awesome.  So there you have it - my Tuesday spotlight on the staff and our marching caption head - Matt Koscinski.

     Next week: Todd Neuenschwander - color guard caption head

     My Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Sarah (baritone)

Parent - FAQ's

     One question I am asked quite often from parents is, "Are parents allowed to watch their student practice at rehearsals"?  The answer is - YES.  Parents are always welcome to come and check out what we are doing during camps and rehearsals.  New parents, especially, enjoy learning how we put together a show from start to finish.

     I do have some guidelines and suggestions, however.  We ask that parents do not disrupt any rehearsals by talking to their student or the instructors while the members are trying to rehearse.  If a bunch of parents are standing together during a rehearsal - we also ask that you don't start up a loud conversation that can be heard by members trying to focus.

     When we are out on the practice fields, we ask that you stay off the field and stay on the sidelines.  This can become a safety issue with flags flying through the air or members marching fast moves.  After dinner, during 9-9 rehearsal days we have what is called "Coordination".  This is where all sections come together as a group and work small show segments over and over.  Since I am the one who runs coordination - this is pretty much the only time I will not be able to talk with parents who may have questions or concerns.

     Most parents come to see "Show-And-Tell" at the end of camp weekends.  This usually takes place around 5:20 on Sundays and gives members and parents the opportunity to see each section perform warm-ups or parts of the show in front of an audience.  During 9-9 rehearsals parents usually come out to the field by 8:30pm to see the "Run-Through" which is a performance level run-through of everything we have been working on that day.  As the entire show is learned - each day ends with a complete run-through of the show.

     I hope this not only answers some questions parents may have - but lets our terrific parents know that they are always welcome to see Brigade rehearsals in action!

     Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to:  Mike -aka- "Plow" (baritone)