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)

I Hate Snow Days!

     Believe it or not - I hate snow days!  They are like buying and huge flat screen tv using a credit card just so that you can have it for the Super Bowl.  It's all good fun for the big game - but then the bill comes in the mail and you have to pay for it.  This is just what is going on with all of these snow days.  Students might love getting out of school.....but I wonder if they realize that they will all have to be made up - and made up when the weather is going to be nice and warm.  Picture some great June weather - nice warm, sunny days with no bugs yet.....and we are all still stuck in school.  

     I don't know about the rest of you - but by the time June comes rolling around - I am SO ready for school to be done and Brigade to start.  I want to get that drill going and I want our band camp to be a positive experience - not a stressed out one.

     Well - there is not too much I can do now.  I thought the three snow days last year were a fluke and that I would not have to resort to a bunch of 5-9 rehearsals that last week of school.  If you look at the "Latest Brigade News" site - you will see that I have had to change the schedule quite a bit since our band camp, and the opportunity for 9-9 days is getting smaller and smaller.  Oh, well - we got through it last year and I actually think that as a staff we learned a few things so that this year we should be more prepared to deal with the shortened band camp schedule - so no worries.  I will be asking the members, however, to really take to heart what the staff will be telling them.  If, for example, they ask you to memorize the opener by the next camp.....then it just needs to be done!!  We simply can't play "catch-up" and still expect to be competitive this season.  You will be hearing lots more about this from me over the winter and into the spring.

     My Brigade marching member "shout-out" of the day goes out to: Allison (trumpet)