Spirit's Ready to Tango

With the roster almost set, Spirit Indoor is back and fired up about the 2015 season! After placing 5th our first year of Independent Open, we can't wait to get back at it, work hard, have fun, and play sick music!
This past weekend at camp we worked on technique, basics, and dove into the music for Book 1- HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!
Our show theme this year is Tango! The program explores passion- love and hate, with their opposite- indifference! We do this through the art style of the tango, a very sometimes "bi polar" style of music, to show that actually love and hate aren't opposites- they're similar because they're both passionate emotions. Book 1- the Love book- is an arrangement of The Lieber Tango. Get ready for some sick licks and tricks!!!
All for now- stay tuned for the next update on Book 2!

We are Americans

One of the most important things about the pageantry arts, is the ability to make design changes to the show. This year more than ever, at The Cadets we have been moulding and sculpting our show on a daily basis. Sometimes we base a change on the commentary of a well respected judge, but also, our excellent staff has been implementing changes strategically throughout the season to strengthen the show, and to constantly present the same adjudicators with a slightly different version of the Cadets. We spent the last three days implementing our largest reconstructive change to the end of our show. There is a whole new excerpt based on Lincoln Portrait, and then the Simple Gifts melody explodes out of Lincoln Portrait completely un-foreshadowed. Visually the corps spreads to the legal boundaries of our performance venue from end-zone to end-zone, and from sideline to sideline, and simple gifts develops with a chaotic flurry of motion resolving into a tight company front arc! Last night we performed the new ending for the second time, and it is powerfully emotional. All 7,000 people at the show jumped to there feet and I could tell that the final words of the narration gave people a sense of hope and pride for this country. "We can and will resolve the problems that now confront us, we are Americans." -Ronald Reagan

Thoughts from a Cadet

Sadly, my second year of marching with the Cadets is nearing the end... But what a fabulous season this has been! We have 9 more days to crank and be the absolute best version of the 2014 Cadets possible. These past few days we put the last big changes into our show including a passionate new ending, which the crowd goes crazy for!

One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that you've positively influenced someone else - even in the smallest way. The Cadets show is full of emotion, zeal, and inspiration, giving the audience a sense of hope of how we as individuals and as a country have the power to change our situation and get through challenging times. Knowing you're a part of sharing this message is a great feeling! 

The Forming of a Cadet

The Cadets are on the move toward Bristol, RI to perform tomorrow evening, and then to march in the oldest Independence Day Parade in the country. I can still vividly remember 12 years ago, when I picked up my first marching horn as a new member of Spirit of America Band and attempted to march the 5-6 mile parade in a navy blue wool uniform in the 90°F heat of July. I didn't make it, I fell out in the third mile. In 2004, I approached my second attempt with some lingering fear, lucky for me it poured rain, and I quite enjoyed the cool wet experience  At this annual event, it is amazing to remember over a decade of band...and now drum corps at the highest level. Each year I have been stretched as a person, outside of what was safe and comfortable, and I am very grateful for all of the great instructors and mentors that have helped me grow this far.

Home of the Brave

In 1814, the British ship HMS Nimrod threatened to attack Falmouth if they did not surrender their two brass cannon.  The town refused the demand and suffered hours of bombardment from the ship - but never backed down and the Nimrod moved on.
On Tuesday evening, the Fife and Drum Corps was invited to participate in the Falmouth Historical Society's celebration of the 200th Anniversary of this event. Due to some scheduling conflicts, a few of us "alumni" were asked to play. We pulled together uniform parts from various current members - (the main objective being finding something we could fit into!) - and brushed up our chops on the fife. It was going to be a short event for us - a couple of pieces while marching amongst the tables of guests, then stand and play the National Anthem and march out.  We rehearsed and walked though it but it's impossible ever to know exactly how it will go.
We arrived at the Inn and unloaded and got ourselves ready.  Coming up the stairs to the hall outside the dining room, the excitement in the room was palpable - People talking and laughing and greeting eachother - some in period costumes, a detailed replica of the Nimrod standing proudly on display.  A brief introduction and ringing of a ship's bell and the doors swung open.
We marched in to phones and cameras flashing - beaming smiles on faces as we wove among the tables. People clapped along to Yankee Doodle - I felt a burst of energy and pride - we were honoring history, and the lives that benefited from the courageous stand of a small town. You could feel the pride in the Falmouth residents.
We arrived at the front of the room and turned to face everyone as we began the National Anthem. And I was hit with a wave of patriotism that took my breath away. Every person leaped to their feet as the first notes sounded, and then they started to sing - not the tentative half-singing we often do in a crowd when you hope the person next to you doesn't hear you - or the rowdy singing that obliterates the words in a stadium. This was the kind of singing done by people who knew what these words meant and were singing with all their heart. I looked around as I played, starting with the older man about 4 feet from me who could have given Pavoratti a run for his money, and I realized there were veterans in this room. These were people who had probably seen "the rockets red glare" and had been spurred on by that beautiful banner yet waving! And my next thought was that this is a generation we are losing - men and women whose love for this country flowed in their veins - fired by personal experience. And I felt proud and moved and humbled and so grateful. There were tears in a few eyes as we marched out - including mine.
Later in 1814, Francis Scott Key caught a glimpse of those broad stripes and bright stars over Fort McHenry and was inspired to write what would become our National Anthem.  I hope we will never as a county lose the meaning of these words - so hard earned every day.

The Star-Spangled Banner

O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,
’Tis the star-spangled banner - O long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a Country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - “In God is our trust,”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Mandela Effect

Tis the season.  Advent, Christmas, Chanukah, Sandy Hook...
At this time of year needs and expectations tug at our hearts in magnified ways.
Nelson Mandela's recent death has trumped - or perhaps enhanced - whatever season I find myself in.
Spirit of America's trip to South Africa two summers ago has provided me an awareness of this man's life for which I will ever be grateful. The fact that he could hold forgiveness and reconciliation in his heart after 25 years in jail amazes me. I lose that ability simply being stuck in traffic. But his choices and the life he lived offered hope to a nation, and will serve as a beacon for future generations.
Thank you Nelson Mandela.

Healing Our Culture of Violence

It's feels ironically perfect that tomorrow our winter percussion kids will be providing music for Cape Cod's forum on Healing Our Culture of Violence. That a form of music created by hitting things can provide a backdrop of beauty, energy, and joy for this event is fitting. Almost redemptive......

Spirit Indoor 2014 - Here We Come

We had a phenomenal final audition camp yesterday for Spirit Indoor!

We're doing an Asian Hero themed show this year and one of the things were doing to get familiar with it is learning Taekwondo! We are learning from a man with a 1st-rank black-belt in Judo and a 4th-rank black-belt in Taekwondo. He's originally from Ireland and a very upbeat teacher. It's cool learning to kick and throw punches;) I'm sure this stuff will be incorporated into our show soon!

We were also visited by a stray dog- a golden retriever who was the cutest thing ever! She was definitely lost, but was very happy being serenaded by our keyboard exercises!!! We wanted to take her home, but called the police station instead who came to pick her up and take her to the animal rescue league. Hope she finds her owners!

Last, and best of all, after the audition camp, we all piled into cars and went to Nauset Outer Beach for a new season kick-off party! We piled into a few truck beds and drove to the outer limits. What a blast! Great food, a fire, beach volley ball, football, huge waves, a great sunset, and lots of smiles! 

Its going to be an amazing season- Go Spirit Indoor 2014!!!

Cadets - Down to the Wire

Wow- the season's gone by so fast, yet each day has felt like an eternity! 
Now, 7 days away from finals, the competition is unbelievably tight! The top three corps have been clashing heads and it's anyone's guess who will actually end up on top.
This year's show is an extremely difficult show to pull off- especially in the major leagues of drum corps. We've been told many times that there is something unique about this group of 2013 Cadets. No one can pinpoint what, exactly - but it's there. Hop also tells us:
this show will take every ounce of each of us individually...,
absolutely no room for error..., 
only a perfect show and complete mental focus for 13 minutes! 

The show won't do it for us, it's all about the achievement of the performers.
Now is when the rubber hits the road. We're down to the wire. Can we ignore the doubts in our heads, or fear of failure? Can we be okay doing our absolute best, knowing it might not be good enough? I think we can, and I think we will do better than we ever imagined we could. The only thing holding us back is - us!
What an amazing experience! It's so exciting to have such a phenomenal opportunity and I can't wait to see what this corps will do. 
Go Cadets!!!

From the Road - Halfway

Narrowing in on the last month of tour! 
They say that the last 15 percent of any goal is the hardest to accomplish.  It's true!!!!
We just learned a major change to the middle movement of the show, scherzo. Its going to work really well in the context of the show. I'm learning how to quickly implement and perform changes, which will be so helpful for this upcoming indoor season! We get so many changes, and learning to implement and perform them on the fly is definitely a good skill to have!
On anther note, There's something really special about the bond that forms when you live, eat, breathe, and rehearse endless hours with 150 people for 3 months! There are definitely times we've had our disagreements, or felt we couldn't tolerate each other another minute. But more often then not we're supporting each other, working hard, laughing lots, and encouraging each other when it gets tough!
The closer we get to finals, the more I think about how much I should cherish each of the friends I've made and each of the members that makes up the Cadets. You always hear people say, "enjoy this season because there will never be another one like it". But this summer it has a very tangible meaning; there are people from everywhere- Japan, England, Ireland, and all over the US- who I may (literally) never see again. So my goal is to enjoy every moment that I have being with such a great group of individuals. A group that will make the best Cadets in history!
Tonight is our first time facing our toughest competition- Carolina Crown and the Blue Devils. Hop tells us the confidence that this years corps exudes is astounding. Our Barber show - "Side by Side" - has incredible potential, but it still will take every ounce from each of us to pull this off. 
If anyone can do it, this corps can. 
It's going to be amazing!

America the Beautiful

This has always been my favorite in our arsenal of patriotic songs. 

It doesn’t get the title of of “National Anthem”, open major sporting events, or fill a seventh-inning stretch. 

It’s a simple tune - easily sung be children.

But it’s words are powerful and it’s imagery vivid.  

Most only know the opening verse - but there are eight. (The third verse still sticks in my throat every time I try to sing it)

Happy Birthday, America.

Tis the season - take a few minutes and read the poem - let it inspire you.

America the Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies, 

For amber waves of grain, 

For purple mountain majesties 

Above the fruited plain! 

America! America! 

God shed his grace on thee 

And crown thy good with brotherhood 

From sea to shining sea! 

O beautiful for pilgrim feet 

Whose stern impassioned stress

A thoroughfare of freedom beat 

Across the wilderness! 

America! America! 

God mend thine every flaw, 

Confirm thy soul in self-control, 

Thy liberty in law! 

O beautiful for heroes proved 

In liberating strife. 

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life! 

America! America! 

May God thy gold refine 

Till all success be nobleness 

And every gain divine! 

O beautiful for patriot dream 

That sees beyond the years 

Thine alabaster cities gleam 

Undimmed by human tears! 

America! America! 

God shed his grace on thee 

And crown thy good with brotherhood 

From sea to shining sea! 

O beautiful for halcyon skies, 

For amber waves of grain, 

For purple mountain majesties 

Above the enameled plain! 

America! America! 

God shed his grace on thee 

Till souls wax fair as earth and air 

And music-hearted sea! 

O beautiful for pilgrims feet, 

Whose stem impassioned stress 

A thoroughfare for freedom beat 

Across the wilderness! 

America! America! 

God shed his grace on thee 

Till paths be wrought through 

wilds of thought 

By pilgrim foot and knee! 

O beautiful for glory-tale 

Of liberating strife 

When once and twice, 

for man's avail 

Men lavished precious life! 

America! America! 

God shed his grace on thee 

Till selfish gain no longer stain 

The banner of the free! 

O beautiful for patriot dream 

That sees beyond the years 

Thine alabaster cities gleam 

Undimmed by human tears! 

America! America! 

God shed his grace on thee 

Till nobler men keep once again 

Thy whiter jubilee!

Attraction

There is something about the camaraderie of like-minded, similar-goaled people that is attractive. I don't mean beautiful (although it can be) - but magnetic. Yesterday, I had the privilege of welcoming the participants of this years Drill Design Retreat to our facility. I am not a drill guy, probably never will be. But as I spoke to these people I was almost envious of the invisible bonds that have formed between these music instructors. They don't even know each other - but the work they have done in the trenches of music education have linked them together in a palpable way.

Less is More

Due to a perfect storm of circumstances a smaller marching band will be hitting the street this 2013 season. At first that was a source of concern for me  - but as this season has progressed and we approach the threshold of our first parade I'm coming to the conclusion that bigger isn't always better. There certainly is a safety in the massive sound of 100+ players - but there is also a new excitement in the flexible sound of a smaller corps. Our marches - old favorites - have a new sound. A fresh face.

Notes from the Road

Today's been a rockin pit day! We met Neil Larrivee, one of the founding instructors and arrangers for the Cadets who revolutionized drum corps front ensemble playing and is now the director of education for Vic Firth!

We were filmed for the first Vic firth sneak peak promo video, which was super cool! (In the rain of course! )


This good day didn't come easily though because the past week has definitely been a challenging 'character building' one! It's definitely takes a little while to figure out how a group of almost all rookies can work, play and live together at the highest level of perfection possible! Pretty high standards, but nothing were not used to with Spirit! Being in Spirit has taught me so much more than just how to play - dedication, a positive attitude, leadership, and most importantly how to work as a team, care about the group, and keep on fighting when you feel it's impossible!


The 2013 Cadet pit is definitely gelling now and we're beginning to become a 'well oiled machine', as our instructor Br. Andrew would say:)


Lots more learning to do, but this shows going to be the best yet! Phenom! I feel so privileged to be part of such an amazing ensemble and am psyched to see what we will become in August.


PS - One day Starbucks donated some iced coffee... Enough said:)

A New Parade Season

I am pumped about the marching band season- our first parade is about two and half weeks away, and I am hopeful that we will present the most “musical” marches that we have done in a long time. Can we produce that warm symphonic sound which is out there while we march down the street? I say YES! And we are getting closer each week. Perhaps the biggest challenge is not playing our own parts, but listening to all the other parts first, then adding our balanced sound to that mix…  we shall see. 
Most of our street marches this year are John Philip Souza marches, and they are all fantastic. Soaring melodies, intricate harmonies and brassy fanfare sections, but my favorite is The Crusader march. This is  a lesser known march, that has a gorgeous trio section with flute and clarinet playing a very lyric melody. Come and hear it for yourself! The trumpets and low brass add in, but are NOT the feature!(Catch that trumpets??)

A Firm Foundation

SOA definitely prepared me to be a member of the Cadets. Work ethic, being able to take correction, rehearsal technique (following instruction...this can be attributed primarily to Ian Hale!) and even how to do a dot book, are huge skills that I have been crucial entry level skills at Cadets. These are the blocks that build a Championship Corps. The music this year is all Samuel Barber, and the show is coming together really well. We are 130 pages into about a 200 page show. It is so fun to play great music everyday, to have a single focus is very relaxing even if it is so hard, and I love hanging out with friends here who love hard work and the results it can achieve.

To Durban With Love

Today Spirit of America trumpet and trombone instruction resumed with our good friends in South Africa.  It is amazing how modern technology and a kindred love of music can keep this connection going.  As usual the first 10 minutes of the trumpet lesson involved multiple instant messages back and forth in order to connect the two computers, but once that was done we resumed with 4 trumpet players and 4 trombone players receiving instruction.

It is our goal to instruct enough players that one day will be able to teach a studio of fine musicians themselves.  Our focus in on playing with a good sense of sound and intonation, and on teaching the fundamentals of reading standard musical notation.  (This is a new concept for these students, as they are accustomed to playing by ear and by "call and response")

Hopefully every Wednesday for the next several months we will be able to chart the progress of this group, with the hopes that we are doing more than teaching music, we are sharing our hearts and our love for learning.  Look forward to good sounds in the halls of the Durban Community across the ocean in the weeks to come.

Play it Forward

Shortly after our 2013 Winter Percussion season came to a bronze finish two of our members headed out to join The Cadets for this summer's DCI season.  Kirsti Pugsley and Dan Pfeiffer are now heavily immersed in the music of Samuel Barber. It's always exciting to me to watch our kids "grow-up" and share their experiences and talents in other settings. I hope it's a great summer for them. If you want to keep an eye on the Cadets season - and maybe catch a glimpse of Dan or Kirsti check out the link above - or follow the Cadets on Facebook

A Great Season Comes to a Bronze End

A great season ends for SOA WP.

“Great seasons are all about the journey and not the destination.” As our unit director Ian Hale addressed us after finals on Friday night in Dayton, Ohio, this truth came as a great piece of perspective. This season has been great because of the hard work and the fun times we have shared as a team that have bound us tightly together. And our destination wasn’t too shabby! We won Bronze with a 92.8!

Yesterday evening, we were privileged to attend Percussion World Class Finals, and it was an exhilarating celebration of the sport we know and love. Father Ryan’s snare line was strapped onto wheels and spun upside down as they drummed to a standing ovation and a group from Japan called Aimachi incorporated complex and amazing guard work with drumming that looked more almost more like Cirque de Soleil than indoor drumline. If you have never seen a top Percussion Independent World Class performance it is worth the 8 minutes on YouTube to find out just how much can be achieved in this activity. We are excited and inspired to start again next season!

Here are a couple of youtube links. (Not HD show quality due to WGI copyright, but gives you a good feel) :

RCC Percussion:
http://youtu.be/KxY7D3USwAQ

InfinityPercussion:
http://youtu.be/w2ohEgIXFPI

Broadway World Chimes-In

Even Broadway has a piece of the action as Spirit Winter Percussion heads into Finals tonight.
They gave us a great review and shout out:
MA Youth Percussion Ensemble Qualifies for World Championship Finals 2013

They performed a great show at Prelims. Enough to earn them a score of 93.07 and a great shot at the medal podium tonight. I couldn't be prouder!