Hello
readers who dare to continue reading this blog, and welcome to Rave Up Music! I
am the writer of this blog, Barius, and for today’s blog, we are going to take
a break from the rock and heavy metal music, and take a look at one of the more
unique approaches to playing and expressing music: the marching arts, and more
specifically, drum and bugle corps.
The
“marching arts” is a collective term used for fine art-related activities that
are associated with wind band music. These activities include, but are not
limited to, marching band, drum and bugle corps, winter guard, indoor
percussion, and Brass Theater. Though rooted in being entertainment at half
time at football games, the performances in the marching arts have become a
physically demanding activity, with marching and body movements synchronized to
music that performers are playing. Whether at the high school level, collegiate
level, or even independent level, the performers and staff spend many months
perfecting and fine-tuning their shows to not-only express themselves, but to
entertain audiences around the world.
This is a middle school marching band in Japan.
DAMN…
One
of the most recognized and celebrated activities in the marching arts in the
drum and bugle corps. The drum and bugle corps descended from the military
bugle and drum units used to as signaling units during the American Civil War,
and well into the World Wars. When the use of radios became more commonplace in
military operations, most of the drum and bugle corps equipment was sold off to
veteran groups, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American
Legion. These groups and many other organizations created drum and bugle corps
that made of civilians and veterans as entertainment groups in the community.
Slowly, the varying corps brought their performances to the football fields,
which turn into competitive events among corps. The VFW and American Legion
began hosting various events around the United States, but many of the drum and
bugle corps units slowly realized the rules and regulations between the two
veteran organizations were quite different, which in turn made it difficult for
a lot of corps to adjust their shows and performances for each competitive
circuits.
NOTE: A drum and
bugle corps consists of brass (Bugle) and percussion (drum) instruments, and a
colorguard unit. There are no woodwind musicians in the band. If there are
woodwinds, it is a marching band.
After leaving the VFW in 1969 after their requests for changes to the
rules were flat out denied, several groups decided to create their own organization with
uniformed rules and judging. In 1972, 13 drum and bugle corps formed Drum Corps
International (DCI), which is still in existence to this day, and hosts a World
Championships every August. The standards to marching performances that DCI established
has been used by marching bands and other drum and bugle corps all over the world.
The success of DCI helped create other drum corps organizations, included Drum
Corps Associates (DCA), and Drum Corps United Kingdom.
A Montage of the 2011 DCI World Championships. Sweet!
Number 12 – Bluecoats (Canton, Ohio)
Bluecoats 2008
Founded
in 1972, the Bluecoats name is a homage to the retired police officer in Canton.
Originally backed by local businessman Art Drukenbrod, the boys in blue first
performed in DCI in 1974, and slowly rose to be one of the top contenders in
DCI. At any performance, be prepared to hear the audience give a long “BLLLUUUEEEE”
to the corps, as a way of show their appreciation for them.
What
makes the Bluecoats stand out for me as one of my favorite corps is the risk
they take with their concept themes, ranging from boxing with 2008’s The Knockout to the dystopian hell of
2010’s Metropolis. The corps is also
a group that takes risks with their sound, be it singing on the field or the use
of synthesizers. Originally, I was not a fan of the Bluecoats. I never thought
they were as innovative as some of the other corps on this list. But in time, I
saw the hard work they did on the field, especially with the show Metropolis, and they have become a force to be reckon with as they captured their first bronze medal at
World Championships. I now proudly “Blue” the Bluecoats at every show. Well, at
least it is not boo-urns.
Number 11 – Bayonne Bridgemen (Bayonne, New Jersey)
Bayonne Bridgemen 1983
Originally
founded as the St. Andrew Bridgemen and founded by a local Catholic Church, the
corps was a founding member of DCI, and placed 11th in their first year.
Through the early 1970s, the Bridgemen began to see a decline in finances and
membership, causing the leaders of the corps to create a new direction. After
separating from the church to due to the financial issues in 1976, the
Bridgemen reemerged with a new look of yellow Cossack jackets and black Aussie
hats, and a new sound/direction to bring humor to the field, breaking away from
some the norms of drum corps. Although, the yellow jackets kind of makes them
look like marching bananas.
That is not what I meant...and that is just weird...
The
Bridgemen took the entertainment aspect of drum corps and cranked it up to
the extreme. Their shows would incorporate some of the wackiest moments, such
as the drum major being a clown, or even falling down “dead” at the end of
their 1976, there was never a dull moment with the Bridgemen. This sadly
includes the behind the scenes with the corps as well. In 1977, the Bridgemen
were disqualified from Championships due to marching two age-out members, but
this did not deter the corps, and came back stronger than ever the next year. Despite
having some good years since their 1977 disqualification, the Bridgemen started
to decline in numbers, both financial and in members. Sadly, by 1986/1987, the
Bridgemen were no more, but their legacy for wacky, ground-breaking shows will
forever be remembered by DCI fans for years to come.
Number 10 – Boston Crusaders (Boston Massachusetts)
Boston Crusaders 2002
Founded
in 1940 as the Most Precious Blood Crusaders, the Boston Crusaders are one of
the oldest active drum and bugle corps in existence, as well as a founding
member of DCI. The BAC (Boston Area Crusaders as they were known in 1959) have
had a lot of struggles in the beginning, but they garnered a lot of support
over the years, including then-Senator John F. Kennedy, who helped the corps
with getting their Point West Uniforms. In return, the corps would perform in
JFK’s Presidential Inauguration Parade, making them the first drum and bugle
corps to perform in such a parade.
The
BAC is a corps known for many firsts on the field. They were the first corps to
use double tenor drums in 1967, as well as march timpani in 1969. They were
also the first corps to use slides on the bugles so that chromatic scales could
be used in their music, and, despite be penalized the whole season, they were
the first crops to use synthesizers in 1985. While the corps has never won a
DCI medal placement, the Boston Crusaders are proof that the philosophy of "professionalism,
accountability, and responsibility" can make a corps be loved by many DCI
fans.
Number 9 – Madison Scouts
(Madison, Wisconsin)
Madison Scouts 1988
As
one of only two all-male drum and bugle corps, the Madison Scouts was founded
in 1938, when a businessman in Madison saw the Racine Scouts Drum and Bugle
Corps and wanted to create one in Madison. The Madison Scouts, then known as
the Madison Explorer Scouts, became the first recognized musical post in the
Boy Scouts of America. Though they no longer partake in Boy Scout
activities, the Madison Scouts are still considered scouts, and traditional Fleur-de-lis
of the Boy Scouts remain a part of the crops uniform to this day as a homage to
their roots.
As
another founding member of DCI, the Madison Scouts have been a crowd pleasing
corps. Their music selection ranges from Latin standards like “Malagueña” to
well-known works like Rhapsody in Blue,
and always gets the crowd on their feet. As a two-time DCI World Champion, the
Madison Scouts maintains a sense of tradition and brotherhood among their
members that makes this drum corps fan feel connected to them, and will support
them for many years to come.
Number 8 – Star of Indiana (Bloomington, Indiana)
Star of Indiana 1993
When you mention the name Star of Indiana to a drum corps fan, one of the many words they will use to describe the corps is “controversial.” Founded in 1984, Star of Indiana was the brainchild of businessman Bill Cook, who became interested in the drum corps activity when his son suggested he watch a broadcast. Cook spent over a million dollars to get the corps off the ground, and attracted some of the best instructors in the business to the corps. This pouching of instructors lead to many complaints that the corps would attract members due to financial security, not made better when Cook described Star as “the best corps money can buy.”
Despite
all of this, Star of Indiana grew fast and entered the Top 12 of DCI
Championships in their second year. The corps brought new ideas of what you can
do on the field in drill and music, including more rapid body movements while
playing faster notes, as well as playing musical selections not heard on the
field. In 1991, after only marching on the field for seven years, Star won
their first and only DCI World Championship with the show Roman Images, based on the piece The Pines of Rome. After completing two goals of what corps
director Jim Mason calls “Play the Game, Win the Game, Change the Game,” Star
of Indiana completed their third goal in 1993 with their show the Music of Barber and Bartok. The show
featured not only music that from two composers that was relatively unknown to
the drum corps activity, but featured more raw and dissonant sounds. Though
placing second at Championships, Star of Indiana changed the game of what a
corps can do on the marching field.
However,
at the end of the 1993 season, Star of Indiana left the drum corps field, and
focused their efforts into developing a concept known as Brass Theater. This
would slowly turn in to the award-winning show spectacular known a Blast!
Although
they are no longer on the field, in their short nine years of existence, Star
of Indiana was able to change the way the drum corps activity functions to this
day.
Number 7 – Carolina Crown
(Fort Mill, South Carolina)
Carolina Crown 2011
Being
the youngest drum corps on this list, Carolina Crown was founded in 1988, and
has quickly become one of the top contenders in DCI’s World Class division. The
corps performs some of the fastest drill in DCI, and some of the best skilled brass
players in the activity. Crown reminds me as this generation’s Star of Indiana,
minus the good financial backing. Their music selection pushes what can be
played on the field, be it “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath mixed with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 or
playing selected works from the opera La bohème. With a few silver medals in their possession, Carolina Crown is just
one show away from taking the Championship title. Carolina Crown is the corps to
watch for the future of DCI and the drum corps activity as a whole.
Number 6 – The Cavaliers (Rosemont,
Illinois)
The Cavaliers 2011
The only other all-male
drum corps and a founding member of DCI, The Cavaliers follow a similar
history to that of Madison Scouts. The Cavies started in 1948 by Don Warren, a
Scoutmaster for Troop 111 who wanted to emulate the Racine Scouts. Though
having many rough patches in the 1970s, the Cavies started to push themselves in
1980s under the drill supervisor of Steve Brubaker, a concept that continues to
this day.
Although the term
“pushing the envelope” is a bit of a cliché term these days, the term is an
appropriate one for the corps known as the Green Machine. Their drill work is
constantly moving like a fine oiled machine, such as their 2006 show Machine.
They also are willing to play music in ways that other corps have never dare to
do, such the tenor drummers playing upside down in the 2011 show XtraordinarY. The Cavies have place in the Top 3 in nine of the ten years, including
five gold medals, dubbing them the “Corps of the 21st Century.” When you hear the corps battle cry of
“Splooie” before they enter the field, you know that the Cavaliers will bring a
show that will leave you on the edge of your seats.
Number 5 – Velvet Knights (Anaheim,
California)
Velvet Knights 1990
Founded in 1963 as a
split from the Anaheim Explorer Scouts (which also created the first DCI
Champions Anaheim Kingsmen), Velvet Knights are the "Clown
Princes of Drum Corps", and the west coast equivalent to the Bayonne Bridgemen, in more ways
than one. The Velvet Knights, also known as VK, struggled a bit in the 1970s,
but after regrouping in 1980, the corps emerged with a more laidback approach
to the drum corps. Gone were the traditional military ways and in its place was
the relaxed California look with Hawaiian shirts, red Converse sneakers and
baseball caps.
Though it was a risky
move, it turned into a successful one, with corps member retention at an all
time high, and with the corps succeeded in getting into DCI Finals in 1984. The
corps brought funny, entertaining shows that come with the Southern California
attitude. It was common to hear music that was more radio friendly, such as the
music of the Beatles and Alice Cooper, as well as music from the Disney films
and the Star Wars franchise. Unfortunately, like the Bayonne Bridgemen,
the Velvet Knights met their end due to financial issues. As a common
practice at the time, staff members of VK were classified as independent
contractors, which did not cover medical expensive. An IRS audit determined the
staff members were employees of the organization, resulting in the corps having
to pay back taxes and health benefits. Sadly, this brought an end to the corps,
for they no longer had the finances to continue.
While the Velvet Knights
were no more, the legacy continues on in several groups. Several VK members
went on to form other corps, including Pacific Crest, Esperanza, and Impulse,
with Impulse following closely to the VK mindset of baseball caps and a more
relaxed uniforms. But, it was not until 2005 when a new Velvet Knight was
formed to continue the history of the Velvet Knights of old. Though not exactly
the original group, the new VK strives to bring the entertainment aspect that
has been missing since the original VK left the field in 1997.
Number 4 – The Cadets (Allentown,
Pennsylvania)
The Cadet 1994 (Known as the Cadets of Bergen County)
The Cadets were formed in
1934 under the name Holy Name Church Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps, but
disbanded from the Holy Name Church due to a financial dispute in 1958, and
became the Garfield Cadets. As a founding member of DCI, The Cadets, who also
went by The Cadets of Bergen County in 1989 and the 1990s, have ten DCI World
Championships under their belt, and continue to perform to this day. They have
appeared in Finals since 1980.
The Cadets are a unique
corps. For starters, while most corps step-off on the left foot, they step-off
on the right foot. To non-Drum Corps folks, this creates a unique visual aspect
to the show. Like Carolina Crown, you can expect to see drill moves on the
field that are fast, intense, and moves that if one wrong step and every member
will crash and burn. Their 2011 show “Between Angels and Demons split the corps
in half white uniforms and half maroon uniforms to represent a war between
angels and demons, respectively. On the musical side, the band has been known
to play music that is not of the norm, but go very well with their theme for
the show. Recently, the Cadets performed “12/24,” an all-Christmas theme show,
a show that while weird to play in the summer months, was well-executed on the
field.
Number 3 – Blue Devils (Concord, California)
Blue Devils 1985
Founded by Ann and Tony Othello, the heads for the VFW post in Concord CA in 1957, the Blue Devils gained their name from the color of the VFWs and for the local landmark in Concord, Mt. Diablo. Starting out as a drum and bell corps, the group grew to add different twirling units, and by 1972, the corps added the brass members the ensemble. By 1973, BD grew in numbers to complete at DCI Championships, and in 1976, the corps captured their first of 15 World Championships. Today, the Blue Devils are a part of the BD Entertainment Arts, a corporate entity that includes three colorguard units, the Diablo Wind Symphony, and three drum corps, including the junior corps of Blue Devils C and Blue Devils B.
Okay, that is just too adorable...
Even with so many world titles under their belts, why am I going to put the Blue Devils as only my third favorite corps? The truth is I have a love-hate relationship with the Blue Devils. For years, I was a hardcore BD fan. They put on shows that I would scream my head off and cheer for them. Their 2003 show the Phenomenon of Cool reminds one of my favorite shows of all time. However, in the last few years, I have felt my loyalty towards the Devs waning. Why, you may ask? Their shows have not kept my interest.
The Blue Devils
have been known to put on some of the most innovated shows on the field that
have benefitted the drum corps activity. They pushed the envelope of what can be used
on the field. However, BD’s shows have become more about being innovated for
the sake of being innovated, and has alienated audiences members. For example,
the last few years, we have seen the Blue Devils have used props ranging from
folding chairs, ten-foot tall mirrors, giant poles, and everything in-between.
The use of these props I feel are more detrimental to the show and the concept,
particularly the mirrors. It made the field seem more cluttered than it really
was, and was not appealing to my eyes.
Regardless of these complaints, I cannot deny the Blue Devils of their success. They play with some of the best songs choices, and have drill that is intense. I recommend watching any show that has BD playing jazz music, which I feel fits the corps the best. Love them or hate, the Blue Devils have helped make the drum corps activity a great form of artistic expression, and will continue to do so for years to come.
Number 2 - Phantom Regiment (Rockford, Illinois)
Founded in 1956 as the Rockford Rangers and the Rockford Rangerettes, the Phantom Regiment is known as drum crops’ classical identity. They switched to the name “Phantom Regiment” after hearing the Syracuse Brigadiers perform the 1952 Leroy Anderson tune of the same name. Like many other of the corps on this list, the early years were a bit of a struggle for Phantom, particularly in the financial area. However, through hard work and determination, the group has excelled, and has remained a Top 12 DCI member since 1974, including capturing two World Championships in 1996 and 2008.
If I had to choose one drum and bugle corps on this list who I love purely on a musical level, it is Phantom Regiment. As the classical identity of the drum corps activity, the corps has played a wide spectrum of music, ranging from the works of Dmitri Shostakovich and George Gershwin to Richard Strauss and Aram Khachaturian. Phantom performs these great composers with a sound that is true to the intent of composer, but with the beautiful, warm brass and percussion sound that many groups strive to have, but cannot duplicate. Outside of the music, the corps has some of the best drill on the field, filled with enough speed and strength that you will be on your feet cheering for them. When it comes to the drum corps I am a fan of, Phantom Regiment has a level of class, sophistication and drive that would make me want to join them if I was not over age (and a woodwind player). Well, that would be true if it was not for my favorite drum corps…
Number 1 - Santa Clara Vanguard (Santa Clara, California)
Santa Clara Vanguard formed in 1967when the parents of the Sunnyvale Sparks disbanded the drum corps, and boosters reacted to this by forming their own drum crops. They recruited elementary school teacher Gail Royer, Joe Martinez and Dan Barkley as corps directors, with Royer lasting 25 years until his retirement in 1992 (and sadly, his death in 1993). Though the corps has had its ups and downs in their 46 years of existence, SCV has had many accolades and accomplishments, including being a founding member of DCI, a 6-time World Champion, and the only drum and bugle corps to appear in DCI Finals since the first Championships in 1972.
If there is one word to describe Santa Clara Vanguard, it would be, “Tradition.” SCV has a high level/standard of expectations and honor. From the details of their uniforms to their musical selections, Vanguard maintains a sense of integrity and values. SCV stands as one of the earliest innovators of the drum corps activity. They were the first group to incorporate dance in their shows, as well as the first group to use asymmetrical drill formations in their performances; a practice that continues to this day in many corps. From a musical perspective, the corps has played a wide variety of music that is both familiar, such as the music from Phantom of the Opera in 1989, as well as the unknown, like 2011’s The Devil’s Staircase.
When I started watching drum corps back in 1998, I vividly remember watch SCV’s show, Copeland, The Modernist, and being hypnotized by what I was seeing and hearing in the video. From the visuals to the musical selection, everything about this show continues to resonate in my mind 15 years later. From that day on, I am a dedicated fan who proudly shout “Vanguard!” at the right moment in their show, as well as a fan who geeks out when the cymbal line flashes the “V” symbol.
Come on, you know
this is awesome…
With musical selections that have lasted over the years, and sense of honor and tradition, I can proudly say that Santa Clara Vanguard truly are my Favorite Junior Drum and Bugle Corps!
So there you go, those were my Top 12 Favorite Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. If you are reading this blog and you are a drum corps fan, feel free to leave a comment with your own favorite corps. I would love to read what some of you are the best drum corps, both in the past and the present. If you are a regular reader of my blog, and you actually enjoyed this post and want to learn more about the drum corps activity, please visit www.dci.org to learn more, including tour dates and educational activities and events.
And now, time for me to get on my soapbox.
So there you go, those were my Top 12 Favorite Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. If you are reading this blog and you are a drum corps fan, feel free to leave a comment with your own favorite corps. I would love to read what some of you are the best drum corps, both in the past and the present. If you are a regular reader of my blog, and you actually enjoyed this post and want to learn more about the drum corps activity, please visit www.dci.org to learn more, including tour dates and educational activities and events.
And now, time for me to get on my soapbox.
As a person involved in music education, I am a big supporter of not only the drum corps activity, but I am a supporter of all forms of the marching arts. For the performers of these corps and marching units, they do not get paid for this, but they actually pay these organizations to allow them to march in their corps. They participate in it for the love of the activity, their passion for music, and the pure joy they get when performing a show that audiences will love and enjoy.
The marching arts as a whole are a great way for young people ages 14-22 (if not younger) to be more active and involved in an activity that prevents them from getting into too much trouble. They also learn lifelong skills of hard work and dedication, as well as make lifelong friendships. Finally, their involvement in the marching arts allows the student to be expressive, and share a love of music amongst themselves, as well as their community.
If you wish to support their efforts, I recommend looking up the local drum and bugle corps in your area, and show them your support. You can purchase their merchandise, go to the field show competitions, or if possible, volunteer with the organization to drive truck or provide food for them. Without the support of their fans and their community, many of these corps would cease to exist, and the world loses a great form of art and expression.
Anyway, it is about time that I wrap up this latest edition of Rave Up Music. Next time, we shall return to the rock world as we take a closer look at one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time in the latest installment of “Cover Wars.” Until next time, I am Barius, and keep on rockin’ and keep marching on!
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