DCE News Service (English)

Relaunch of Phoenix in Ireland

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:33:00 -0500

The Phoenix has risen from the ashes once more for the new beginning of the Phoenix Rising Marching Showband. Established in 1992, Phoenix has been one of the leading Showbands in Ireland and has gained an impressive reputation internationally in that time.

2008 is set to be the most progressive season yet for the organisation seeing many changes and improvements that will reflect the evolution of the group. Director Mark Govern said �We have decided to rebrand Phoenix to give us a modern fresh feel and to move away from the youth band label. Phoenix Rising better reflects the type of organisation we have become over the past few years.� Another significant change for the group that will coincide with the relaunch will be the unveiling of the band�s new field show uniforms. At considerable expense this is a major part of the group�s new image. They were delighted to pass on their old uniforms to the Beeches Cadets in Birmingham, England.

2008 will also see the pit line greatly expanded which will add immensely to the musical performance of their shows. They are also pleased to report that for the first time they were able to purchase their very own equipment truck. The truck will be an integral part of the day to day activity of the band and will be responsible for moving larger items to and from the rehearsal field. Their new truck will also undergo the Phoenix Rising makeover.

Summer 2008 will see Phoenix perform their production of �The Children of Lir� in Europe and England as well as at home in Ireland. The month of July is billed to be a busy and exciting month with the group performing in The WAMSB European Championships in Milan, Italy. BYBA�s Academy Brass contest in Barnsley, England and in the DCUK/DCE contest in Warrington. An excited Mark said �we look forward to presenting our field show and we are all really looking forward to travelling so extensively in July. We hope our 'Children of Lir' show is well received everywhere.�

'Children of Lir' is an eternal tale of evil and salvation, a story as old as Ireland itself. It portrays the journey of four children who are doomed to spend nine hundred years in the guise of swans, but are allowed to keep their beautiful singing voices. This will be a glorious visual, musical and magical performance

Phoenix would like to express their thanks and good wishes to everyone who has helped contribute to their 2008 season so far but especially to BYBA, WAMSB, DCUK, DCE and the IMBA. They also wish to publicly acknowledge the support of Bank of Scotland Ireland, whom without, they could not operate so extensively.

To find out more about Phoenix Rising visit their website at www.phoenixmusic.ie.

Beatrix to travel with own trucks in 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 20:18:44 -0500

After having toured through the US five times with borrowed and rented trucks, a dream has finally come true for Beatrix Drum & Buglke Corps from Hilversum - The Netherlands. This summer, Beatrix will have a 9.5 meter trailer that will be outfitted as a cook truck. The corps will also have a 14.5 meter long equipment trailer, which will receive a Beatrix� style makeover.

Beatrix' member of honour, Ton Stam, who in 1981 and 1982 was the first ever Dutchman to march with the Madison Scouts and never returned to Europe, has made the purchase for the corps. With his help, the trailers will be made 'tour-ready' in the next two months.

During the summer the trucks will be further modified so that they can be used again in future Beatrix� USA tours, possibly in 2012. In other years the trailers may also serve other drum corps.

Next to these two trailers there will be three luxurious coaches, two vans and a motor home that will transport the 90 marching members and 44 staff and support crew for about 3400 miles through the States. In the first week the corps will perform in and around Buffalo as well as in the Niagara Falls area.

Madison Scouts announce 'La Noche de la Iguana'

Wed, 07 May 2008 19:02:12 -0500

The Madison Scouts tap into the passionate and industrious rhythms of Latin-American compositions for their 2008 production titled 'La Noche de la Iguana'. This exploration of cultural evolution begins (inteligencia) with the complex Mayan society and integrates interpretations of La Noche de los Mayas by Silvestre Revueltas, Danza de los Duendes by Nancy Galbraith and the Estancia Suite & Harp Concerto by Ginastera.

The show transitions to Danzon No. 2 by Arturo M�rquez to reflect the passion (pasi�n) of the people. This dark and melodic piece is sure to delight audiences with its texture and intensity. The production concludes with Concierto Candela for Solo Percussion & Orchestra by Gabriela Ortiz, a rhythmic and dynamic exploration that reflects the frenetic pace and progress (progreso) of the now modern day society.

Inteligencia, pasi�n and progreso � these three fundamental characteristics of Latin-American culture set the foundation as it evolves from ancient Mayan beginnings through contemporary society. The iguana, a stoic observer across this passage of time, is a metaphor for consistency within the context of profound change.

La Noche de la Iguana was conceived and developed by renowned program coordinator Ramiro Barrera with musical arrangements by Vince Oliver and Roger Carter. Visual design was developed by Ken Karlin with choreography by JC Caceres. The Madison Scouts are under the direction of Corps Director Dann Petersen and Executive Director Jeff Spanos.

Section A DCE Championships sold out

Sun, 04 May 2008 07:23:55 -0500

In less than two days after the start of the ticket sale for the DCE Championships 2008 (Saturday 27th September), section A of the stand has been sold out.

Many drum corps fans decided to purchase their tickets as soon as possible, with 280 sold in the first ten minutes. Within one day, 500 tickets were sold and now section A of the stand is full. This doesn't mean that all good seats are gone. Other section provide good seats as well, but please do not wait too long to order your tickets.

There are five price levels left for the DCE Championships 2008, ranging from EUR 12.50 to EUR 22.50. All tickets carry a seat number, but these numbers are only valid for the evening programme (Open Class Finals). During the day (Open Class Prelims and Cadet Class Finals), admission tickets will give access to all seats. Tickets are available in the DCE webshop.

DCE Championships: 500 tickets sold in 24 hours

Fri, 02 May 2008 02:23:48 -0500

On the first day of the ticket sale, Drum Corps Europe sold 500 tickets for the 2008 edition of the DCE Championships. 280 tickets were sold in the first ten minutes after the ticket sale started.

Apparently a lot of drum corps fans want to be one of the first to buy tickets for the European event. Everyone who purchased (and paid for the) tickets will receive a manual confirmation of the payment from Drum Corps Europe early next week.

Please be aware that tickets need to be paid in ten days. Unpaid tickets will be cancelled.

PRESALE DCE CHAMPIONSHIPS STARTED

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:13:45 -0500

Admission tickets for the 2008 edition of the DCE European Championships are now available in the DCE webshop. The event will be held at the beautiful Parkstad Limburg Stadium in Kerkrade - The Netherlands.

All European top corps will be present at the DCE Championships, including 6th Hove Scouts (UK), Beatrix (NL), Blue Bandits (GER), Black Knights (UK), Blue Lions (F), Calypso (B), Distant Thunder (UK), Federatieband (NL), Jubal (NL), Juliana (NL), Kidsgrove Scouts (UK), Millennium (IT), Northern Star (UK), Poynton Commodores (UK), Senators (UK), Southern Aurora (UK), Starriders (GER) and W�lper L�wen (GER) in the Open Class, and Johan Friso (NL), Jong Avalance (NL), Jong Beatrix (NL) en Jong Jubal (NL) in the Cadey Class.

There are six price levels, ranging from EUR 12.50 to EUR 25. All tickets carry a seat number, but these numbers are only valid for the evening programme (Open Class Finals). During the day (Open Class Prelims and Cadet Class Finals), admission tickets will give access to all seats. Tickets are now available in the DCE webshop.

We hope to see you all at the European drum corps event of the year!

Reigning European Open Class Champions The Senators. (Photo: marsenshow.nl)

Beatrix reveals 2008 program

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:37:35 -0500

Beatrix Drum & Bugle Corps, from Hilversum, Netherlands, have released details of their 2008 program, which they will be taking across to DCI once more in July as they make their 6th visit to the USA. The 2008 program is titled The City and features music by John Powell and Danny Elfman amongst others.

A metropolitan city triggers something in everyone's mind. If you have been there it brings memories of chaos or threats or maybe even joy and celebration... others that have never been there might fear it or envision the metropol as the place to be or not to be. It has certain magic and attraction that is different to each one of you.

Beatrix takes you you to the metropolitan city and present you impressions that will hopefully trigger your mind... please do not fight this and experience whatever your mind triggers, hearing the musical motives in their 2008 program The City.

The musical selections are: Furniture by John Powell (from Face/Off), Mr Bojangles by Sammy Davis Jr, This Ridiculous chin by John Powell (from Face/Off), Vide Cor Meum by Patrick Cassidy and Hans Zimmer (from Hannibal) and Attack of the Batwing by Danny Elfman (from Batman).

Jeff Fiedler joins Vanguard

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:02:13 -0500

As the final step of a year-long restructuring effort, Santa Clara Vanguard, a non-profit youth performing arts organization, has appointed Jeff Fiedler as its first chief executive officer. Vanguard board chairman Marc Hebert made the announcement this weekend at the conclusion of the organization�s April rehearsal camp.

Fiedler's appointment is the final piece of an organizational restructuring that began last summer as a complete review of Vanguard�s governance model, bylaws, board makeup, financial plan and management team. In his role, he reports to Vanguard�s board of directors, and directs an organization led by Jeff Pearson, Program Manager; Kathy Serksnis, Chief Operating Officer; and Sandra Adams, Bingo Manager.

Fiedler comes to Vanguard having retired from The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps at the end of 2007, after 17 years as corps director. "It is exciting and even somewhat humbling to accept this position with Santa Clara Vanguard, an organization I have admired and respected since I first saw the Corps perform in 1971. The organization's leadership is legendary, and has continuously given the activity a model for innovation, excellence and class. When I retired from The Cavaliers, I was looking to gain a position with a non-profit in an institutional advancement role. The CEO position with Vanguard is very much in that arena, and I look forward to working with the Board and team to advance the entire organization and to reach for its goals."

Added Hebert, �Jeff brings an outstanding track record and marketing skill to his role that will accelerate our progress toward the next milestones�top-three national rankings for all three performing groups, plus a leadership role in music education in Silicon Valley.�

source: www.scvanguard.org

Capital Sound unveils new uniform

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 03:04:40 -0500

After introducing the drum corps world to a modern brand identification in 2007, Capital Sound is unveiling the final piece of their re-branding with a preview of their new uniforms, and the launching of a New Uniform campaign to recruit sponsors who are able and willing to support the corps' purchase.

Produced by Stanbury Uniforms, and created by their new resident designer, Brent Becker, the corps' new look is an evolution of their current uniform with a crisp, modern design that has been greeted with universal praise by the corps' members, staff and fans.

"This uniform is fantastic", said Executive Director, Marc Gofstein. "Brent has created something that gives us the unique look we�ve been searching for and that will show the drum corps world we are serious about moving to the next level of performance and competition. We couldn't be happier."

Along with unveiling the new uniform, Capital Sound is launching a, New Uniform campaign as a way to assist with funding their purchase. The campaign was created as a way to give fans a chance to be a part of the corps' continuing growth and development. For only $200, fans can buy a uniform for the corps and, for each uniform sponsored, the sponsor's name will be sewn on the inside of the coat to show the members who has supported the corps.

Poynton Commodores present 'The Tapestry of Life'

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:02:25 -0500

Poynton Commodores have this week released information about the 2008 program The Tapestry of Life, a woven magic of colour movement and music, taking the audience back in time, from the very beginning of the Earth's creation, to when life begins.

The Tapestry of Life, a woven magic of colour movement and music.

The Commodores take the audience back in time, from the very beginning of the Earth's creation, to when life begins.

Meteors, rocks and boulders that glide through the solar system pulled together from the suns gravitation force to form the Earth. As they merge, they create an intense ball of fire. The gasses then cool and transform into water with a soothing effect, eventually solidifying, creating a ragged landscape. The Earth then starts to rotate with the force of gravity creating strong winds and hurricanes. The Earth settles down, enabling Life to be created: Fire, Water, Wind and the Earth, beneath us, working in harmony. The elements magically woven together to give life.

The show takes the music of Samuel Hazo's RIDE and Walt Disney's' album 'Millennium Celebration' to tell the story.

Source: www.commodores.info

Venue for the 2008 Northern Preview announced

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:04:48 -0500

The 2008 Northern Preview Concert will take place at the Royds School in Oulton - Leeds. To date the organisation has ten acts taking part. The BYBA Northern Region (NASR) is a forum for bands and corps of all styles and associations in the North of England and Scotland.

Offering tiered spectator seating, a large performance area and situated just two minutes from junction 30 of the M62, Royds School offers the best facilities yet for a Northern Preview Concert. The event will take place on Saturday 10th May 2008.

The address is:
Royds School Specialist Language College
Pennington Lane
Oulton
Leeds
LS26 8EX

More information will be coming soon.

Rhythm X are WGI Independent World Champion

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:38:54 -0500

With a program that pushed the boundaries for visual creativity in the activity that earned caption awards for Effect and Visual, Rhythm X took their first WGI PIW Championship with 'Gone'.

With a reddish-orange autumn leaf camouflage pattern on tarp, backdrops, and costumes, the line almost disappeared from view when their backs were to the audience, making them literally appear to be 'gone'. An eye-catching tenor feature was performed with the drums off the harnesses, held by the snare players as an amazing quad line performed while the drums were rotating, changing elevations, and at angles drummers aren't supposed to be able to play at. Rhytm X scored 96.9 points, taking the Independent World title.

Riverside Community College ended in second place (95.8), followed by Aimachi from Japan (94.85). The drumlines that did a European tour this year were Matrix (9th in Independent World Class) and Father Ryan (14th in Scholastic World Class). The WGI Scholastic World title went to Dartmouth (96.75).

WGUK 2009 provisional contest schedule announced

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:16:21 -0500

With the 2008 season only just complete, WGUK are please to be able to announce provisional details of the 2009 contest schedule. These dates were approved as part of a three year plan back in June 2007 to allow show sponsors to get long term bookings in place and hopefully help reduce their costs.

The schedule is for the WGUK 2009 season is:
Sunday 11th January - Midlands
Sunday 18th January - South
Sunday 1st February - North
Sunday 15th February - South
Saturday 21st February - European Regional UK
Sunday 1st March - West
Sunday 15th March - South
Sunday 22nd March - North
Saturday 4th April - British Championships, Brentwood International Centre, Essex

Further details regarding venues will be announced later in year.

BK members perform at London Marathon

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:07:29 -0500

Paul Richards, Lucy Philips and Dan Easter, members of the Black Knights Senior Corps joined up with the South London Jazz Orchestra (SLJO) to perform to the crowds and participants of the 2008 London Marathon.

Commenting on the experience Paul Richards said "It was a pleasure to be allowed to play with some very skilled players from all ages and backgrounds. One of the things I love most about music is that it breaks all barriers between people. The music was excellent and it was great to see all the runners, especially the Masauri tribesmen."

Succesful recruitment campaign for Northern Star

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:03:38 -0500

Friday 22nd Feb saw Northern Star take its road show to Rodillian High School, Wakefield West Yorkshire, for what was the first of many scheduled events in a recruitment campaign for the future. The day was a huge success with around 80 young people experiencing �hands on� what Northern Star has to offer.

Everyone took part in the day long performing arts experience, which was a unique opportunity, and one which staff at Rodillian High thought was fantastic. The event concluded with a demonstration from the pupils of their new skills in a 'show and tell' session, which was witnessed by the rest of the school.

Richard Cartwright, Marketing Manager for the Northern Star Group, who coordinated the day, said "It was great to see so many young people participating in our activity. Hopefully some of these kids may choose to come to Star and take part in future activities." Richard went onto say, "The success of this pilot workshop gives us a template for future road shows, and we have other music teachers across West Yorkshire excited about bringing the day to their school."

Head of Music for Rodillian, Sarah Smith has already invited Northern Star back for a second event in September.