DCE News (English headlines)

The Pride ranks fifth in WGI ranking list

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:04:35 PST

Winter Guard International keeps a ranking list with the most recent scores during WGI Regionals. The Pride from Huizen is now in fifth place in the Independent Open Class, after five of the total seven WGI Regionals.

After the next two major WGI contests, The Pride will know where they have finished in the rankings. This will determine their starting place at the WGI World Championships in Dayton - Ohio, which the group is participating in next month.

There are two Regionals to come where scores can be improved by the groups competing with The Pride. This weekend, seven Independent Open Class units will participate in a Regional for the first time.

The ranking list can be found at www.thepride.nl.

No IPE contest at Burgess Hill

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:57:50 PST

Due to the withdrawal of units from the scheduled IPE indoor percussion contest on Sunday 14th March, which was to form part of the WGUK Contest at Burgess Hill, it has been decided to cancel this event.

The Winterguard contest will still be taking place as normal with 19 units competing across the four classes. The first performance will start at 12.30 PM. The IPE European Indoor Percussion Championships (which will incorporate the British Championships) takes place on Sunday 4th April at the K2 Arena in Crawley.

Tickets for the IPE European Championships can be pre-ordered on line via both the WGUK and IPE websites.

French junior corps Kadoudal announces show

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:32:45 PST

The new French junior drum & bugle corps Kadoudal has announced the new show programme 'Brittany Forces'. It's the first show in their existence. With the show they will enter the DCE European Championships this year.

The theme of the show is about the fight for Breton rights at the time of Jord Kadoudal (18th century). The show has six movements and lasts nine minutes. Yvan Boscher is the composer, the drill is designed by Nick Merson.

The opener is 'Thunder Lightning'. During his childhood, Jord Kadoudal is enjoying the sea and the landscape. He sometimes helps his father, the village miller. During his free time, he runs in the dunes and enjoys the view of the wild ocean. He looks at the storms, likes the sparks lightening the sea and listens to the thunder. He is happy with his family.

The second movement is 'Wind of Freedom'. As the government enacts new laws, Kadoudal rebels and dreams of peace, love and freedom for his land and its inhabitants. Convinced and passionate, Kadoudal decides to fight and gathers local farmers. They are training for war ('Gathering the Strengths of the Sky').

In the fourth movement ('Fire War'), the war starts. Kadoudal leads his men toward a fight against the government. The courageous and heroic leader of the rebellion war, Kadoudal, is arrested after a hard chase. He is judged and condemned to death penalty ('Land of My Fathers'). The show is concluded by the movement 'Hope Shining Like the Sun'. Despite the death of Jord Kadoudal, his friends do not forget his fight. Hope comes back and they are dreaming of a better future.

Kadoudal will enter the Junior Class of the DCE European Championships 2010 in Kerkrade - The Netherlands on September 26th.

Bristol Spintastic proves a big success

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:38:03 PST

Sunday March 7th saw the first ever Winterguard Spintastic to be held in the West Country which attracted over 200 participants from near and far to the WISE campus, Filton College. Local groups included Bristol Harlequins and Cohesion whilst special guests Inbhear Mor Marchers came all the way from Arklow, Co Wicklow, Ireland.

Report by Andy Hewlett

The morning session focussed on education with beginners and advanced classes in flag, sabre, rifle and baton for marching members of all the guards, as well as a number of young people who were experiencing guard for the first time. WGUK's Matt Johnson ran a course entitled 'Planning your Programme: A Primer' which covered how to plan a Winterguard programme for instructors and was well attended.

Both sessions proved very popular and after lunch all groups put on their shows under competition conditions. Dance groups K-Boom and Escape added an exciting new dimension to the show whilst Bristol Harlequins 3 groups excelled as majorettes with batons and pom-poms.

Pegasus Cadets stole the show with their highly entertaining 'Twist' and Cohesion produced a slinky dance style show from the film 'Dirty Dancing'. But favourites with the audience were Inbhear Mor Marchers who were the first Irish guard to perform in Britain since the 90s. Despite being small in numbers, they produced a well thought out show of jazz style dance numbers which they performed well. Definitely one to watch for the future!

The final performance of the day was from by Pegasus whose show 'Time to say Goodbye' is now really starting to come together. Following Pegasus all the groups went on for retreat and were given a certificate to mark the event and the day concluded with the National Anthem played by Pegasus Brass.

The general consensus afterwards was that the first Bristol Spintastic was a huge success. The fact that there were no losers today coupled with some good education and the chance to make friends made for a very enjoyable day. The question was, when are we doing it again?

Italian colour guard visiting UK

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:34:01 PST

The Academy's creative director, and WGUK judge Darren Darton has recently spent time in Italy teaching an up and coming Italian colourguard, who are part of a successful Italian Marching band, Giuseppe Verdi Marching Band.

The Academy is delighted to be hosting the young members of this Italian guard for a weekend in March, in which they will spend time with The Academy in training, and will also for the first time attend a winterguard show at Burgess Hill on 14th March.

WGUK always encourage and support the building of ties with groups across Europe to help promote winter guard, and encourage new colour guards from across the waters to take part in competitive activities.

The Academy are extremely excited to be hosting and working with this group of talented colourguard members and in providing them an insight into the world of Winterguard in our country.

Indoor contest DCG cancelled

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:47:58 PST

The only contest that Drum Corps Germany planned for 2010, in Witzenhausen on 29th May, has been cancelled. Too few corps registered for the DCG contest.

Only two corps had agreed to participate. "That's not enough to organise a contest", states Andreas Herwig from The Devils. DCG manager Michael Schendzielarz cannot believe that an indoor contest in the middle of Germany is not feasible. DCG will now look at what is possible in 2011.

The only German drum corps contest which is going ahead this year is the German Open on 4th September in Hameln.

Jubal wins WGI European Regional

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:23:31 PST

Jubal Indoor Percussion has won the WGI European Regional in Goes - The Netherlands yesterday. It was the first contest ever of the indoor drumline from Dordrecht. The UK drumline Vintage came third.

During Prelims Jubal got 6 points penalties due to exceeding time limits. In Finals they still had 1.8 penalties but the total score of 81.70 points was still enough to take the WGI European title in the Independent A Class. European X, a debuting unit this season, took second place.

Vintage became third in Finals after winning the Prelims, followed by Percussion Unlimited, Unik Star, Advendo and Alliance. Scores and recaps can be found at www.wgieurope.org.

Jubal Indoor Percussion. (Photo: colorguard.org)

Con Spirito invests in new instruments

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:53:55 PST

Showband Con Spirito from Joure has purchased 31 new Quantum Marching Brass brass instruments from the German manufacturer Jupiter. The purchase is an investment of 55,000 euros.

The Frisian show band is the first corps in the Netherlands to be fully equipped with the Quantum Marching Brass instrument line. The replacement was desperately needed, as the current DCN A-Class champions’ twenty year old instruments are on their last legs.

Initially there was not enough money in the kitty to replace the instruments. "We then explored all our options and looked for opportunities”, said Chairman Quido van Hazendonk from Con Spirito. "In September the bank gave us their approval. We ordered the instruments in November."

During a day of celebration on 20th of March, with the cooperation of their peers Beatrix Drum & Bugle Corps from Hilversum, the members will start using the new instruments. Con Spirito is still looking for a few brass members to increase the current number of members from 24 to 31.

New uniforms for Beatrix in the making

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:44:15 PST

Beatrix Drum & Bugle Corps from Hilversum - The Netherlands will appear in a new uniform this year. What the outfit will look like remains a secret for now: "The hat will remain, but otherwise?"

During last year’s training weekend, after being asked to put all mobile phones and cameras away, the new uniform of the corps was presented to the members. However, curious drum corps fans will have to be patient for a little longer, because the corps will only show the uniform to the public later this year.

The uniform design was developed by members and volunteers of Beatrix who have taken a place on the uniform committee. After months of working together with a designer, assessing and putting together various sketches, they eventually ended up with a design.

A uniform manufacturer is now in charge of the production of the uniform.

WGUK 2010 Championships tickets on sale

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:58:44 PST

Winter Guard United Kingdom has opened for the 2010 British Winter Guard Championships on Saturday 3rd April at The Brentwood International Centre in Brentwood - Essex.

Tickets can be booked on line at www.wguk.org.uk/about/tickets.html and there is also access to a form to order tickets by post as well. Ticket prices are £16.00 for adults and £12.50 concession tickets.

The event is the culmination of 3 months of competition which has seen 34 units competing at 7 events across the UK and will see WGUK crown 4 new champions for 2010.

Beatrix takes European winter guard title

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:17:11 PST

In what became a huge battle for first, Beatrix outscored The Pride by 0.2 points in Finals after a Prelims defeat. The Independent A-Class was won by the Starriders and the Junior Class and Cadet Class titles went to The Pride.

Yesterday 37 units from The Netherlands, Germany and France entered the European Winter Guard International Regional in Drachten. The Pride won the Open Class Prelims over Beatrix by 2.1 points but Beatrix improved their score with 3.1 points in the evening. In the A-Class the Starriders became the European champions.

The Junior Class and Cadet Class were won by The Pride. Scores and recaps can be found at www.wgieurope.org.

Star of Indiana to perform at DCI Championships

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:27:13 PST

Last weekend, former Star of Indiana members returned to action at the corps' headquarters in Bloomington, Indiana. The alumni corps will perform at the DCI 2010 World Championships in Indianapolis.

Star of Indiana was a Drum Corps International member corps from 1985 to 1993. Winning the DCI World Championship title in 1991, the organisation left the competitive drum corps circuit after the 1993 summer season, pursuing several additional performance ventures including the Emmy and Tony Award-winning stage production 'Blast!'.

This was the alumni corps' fourth rehearsal camp since last year, says Star Alumni Association President Nancy Brown. "The turnout has been pretty good", said Brown. "As word has spread, our attendance has grown. This past weekend we had more than 100 brass players."

By the end of the weekend, the group had played through its entire production, which has been compiled from original arrangements of Star's most well known pieces. The corps will open with the Disney classic 'When You Wish Upon a Star', and play its way through all nine of its drum corps years, closing with Samuel Barber's 'Medea', the headline piece to the corps' groundbreaking 1993 production. (Text: dci.org)

Star of Indiana in 1986. (Photo: staralumni.org)

Riverside chooses Pearl and Adams

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:32:24 PST

The Riverside Community College Marching Tigers kick off 2010 by choosing Pearl Drums and Adams Musical instruments for all its ensemble performances, including the Marching Tigers, Pep Band, Riverside All-Stars Band, and three-time WGI Independent World Class Champion RCC Indoor Drumline.

The indoor drumline is the first RCC ensemble to take the stage with Pearl and Adams instruments at the WGI regional hosted by RCC on 20th February in Riverside - California.

Gary Locke, Program Director for RCC Bands, had this to say recently about the upcoming performances: "I just stood in front of the winter drum line for the past hour. Wow! What a difference the front ensemble instruments make in our look and our sound. Can't wait for you to see and hear the show that will set new standards...which is what we do."

This is the 10th anniversary season for the 39 member RCC Indoor Drumline as they perform their show 'My Steampunk Heart'.

Douglas Caldwell appointed Adjudication Manager

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:04:45 PST

Drum Corps Europe has appointed a new Adjudication Manager. As part of the DCE management team Douglas Caldwell will lead DCE's judging organisation, with immediate effect.

Douglas was born in Glasgow in 1961. "My first musical instrument was the piano but stopped playing a few years later as rugby was better fun", Douglas says. At Boys' Brigade he learned the Bb bugle and when he went to Senior School graduated onto trumpet. He played in a variety of military bands, big bands, brass bands and orchestra's.

"I first became became involved with marching bands through the Silver Shadows in 1980 and worked with them for five years marching, teaching and writing brass", Douglas continues. "During this time in 1982, I was introduced to judging by the late Eddie Hendle and Lee Packham. After a year's training I was accredited to judge DCUK. I have judged DCUK for most seasons since then, with a more full time role from 1991. I have also judged the British Youth Band Association for the last five years."

Douglas moved to Brighton, England in 1986 to teach the Imperial/Southern Knights. The corps became DCUK Champions in 1988 and Douglas took the corps to DCA in 1990. Over the past ten years he has also worked with Black Knights and 6th Hove Scouts.

"My first exposure to DCE was judging the 2007 DCE Championships in Rotterdam and what an experience I had that day", Douglas remembers. "I retired from judging after the 2008 season, but I still have the hunger for the judging fraternity. I am very proud to have received recognition from both the UK organisations for my contribution to the activity and in particular judging."

Douglas takes over the role of Bruce Vrancken who appeared to have too little time to continue his role as Adjudication Manager. Drum Corps Europe wants to thank Bruce for his time and dedication for DCE, and welcomes Douglas as the new Adjudication Manager. DCE Chair Marcel Matthijsse is delighted to have Douglas on board. "Douglas is very experienced in both music and judging. We are very much looking forward to work with him."

Douglas Caldwell.

Kidsgrove Scouts with at least 120 people to the US

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:50:44 PST

As part of their 100 year anniversary, the Kidsgrove Scouts will visit the USA for two weeks before completing the tour at the Drum Corps Associates World Championships in Rochester, New York. The full schedule is now available and can be downloaded from the Kidsgrove Scouts website.

The tour has been planned to be fully inclusive of everyone and to create a fantastic experience for everyone taking part. The full tour costs is £725 for marching members and supporters with under 12's going for free (flight only). Already 120 people have signed up for the tour, and there only a few spots avaliable.

Available section spots are: trumpets (3 spots avaliable), melophones (1 spot avaliable), tubas (1 spot avaliable) and guard (5 spots avaliable). The percussion and baritone line are full. The final date to register for 2010 is 1st March. After this date the corps will be unable to accept any more marching members. The colour guard deadline will be extended.

More information can be found at www.kidsgrovescouts.com.

Unik Star Percussion Ensemble presents 'Alive'

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 10:05:58 PST

Unik Star from Hellemmes - France has announced the 2010 programme 'Alive'. The show will use ideas and music inspired by life and emotions. Unik Star will perform music from popular and contrasting genres.

Enhancing the dynamics of the production with rhythm, energy and tempo, Unik Star will produce a fast paced, high energy show that will elevate them to the next level. The group made great progression over the last months with the help of Tony Nunez, Kevin Shah and Clark Gardner. During 2010, Unik Star will be performing at IPE events and the WGI European Regional show.

Unik Star Staffteam 2010 consists of David Lemant, Benoit Sueur (concept designers), Pierre Lignée, Kevin Shah, David Lemant (music designers), Tony Nunez, Kevin Shah, Benoit Sueur (visual and drill designers), David Lemant, Benoit Sueur, Arnaud Taton, Jerome Capoen (teaching/arrangements) and Clark Gardner (music consulting).

DCW interview with Bob Thomas about Europe

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:41:34 PST

Editor's note: This interview was originally published in the February 2010 edition of Drum Corps World (Volume 38, Number 11). To subscribe to the monthly tabloid newspaper, visit www.drumcorpsworld.com. The publication overs the worldwide drum and bugle corps activity in the United States, Canada, the Far East, Southeast Asia, South Africa and Europe.

Written by Steve Vickers, Drum Corps World Publisher

I first met Bob when I attended the first Drum Corps Europe Championship in Utrecht, Holland, back in September 2003. He was one of the American judges engaged in the new European venture to bring all of the corps together into a cohesive organization. Since that time, he's taken on a broader role as the person who organizes, trains and leads the adjudication process for the sanctioned competitions DCE holds in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and Holland.

He has been a judge in Pennsylvania for many years and has also been on a number of tour and championship panels for DCI. He started playing a bugle at the age of 5. He continued both bugle and drums for the next 25 years, marching in both senior and junior drum and bugle corps.

Attending Norwin High School, he both taught and marched in the drum line. His teaching experience extends over the past 38 years, designing and instructing numerous award-winning drum and bugle corps, marching bands, majorette teams and winter color guards.

He judges or has judged for DCI, WGI, Drum Corp Midwest, Drum Corp Atlantic, Indiana State Scholastic Music Association, Bands of America, Drum Corp Europe, Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!), the Ohio Judges Association, Florida Federation of Judges, Atlantic Indoor Association, Pennsylvania Federation of Judges, Marching in Okayama, Japan, and Drum Corps Associates.

In 2008, he judged the World Marching Band Championships in Malaysia and recently returned from Thailand where he judged the 2009 Thailand Drum Line Competition. He has been a clinician for the Carolina Winter Ensemble Guard Circuit, Seton Hill College Color Guard Camp, West Chester College Guard Camp, Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Winter Guard and Band, Ohio Judges Association Winter Guard, Florida Federation of Judges Winter Guard, South East Color Guard Circuit, Texas Color Guard Circuit, Indiana Indoor Color Guard, DEG Japan clinician, Drum Corp Europe clinician, European Mega clinician and the Irish Marching Band Association.

He is Director of Education for Drum Corps Europe, having helped design the current scoring system for DCE. He has also been the Director of Education for the Florida Judges Association and the Ohio Judges Association. He currently lives in Greensburg, PA.

We had an opportunity to sit down following the Drum Corps Europe Championships in Kerkrade, Holland, on September 26, to discuss the current state of the activity on the continent and what the future holds for this ever-expanding movement that encompasses the United Kingdom, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Ireland , France, Sweden, Italy and Scotland, all countries where there are now or have been in the past drum and bugle corps.

As noted in my reporting on the three competitions I attended in the U.K. and Holland back in September, I have been quite impressed with the improvement in quality demonstrated by all the groups. There continues to be a degree of 'innocence' about the young people’s involvement that reminds me of what the North American activity used to be like... kids taking part in a fun environment, without significant rivalries and learning musical skills through performing for fans across Europe.

Steve Vickers: Tell me about how you first became involved with the drum and bugle corps activity in Europe?

Bob Thomas: I got involved with DCE when Alan Murray ask me to teach at the European Mega Clinic. It was a two-day clinic for both instructors and students. I taught a marching and design clinic as well as running a rehearsal with one of the show bands as part of the clinic.

I taught the clinic with Al Murray, Rich Viano (former percussion instructor with the Boston Crusaders) and Scott Boerma (former music arranger for the Madison Scouts). That fall I was asked to judge the first outdoor DCE Championship in Holland. It was a mixed panel of U.S. and European judges. We judged the contest on some very old DCI sheets.

The next day we met and I said the scoring system was not fair to the corps of Europe. Marcel Mattijsse, founder and chairman of Drum Corps Europe, and I sat down and discussed ways of improving the system and that the European judges should have some sort of certification process in place.

I suggested that a whole new scoring system be developed and I discussed the certification process I used to train judges for Ohio and Florida. That winter I rewrote the entire system, which is the one we are using today. Minor revisions have been made each year. I also developed a certification system that the judges must pass to judge for any DCE competition.

SV: You've witnessed a great deal of change since that 2003 indoctrination. What do you see as the most important aspect of the drum and bugle corps movement in Europe?

BT: The biggest change has been the quality of design and the training of the performers. One of the goals for the new system was to put emphasis on training and improve the quality of design. We also wanted the European corps to not copy DCI videos.

European corps do not go on tour like here in the U.S. They have a modified rehearsal schedule since most of their performers work and can’t go on tour. We wanted to make sure the criteria was more in line with the rehearsal time and we also took into consideration that DCE takes four weeks off in the middle of the summer season for European holiday.

SV: Performing groups have represented seven countries in the last seven years at the DCE Championships - Holland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Italy and France - and I understand at least one more country will be added to that list in 2010. What are your overall impressions of the activity over there?

BT: One of my impressions was that too many corps were trying to emulate the DCI corps. We have made great strides in celebrating European style and culture in the design process and continue to learn how to make EVERY corps have a great DCE experience.

I couldn’t be more thrilled with the development of DCE. Each year more and different corps have challenged for the top spots. Our goals and expectations have been exceeded.

SV: I know you work closely with Marcel Matthijsse, the chairman of Drum Corps Europe. What kind of things has he charged you with accomplishing for his organization?

BT: Marcel and I have a great relationship and are on the same page with where DCE needs to go. We have Skype conference calls all the time. Marcel has had a great vision of a fair and equal playing ground for all corps. He and the DCE board have made decisions for the betterment of ALL corps in our system. He has given myself and the education team the latitude to build a much improved judging team.

We do and will continue to educate our judges to give fair evaluations with both positive and critical feed back. We went to digital recorders after the first year. Myself and the educational team listen to every judge’s audio files and provide feedback for improvement. We also have a website for both instructors and judges, with educational papers that have been written by my mentor, George Oliverio, and myself.

We have also had some DCI judges allow us to put their audio files from DCI tour on our website for our judges to listen to. This process has enabled us to improve the quality of judging tremendously. We are using technology to improve the judging skills.

SV: Who are some of the other key people in the DCE organization you have worked with?

BT: I work with Marco Janssen who runs the DCE office and the website, as well as all the other members of the board. Dennis Naaktgeboren (Holland), who is the PR and narketing manager, Hans Wansink (Holland), the financial manager, Andy Hewlett (United Kingdom) and Kees Bourquin (Holland, also the chairman of Drum Corps Nederland) are project managers for DCE.

I interact with the DCE Judge Education team the most. We have Jim Lauver (Germany), the visual caption head, Marco Harder (Holland), the music caption head, and Bruce Vrancken (Belgium), the judge liaison for the judging team.

We speak monthly with the education team in the off-season and can chat as much as weekly during the season. Ann Legon (United Kingdom), our judge’s team administrator, does an excellent job of not only preparing the monthly newsletter, but keeping all the judges informed about the activities surrounding our certified contests. She is also responsible for keeping all contact information for all the judges and prospective judges. We would be lost without her.

SV: Can you explain what your position with DCE is?

BT: My title is the Director of Education. My position with DCE is to make revisions to the manual, answer issues that arise regarding an interpretation of any part of the manual from staff and instructors, and plan all education sessions for the DCE Judging Team.

After DCE Championships each year, we invite all judges to a meeting held the next day. We ask for input on the system as well as what educational topics they would like to emphasize for the coming year.

It is a collaborative process. We hold one judges college each year as well as parlor sessions before each contest. These parlor sessions are hosted by our certified judges about topics we feel are important or need more clarity.

I also write white papers about different topics for the website. We put out a judges newsletter once a month for eight months of the year and every other month for the other part of the year.

SV: You’re still judging over here. Has your involvement in DCE limited how many shows you see in the U.S.?

BT: I am still very involved in DCI and judged semifinals this past summer in Indy. I judge a full schedule of DCI shows. I usually attend an early show in Europe before the DCI schedule gets underway and then I come over for DCE Championship in late September. I have had some of our DCE judges come on DCI tour with me for educational purposes. John Phillips, the DCI Judging Coordinator, and DCI_Executive Director Dan Acheson have been very supportive of DCE and I would like to thank them personally for all they have done.

Dan will be attending our DCE Winter Symposium in London this year. We are thrilled to have his involvement in DCE.

SV: What do you think is the most important aspect of future development for the corps in Europe?

BT: I believe we need to have more sponsors, both U.S. and European, as well as grow the interest for drum corps in Europe. DCE has financial issues, just like every other pageantry activity. We would like to encourage U.S. sponsors to join us at the DCE Championship every year.

Marcel and I are working on some revisions to the scoring system to encourage the entertainment value for corps so that we can increase the size of the audiences for all shows.

SV: What kinds of things have caught your attention most about the corps over there?

BT: The corps members and staff are very eager to learn and get better. The competitive spirit is genuine and they still cheer for each other. The other experience that has been very satisfying is how the different countries react to each other.

SV: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the American movement?

BT: I believe it is the financial challenge. The cost of fielding a DCI corps is becoming more expensive every year. We have a great supply of talented young performers in the U.S., but some are unable to afford the experience.

SV: What about the future for DCE and the activity in Europe?

BT: We believe DCE has been growing at an incredible rate and we don’t see that stopping in the near future. We have had many inquiries about using the DCE system in different pageantry activities, not just in Europe. We are talking to Malaysia as well as other countries about our system and the certification process we use for the judges.

Organizations want a fair system with qualified judges. We are working on providing a great experience for all involved.

In 2009, we had 45 different corps participate in our 11 certified contests. We could have an additional four to five certified contests in 2010 and who knows how many new corps. We have seen a growth in every country with new corps or community bands wanting to convert to drum and bugle corps.

SV: Anything else you’d like to add about your experiences with DCE and the European units?

BT: I would like to invite anyone who would like more information about DCE or would consider being a financial sponsor to contact me at rdt2304@aol.com. Please visit our website at: www.drumcorpseurope.org. The website is published in several languages.

SV: Thanks very much for adding your perspective on a movement that spread across the Atlantic in the mid-1970s and is now thriving.

Drum Corps Europe would like to thank Steve Vickers for his permission to publish this interview. Not subscribed to Drum Corps World yet? Visit www.drumcorpsworld.com and sign up for a subscription!

Over 120 percussion fans turn up at IPE Kick Off

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:32:47 PST

Over 120 Indoor Percussion fans turned up at the first edition of the Kick Off event by Indoor Percussion Europe last Saturday. The event was the start of the IPE 2010 indoor percussion season 2010.

The Kick Off consisted of four different events. In the Belgian city Dadizele, Indoor Percussion Europe hold their European Individuals & Ensembles for percussion, workshops by IPE board member Erwin van gemert and DCE judges Theo van den Elshout and Marco Harder, preview performances by DrumSpirit and Drumline New Generation, and a big party in the evening.

As an extra bonus, the percussion fans were able to watch the WGI 2009 Percussion World Championships on a big screen. "We are delighted that so many people attended our event", said Erwin van Gemert of IPE. "It was a great start of our season."

The IPE contests will take place on 7th March (Estaimpuis - Belgium), 14th March (Burgess Hill - UK), 28th March (Northern France) and 4th April (IPE European Championships in Crawley - UK).

Let Europe see your advertisements!

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:06:07 PST

Drum Corps Europe offers a new service. Corps wanting to post ads on drumcorpstalk.com can now do so in English, Dutch, German, French and Italian. Drum Corps Europe arranges the translation into four other languages. This way you will reach the whole of Europe!

At drumcorpstalk.com, the 'Marketplace' forum is intended for placing free advertisements. Corps wanting to sell or search for instruments, uniforms or equipment, hold an open rehearsal or have something else to report, can use the Marketplace. It is available in five languages, but messages are often posted in a single language.

Drum Corps Europe now offers a translation service. The editorial staff of the DCE website will translate advertisements for corps, so the ads can be placed in five languages. What's more, it's free of charge! There are some rules to this service:

- This service is only available for non-profit organisations
- The message can be up to 100 words
- Translated adverts must actually be placed
- There is a limit of one ad per two weeks

Adverts to be translated can be submitted via the contact page. This service is made possible with the assistance of Carsten Achilles, Isabelle Eggermont and Cristian Barbarino.

Staffordshire Knights announce 2010 production

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:52:29 PST

After another year in the development of the corps, the Staffordshire Knights have announced their 2010 programme. Using the music of Dvořak, Ginastera, Shostakovich and Mahler, the corps will present a show entitled 'Life Cycle'.

Throughout the production, the Staffordshire Knights will portray the different paths we choose in life, and the difficult decisions we each have to make. Some of these life choices will be good, and inevitably, some will be bad. The performance will be the exploration of the following themes: Creation, Life, Death and Resurrection. The show aims to be both entertaining for the audience, as well as challenging to the members.

As well as competing on the DCUK circuit, the corps is delighted to have been selected to compete in Kerkrade, Holland for the DCE Championships, in September. The corps will be previewing their show at the Midlands Musical Miscellany concert in Leamington, on Sunday 7th March.