Drum Corps International 1986 Yearbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS Cover Description · The spoflight centered on the Garfield Cadets in 1985, as the \"Olympian Spectacle New Jersey unit swept to its 4·7 third-straight DCI World Holds Ideals Above Scores\" Championship, setting a new :.tandard for drum corps with a 8·12 record-shattering 98.4 at DCI Regionals Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Garfield field general Richard Scores and Repertoires 13 Armstrong was named drum major of the year. DCI World Championships 14·17 Garfield Cadets 18 Santa Clara Vanguard 20 Blue Devils 22 Madison Scouts 24 Cavaliers 26 Suncoast Sound 28 Spirit of Atlanta 30 Phantom Regiment 32 Troopers 34 Star of Indiana 36 Velvet Knights 38 Freelancers 40 27th Lancers 42 Member Corps 44·48 CREDITS Class A and A/60 49 Writer - Tom Kinney Directors and Management 50· 51 Photographer - Bruce Fritz Design and Printing - KMS Graphics & Design Produced with the cooperation of Don Pesceone and the DCI staff

When world class athletes take to camp to prepare for the Olympics, they leave life behind to narrow focus on victory; the only goal that matters. Social events and friendships - everything is put on hold. Yet personal goals are not what the Olympics are all about. They are the driving forces that motivate each performer. But taken in combination, personal goals become subservient to a greater goal - a grand ideal. This is the belief that we can enter the crucible of competition in the spirit of good will and emerge with ideals intact. We compete against ourselves and measure success against our own past accomplishments without bitterness or resentment directed toward fellow competitors. It is a form of symbolic warfare that tests our mettle. We work hard, think positive, try our best and accept the consequences of our effort. In the end we have grown stronger of heart and will, having learned to work and play together. So it is with drum corps. Competition and art. Sacrifice and motivation. Personal goals and group ambitions. And in the end, we learn and grow in wisdom and proficiency. As Drum Corps International strives to broaden the economic base of the activity, while providing a firm footing for artistic expression, one goal remains sure, it is the purity of ideal that counts, not the final score. 3

State of the Art '86 DCI Olympian Spectacle Values Ideals Over Scores Few competitive events can stage a climax on the scale of the DCI World Championships. Think about it. The Super Bowl has the hype The World Series has tradition. Championship boxing attracts global attention with satellite feeds. All feature their own brand of pageantry. But only drum corps joins aestheticism to athleticism, artistry to spectacle, and noble goals to burning rivalries. Only in drum corps' World Championships, and the Olympics, are ideals held above the final scores. Vet not even the Olympics can match the grandeur of the final night of World Championships, when you Above · Final results have been announced and the corps consider the full agenda: have departed in successive waves, one after another, until The best 12 corps compete head to head, then in the top two, having baffled down to the wire, are left facing the true spirit of camaraderie, stand shoulder to each other, in one of the most poignant moments in drum shoulder. colors spilling together from one end of the corps. Here, the Santa Clara Vanguard prepares to salute the arena to the other. creating a coat of many colors. a World Champion Garfield Cadets and make its exit. live painting akin to environmental art. Drill formations are recreated in freeze frame, as they wait in erect expectation. With the final results of an World Championship corps members also receive a entire year's work hanging in the balance, the suspense medallion, suspended from a red, white and blue is savored in a moment of mutual tension for performer ribbon, which is presented to each in true Olympian and fan alike - 40,000- plus sharing a breath before fashion as they stand at attention. Most fans don't the placements are announced. realize, however, that all World Finalists get the Then thunderous applause. and for some delirious same medal. excitement, for others monumental disappointment. The Notes Pesceone, \"The presentation of the World final tabulations in, corps file out saluting each other in Championship medallion is what everyone sees on a classy departure. symbolic of a season's end. They television and at the show, but don't forget that all the depart in waves as the World Champions step forth to other kids whose corps perform in World Finals get perform the \"show of the year\" one last time the same medallion. It's sent to the corps along with There is an internal harmony, a \"rightness\" to this their patches.\" production from beginning to end, that is without equal. In addition, the World Champs are presented with a But what is a grand ceremony without an award sterling silver ring set in the color of their choosing, presentation, some booty, a peak moment when stating that they're number one. The director of the top excellence is rewarded? The award ceremony is the corps receives a gold ring. seal on an elegant evening of entertainment. Vet this Says Pesceone, \"In terms of awards, it makes the key part of the pageant is little understood. From the Championships something special.\" beginning, DCI has firmly believed that members of all Meanwhile, the week of World Championships, a corps advancing from prelims should be rewarded very personal form of musical competition is also for a season of grueling effort. DCI. in fact. began underway, far from the public arena and the eye of the practice of bestowing extensive awards to the camera. Usually staged in some underground corps member. university chamber. where concentration is enhanced Explains DCI Executive Director Don Pesceone, \"We and distraction reduced, solo and ensemble give patches to every kid who marches in a corps that competitions are being judged. advances from preliminary competition to another The applause is polite and restrained here. the level. The finalists in all categories get an award. appreciation somber and critical. But here, too, there is Corps members get jacket patches whether they've a high octane level of performance, with success riding qualified for Class A or Class A- 60 Championships, or solely on individual achievement. are advancing from Open Class prelims to Semifinals. 4

Solo and ensemble competitions reflect an entirely Members include: different aspect of drum corps experience, one that is - Bill Cook, president of Cook Group Inc., a not highly publicized, nor has much potential for worldwide company engaged in the research, expansion. Yet in a way it is the bottom line, for the development manufacture and marketing of medical activity remains rooted in the quality of its musicianship. instruments used in cardiovascular diagnostics and Here, more than at any other level, drum corps must intervention. He is better known among drum corps continue to be strong in order to survive. fans as the founder of the hottest new act in the But it's a lonely endeavor, with little glory except for activity, the Star of Indiana. the thrill of perfection. - Chet Redpath, president and general manager of Says Pesceone, \"It's focus is to give kids an WCLR FM in Chicago, as well as vice president of opportunity to perform against one another as Bonneville Corp., owner of the radio station. individuals, whereas 99% of the time, drum corps is a - Michael McGreal - president of Chicago Heights team sport. If you have an outstanding performer, who National Bank, DCI's banker for the past decade. is from a little corps in Ishpeming, Michigan, he has a - Larry Linkin, executive vice president of the chance to match his ability on common ground National Association of Music Merchants, or NAMM against others in the Blue Devils, or Santa Clara and formerly CEO of Slingerland Drum Co. · Vanguard. It's his chance to achieve something that Pesceone has high hopes for the multi-faceted he will never get in his own corps.\" board. Ensembles pit stellar sections from top corps against each other, shifting the emphasis from solos. \"The ensemble portion of competitions gives the really creative kids an opportunity to do arrangements as well as showcasing their talents as performers.\" Although low in the past the stakes involved in solo performances will be raised considerably in 1986, Pesceone points out. \"The University of Indiana was so impressed by the quality of our musicianship that they have approved giving music extension credit for any kid who performs and is accepted by university representatives at the individual competition at Championships each year.\" The credits - transferable to any university or music school in the country - equal two credit hours at a resident's fee rate; or about $130. The University of Indiana will send a team from its music department to evaluate performances, and determine who qualifies. DCI is involved in a dialogue with the University of Indiana to see if credit hours could be extended to include auxiliary units, such as color guard, who may qualify for physical education or dance credits. \"We are the ultimate competitive, musical and team sport and individual events serve to complete the cycle,\" says Pesceone. DCI has taken some steps to complete a cycle of another sort putting together a dynamic board of financial advisors that draws from a pool of considerable and varied talent. The advisory board is a dream team of four businessmen with appropriate and complementary backgrounds. Right · A pair of triumphant Garfield Cadets display some of the sliver medallions and ribbons, booty won over a three·year span of unprecedented drum corps dominance.

Below right· As another day fades info history, DC/ Executive Director Don Pesceone prepares for the final night of World Championships, an expectant full house at Camp Randall Stadium in the background. \"It offers us the opportunity to have business people, who are actively interested in what we're doing, but who live in the real world so to speak. It gives us access to their expertise.\" And what expertise, from media to marketing to an insider's knowledge of the musical equipment industry. Pesceone points out that they hove been \"on line for a little over a year now,\" as of spring 1985, \"and hove been very active in our projects.\" \"They meet with the executive committee every time it convenes and they also attend board meetings, as well as tackling committee assignments. Chet Redpath, for example, is chairing a task force that is looking into the Contest Guild, DCI's bi-monthly publication. They are also helping us with our comprehensive master plan.\" Their value is truly \"advisory,\" but they are by no means \"letterhead\" advisors. \"They give us the economic and marketing skills to supplement what we already hove. The immediate benefits are simply in their being there to listen to our conversations and to help us get through some of the more difficult discussions while keeping us on agenda. \"A couple of corps have hod recent success in Because they don't hove a whole lot of time to give us, obtaining financial support. Suncoast Sound has found we wont to make best use of the time they do have, a corporate sponsor. The Knights had a sponsor lost and I think you will see tangible results within a year. year that has expanded its involvement this year, and \"We weren't interested in people who just wanted we've been contacted by a number of high- powered their name on a letterhead. We need people who con executives that wont to start drum corps in their help us move forward. This organization, this activity locations and want to know more about it. The boll is needs some good solid planning for the future, and rolling,\" says Pesceone. these are the kinds of people who con help us One particular corporate giant. whose potential do that.\" involvement is almost unlimited has expressed interest in Pesceone says it is too early to talk about the sponsorship. master plan. which is still in progress. However. it \"We've just secured a rather significant sponsorship promises to be sweeping in its vision. for DCI events from McDonald's,\" says Pesceone. \"Part of it will deal with the immediate future, and \"They're taking a look at us this year This is an entry part with long-term goals.\" level participation, but if we can be effective in Soliciting corporate sponsorships is a goal that is promoting their franchises, it could really build for the both immediate and long-range. Bill Cook's experience future of DCI. They seem to be very excited about it, with the highly successful Star of Indiana has provided and are working with us in three cities: Madison, an inspired example for potential sponsors. Cook has Birmingham (Alabama) and Allentown (Pennsylvania).\" also shown DCI how corps might bridge that potential. Several other contacts have shown promise as well. \"Bill has put together a video tope that the corps Tombstone Pizzo, a Wisconsin-based corporation has con use in corporate presentations, \" says Pesceone. expressed interest in continuing its sponsorship for the DCI is offering the topes at cost for any corps targeting TV broadcast. and Emery Worldwide is also considering corporate sponsorships. a role in sponsoring the production. 6

Leff • An indefatigable DC/ cameraman nails down an action close·up of piston· like leg motion by a hard·working Garfield Cadet horn line for PBS broadcast. When DCI was left facing the unenviable task of \"They need the time to rehearse, and would rather producing its own World Championship broadcast for not perform in a parade because the focus is on PBS TV several years ago, there was an air of serious the competitive aspect of the Championships, so skepticism among those involved. After all, they weren't we stopped pursuing parade work in our role as a television production crew. Nonetheless, the scramble booking agent.\" to become visually literate has paid off, and they now But after \"struggling for years\" trying to figure out produce a live show and edited highlights at a ways to stretch revenues to include corps that didn't later date. qualify for prize monies, DCI decided to get back into \"It was received very well last year. We had the parades to help them defer some expenses. Thanks to highest carriage on the PBS network that we've ever \"corporate contributions, we've been able to spread had in the history of the broadcast - 215 stations the wealth\" around a little more, says Pesceone. carried one or both of the shows at least once.\" DCI is looking forward to another year in Madison, Many stations carried both broadcasts, some running after one of its most successful World Championships several times. That's a lot of exposure. ever, says Pesceone. \"We had impact in every major market in the United \"In terms of total impact on a community, it was the States: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Fransisco, best we've ever had As a welcome sign, from not only Los Angeles to name a few. It was our best effort.\" the people, but also the media - I don't think we could According to Pesceone, there's room for have been treated better anywhere else. It would take improvement. some kind of an effort on the part of another \"We had to pick up the ball to continue promoting community to do a better job than Madison. They ourselves when the PBS station in Madison couldn't really worked at it.\" fund it anymore. We're still learning about the So did the corps. The 1985 Finals may have featured television business.\" the fullest spectrum of drum corps talent ever - a show Covering considerable production costs has been a of Olympian dimension. problem, but one they may finally have surmounted \"Last year for the first time we found corporate sponsorships to underwrite the costs of our PBS production. We're working hard to do the same thing this year, and we're getting close. As long as we can secure funding, we'll be on the air.\" That would seem to be of paramount importance, when you consider the results of a questionnaire DCI circulated at the World Championships. \"We found that about 15% of the audience was introduced to drum corps through the PBS broadcasts. Now, that's significant. That figure gave us a much better handle on the impact of the broadcasts. We felt very good about that response, because we almost dropped it.\" In fact, Pesceone says, he knows of no other promotion that comes close to drawing so many new spectators, although parades are an effective way of exposing drum corps to the public. Pre- championship parades were a staple of drum corps, until DCI took over the reins in the early 70s. In fact, the parade was required of any corps performing in Finals. Right · The Northmen of NY glide effortlessly past the Wisconsin State Capitol, as the DC/ World Championship parade circles Capitol Square at the end of the winding route up State Street. 7

DCI Regionals Santa Clara, Garfield Sweep Pair · Scouts, Blue Devils Win Once But Garfield also showed another tendency it would hold to much of the year. A tendency it had DCI Southeast · Garfield established over the past three years- finishing in the Steps Out Strong winner's circle. They were mastering an effective new book. the season was only a few days old and scores were way. way down. but a winner is a winner wherever. DCI Texas · Santa Clara Edges whenever. and however. and at the first DCI Southeast Out Blue Devils in Texas Regional. held in Durham. North Carolina. on June 29. DCI kicked off its competitive schedule with a pair the Garfield Cadets emerged as front -runners. of regionals held on the same day. June 29. the The rain that was to mar a number of early second in Austin. Texas. All but three of the corps to competitions was on hand to ensure an interesting finish in the top 25 were involved in one or the season opener. soaking contestants and fans alike. other contest. The season was young and corps that would be While Garfield was digging in against Spirit of Atlanta racking up scores in the mid- 80s to upper- 90s by and the Cavaliers in Durham. the Texas Regional World Championships. were unable as yet to break the featured the first head-to-head meeting between 70s and 80s. Suncoast Sound. Madison Scouts. Phantom Regiment. Corps were fielding rusty machines that were many Blue Devils and Santa Clara Vanguard. tune-ups and more than a few spark plugs away from The California Dons. a strong second- year corps functioning smoothly. Ideas that looked good on paper that would break into the top 25 by season's end. and worked fine on gym floors. were being aired out came in 12th with a 41.4. The Argonauts placed llth in for the first time. passing muster before discriminating Austin with a 44 3. and the Blue Knights took lOth live audiences. Test by fire and water. with a 47.6. A time to iron out the kinks. to plaster over the A pair of older corps. both on the comeback trail in glitches. to loosen up in some places and tighten up in 1985. snared the next two spots. The Sky Ryders - a others. But also a time to get into the habit of winning. corps that had finished in the top 12 in 1982 and '83. One of several Canadian corps on the ascendent. but dropped to 17th in '84 - were on the rebound with Les Eclipses. edged out Avant Garde. Florida Wave and Bridgemen to slip into eighth in prelims and qualify for finals. Les Eclipses. with a pleasing uniform redesign and a French- flavored theme. finished with a 52.9. A pair of Eastern corps battled it out for sixth. the 27th Lancers - with the beloved \"Danny Boy\" back in its repertoire- pulled a 62 4. and Crossmen- with a very different show. featuring a Latin sound - a 58.6. Two corps fated to duel it out all season long. the brand new Star of Indiana and the traditionalist Troopers. switched placings vying for fourth. The Troopers tallied a 67.5 in prelims. but slipped to 66.4 in finals. while \"Star\" leapfrogged from a 66.3 to 68.5 for fourth. In third, much farther off the pace than they'd be by season's end. the Cavaliers were starting slowly with a 697 Spirit of Atlanta. performing Gershwin's \"Concerto in F\" with a program that was stronger across the board. came in second. just three points behind Garfield. \"Spirit\" jumped two points from its prelim score to tally a 75.9. Garfield evidenced a tendency it would follow much of the season - scoring higher in prelims than in finals. dropping from 80.4 to 78.9. Not until the World Championships- at the far end of summer from Durham- would Garfield better its prelim mark. Right · A Spirit of Atlanta color guard member strikes a pretty pose. 8

flight · What goes up must come down - a Trooper color guard member reminds herself as she executes a precise toss. a Wizard of Oz show, one that improved considerably as the season progressed. The \"Ryders\" took ninth with a 58 9, while the Colts grabbed eighth with a 66.8. The Colts would eventually take 16th at the World Championships - its best finish in years, while the Sky Ryders would take 15th. In fact, the Colts were only two points behind the formidable Freelancers in Austin. DCI South · Scouts and There was no doubt from the first shows on that it Cadets BoHle It Out was going to be a rip-roaring season. with more \"We've been baptized. It rained on us in Durham rugged corps in the running than ever before. and it came down in sheets in Atlanta. We've had some unusual experiences so far,\" said Jim Mason, The stage was also set for the first showdown director of the Star of Indiana after the DCI between Madison and the Garfield Cadets. an event South Regional within an event, that would constitute one of the It was a baptism for the 14 open class drum corps themes of drum corps in 1985. who competed in Atlanta, but the rain failed to Florida Wave. an up and coming corps, turned the dampen the enthusiasm of a high-spirited contest. table on Les Eclipses, after being bumped by the The competitive ante was raised by the presence Canadian corps in Durham. The \"Wave\" took lOth with of the Madison Scouts - on top of a dynamite show, a 56.5: an auspicious showing for a corps in its first full with World Championships slated for its hometown year of open class competitions. later in the summer - and Suncoast Sound - also The Crossmen held on to ninth, despite slipping from featuring a strong show, with an entirely original score. 64.8 in prelims to 601 in finals. The 27th Lancers All in aiL it was a talented field. improved from 69.2 to 69.8 for an eighth place finish. The Freelancers tackled a tough new show with an With an Aaron Copland book and new uniforms, the innovative use of mobile field risers which elevated Troopers were improving daily, taking seventh with a horn and choral lines for better projection. They were 715, just behind Star of Indiana who finished sixth still mastering it by the first regional Freelancers tallied with a 73.6. Drum corps fans were excited about the a 68.8 for seventh, while the Velvet Knights. grappling new corps. with a comic's timing. took sixth with a 69.6. \"We've really structured a program that would allow But it was the year of difficult undertakings, a year them to be entertaining and competitive, even that saw the top 12 corps taking on gutsy projects with as a first year corps,\" said Dennis Delucia, Star flair and verve. It was certainly true for Suncoast percussion instructor. Sound, with a totally original show - taking fifth at The Cavaliers were already showing the scrappy Austin with a 74.3 - and Phantom Regiment. with a tenacity that typified its 1985 drum corps season, trying Berlioz book - taking fourth with a 78.4. moving up to fourth by improving to 77.6 in finals. The Madison Scouts finished third with a fine first Suncoast, still honing a tough but critically acclaimed round score of 86. The Scouts were strutting Don Ellis show, slipped slightly in finals to fifth with a score and George Gershwin - a killer combination - and of 77.2. were performing better than ever. Spirit of Atlanta dogged the top corps through Santa Clara and the Blue Devils had razor sharp much of the early season, running nip and tuck with new programs, too. The Vanguard fielded a bold show Garfield. Spirit polished off a strong performance on its that was surprisingly humorous. even light-hearted. home court at the DCI South Regional and leaped though no less difficult than usual The Blue Devils were from 819 in prelims to 84.5 in finals. still jazzing it up, but added some neo-classics. They One of the factors behind Spirit's early surge was a were playing an exemplary book, a swirling vastly improved color guard. \"This color guard is just masterpiece. Both corps were going somewhat against exceptional,\" said horn arranger Ray Baumgardt. \"Very type and succeeding at it. exciting and very sophisticated.\" In the only two meetings of the two tough West Battling it out for the hot seat. Madison and Garfield Coast corps so far, the Blue Devils had defeated Santa both increased scores in finals, but maintained the Clara handily. But this one was for the record - a same margin of difference. Madison taking second at DCI Regional 87.2. Garfield holding first at 87.9. It would be one of the With no prelims. they smoked the competition, few times until the World Championships that Garfield leaving everyone but the Scouts gasping. The Blue would score higher in finals than prelims - a reflection Devils surfaced with an astounding 88.5 - at such an perhaps of how hard they are to beat. since even early point in the first season - yet it wasn't enough as they have a tough time topping their prelim marks. Santa Clara tallied an 897 9

Right - Phantom Regiment's horn line wheels, and bears Before the day was over. they would have much down on the more to cheer about. audience with a The Knights of Geneseo. Illinois, edged Boston out in rich, melodious prelims with a 63.8 to take 12th, scoring 60.9 in finals. sound. The Colts. from Dubuque. Iowa. continued enjoying higher than usual scores. marching well behind a strong horn line and visual program. to ease past the Crossmen for lOth, with a 64. The Colts. perhaps inspired by a pair of British drum corps buffs. who marched with the corps in 1985. tallied 68.2 in prelims. The Crossmen scored 62.3 for llth. Reflected Mark Geraghty, formerly a member of the Glasgow Blue Barons. a Scottish corps. \"It's basically the same. but everything is done on a much grander scale here. There's a lot more professionalism as well.\" The emotional intensity of aging out needed no cultural translation. \"This is my last year. I'll never be able to do this again, so this has been the thrill of a lifetime.\" The Troopers. who hadn't made a DCI Midwest Regional finals in recent years. shot all the way up to eighth place with a 73.1. while the 27th Lancers. at 70.9. took ninth. Phantom Regiment delivered a potent program of Berlioz excerpts. taken from his orchestral monument \"Symphonie Fantastique,\" wrestling sixth from the DCI Midwest· Scouts surging Star of Indiana. with a 76.3. Overtake Cadets In Finals Star of Indiana finished seventh at Whitewater. Soggy from a pair of rainy regionals. weather- performing as well as it had in two previous regionals. beaten corps staggered into Whitewater with the scoring 75.8 while introducing drum corps fans to the threat of another thunderstorm leering on the horizon. wide world of Walt Disney. It was overcast and ominous early in the morning, Again, the Cavaliers were locked into a battle within an intermittent w ind whipping through Warhawk a battle. neck-and-neck with Suncoast Sound. This Stadium. But rain and storm were not to be. The sun time the Florida corps came out on top with an 81.3 broke through. the day cleared and as the morning and fourth place finish over the Cavaliers' 810. competitions passed by in review. it became Still hanging out with the heavyweights. Spirit of increasingly obvious that the day promised nothing less Atlanta whirled and wailed its way to third with an than peak mid- summer drum corps performances. impressive 85.6. While the West Coast quartet - Blue Devils, Santa Garfield spread the field with its dissonant drill, Clara Vanguard. Freelancers and Velvet Knights - were quickly closing the ranks in resolution. testing the missing from the DCI Midwest Regional. a contest that breaking point between harmony and discord in a is usually noted for having all the top corps. Wisconsin command performance. The Cadets tallied an 87.4 in fans were excited about seeing Star of Indiana for finals. but it wasn't sufficient to stem a fevered rally by the first time. the Scouts. as they fell to second. Right - Cavaliers drum major Norman Dziedzic twists like a pretzel while he stresses a stirring passage from \"PlanetS:' 10

At the mid- season mark. the Madison Scouts Starting from a frozen standstill, prop tommy guns at needed to make something happen at Whitewater. A rest. and ending with a rollicking closer. the Velvet capable showing in prelims gave the Scouts a strong Knights provided comic relief while slipping into ninth second at 85.8. less than a point behind Garfield. with an 82. The score marked its highest finish in a In finals. horns spitting hot jazz. color guard sailing on competition which included all the top corps. gilded slippers. Madison overhauled the Cadets with The Phantom Regiment came out strong in the an 89.2. a quantum leap good for first. Having jostled finals. surpassing Suncoast Sound with a smoothly to the top spot. with the World Championships modulated show that was good for seventh and an scheduled in its home arena. the Scouts looked like a 85.6. Though Phantom had been trapped in a slow good bet to go all the way. start. the imposing Berlioz score was coming to life. Suncoast was also mastering a tough book. but had DCI East · Vanguard Quick·Change started to jell a little more with each performance. Artists Steal Show taking eighth with an 85.2. The slivered remains of a new moon still hung in the The Cavaliers continued to ride a season-long crest. clearing sky of a bright Allentown morning when the firing off the line for a solid fifth and an 89.7. edging first corps kicked off DCI East on August 3. All the top Spirit of Atlanta. Spirit was also enjoying a strong corps were on hand. and the contest showed signs of season. going toe-to-toe with the top five corps, and developing into a shoot-out. finishing with howling appreciation from the stands and The East Regional also promised a foreshadowing of an 87.8 for sixth. the World Championships, with the season's first clash The Madison Scouts closed the gap to within one between all the best corps. The tough Western corps point of the Blue Devils for fourth place and a 91.8 had been trading victories. with Santa Clara slowly score. The Scouts. behind the commanding presence pulling ahead of the Blue Devils. The Madison Scouts of drum major Craig Mason. executed a sharp but had beaten the Garfield Cadets twice. Santa Clara suave show with jackets slung casually over one had also beaten Garfield. The Scouts. however. were shoulder. playing down the impossibly tight yet to beat either California corps. The Cavaliers. performance. The Blue Devils were still shrugging off a Phantom Regiment. Spirit of Atlanta and Suncoast near-catastrophe a few days earlier. when an Sound were clustered close behind the top four. equipment truck caught fire. burning to the ground The path to J. Birney Crum Stadium winds downhill and destroying much of its percussion gear. through this historic town of old stone and new flowers. Nonetheless. the Blue Devils put the tragedy behind down from the business section to the residential area. and danced into the night. all shine and sparkle. down past the fine old homes quarried from nearby coming in strong at third with a 92.8. mountains. and down past the townsfolk sitting on front But when it came down to the last round. there porch stoops or working in their beautiful gardens. were just two corps left. locked in a clinch with the Unlike earlier regionals. there was no rain in scorecard dead even. After prelims. Garfield and Santa Allentown. just a relentlessly beating sun - a perfect Clara were tied for first at 93.8. setting for heated drum corps rivalries. The Cadets stepped off last. scattered across the The Troopers survived the cut again. while Star field, like so many toy soldiers left on the floor. They of Indiana found itself out in the cold for the first time. fused together. and were torn apart. Reconciled and In fact. the Troopers performed like the gunslingers of rent apart once again. It was a risky show. thorny old. finishing 12th with a 77.5 after taking lOth in but thrilling. Despite a solid performance. they dropped the prelims. slightly to 93.3 and second place. If these were the \"new\" Troopers. someone The Vanguard came out like spinning tops, a color neglected to tell Steve Ramirez. percussionist. ''I'm guard that could pass for a ballet troupe. and a horn aging out this year. so a lot of people think I'm being a line that may have been its best ever. They tickled big pain. but I'm pushing real hard. Maybe some fans with a delightful disappearing act and nailed people don't like the show because there's no \"Ghost them to the wall with a performance that was so Riders,\" or \"Battle Hymn.\" but we still have our tradition. flawless it seemed to be happening backwards. It was We still do the sunburst. which always brings back a enough to give Vanguard a 95.5 and first place. few tears, especially to my eyes.\" With the Scouts upsetting the Cadets at The Freelancers and 27th Lancers tied for llth in the Whitewater. and Santa Clara taking DCI East. it was prelims. behind the Troopers. But the Sacramento corps beginning to look like the Garfield dynasty was ripe for steamed through its startling musical book. by insurrection. Furthermore. in both regionals. Garfield's Frenchman Michel Columbier. to take lOth with a 78.8 performance tapered slightly in finals. The Lancers finished just behind with a 77.6. While other corps wondered if Garfield had lost the desire. nobody was foolish enough to count them out- yet. 11

flight · Leaving an indelible imprint on drum corps in its first season, Star of Indiana percussionists sparkle like diamonds. DCI Canada · Sleek Blue Devils Light Northern Sky With the World Championships just a couple of days The 27th Lancers. despite a rewrite late in the away. DCI Canada. held in Hamilton. Ontario. would season. continued its comebaCk with an 84. good provide the last revolution of the grinding wheel for enough for fifth. easing in ahead of the Freelancers. corps hoping to sharpen their act for finals. The Freelancers scored an 82.2 for sixth. In the absence of the two corps who had emerged The Velvet Knights took fourth with an 84.4, showing as the front-runners - Garfield and Santa Clara - DCI Canadian drum corps fans how to have a good time Canada promised a showdown between the two while finishing in the top five. other corps who could take it all. the Madison Scouts Phantom Regiment also continued an upward and Blue Devils. spiral to score 89.6 and finish in third. Regiment It was also an appropriate setting for the was moving with more confidence and poise. emergence of a trio of up and coming Canadian looking to deliver its best show of the year at the corps; Les Eclipses. Connexion Quebec and Canadian World Championships. Knights. In a battle of the brass. the two pre- eminent jazz The New York Lancers swept lOth in prelims. edging corps squared off for first place. with the Blue Devils out another Canadian corps. Dutch Boy. The Lancers taking it with a 94.8 to Madison's 93.2. tallied a 609 in finals. While the Madison Scouts could be expected to It was an all-Canadian scramble for the next three have a slight home field advantage, with the World spots. Connexion and the Canadian Knights in a Championships beginning in two days, at least four dogfight for eighth. while Les Eclipses easily secured corps were clustered at the top - Garfield Cadets. seventh. The Canadian Knights came out ahead with a Santa Clara Vanguard. Blue Devils and Madison Scouts. 68.1 to Connexion's 67. But at Madison. the Quebec Would Garfield hang on for an unprecedented third corps would reverse fates while moving into the top 25. straight championship? Would Santa Clara pull the Connexion Quebec is a fusion corps, a coed spin- upset that had looked more and more likely over the off of Les Chatelaines and La Connexion. last several weeks? Would Madison seize the day on its Les Eclipses grabbed a commanding seventh place. home court and rise to the occasion? Would the Blue far ahead of its countrymen. hitting 814 in finals. Les Devils stretch its record five world titles to a new Eclipses would go on to have its best year ever. taking standard? Or would the Cavaliers. Spirit of Atlanta. 14th at Madison with an 84.1 With a refreshing uniform Suncoast Sound or Phantom Regiment have an change that emphasized its ethnic roots. Les Eclipses inspired performance. lifting it to the top? made an impact on the drum corps community There were plenty of questions. but the answers in 1985. would only be forthcoming when the corps clashed at Color guard and drill design instructor Barry Kilroy, a the end of the road in Madison. former Madison Scout. said Les Eclipses members were delighted with its success. \"This is the best drill we have ever put out on the field. With the French culture here. we decided that the old uniforms didn't fit. and it occurred to us that the gendarme - French policeman - uniform. with all the style that gees with it. would be perfect We will also continue to bring in more French music. but not 100%.\" 12

DCI Southeast DCI Midwest cont. June 29. 1985 July 12, 1985 Durham. North Carolina Whitewater. Wisconsin Scores/Repertoires Garfield Cadets 78.9 Class A Champion Spirit of Atlanta 75.9 Northmen- New York 75.6 Cavaliers 69.7 Star of Indiana 68.5 Class A-60 Champion Troopers 66.4 Northmen - Wisconsin 62.8 27th Lancers 62.4 Drums Along The Rockies Cross men 58.6 July 24. 1985 World Championships Prelim Quarter- Semi- Final Les Eclipses 52.9 Denver, Colorado August 17. 1985 Score final final Score Madison. Wisconsin Score Score DCI Texas Santa Clara Vanguard 91 .2 June 29, 1985 Blue Devils 90.5 1. Garfield Cadets 96.2 98.4 96.0 97.2 2. Santa Clara Vang uard Austin. Texas Velvet Knights 78.3 3. Blue Dev1ls 95.9 97.1 Santa Clara Vanguard 89.7 Freelancers 77.8 4. Madison Scouts 95.6 95.0 Blue Devils 88.5 Troopers 76.8 5. Cavaliers 92.3 94.1 Madison Scouts 86.0 Argonauts 63.5 6. Suncoast Sound 92.1 92.7 Phantom Regiment 78.4 Sky Ryders 62.4 7. Spirit of Atlanta 90.2 91.0 Suncoast Sound 74.3 California Dons 60.1 8. Phantom Regiment 91 .6 90.1 Velvet Knights 69.6 Blue Kni~ hts 53.4 9. Troopers 85.6 87.9 86.7 Freelancers 68.8 DCI East 10. Star of Indiana 84.1 86.7 87.5 85.8 Colts 66.8 August 3. 1985 11 . Velvet Knights 86.8 85.3 Sky Ryders 58.9 Allentown. Pennsylvania 12. Freelancers 85.9 83.2 Blue Knights 47.6 Santa Clara Vanguard 95.5 13. 27th Lancers 85.2 Argonauts 44.3 Garfield Cadets 93.3 14. Les Eclipses 80.3 82.4 84.1 California Dons 41.4 Blue Devils 92.8 15. Sky Ryders 81 .1 83.4 DCI South Madison Scouts 91.8 16. Colts 80.9 80.9 July 6, 1985 Cavaliers 89.7 17. Crossmen 80.4 Atlanta. Georgia Spirit of Atlanta 87.8 18. Avant Garde 78.3 78.6 Phantom Regiment 85.6 19. Knights 77.3 75.2 Garfield Cadets 87.9 74.7 Madison Scouts 87.2 Suncoast Sound 85.2 20. Boston 77.4 Spirit of Atlanta 84.5 Velvet Knights 82.0 21 . Florida Wave 77.4 74.1 70.4 76.0 Cavaliers 77.6 Freelancers 78.8 22. Argonauts 73.3 67.9 23. California Dons Suncoast Sound 77.2 27th Lancers 77.6 72.3 72.6 67.7 Star of Indiana 73.6 Troopers 77.5 24. Marauders 71 .9 72.6 66.1 Troopers 71.5 Class A Champion 25. Connexion Quebec 27th Lancers 69.8 Canadian Knights 86.0 26. Bridgemen 63.6 Crossmen 60.1 Class A-60 Champion 27. Ventures 68.7 70.4 70.2 Florida Wave 56.5 28. Bluecoats 67.3 St. Francis Xavier Sancians 73.7 29. Diplomats 66.2 69.3 DCI Midwest 30. Canadian Knights 68.8 69.3 July 12. 1985 DCI Canada 31 . Blue Knights 68.2 August 10. 1985 Whitewater. Wisconsin 32. Dutch Boy 67.2 Hamilton. Ontario. Canada Madison Scouts 89.2 Blue Devils 94.8 33. Northmen- NY 64.6 64.0 Garfield Cadets 87.4 Madison Scouts 34. Phantom Regiment Cadets 61 .4 62.1 Spirit of Atlanta 85.6 Phantom Regiment 93.2 35. Anaheim Kingsmen 60.5 61.4 89.6 Suncoast Sound 81 .3 Velvet Knights 84.4 36. New York Lancers 59.9 60.1 Cavaliers 81.0 27th Lancers 84.0 37. Black Knights 60.8 59.8 Phantom Regiment 76.3 38. St Francis Xavier Sancians 58.5 57.7 Star of Indiana 75.8 Freelancers 82.2 39. Glassmen 53.9 Les Eclipses 81.4 Troopers 73.1 Canadian Knights Class A Champion 27th Lancers 70.9 Connexion Quebec 68.1 Ventures 90.4 67.0 Colts 64.0 New York Lancers Cross men 62.3 60.9 Class A-60 Champion Knights 60.9 St. Francis Xavier Sancians Repertoires · 1986 Suncoast Sound Troopers 27th Lancers \"Kenton's Adventures in Time\" \"American Salute\" A Sondheim Suite Garfield Cadets \"Silverado\" Sunday in the Park with \"On the Waterfront\" Spirit of Atlanta \"Wonderful Town\" \"Spirit Medley\" \"Prayer of Thanksgiving\" George.· \"That Cat is High\" \"Red Pony\" \"Move On\" Santa Clara Vanguard \"Battle Hymn\" \"Putting it all Together\" \"Festive Overture\" \"Sweet Georgia Brown\" Star of Indiana Company. \"Precious Lord, Take My \"Pictures at an Exhibition\" Hand\" Adventures on Earth from \"Company\" Blue Devils \"Free at Last\" \"E.T.\" \"Have I Got a Girl for You \"Channel One Suite\" Phantom Regiment Conversation from \"Close \"Being Alive\" \"Chick Corea Suite\" \"Carnival Overture\" Encounters of the Third Kind\" Sweeney Todd. Madison Scouts \"Albarado del Gracioso\" Throne Room from \"Star Wars\" \"Not While I'm Around\" \"Alex's Rag\" \"Sir Lancelot/Merlin the Finale from \"Star Wars\" \"Reprise\" \"Harlem Suite\" Magician\" Velvet Knights \"Starlight Express\" \"Finale from the Resurrection \"Or No\" Cavaliers Symphony\" \"From Russia with Love\" \"Canzano\" \"Goldfinger\". \"U.;e and Let Die\" \"Variations on a Korean Folk \"Mr Kiss Kiss Bang Bang\" Song\" \"Nobody Does it Better\" \"Mars\" 13

Opposite page · A strong horn line and a delightful drill boost the Santa Clara Vanguard to one of its most entertaining shows ever. DCI World Championships Garfield Revolution Seizes Third Title Soft breezes eased in and out of Camp Randall The Class A corps, Northern Aurora from Saginaw, S tadium all week long, while the sun seemed under MI. step off the line first. demonstrating the pride of a contract to perform to the fullest. from August 12-17, small but virile corps; Class A champs, the Ventures. an bearing down gently almost every minute of all- girl corps from Kitchener, Ontario, cap off the every day. exhibitions with a delightful and robust show. It was a fitting salute to drum corps history: the first By the time the Freelancers begin, it has clouded Wisconsin DCI World Championship since 1973. when over slightly, although patches of bright sunlight can Warhawk Stadium in Whitewater hosted the first still be seen falling on the hills above the far shores of two finals. Lake Monona. From a riveting opener, \"Wings,\" It was a fitting year for the return. With all the performed from elevated positions on risers. through a progress that drum corps had seen since the founding ringing closer, \"Bells,\" the inspired compositions of of DCI. 1985 may have been the year to witness the French film composer Michel Columbier shatter the greatest strides forward. The top corps were to prove twilight. The Freelancers engineer a varied and tougher then ever. and so were most of the member entertaining show. long and limber spirals spreading corps. Competition had reached a new plateau during out over the field, then snapping back into a the season, with the margin of difference between the tight knot. top 25 corps tighter than a drumhead. The Freelancers nail 12th with an 83.2 to continue a The friendly confines of Camp Randall, where the lengthy string of top 12 placements. University of Wisconsin's Big Ten Badgers play football. Rat-a-tat-a-tat! Next up in the batter's box are the are plugged with fans throughout the week, happy to Velvet Knights. ready to rock with \"Peter Gunn.\" Sassy, be in a drum corps stronghold for the World machine-gun toting molls prowl the sidelines, rattling Championships. The people of Madison. as fans quickly off round after round of mock bullets. riddling the sides discovered, were honored by their presence and of howling fans. Slick TV computer graphics flash by, talked about little else. The papers were full of drum podiums appear suddenly and are gone again, corps stories, while the broadcast media conducted a frisbees bounce off spectator's heads; before \"VK\" is steady stream of interviews from the stadium. through, the stadium is an urban landfill overflowing The stage was set for fever pitched finals. when with props. But beyond the gags, the music is gripping Garfield emerged from Friday's prelims as the and solid, the show fast and funny. Said director Dave frontrunner. But it was apparent. after many reversals in finals throughout the season, that the Cadets would not slide in without a challenge. Only time would tell the balance of fates and that time was finally at hand. The sun flirts with an imposing cloudbank the night of finals. eventually settling on a compromise - partly overcast. mostly sunny, as it had been all week. Swallows swoop playfully beneath the press box. ducking in and out of the overhang, as if in anticipation of the imminent excitement. From high in the stands. the view extends Southeast to Lake Monona. glittering in the early evening sunlight, and north to Lake Mendota, dark and foreboding, shaded by a low- hanging cloud. Between the two large bodies of water, one bright and sunny, the other dark and gloomy, extends a thread of land known as the \"isthmus,\" the site of Madison's business and governmental centers - and at the Western end of the isthmus, Camp Randall Stadium. Right · The aching yearn for victory is seen in the teary embrace of two Garfield Cadets upon hearing they'd won the World Championship a record third straight time. 14

Elder. \"We're more like a cartoon that you'd read on In the only placement change from semifinal the editorial page. than on the comic strip page - tabulations. Spirit flip-flops with Phantom Regiment that's the difference.\" taking seventh with a 910. When the smoke clears. \"VK\" has tallied an 85.3 for Before fans can catch their breath. the Phantom its finest finish. an llth. in its second straight top 12 year Regiment commandeers the field with a large-scale The \"yuks\" die away, and a soft ballad begins to treatment of \"Symphonie Fantastique\" by Berlioz. In the build. slowly picking up strength, the horn line of an distance. Madison's Capitol Hill lights flare on. a fitting exciting new corps. Star of Indiana. hoisting aloft its backdrop for the spectacle- minded Regiment. They color guard for an elegant opener - \"When You Wish glide fluidly across the field, strike bold patterns. only to Upon a Star.\" The soaring melody introduces a dash them together like ocean waves hitting the shore. montage of Walt Disney movie classics. Pretty in pink. Monstrous forms suddenly appear. as if out of a witch's with a crested black star. the Indiana corps segues cauldron, and fade back into the night. Hobgoblins smoothly into \"Zippety Doo Doh.\" \"Sorcerer's come and go, taking care of grim business. Anything Apprentice\" and \"Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?\" can happen on a \"Witches Sabbath.\" There is a time - a big. bad wolf banner trailing in its wake. The Mickey for everything: a time to be somber, a time to rejoice; a Mouse clubhouse song follows. the corps singing with time to attack, a time to refrain from attacking. And a sweet restraint, finishing with \"It's a Small World\" time to crash the stands. The jury arrives and the verdict is in: The Star is a hit. Phantom breaks 90 with a 90.1. but falls to eighth breaking into the top 12 its first year. with an 85.8 in behind Spirit. Finals and a startling lOth place finish. The Suncoast Sound charge out of the stall next. like The memory of another day gone by lingers in a a bunch of kids let loose in an amusement park, riding wisp of a cloud tinted dull orange by the setting sun. a top notch program. Sharp as tacks. they are quick to as the Troopers step off the line. They sport breezy nail down a corner of the beach with Robert Smith's new uniforms and a light dusting of classy Copland. original score - a drum corps first. Suncoast delivers an and are quick to show that they can still lay down the expertly edited public service film clip of a typical day leather. The fabled flag presentation. the sparkling at the beach, Florida- style, an aural tour of the sunny sunburst. serve as testimonies to the survival of the southland From the sweet ballad, \"Simple Song at Trooper spirit. as they take new fans back to the roots Sunrise\" to the staccato bursts of its slamming finale, of an honorable tradition. Nor have the new Troopers \"Midnight in Miami,\" Suncoast demonstrates how it has forgotten how to have fun. as the woozy. weaving become securely entrenched among the top corps in swagger on \"Buckaroo's Holiday\" shows. just a few years. The venerable Troopers return to the top 12. leaping S uncoast runs up a 927. the first corps of the night all the way to ninth. and warm the hearts of hardcore to improve on its semifinal score. and holds tight to fans with a final point total of 86.7. sixth place. Classy partner dancing, a restrained and The Cavaliers come out in hyper drive. flying past understated visual program. and a simmering score. the planets faster than Voyager. capturing the music show why 1985 was a banner year for George of the spheres in a cosmic show. With retrorocket air Gershwin fans. when Spirit of Atlanta takes the blows and strains from \"2001: A Space Odyssey,\" field The book bears the unmistakable signature of opening the show. the Cavaliers hit escape velocity master arranger Ray Baumgardt, helping Spirit to field and hold a high level of tension until the last notes drift a formidable corps. They perform a fast-paced away. They strike bold geometric formations. and strut power-driven show. displaying a fierce economy of with bionic. space age strides. eating up the field With expression. Spirit continues to get better and more flags than the United Nations. and muscular. better each year. and has become an assured corps. gymnastic color guard movement, powerful patterns secure among the top units. able to mount a crushing form. dissolve and form again. It is easy to see that assault on the stands. only to back off. regroup and they are having the best season in many years. attack once again. 15

Left · The night time is the right time for the Blue Devils, the drum corps that glows in the dark. The Cavaliers ace a sky-high 941, securing a firm All red and green radiance, the Santa Clara grip on fifth place. Vanguard steps into the night arena, hard on Garfield's The audience bolts to its feet. Something is afoot. heels. Shostakovich's \"Festive Overture\" opens with a toward the back of the stadium there is decisive stirring statement. Then, moving into the first drum movement - an athletic stroll. the confident gait of a break, the soprano line marches into a green tunnel hometown hero. Appreciative screams pierce the air and emerges with a literal interpretation of the as the Madison Scouts take the field Strains of expression \"quick change artists.\" A fast- paced. clever \"Varsity,\" the University of Wisconsin fight song. filter skit, the inspiration of drill designer Dave Owens, the through from warmups. They advance toward the Vanguard erects a sort of mobile dressing room, the stands. The crowd goes crazy again. remaining on its corps garnering laughs for the first time in its history. feet until the opening notes of \"Ballet in Brass.\" Drum Next, they segue into a medley of Aaron Copland corps' jazz vagabonds. The Scouts' color guard slink movie scores, starting with \"Grover's Corner,\" a silky and slide through Gershwin's \"Rhapsody in Blue\" in ballad that asks the musical question, \"how can so double time, leaving spectators breathless. Soprano many play so softly all at once?\" Then the Vanguard line blasting, they have the house in their back pocket swings into \"Tender Land\" and \"Red Pony\" and and make the most of it. George Gershwin rolls over execute a second costume change, back to orig inal dreamily, a smile on his face. colors. A color guard as agile as Romanian gymnasts The Scouts rack up a 95. slipping six-tenths of a weaves a delicate stitch through the rapid and point from prelims, but easily enough to stay firmly in complex movement. fourth place. Although they enter finals a scant two-tenths of a The Blue Devils slip on to the field, acknowledging point behind Garfield, and improve to 97.2, the the geometry of cool. Its twinkling stars burn through Vanguard remains in second place the night, silky silver and gold streamers whipping past Stop the action! Something wrong on the fieldl The like the afterimage of a comet. Winged Pegasus glide Garfield Cadets have broken ranks, they're all over the by, pirouettes and is off again, heavenbound \"Liferaft place. Dissension, disunity, dissonance have murdered Earth,\" is born of turmoil, raised in dissonance. and form. But wait a minutel They are beginning to pull ages like good wine; with this whimsically different Blue together, to resolve. A forthrightness of purpose is Devils piece, they lead a musical charge through the emerging. A compromise is in the works. Suddenly razor late sixties. \"Trilogy\" opens into tranquil beauty, and sharp surveyor lines form, the harmonics begin to blend. \"3rd Movement\" dips into rock pianist Keith Emerson's softly, smoothly. Yet the moment resolution seems one classic excursion. Guitarist Pat Metheny's \"First assured, dissension rips them apart again, discord Circle\" puts the wrap on a slick and diverse book, shatters equilibrium, like nations locked into a c ivil war. showing that the Blue Devils can range far afield and It's the finals, the Garfield Cadets crank the rachet still bring it on home. up a few notches and execute an exceedingly tough The Blue Devils jump from 95.9 in prelims to 97.1 in book. Drum major Richard Armstrong mans the podium finals. and while it isn't enough to propel them into the like the last of the soaring condors, summoning, top spot, they hold steadfast at third exorting his charges with a great flapping wingspan. It is an angry show, a defiant show, a shrewd display of sociopolitical sentiment; an artistic whirlwind that toys with contrasts, and tosses form about like a leaf in a gale. 16

The final turn of the rachet. and one corps alone survives. Drum corps history hangs in the balance, while the judges consider the millions of grains of sand that it takes to make a desert. No corps has every taken three straight World Championships. Finally, the results arrive. Twelve, eleventh .. Third, \"The Blue Devils\" .. .the sound of 40,000 silent fans clings to the night...second, \"the Santa Clara Vanguard\" There no longer is any doubt. \"In first place, with a score of 98.4, the Garfield Cadets.\" Two new standards in drum corps achievement. The highest score in drum corps competition and the first corps to win three in a row. Even the usually unflappable Garfield director George Hopkins is a little surprised when placements are announced \"We worked all year for this, and it was a hard year,\" sighed Hopkins. \"But they were phenomenal tonight. This is a great bunch of kids. A lot of times, people thought we were down for the count, three or four times at least. I didn't feel we were. But we had to dig down and come up with something. We'll be ready to start another revolution next year \" Above · The Madison Scouts whirl and blast their way to a fourth place finish at Camp Randall Stadium in front of a deliriously enthusiastic hometown crowd. 17

Garfield Cadets Garfield Cadets · A Portrait of Excellence The Garfield Cadets astounded the drum corps world in 1985, not only by winning an unprecedented third consecutive world championship, but by doing it with a fresh and challenging show for the third straight year. In perhaps its most difficult undertaking yet - an annual statement about this corps - Garfield tackled an ambitious montage of Leonard Bernstein compositions A burning exercise in stark contrasts, \"A Bernstein Portrait\" ranged in its expressive tone from jarring chaos to a soothing calm. One moment the corps was splattered in disarray across the expanse of the field, the next crashing together to form harsh and strident straight lines. The musical message hung in the delicate interplay between contrasting extremes, the instant when beauty and beast cross over. Garfield staff combed the literature on Bernstein's works, drawing from his social and political commentaries, considering them in the context of his life. Explained horn arranger Michael Klesch, \"When Bernstein was young, and was making a statement about the Jewish religion in \"Jeremiah,\" his voice was a loud and angry one. When he wrote \"Candide,\" he was much older and everything he had to say - the wittiness, the sarcasm - was done in a much more tactful way, the way of an old man. That is what we are trying to portray\" Bernstein's portraiture was painted in the progression of the Garfield program - in the ingeneous interplay between clarity and clutter. Said Klesch, \"We set up something that's beautifuL then all of a sudden destroy it with very dissonant. loud music, and just as quickly, we're back to something that's very soft again.\" Dovetailing nicely to the musical book was a slick, quick drill that provided appropriate staging and movement. \"On the field, when the music's really ugly, the form The raw emotion of the original score was is cluttered, and when the music's nice, the form is very augmented by the insightful Garfield drill. Said Hopkins, clear.\" said Klesch. \"We put his emotion on the field. Anger is easy to It was another grand Garfield experiment, as well as portray through straight lines, and by destroying forms. a bit of a gamble, but then executive director George \"We create a pretty picture, then wipe it clean and Hopkins is a bit of a gambling man. go to something that's almost ugly, before it has a \"We try to do something a little different every chance to sit there for 12 counts. The show is built to a year,\" said Hopkins. \"Our intent this year was to show large extent on the creation of a form, and then the more than one or two emotions on the field. We destruction of what we just created.\" wanted to show anger, and the resolve of anger. We It was another impossible Garfield program, wanted to show ambiguity, and planned chaos in a flawlessly executed with stunning precision - a portrait marching fashion.\" of excellence. 18



Santa Clara Vanguard Vanguard· Quick · Change Artists Paint Master Canvas Nineteen eighty-five may go down in drum corps history as the year that people laughed at the Santa Clara Vanguard. Explained drum major Jeff Pearson, \"People from other corps kept telling us,'they're laughing at youl' As the result of the bright and airy new show. the And we kept telling them. 'yeah. they are. but it's Vanguard found itself in a somewhat unaccustomed funny.' But they'd say. 'you're the Vanguard - you're position from the first exhilarating notes of the supposed to be serious!' It doesn't work that way We Shostakovich opener. were having fun.\" \"We're not known as being a crowd pleaser. but this The source of the humor was a clever disappearing year the crowd likes us. which is a new experience - act in which the horn line would enter a tunnel on the and a very pleasant one,'' smiled Royer field. emerging seconds later with different colored \"But it has to be that way, because the show is pants. It was a magnificently staged sleight of hand interesting and exciting. We thought the opener trick that left audiences wondering how so much could particularly was the best we've ever done.\" change so quickly. With lovely color guard dancing, some light-hearted It marked a departure of sorts for \" SCV. \" and one strokes liberally applied to the master canvas. the which corps staff and members alike seemed to relish. Vanguard show provided a delightful update on a truly But gimmicks aside. it was a Vanguard that boasted classic corps. strengths on all fronts. Said Rick South. horn instructor. \"We feel we have a more coordinated show than in the past. We've spent more time on details. on shaping and shading the show. especially from the percussion and color guard standpoint.\" The Vanguard tackled a thorny musical book. but one with many sparking moments. such as instructor Ralph Hardimon's percussion interludes on \"Festive Overture,\" the corps' opener. and a couple beautiful Aaron Copland pieces. Commented South. \"We're much more musical than in the past. We feel that the horn line is stronger. and much more mature. The program that we've built over the past several years is finally starting to pay off. Back in the early 70s our horn line was not noted for being very good - now they are at a level of national recognition.\" The Vanguard also featured a surp •. singly upbeat ending on Copland's classic \"Red Pony,\" a delightful change of pace for the classical kids. It was a fun year for a corps that was having a good time. said director Gail Royer. \"The comments I've heard from people so far is that it makes them happy to see and hear our show. That's nice. because that's what we'd like them to be. That's the way we feel when we perform the show; that's what we felt when we designed and wrote the show.\" 20





Blue Devils New Blue Devils Glow in the Dark The jazz kings sported a sparkling new look and a shimmering new sound in 1985. but there was one thing that hadn't changed - the usual top flight Blue Devils performance. With bedeviling new uniforms. the color guard created a sparkling effect when they twirled, looking to all the universe like a supernova blazing through the night. With a twist of neo-classics adding flavor to the traditional jazz soup stock, the Blue Devils produced a wildly varied orchestral program that spun off dazzling crystalline chords. It was a gutsy change of pace. especially for a corps that was far from going stale. According to staff coordinator and music arranger Wayne Downey, it was time for a change. \"We felt. as a staff. that it was time to change the musical approach, because we were being compared to in terms of our performances in previous years. song that Downey had to transpose from the record - We have been known for major. major jazz - our a monumental effort - and selections from rock star contribution to the activity. This year. we decided to Keith Emerson's only foray into classical music, go to some neo-classics. some jazz, some classical and among others. spatter the program with some real different sounds.\" \"Hopefully, what's the same is the quality of But would fervent Blue Devils fans suffer a drastic performance, the excellence and demonstration of program change? skills.\" said Downey. \"What's different are the types of \"At first it was working to our detriment. because moods that we create on the field, because there are all the Blue Devils fans - the jazz nuts of the world - moments within the show that we have never were going, 'oh no.' It was like losing your first born.\" captured before. Breathtaking moments, moments of said Downey. subtle expression that we were able to expand upon With a new visual designer. Jay Murphy. and and broaden. veteran Dave Gibbs. the Blue Devils staff fashioned a It was a tough season for second year director Mike fresh look to match the new sounds. After some Moxley, who watched an $80.000 food truck go up exhaustive brainstorming sessions. they settled on the in flames with all the corps' percussion instruments in it. jazzy \"Liferaft Earth\" for an opener. obtaining the score ·but a year that he relished nonetheless. from the composer; \"First Circle\" by Pat Metheny, a \"It was much harder; they saved all the problems for this year. but it's been a great experience just the same.\" said Moxley, who was charged up about the new uniforms. \"We decided to go with a completely colorless color guard uniform. and add the color with the girls' hands. It's all black spandex and sequins. and under the lights the corps absolutely twinkles. We're definitely a nighttime drum corps, anyway, and instead of going into the white fad. which everybody else has done this year. we've gone into a more elegant black - an evening kind of look.\" Out into the evening they stroll. The Blue Devils, a corps that was made for the night. 23



Madison Scouts Scouts · Ice Cold Precision and Red Hot Feet If the 1985 DCI World Championships were judged And when it was over. the Scouts emerged with by a team of seismologists. the Madison Scouts would their best showing in years. a hard- fought fourth place have won on the earth-shaking maQnitude of crowd finish. From the opening stanzas of \"Impact Suite\" - response alone. horn line striding in limber elegance - through It was a banner year for the Scouts. toppling the Gershwin's \"Rhapsody in Blue,\" - with a masterfully Garfield Cadets in winning DCI Midwest with a executed grand piano formation - the Scouts were a powerhouse come- from- behind finals performance. corps in firm control of its material. and a year that saw the Scouts in contention to the It was also a corps in diligent pursuit of a vision, one last lingering note of Championships. It was a year that which it has followed faithfully over the past several saw the dreams of many Madison Scouts, past and years. explained director Scott Stewart. present, come true - hosting the drum corps \"I seem to be saying this every year our show is a Championships. And Madison made the best of its role continuation of what we started the year before. We as host, offering the drum corps community its four put out a product that people in the audience can lakes and connecting river system, a Big Ten university relate to. and I think we prove that a show can be and state capitol. and a week of perfect drum creative and entertaining at the same time. We corps weather. continue to try to do that.\" The vision. like an image in a crystal ball, is coming into focus. Said Stewart, \"This year I think we've taken people on an emotional roller coaster ride. If you watch the audience. you will see every emotion exhibited; you can see people laugh and cry, ooh and aah, and you can see people scream.\" With a keen ear to the Gershwin nuance. and an arrangement that shaved \"Rhapsody\" in half without the slightest tear in a seamless fabric, the Scouts fashioned a breathtaking musical book. \"We joked about having shirts printed that said, 'George Gershwin was wrong,' \" laughed Stewart. \"It was a very difficult piece to edit. We shifted phrases. shortened and eliminated a lot of piano candenzas. yet kept the flavor and even helped it flow a little more smoothly in places. Color guard designer Mike Turner also helped to keep things flowing smoothly for the Scouts. Turner is the dancing rebel who gave the Scouts horn line the hot foot. He sees drum corps dance as an emerging art form. \"Dancers have started watching drum corps, because this is a form of movement through space that they have never encountered before.\" \"I think dancers have a lot to learn from drum corps - mainly precision, but also in staging spatial relationships between dancers. Often on stage you don't see dancers maintaining circles, and arcs, or keeping intervals between each other. but you see it in drum corps.\" Especially if you're watching the Madison Scouts. with its deft- footed and sassy brass - a hot corps with icy precision. 25

Cavaliers Cavaliers Hit Escape Velocity En Route to 'Planets' While the Voyager was approaching the gravitational field of Uranus this past year, the 1985 Cavaliers were rocketing by them all with a cosmic drill and celestial score titled \"The Planets,\" that marked the corps' strongest showing in years When this musical journey to the heavens departs and the rockets engage, the sound of a huge metallic body whistling through space is achieved by the horns through a technique called \"air blows.\" The introduction, lifted from \"2001: A Space Odyssey,\" fastens perfectly to the forceful idiom that defines a Cavalier show. Then, as they segue into Gustav Holst's score. it is apparent that a planetary spectacle is in store. A corps with its strength rooted in the horn line and a past h1story of fielding a dynamic marching machine, the 1985 Cavaliers differed in that they emphasized a well-rounded attack - strong on all fronts. \"It's the first time in a long time the Cavaliers have been solid throughout in their book,\" observed Tim Ochran, M&M caption instructor. \"There's no weak link. It's maybe the first time in ten years that's occurred with this drum corps.\" The conceptual framework of \"Planets\" demanded \"The Cavaliers have always been known for a color a balancing of captions, giving the corps a realigned guard that's real athletic, almost gymnastic. but we powerbase. changed that style drastically to go into more of a \"We came in with the idea of doing a total quality performance,\" said Ochran. •' package show and that's why we chose \"The Planets\" Staff concentrated on the color guard, fashioning ' - to really show the strengths of this drum corps,\" said some innovative moves while retaining a distinctively t Ochran. \"It also gave us a chance to express some masculine Cavaliers flavor, noted Ochran. creative insight within a major work of music. \"We didn't go into the dance idiom completely like The Cavaliers were a revitalized corps in 1985. With some drum corps have, yet we've really come alive in · a forceful. dramatic opener, movement that was the M&M caption. There's a section of the show where · bold and fluid, the color guard stalked the field we use rhythmic gymnastic equipment. We had with confidence. coaches come in from the U.S. Gymnastics team to help us with that. We've also had dance instructors come in. When you see the Cavaliers' color guard, you see a total guard. Nobody was happier than director Adolph DeGrauwe about the renewed sense of mission displayed by the 1985 Cavaliers. \"We went with \"The Planets,\" because we felt it was such a strong movement. The visuals had to go right along with the program in order to sell it. Our visual people and our M&M caption were strong this year. The crowd enjoyed and understood the program. It's been a super group of kids and the easiest staff I've ever worked with, so we're pleased about the way ! . everything turned out.\" Ground to mission control - the Cavaliers are prepared to lift off for another journey to the stars. .. ' 26



Suncoast Sound Suncoast · The Sound of Sunrise in Florida After the emotional whirlpool of \"Aquarius\" in 1984. Suncoast Sound staff sought a reprieve from weighty thematic material in 1985. They didn't have to look any further than their own backyard. Said director Don Fisher, \"Our show is a depiction of a day in Florida - 'A Florida Suite,' and is an original music book scored by our own Robert Smith. We represent a typical day in Florida through the music and the visual program, as suggested by the title of the show. \"As a show it may have been light, but it was a very difficult book.\" Beginning like a great novel and building slowly chapter by chapter, Suncoast opened with an overture. sprinkling motifs which were elaborated as the program unfolded. \"We were trying to do something different. It was a A day of aural tourism began with a graphically light and airy theme; not as thought- provoking as last lyrical ballad, \"Simple Song at Sunrise,'' breathing new year's show, not a heavy act. We hoped that by the life into a brand new day. end of summer. people would be whistling some of our Next up on the day's busy itinerary was \"Beach tunes,\" explained Fisher. Frolic,'' a carefree jaunt to the sandy shores. with an The program was also a hit among corps members. impromptu picnic thrown by the color guard. Moving Explained drum major Larry Clark, \"This year's show is right along, our tireless tourists hit the amusement not as emotional as 'Aquarius,' but it's more powerful, parks, the roller coaster rides, the cotton candy and more exciting and more enjoyable for the crowd. I also ice creams cones ... when suddenly the heavens part. think it is just as controversial and just as innovative, lightning rips the sky and torrential rains anoint a because it is entirely original music - it's the first time scattering festive crew - in \"Cloudburst.\" that's been done in drum corps.\" Another day laid safely to rest, it was finally time to Clark and Mike Hyde were co-drum majors in 1985. kick off the beach sneakers. slip on the dancing shoes both Suncoast veterans. both first year DMs and both and attack the tropics by night to the furiously aging out at season's end. punctuated rhythms of the mad Latino discos - during Their years with Suncoast have proved an \"Midnight in Miami.\" invaluable internship, said Hyde. \"It's a great musical Smith's clever book found endless ways to musically experience. because we get an opportunity to teach illustrate the physical setting of the corps' home turf. as well as to conduct, and since we're both music from the thundering drum burst of a rainstorm. majors, it will help us greatly in our careers.\" to the light but driving tempos of the Caribbean Careers that may get an extra boost from having night club scene. conducted an intriguing composition. Said Fisher, \"We wind it up with an evening scene closing out the day - a summer day in Florida. right down to the afternoon thunderstorm represented by the percussion solo, and a festive nighttime affair set to Latino music. Smith's original score - a drum corps first - was a musical accomplishment that had other arrangers talking to themselves about their own hidden ambitions. 28





Spirit of Atlanta Baumgardt, Gershwin, Spirit · a Musical Synergism Spirit of Atlanta may have placed and scored higher before, but never while performing as well as in 1985, behind a glistening George Gershwin book, executed by a bedazzling, skyborne color guard. There is something about Gershwin that lends itself so perfectly to a drum corps production, especially when the corps is Atlanta, with its brassy vampings and classy jazz. With the addition of Ray Baumgardt - ll-year Madison Scouts veteran - as brass line instructor, the Spirit sound reached new heights of sophistication. It was a dream threefold: Gershwin's score, Baumgardt's book, Spirit's execution. Baumgardt's triumphant return to drum corps, after a three- year hiatus, was welcomed in Atlanta, where he attempted to drive home the heady concept of synergism. \"Synergism is when you add one plus one to one and come up with more than three,\" chuckled Baumgardt. \"We developed the show with that attitude in mind. We had hoped that by adding all the ingredients together we'd come up with a product greater than its separate parts.\" In practice, it translated into a lot of hard work and an overall strengthening of the captions - something Atlanta has emphasized for the past several years and The spirited partner dancing of the talented color realized in 1985. guard encompassed a spectrum of modern dance \"Ray really made a difference in what we were techniques, comprising what Baumgardt sees as a able to accomplish,\" praised director Freddy Martin. state of the art unit. \"His book was emotionally perfect. The coordination of \"I think this color guard is just exceptional. They are the show from front to back - visual, music and exciting and sophisticated and the attitude they bring percussion - everything was exactly the way it should to the show is exceptional, too,\" said Baumgardt. have been. We're extremely excited about it.\" One of the staff goals in 1985 was to meet modern drum corps judging standards while maintaining the thrill of a charging, traditional corps. \"We felt that the show was designed in such a way that it brought back some of the excitement that drum corps has always had, as well as satisfying some of those demands imposed on it by modern drum corps standards,\" explained Baumgardt. \"And it was a constantly demanding show from all aspects, from a visual as well as an auditory perspective.\" Hunter Moss, longest standing member of Spirit before aging out in 1985, felt it was a good program for his last year. \"It was a more sophisticated and technical style of play. A demanding and challenging book.\" Add it up: Baumgardt, Gershwin, and Spirit. What do you have? What else, musical synergism in motion! 31



Phantom Regiment Phantom is Simply 'Fantastique' If the Phantom Regiment felt a challenge was Maybe the Berlioz production wasn't as difficult needed to awaken its fighting spirit in 1985. its choice as it sounded? of excerpts from the Berlioz orchestral wonderwork Explained Hanson, \"It's about 100% tougher than \"Symphonie Fantastique\" was more than adequate. last year's show. The music is tougher, because the Although the corps had an unusually high number of percussion is spread out all over the field And since rookie members, the staff thought nothing of tackling a percussion is usually the center point for the tempo, tough program that would tax its younger recruits. we've had to rely much more on listening to each Was this mountain too high to climb? Was veteran other and watching the drum major. Also. we've got drum major Marcia Hanson intimidated? Discouraged? 90 rookies and only about 30 veterans. Tempted to throw in the towel? Usually fast starters. Phantom struggled early in the Replied Hanson. nonchalantly, \"I love this show. It's year with lower than expected scores. pulling it so different from any other program that corps are together in time to make a charge down the stretch. putting on right now and that makes us unique. I feel Said director Dr. Dan Richardson. \"It's the most really comfortable in my position this year, and I'm difficult. the most demanding show we've ever done. going out there and having a lot of fun.\" The marching is extremely intricate. the drill subtle. The concentration level the students have to maintain in the opening of the second number is phenomenal - it demands their entire attention. The challenging score with tricky, rhythmic patterns and difficult articulations took Phantom until the end of July to \"get to where we've been in June before.\" noted Richardson. The drill was rigorously structured to maximize dramatic effects. The corps spread across the width of the field, then closed quickly as they are dashed together during the ominous \"March to the Scaffold\" In the unearthly \"Witches Sabbath,\" dark capes appear suddenly, invoking an occult aura. Observed marching instructor Pat Butler, \"I think the show offered a lot for the listener with it's different moods and emotions. What we tried to do was build an interpretive visual program to match the audio.\" Butler agreed with Richardson's assessment of the program as the most trying Phantom has ever performed. adding that corps members wouldn't soon forget the experience. \"It is probably one of the hardest things we've ever done. and from the kids' standpoint, something they can look back on and respect themselves for having mastered No matter where they placed in finals. they'll look back and say, 'I marched in the '85 Regiment.\" Why did they climb the mountain? Because it's there. and because they are the Phantom Regiment. mountain climbers. 33



Troopers Troopers Shoot Back Into Contention Drum major Tom Walsh stood bolt upright under a Another Trooper trademark is the hard- edged burning sun in the heat of an Allentown afternoon, enthusiasm of its members, an element they were thinking about a lot of things, - his decade with the hardly lacking in 1985. Said drum line veteran Steve Troopers. a flashy new program. the last shows of Ramirez, ''I'm aging out this year, so I'm pushing real his career. hard. Some people might think I'm being a big pain, The young veteran was poised on the brink of but I'm just trying to get everybody moving as quickly several thresholds; one for his corps, one for himself. as possible. and to play all out all the time.\" The Troopers made a number of drastic changes in The Troopers are a hard habit to break. Consider 1985, in the Aaron Copland musical program, in the Randall Lewis, who blows charge from the stands for new color guard uniforms. and above all else, in the the Casper legends. The Streator, Illinois. resident ratings at the end of the season. marking a return to sounded charge for the Troopers in the mid-sixties, ,. the top 12 after an extended hiatus. before \"kind of getting away from drum corps for a Explained Walsh. \"We're trying to bring in some modern music and some new moves. and we hope to make a few more new Trooper hits for everybody. It's pretty effective, and it's perfect for us. It was a good move to make. We match up well with Copland's style.\" It was a risk, gambling with the affections of the most vocal and hardcore fans in drum corps, and yet it was accomplished without damage to the Trooper tradition or mystique. Said founder and director Jim Jones, \"We're getting into a more classical vein of music. We used an opener by Clifton Williams, and some well-known Aaron Copland pieces. But they are western in nature and befitting our theme. \"It's music that I've always enjoyed; something I can identify with and have a good time. I've always programmed a corps for audience identification with the music. and that won't change.\" Reflected M&M instructor Dennis Tischhauser, \"We wanted to break with the old image in favor of a more sophisticated approach. We're looking for more of a smooth. tasty touch, while still being the Troopers.\" It was a gamble that paid dividends. Said Tischhauser. \"It's a fine line trying to be the Troopers while having a program that is competitive with everyone else. There's still no mistaking the Wyoming corps at this crossroad in its evolution. Who can execute a flag presentation like the Troopers? Or light a fire under an while.\" But when his son was old enough to march, and audience with a radiant, rippling sunburst? \"was fortunate enough to make the Troopers, I got out the old horn and started blowing charge again.\" The landscape has changed from rugged lowlands to sweeping bluffs. but it's still a distinctly western terrain, and the Troopers are still one of a kind. 35

Star of Indiana Star Shines Bright in Indiana Sky If you wished upon a star in 1985. your wish was more likely than ever to come true. whether or not you're from Indiana. Drum corps fans everywhere delighted in the magical corps that materialized out of thin air. sweeping into the top 12 in its very first year of existence. With its sparkling fresh and squeaky clean approach to drum corps. Star of Indiana had simply hoped to accomplish a few modest goals at the beginning of the 1985 season; to have a fun. inaugural season and drilled its many novices in the basics. Instead. Star struck like lightning for an unpredecented lOth place finish in its first year. a result that shocked corps staff and members. \"Our goals were very humble.\" recalled Jim Mason. director. \"We said that no matter what we do. we'll be better than last year. We didn't have any placement goals.\" Mason and company did. however. have a strong sense of responsibility as a forerunner of a new kind of drum corps. \"We felt we had an obligation to the activity to set some new standards in regard to fund raising; to show that other corps can get involved with corporate funding.\" said Mason. Star was jump- started with a $1 million grant from the Cook Group. Inc. a medical supply firm owned by Bloomington. Indiana. businessman Bill Cook. Cook's son marched for several years with the Colts - then Mason's corps - inspiring in Cook a love of drum corps. Its unique origins puts Star in a \"unique situation.\" one which makes it a sort of litmus test for future drum corps expansion. \"I think our biggest responsibility is not to abuse this privilege. and to set an example for other corps to follow.\" said Mason. \"We think that if we do well as an organization. then corporate sponsors can look at the \"The bulk of our kids came from high school and group and say, 'gosh. it'd be nice to have something college programs in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio - kids like that.·\" who had read about the corps being formed in the With a delightful show that featured a Walt Disney papers.\" said percussion instructor Dennis Delucia. \"This montage. faithful right down to the Mickey Mouse was a new experience for all of us. because we had Clubhouse theme song. and a drill by the masterful to build it up from ground level. And, of course. on top George Zingali. \"Star\" positively twinkled in its of it aiL they're doing a Zingali drilL which is very debut season. involved - motion all the time.\" Perhaps the ultimate tribute to the success of Yet performance levels outstripped their wildest \"Star\" in 1985 was the ability of staff to achieve dreams. and almost before they realized what was results with so many members who had no drum happening. \"Star\" was a serious contender for one corps background of the top spots 36

\"This thing grew into a monster,\" said Alyssa Cimino, who was brought in two weeks into first tour to sharpen color guard exec ution. \"It started so smoothly; we were putting together a new drum corps from Indiana. But suddenly it was apparent that this show had a lot of potential - it might be a contender for the top 12. That wasn't a priority at first, but it kept moving in that direction.\" Miracles con happen, but first you must \" wish upon a star.\"

Velvet Knights Velvet Knights Humor is Contagious The Velvet Knights were trend-busters back in 1982 when a big wave swept them off the beaches of Southern California and into the hearts of drum corps fans everywhere. Or were they chased off the beaches by a big shark and into ... oh never mind. It hardly matters anyway, since they've been accorded the highest honors - that of imitation. At least that's what they claim. Maybe it's just another elaborate deception. Said Mark Kopang, drum major, \"Back then - in '82 - we did things that were out of the norm, whereas now we're finding that we almost are the norm'\" A shocking revelation, if true. One that these parodists of drum corps norms should take seriously, if that's not asking too much. \"Four seasons ago when I first got in, everyone was hard military,\" recalled Kopang. \"Now, a lot of the corps are breaking loose from the military tradition. Even Garfield has had a little humor in their show, so I think at least a little humor has become a new standard for drum corps - it's elevating for everybody.\" But if some of the more reserved corps are loosening up, the Velvet Knights are in turn tightening up, with musical books and drills that are increasingly complex and trying. Commented Kopang, \"The show is a lot more controlled and refined, not to mention complicated. It's still humorous, but on a more sophisticated level. The But not too serious, Elder hastened to point out. drill and music were real difficult this year and it's \"Just when you think it is safe to be serious - it's taken us a lot to get it together.\" not' It's a fun show, but if you're artistically minded. It's not, however, all work and no play for the there's plenty underneath, too.\" beachcomber corps. Kicking off the show with a hot The Velvet Knights showcased a stunning send-up rendition of the \"Peter Gunn\" theme song, an of classic drum corps endings, based on a parody of arrangement that was about half hard rock and half classical endings penned by avant-garde composer big band, plus the usual number of sight gags, it was Don Ellis, whose \"Final Analysis\" they performed. still vintage \"VK\" in 1985. The parody is something that \"VK\" is just beginning \"Yeah, it's a show that even with more involved to get into, threatened director Dave Elder. musical scores, anybody in the audience can \"It's something that has come more to the fore in appreciate, even if they're not musicians,\" the last couple years, and you'll see more of it. In fact, admitted Kopang. now other corps come up and give us ideas for things The increasing complexity was no accident, stated to parody.\" drill design ace Dean Elder. As far as Elder is concerned, nothing says more \"We wanted a show that would stand on its own about the evolution of drum corps as a serious art without having to depend entirely on humor, so we form than its ability to absorb some poking in the ribs. definitely put more emphasis on having a serious drum \"I think when you can do that and the majority of corps show.\" people like it, it says a lot for the activity.\" 38





Freelancers Freelancers · Uplifting and Theatrical Frank Dorritie, program coordinator for the Freelancers, thinks that staging a 13-minute drum corps show is similar to producing records. He should know. Dorritie is a record producer in the off season who has handled such noted jazz acts as Art Blakely and the Jazz Messengers. Explained Dorritie, \"When I started producing, the people in the studio thought I had some special skill. Dorritie credited staff coordinator Peter Emmons but all I had was a drum corps background. It with the inspiration. \"Pete got the idea from watching dovetails very nicely with drum corps.\" halftime pageants- huge props that are extremely light \"Putting together a drum corps show, which is about and moveable. We have experimented for a long time 13 minutes long, is much like putting together an with various dimensions of geometry in drum corps, but album side, which is about 18 minutes long. The nobody's figured out how to levitate a choral unit, to considerations are: What is a good opener? What is a get the voices closer to the sidelines. If you try too good production tune? How should you close it? The hard to project voices, the quality becomes harsh. This emotional peaks and valleys in a record correspond way we get a nice, rich sound.\" pretty neatly with drum corps.\" Dorritie predicted that other corps would continue The Freelancers constructed some pretty nifty hills the Freelancers' experiment with risers, perhaps as and valleys right on the field in 1985 with a bold new backdrops, or to achieve geometeric configurations. show featuring five vignettes by French neo-classics Columbier's popish score provided a solid stylistic composer Michel Columbier. The contrasts were complement to the field staging. Columbier is mainly a provided not only by Columbier's dramatic music, but film score writer and as such, his pieces are also by the use of Styrofoam risers that were deployed impressionistic and slightly abstract. They explore to emphasize theatrical elements of the show. interesting harmonic relationships, challenging key changes and exotic melodies - a fresh contemporary sound. Dorritie was able to contact Columbier, who willingly sent his orchestrations. They were then transposed for brass and percussion. With the risers and a very different kind of score, Napoleonic - styled uniforms, and trick lapels that allow them to switch colors at will, 1985 witnessed a brave new Freelancers. At the beginning of the year, though, some members doubted whether the props would work. Recalled drum major Sam Walker, \"When I first looked on the field and saw the platforms, I said 'what are those things, nuclear waste, or something.' At first I was leary, but they really enhanced the show. It was an exciting show, with lots of weird melodic lines and choral pieces, and a lot of offbeat type things.\" The Freelancers were striving for originality in 1985, to put together a show as slickly coordinated as a record album side, said Dorritie. \"We were looking for exotic areas of music that other drum corps weren't exploring. There are definitive styles and derivative styles, but we're trying to make the Freelancers an original.\" 41



27th Lancers Lancer Fans Welcome 'Danny Boy' Home When eyes mist over and toke on a certain faraway look, as if they were scanning distant memories of simpler. more rustic times. chances are fans are under a spell cast by the 27th Lancers as they perform \"Danny Boy.\" The melancholic Irish ballad, long a Lancers' trademark. was welcomed back by fans who'd decided they couldn't suffer its absence any longer. The Lancers were edged out of the top 12 by seven- tenths of a point in semifinals. but not without a fight- a furious eleventh hour charge that fell just short. In fact, having resurrected \"Danny Boy\" and adding the British- styled opener \"Sea Hawk\" to the program. the Lancers were sounding very much like the traditional drum corps they are proud of being. \"We have brought back our standard bookends: a British-type opener. and \"Danny Boy\" - if we didn't bring it back. we were afraid people were going to continue to throw stones at us.\" laughed director 'I think the most important thing is to retain your George Bonfiglio. own flavor.\" said Bonfiglio. \"The Lancers the last few A soft and pretty rendition of the Broadway song years have tried to do things that are not within their \"Dream Girls.\" with an attractive dance number realm. And that has to stop. We're back to doing the provided a dreamy concert piece. The show tune was types of shows that we do best. and we will continue a bit of a departure for the Lancers. but is consistent to do that but in a very modern scope.\" with the direction Bonfiglio wants to steer the corps in Despite a mid- season revision. the 1985 show to best deploy its strengths. received high marks from its members. including drum major Chris Branam. \"It's a demanding show. but a very enjoyable one which makes a lot of sense.\" said Branam. \"This is a book we can perform and bring to life. Our arranger. Eric Reasoner, did a tremendous job of stacking chords and chord structures. blends and harmonic phrases - it's very nice.\" The Lancers had what they felt was a strong book. but with too little time to pull it together. Still. they didn't get discouraged Explained Branam, \"We have a long way to go. but we're an August drum corps, used to fighting to the end\" Percussion instructor and arranger Charlie Poole has fought in most of 27th's August skirmishes over the past decade. Poole celebrated a milestone of sorts in 1985- it was his 27th year in drum corps. a time to reflect on his basic philosophy about the activity. \"I have always looked at drum corps as being of three parts one part tradition. one part state of the art. and one part innovation. We try to cover all of those bases in the 27th Lancers.\" An innovative. state of the art. traditionalist drum corps- that's a pretty fair description of the 27th Lancers. 43

Member Corps Member Corps Live the 'Impossible Dream' Above left · Les Eclipses, a rising star in the Canadian sky, returned to the top 25 in 1985, shooting all the way up to 14th with a final score of 84.1. It was the best finish ever for the Longueuil, Quebec corps. Left · With a sharp new drill and a splashy color guard, the Colts jumped to 16th in 1985 from 23rd the previous year, scoring an 80.9 in semifinals. Bigger doesn't always mean better. A bunch of sharpshooters known as the Boston Crusaders drove that fact home with a snappy drill and a soaring score, taking 20th for its third straight finish in the top 25. Boston was small enough at the end of the season, with a scant 72 marching members, but at the beginning of the year just six weeks before its first show, a mere 30 called Boston home. It was a scramble to fill the ranks, a tribute to its director and the members who had faith that it would happen at aiL Left · Dorothy douses the Wicked Witch of the West with a pail full of streamers in a delightful reenactment of The Wizard of Oz that highlighted the Sky Ryders show in 1985, propelling the Kansas corps to 15th place.

Left · A Latino·flavored program and an active color guard spiced up the Crossmen drill in 1985, as the Philadelphia corps took 17th place at the World Championships. \"Our goal was to reach the top 25 this year and we made it,\" said Connexion Quebec director Michel Chevalier in a soft, winsome French Canadian accent. \"We just want to be a good drum corps, give the kids a good background and let them go out and enjoy themselves. Having some success is good. too. but we're not trying to be Blue Devils. or Garfield Cadets.\" Connexion. one of several rising young Canadian corps, has a large number of very young members. a volatile situation if not handled right. Observed Ricky Perron. drum instructor. \"Many are new kids, learning what it's about. Some are 13. others 21. The big kids are helping the small ones; it makes a big difference.\" Les Eclipses. the most promising Canadian corps, snared a lofty 14th in 1985. and is busy figuring out ways to capitalize on its unique status as a \"French culture\" corps. They came up with a uniform that trades on the look of a French policeman-gendarme- and have scored a musical book that has a French flavor to it. Said director Anthony J Smith. \"I'm extremely proud of this corps. It's a combination of a lot of people pulling together and pretty much living an almost impossible dream. With a total membership of 30. so close to the beginning of our season. no one lost their confidence. As a result, we have the strongest nucleus we've ever had, because these kids stuck in there when things didn't look so good\" Smith spoke while walking rapidly back to his car after Boston's fine quarterfinal performance had aced the corps a 774. virtually assuring a decent placement in the semi's. Still. he was eager to get them back to base camp to make preparations for the final assault. Smith, like many directors, has long-time connections with his corps extending back 25 years \"I've taught other people, but I always seem to go back to Boston. I guess when you join a corps at the age of 12. you never stop being a member.\" The word \"small\" is no insult to Smith. who is quick to remind you that not all of life's best offerings arrive in large packages. \"Our image is. hopefully, the Mercedes Benz of drum corps. A small Mercedes. but nevertheless a Mercedes.\" His feelings were echoed by others. Right · A mysterious Avant Garde color guard femme fatale cloaked her emotions behind a veil as her corps struck for an 18th place finish, its third straight top 25 placement. 45

Left · With a snappy drill and a fresh new conceptual program, the Knights of Geneseo fielded a formidable show in 1985 and finished 19th. Some member corps hove spent time in the top 12 and are putting together programs that they hope will propel them back there someday soon. The Sky Ryders broke into the magic 12 in 1982 and again in '83. In '84. they were 17th and rebuilding. In '85, behind a delightful new show based on the movie \"Wizard of Oz.\" they were 15th. Commented Sky Ryders director Dan Jewett. \"We got off to a slow start, but we really came along strong toward the end We paid our dues last year. and this year we were able to come back with a much more solid program and a stronger corps, so we're pretty elated\" Jewett and company were pleased with the results of \"Oz\" and think they may aim at more of a conceptual approach in the future as well. The 1985 Kansas theme of \"Oz\" also served as a fitting celebration for the Sky Ryders' 30th year in drum corps. Above right · Behind a battery of percussion instruments that included a number of specially designed steel drums, the Florida Wave hung tough in the top 25 with a 21st place finish in 1985. Bottom right· Small but feisty, the Boston Crusaders survived two penalty points for use of an unauthorized instrument · synthesizers · bouncing back to take 20th at the 1985 World Championships. 46

flight · With a strong drill and a lively color guard, the Argonauts blasted their way info the fop 25 in 1985 with a 70.4 performance to fake 22nd place. Bottom · lliding a pounding percussion section, behind a wall of blasting horns, the California Dons broke info the top 25 with a 23rd place finish in 1985, only its second year in the activity. \"It looks like we may stick with something pretty Perhaps the thrill of competing among the top 25 close to this theme and do more of the things we want can best be summed up by a British member of the to do with it that we weren't able to do this year With Colts, who spent the summer in America. Said a bit more planning and some more resources, I think Mark Geraghty, \"It's just been a great experience, it we can make this show a top contender.\" really has.\" But Jewett, a veteran, is realistic enough to recognize Paul Middleton, also from England, marched with the that the competition is stiffer than ever. There was a Colts in '85. An experience about which he simply said, fierce bunching of major corps in 1985, with a \"The people have been really great. They looked after formidable narrowing of margins toward the top. us. This year's been absolutely fantastic\" Another corps that has been around for a while, the Member corps may tend to be smaller in number, Knights of Geneseo, went to a \"show concept\" in '85 but if you talk to their staff and marching members, like the Sky Ryders, finishing 19th with selections from you find that their enthusiasm and hearts are as great \"Jesus Christ Superstar.\" as any top 12 corps. Said director Gregg Neuleib, \"We chose this direction because we wanted to get a consistent mood going that we hadn't been able to establish in past years. Before, we picked songs because of their mood or style. So this year, we decided to go with one and see if we could find a niche that the judges could relate to a little easier. We did it, everyone seemed to like it. We didn't do the story literally, but we hit every mood and emotion in it.\" Then there are the young corps, rising through the ranks, who refuse to be held back, no matter how tough the competition. The California Dons punched its way into the top 25 in the corps' first year, and in '85 moved up a couple notches to 23. With regal ranchero image, the Dons look to make an impression. Explained director Mel Stratton, \"We think we have something a little different. We're portraying the early rancheros, circa 1830- 35, which is reflected in the idiom of our music and uniform, the Spanish vocalisms and manner - from the pages of early California history. We do have a substantial number of Hispanic kids, but also a good cross-section of the racial mix of California.\" 47

Right· Knees bent to the task, Bridgemen horn players give it their best shot at the World Championships in Madison. Above · The Marauders - those who \"room about and raid in search of plunder, \" according to Webster · found plenty of spoils with a 24th place finish in 1985, the corps' finest season. Left • Canadian corps Connexion Quebec showed they meant business in 1985, moving into the top 25 at 25th after a 32nd place finish the previous year.

Below · In a dogfight final, the Below · The plucky St. Francis Ventures nicked the Canadian Xavier Sancians fought back in Knights by a 90.4 to 90.3 Class A Finals to score a fine 78.3 margin to take the Class A and nipped the Rebels for the Championship. A-60 Championship. Class A and A·60 Pepe Notaro- Class A Crusader Although the Kingsmen were not able to perform at DCI East, Pepe was on hand to watch the St. Francis Dew still dripped from the grass and the slivered Xavier Sancians top New Image, 73.7 to 72. to take first memory of a moon still hung from the early morning in Class A- 60. Coming in a close third were the Rebels sky. Most folks were still rubbing the sleep from their at 70.5. eyes, but Pepe Notaro has been up and hustling The Canadian Knights showed why they were a top for hours. Class A corps in 1985. taking first at the East Regional An energetic dynamo. known throughout the drum with an 86. while the Diplomats claimed second with corps community, Pepe is director of the Fitchburg an 81.8, and the Northmen (New York) third at 75.2. Kingsmen. a tiny corps from Fitchburg. Massachusetts. It was the second strong Regional showing for the The Kingsmen are as small as they get, but that's alright Northmen, who snared a first at DCI Midwest earlier in with Pepe. the summer with a 75.6 in Class A competition. ''I'm a crusader for the Class A corps - that's always Whitewater also brought success to Phantom Regiment been my concern.\" he declares proudly. Cadets who turned in a solid performance for second In fact. the Kingsmen are so small they've become with a 70.6, while the Black Knights took third with a famous for their size. At the 1984 DCI World 69.5. In the A- 60 division, the Northmen won again. Championships in Atlanta. they were chosen for Only this time, it was the corps from Green Bay winning one of the exhibition slots. their title with a 62.8. He breaks into one of his frequent smiles just thinking The Sancians were resilient at the World about it. \"I had the honor of doing the exhibition with Championships, bouncing back to take the Class A-60 25 kids and they showed that it could be done without title by nipping the Rebels in Finals 78.3 to 76.8. The any baritones. with just guts and determination. And Canadian Knights played their hearts out in the Class A they did a nice job.\" division. but came up just short with a 90.3, shaded by What did Pepe and his corps think about performing the powerful Ventures who tallied a 90.4. to take their in such an auspicious setting? division Championship. The Diplomats capped a strong \"It was a thrill of a lifetime. When those kids went out season with an 88.7. and third place, while the Black there. their mouths were hanging open .. They'd never Knights took fourth with 812. followed by the Northmen seen so many people in one place. There aren't that (New York) in fifth at 811 many people in Fitchburg.\" As for the Fitchburg Kingsmen. they tallied 53.7, in Nobody was more tickled than Pepe with the Class A-60 prelims. not enough to make Finals. but a creation of a Class A- 60 division and an overhauled vast improvement over the days of scoring lOs and lls. scoring system. Pepe speaks to the importance of Class A \"Why should our kids knock themselves out to score competition. \"I cry when I'm in the stands watching the a 10 or ll when they can go to the beach and enjoy perfection of the great open class corps, but I never themselves? Now. with the new scoring system we can lose sight of the fact that Class A directors were put on get 40s and 50s and the judges can be more positive. this earth for one reason: to keep kids off the streets. I because they don't have to compare us to the bigger accept what we are. We're a corps and it's a corps. We've finally arrived!\" youth activity.\" 49

OFFICES EXECUTIVE BOARD Drum Corps International FD. Box 413 719 South Main Street Lombard, Illinois 60148 Gail R. Royer George Hopkins Treasurer Chairman of the Board Telephone 312/495-9866 Director, Santa Clara Vanguard Director. Garfield Cadets Scott Stewart Freddy Martin Vice Chairman Secretary Director. Madison Scouts Director. Spirit of Atlanta BOARD MEMBER CORPS ')- .3 4- s: Blue Devils Cavaliers Freelancers f, Mike Moxley Adolph DeGrauwe Parker Silva FD. Box 6785 FD. Box 501 7285 Cromwell Way I Concord, CA 94524 Rosemont. IL 60068 Sacramento. CA 95822 g 4' 10 \\ \\ Spirit of Atlanta Star of Indiana Suncoast Sound Freddy Martin James Mason Donald Fisher 1843 Memorial Drive S.E. FD. Box 264 8800 49th St. North 112A Atlanta. GA 30317 Bloomington. IN 47402 Pinellas Park, FL 33565 MEMBER CORPS Argonauts Avant Garde Boston Crusaders Bridgemen George Tuthill Jim Ryan Anthony Smith Bobby Hoffman FD. Box 7326 2 Far View Ave. 8 Marlbourough St. 98 Manhattan Ave. Salem, OR 97303 Troy, NY 12180 Boston, MA 02116 Jersey City, NJ 07307 Knights Les Eclipses Maurauders Sky Ryders Gregg Neuleib Denis Plouffe Tom Hope Dale Antoine FD Box 122 2507 Lavallee 1335 llth Street FD. Box 562 Geneseo. IL 61254 Longueuil, Que .. Canada Longview. WA 98632 Hutchinson. KS 67504 J4LlR5