ScoJo Lick of The Week. Broken down and demonstrated by Scojo himself. Each lick is about 3 minutes in length and there are PDF music sheets for each lick so you.
// The Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps is extremely pleased to announce the addition of Mike Stevens to the 2007 staff. Stevens will serve as the head battery specialist and also as co-battery arranger. He will be an integral part of the day to day operations of the battery and entire percussion section during the winter season, and throughout the summer tour.
Mike's reputation precedes him, as his work with numerous drum corps, college, and high school ensembles has earned him notoriety both domestically and around the world. A graduate of Tigard High School 'back in the day' (as he so eloquently phrased it), Mike got his start with the Vancouver Spartans in 1986. He marched there for three years, and then went south to march in the Blue Devils from 1989-90. In 1991, Mike aged out of the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps and went on to teach from 1992-1995, some of the most groundbreaking years in the corps history, capturing the DCI World title in 1993. Following his tenure there, he went on to bring the Blue Knights to it's highest placement to date as Percussion Caption Head from 1998-2000. In 2000, the corps took 6th overall and 3rd place in percussion, bested by only the Cavaliers and Cadets. Moving away from the Northwest to march in other corps is a condition Mr.
Stevens hopes to change. 'People need to be heading north to march up here!' He went on to complete a Bachelor of Music Theory/Composition/Percussion Degree from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, where he graduated with Cum Laude honors.
During this time he was also the Marching Percussion Coordinator/Arranger for the University. Mike served as the Percussion director for Winston Churchill High School from 2002-2005, helping take them to the BOA Grand National finals as well as capturing the WGI Scholastic World Championship in 2003. Mike has taught numerous high school bands throughout the country. Many of these groups won High Percussion in their divisions during Mr. Stevens' tenure.
Scojo Lick Of The Week
He has performed and adjudicated at the PASIC International Convention and is an adjudicator for various marching competitions nationwide, as well as having done clinics throughout the US, Germany, and the UK. Mike is a signature endorser with Promark Sticks and Mallets, and has an instructional video entitled: 'The Ultimate Quad Video' with the Dynasty/DEG Corporation. He has been taught by, and has worked along side some of the best people in the business, including Tom Float, Scott Johnson, Ralph Hardimon, Al Murray, Jeff Prosperie, Adam Mason and others. Currently, Mike is a small business owner (www.stevensdrum.com), freelance web designer, clinician, consultant, composer, arranger, private teacher, basketball fan, uncle, dog trainer and snowboarder.
He works with several area schools as well as arranges and performs for the Portland Trailblazers drumline. We are extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Mike on a day to day basis with the percussion section this year. His drumlines are known as some of the best in DCI history, and it's exciting to see the direction and aggression he will bring to the percussion section this season and beyond. For more information about the 2007 Seattle Cascades percussion section, stay tuned to the website at www.seattlecascades.org.
Audition information and exercise materials will be posted shortly. // The GLASSMEN Drum & Bugle Corps' educational program, ENTERTRAINMENT?, has grown immensely since it's inception only five short years ago. Beginning as a title for the GLASSMEN's unique style of drum corps clinic presentations, the ENTERTRAINMENT?
Program has developed into a full-fledged educational entity that presentslocal educational programs and performances throughout Northwest Ohio, judging clinics within the state of Ohio, and summer educational offerings for youth across the country and around the world. In addition to the clinic series both here and abroad, in 2006, the program presented it's first Master Class offering with percussionist Mark Ford as part of the corps' annual Showcase Concert. Plans for the 2007 season include more extensive clinic and class offerings, and partnerships with not only the GLASSMEN Drum & Bugle Corps, but with other performing ensembles, including the 2006 WGI Independent Open Class Gold Medalist 1st Degree Drumline from Orlando, Florida. Sponsorship of 1st Degree by ENTERTRAINMENT?
Is creating new opportunities for education and development between the drumline and the GLASSMEN, and will open the door for partnerships between ENTERTRAINMENT? And other groups in the near future. // I was recently on a mission trip to Uganda, Africa to a little city named Aura. I’ve been on three overseas mission trips now (Turkey, Peru, and Uganda) and am always amazed at how these experiences really stretch you and give you much needed perspective. The trip centered on a four day festival with an evangelist named Dan Owens and a coinciding US worship band (with me as the drummer).
It's a lot of fun to play for 20,000 people in a culture that's all about rhythm & dance-worship is nothing like that here in the states! After a couple days of travel (with a sightseeing break in London), we finally arrived in Aura, Uganda on a dirt airstrip. There were many people there to greet us and everywhere we went people were very friendly and excited to see us white folks. It’s a very poor area in which the people live in huts and walk or ride bikes to get around. All the roads are dirt and there are little 6’x6’ wooden “stores” scattered about where you can buy the daily necessities (if you can afford them).
The people love to wear brightly patterned clothes and it’s charming how they never seem to match. Many pastors there were dressing up since it was a time to celebrate and seem official; we couldn’t help but notice that their suits didn’t fit right and had tattered spots where they’d been mended at some point. When you see how joyfully they sing and dance though, it is clear that they’re happier within their standard of living than most of us Americans are in ours.
Everything they have there is dirty, old junk by our standards, but the people in Uganda made it clear once again that money and material things have absolutely nothing to do with happiness. The festivals were held in a big field with shadily rigged-up stage and were very well attended, I believe that on the biggest day there were over 20,000 people. The locals played with great intensity and it was awesome to watch their passion with the music.
Then it was our turn! With no rehearsal or sound-check, we were prepared to kick in when suddenly the power died. It became drum solo time & I played an extended solo that the people really got into (and consequently I had a solo every night!). Once we were powered up again we kicked into some American worship tunes, but with a driving groove that’d make old white folks want to leave with concerns about their pacemakers. The people were dancing & clapping and we were feeding off of each other’s energy. I loved playing for a huge crowd of people who really appreciated what we were doing, it was one of the more rewarding musical experiences I've ever had! Of course, all of this music is just a tool to honor our Lord Jesus Christ and draw people to Him.
The evangelist Dan Owens closed each night with a powerful sermon followed by an alter call. All of the elements worked well together and it was awesome to watch hundreds of people come forward and give their hearts to Christ night after night.
Along with the evening crusades, during the day we went to hospitals, schools, and orphanages to help out where we could and spread the good word. These daytime events really stretched me a lot. I'm an open Christian, but generally not the “aggressively reaching out proclaiming Christ to people who may not want to hear about it” type.
I'll never forget being in the hospital’s HIV ward surrounded by about a hundred people who know that they’re soon going to die and suddenly being the one to proclaim the gospel and pray over people. No matter how old or young we are, we know what we know about God and our relationship with Him. My prayers were always answered and God always came through giving me just the right things to pray for and the boldness and confidence to do it. It was awesome to see so many prayers answered right there on the spot, people healed, demons cast out (yes all of that stuff is very real!), and so much good done in the name of Jesus Christ.
About one in ten people there has AIDS and there is a major need for medicines, treatments, education and supplies for healthy living. I strongly encourage all of you to help out those in Africa whenever you see a chance. They have so much to offer and it’s tragic to see so many lives unnecessarily cut short.
The people in Uganda are beautiful and God loves them all just as much as anyone & everyone else on this entire earth! Overall, I’d say that this Uganda mission trip was a blast musically, and spiritually a healthy stretch. Many needs were met, many churches were strengthened, and hundreds of people made the most important decision of their lives and came forward to give their lives to Christ! I'm humbled and thankful that I was invited and able to go and believe that the Lord is well pleased with the whole event. // On March 23, 2007 Rhythm X in conjunction with Muremo Music and Dynasty USA, will make history by being the first independent indoor drumline to tour Europe! Rhythm X will embark on an experience that will take the indoor drumline activity to a new level.
'We are honored and excited for this opportunity. This tour will promote the indoor percussion activity in Europe and open doors for future international growth', said Dunn the executive director and founder of Rhythm X. Rhythm X will embark on a 10 day European tour that will begin in London, England and will conclude in Gent, Belgium. While in Europe Rhythm X will visit London and Crawley England, St Quentin and Paris France, Brussels and Bruges, Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Gent Belgium. During this historic tour Rhythm X will be hosting clinics and competing on the European circuit CGN. 'Allan Murray, vice president of Dynasty USA and Jean Paul Ratajczak, Muremo Music mentioned the possibility of this tour to me in 2005 and since then we have been working together to make this tour a reality,' Dunn said.
'I am really excited that the group gets to perform for a new group of fans. Hopefully we will be able to inspire the growth of the activity in Europe and truly make indoor percussion an international phenomenon', said Andrew Markworth, a two year veteran member and the current front ensemble arranger and designer for Rhythm X.
'Having Rhythm X in Europe will help build excitement in developing the European Indoor Circuit' said Allan Murray, vice president of Dynasty USA. 'Muremo Music and Jean Paul Ratajczak have been the leaders in bringing education to Europe and the UK and it is never more evident again with the Rx tour.' Tim Fairbanks program designer for Rhythm X said, 'Dynasty is leading the way to true international participation and competition in the pageantry arts activities. It's very exciting to be part of a team willing to reach beyond our borders and inspire music excellence and education on a global scale!' 'I am committed to seeing this activity grow and move into different parts of the world. I have been on the WGI advisory board for 8 years now and every year we talk about how we want to promote international growth, well here it is and we are excited to be one of the first percussion ensembles to make it happen!'
Mark Reynolds, Dynasty USA product manager said, 'Dynasty USA is excited to help these kids experience a trip of a lifetime and I know that Rhythm X will inspire many people to start percussion groups of their own.' This announcement of the Rhythm X trip to Europe in 2007 is very exciting! WGI percussion opened the door for International competition by changing our eligibility requirements in 2006. We saw the benefits of this change with the participation of Aimachi from Japan this past season. The Rhythm X European tour will give indoor percussion participants and fans overseas a first hand look at one of our premier ensembles. The impact that this will have on International participants and fans will be like nothing they have ever experienced. The members of the 2007 Rhythm X ensemble will enjoy a Box 6 experience' said Mark Thurston, WGI Percussion Coordinator.
Jon Gustin a two year veteran member of the bass line was astonished to hear of the news, 'The trip to Europe will not only be a significant milestone for Rhythm X, but for WGI and all of the indoor percussion organizations. I am excited to be part of this great opportunity that Dynasty and Muremo has given Rhythm X because after many hours of hard work, the world will get a small but great example of what the indoor/winter percussion lines are doing over here in the United States.' 'We will hold auditions the same time as we always do and we will make it known to potential members that we will need every member to be committed to making the trip to Europe', Dunn said. Muremo and Dynasty have partnered together to make this tour a possibility and alleviate the financial burden that would normally fall on the members shoulders.
Rhythm X will attend two Winter Guard International Regionals and the 2007 World Championships, as well as competing in their local circuit, the Mid East Performance Association. Rhythm X is an independent world indoor drum line, founded by Craig Dunn, based out of Columbus, Ohio. Rhythm X's inaugural season was in 2002 which resulted in capturing the gold medal in the independent open class at the Winter Guard International World Championships. Since then Rhythm X has consistently maintained its status at the top of independent world class competition. Rhythm X was the 2004 Winter Guard International independent world class bronze medalist and the 2005 and 2006 independent world class silver medalists. Rhythm X is always a crowd favorite with their stunning visual and musical package that leaves the audience wanting more! After a superb first week on tour in the U.S., the GLASSMEN are taking their tour overseas for the first time to Europe.
The corps just landed this morning safe and sound at London's Heathrow Airport, and the members and staff are ecstatic about beginning their first international tour. The adventure began last night as they left from JFK airport in New York City - en route to London, England. Today, the corps boards the busses to head through the Eurotunnel on their way to Saint Quentin, France for the rest of the week.
Beginning today, daily updates will appear on the GLASSMEN website about the happenings of the corps each day in Europe. Stay tuned to for more photos and information as the tour progresses. Photo: GLASSMEN Members Sydney Moilanen, Taylor Landers, Becca Aavang, and Mark Ziegler arrive at London's Heathrow Airport. // The GLASSMEN are officially on tour! The corps made a special trip this week up to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin to provide the staff at Dynasty, Inc. With a unique opportunity to see their products at work - a live concert in person from the GLASSMEN Drum & Bugle Corps - right in their front yard! To celebrate the third year of their partnership with Dynasty, and as a thank you to them for helping to coordinate the corps' upcoming European Tour, the GLASSMEN performed selections from their 2006 production, 'Beethoven: Mastery and Madness.'
The corps has premiered 'Mastery and Madness' to several audiences this week - first at the Family Day event in Wauseon, Ohio, held last Sunday in front of hundreds of family, friends, and fans of the corps - and then to the lucky staff members at Dynasty Headquarters in Wisconsin who were able to preview the show this afternoon. Photo: The GLASSMEN premiered their 2006 show for several audiences this weekend, including a special performance at Dynasty Headquarters.
Corps Director Brian Hickman spoke to the audience about the show, describing each movement and how it related to different points in Beethoven's life. Attendees were wowed not just by the description of the show, but when the corps began to play - they were transported back to Beethoven's time - and had the opportunity to see and hear the music as Beethoven did - (or did he?) Though the concert at Dynasty was only a standstill, Hickman told the audience that when they see the corps on the field this weekend for the first competition, they should 'expect the unexpected' - right up to the 'special effects' that become apparent in the fourth movement. The GLASSMEN are prepared to take the drum corps activity by storm this first weekend with 3 competitions, including their own 'All-Star Review' in Toledo, Ohio on Saturday, June 17th. The corps then departs on Tuesday, June 20th for their two week European tour. Stay tuned to www.glassmen.org for daily updates from Europe, and more details as the season progresses! // Mark Ford was a guest professor of music at the Pontifica Universidad Catolica in Santiago, Chile from May 24-June 3, 2006. Mark presented master classes on marimba technique and literature and also taught private marimba lessons.
He collaborated with the UC Percussion Ensemble and percussion faculty on a concert on May 31st. On this concert Mark performed several solos including his compositions Kingdom Lore Fanfare, Motion Beyond and Eric Sammut’s Spirals. Ford also performed with UC faculty members Carlos Vera Pinto, Gonzalo Muga and Christian Hirth on Minoru Miki’s Marimba Spiritual and also a free improvisation duet with faculty member, Gerardo Salazar. Students Patricio Barrientos and Nicolas Moreno performed Stubernic and Carlos Vera L.
And Cesar Vilca performed Afta-Stuba with Ford. Mark also conducted the ensemble in his composition Standup Shadow. Dynasty Inc., Innovative Percussion, Zildjian and Evans Drum Heads supported Ford’s residency in Chile. // The Blue Devils in association with Dynasty USA and Don Wilson Music will present a clinic in all four major captions: brass, Percussion, color Guard and Visual as well as showing the full ensemble conducted by the Blue Devils staff and members. The clinic will conclude with a performance of the 2006 show: The Godfather, Part BLUE The clinic will be held Monday, July 17th, 2006 from 130PM until 4PM at Louisville Christian Academy. Admission will be free. This is a great opportunity for band directors, students and staff to get motivated for the 2006 marching season.
For more information please call Don Wilson Music of Lexington at 859-278-7459 or Don Wilson Music of Louisville at 502-394-0224 or visit www.donwilsonmusic.com. // Dynasty USA is proud to announce a fabulous clinic event in conjunction with Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps. This three-hour educational clinic will be held in conjunction with the Corps at the Crest show in Walnut, CA on June 24, 2006. This clinic event, free to the public, will feature 2004 DCI Individual Champion Ivan Pacheco presenting a snare drum performance clinic, percussion ensemble clinic, brass ensemble clinic, visual ensemble clinic, and rehearsal segments with Pacific Crest.
You will have the opportunity to watch the final run-throughs before the show, then attend the show and see Pacific Crest bring their rehearsal to life competition. Dynasty will also present door prizes at the clinic.
Tickets for the Corps at the Crest contest are available for sale through DCI. See the links in this e-mail to purchase the tickets. Take this opportunity to spend a great afternoon with a great corps, then see some of the country's best drum corps in the evening.
Dynasty invites you to be a part of this terrific day. Walnut, Calif., home of the Corps at the Crest event, is a suburb of Los Angeles that holds a rural charm with close access to the big city. The show is held at the Hilmer Lodge Stadium at Mt.
San Antonio College, a respected venue to host the best DCI Pacific corps in DCI. Show starts at 5:00pm. Corps appearing: Blue Devils Santa Clara Vanguard Pacific Crest Blue Knights Mandarins Esperanza Impulse The Academy Mystical Jester Hawthorne Gold Dream, Sr Ticket Prices: $22 & $27 All students, band directors, instructors and fans are welcome to spend the afternoon and evening with Pacific Crest and Dynasty USA. This will be the beginning of another great Drum Corps summer. We are looking forward to it, and hope to see you. Sincerely, Dynasty USA Hilmer Lodge Stadium Mt.
San Antonio College 57 North Exit Temple Turn Left Left on Bonita First left into parking lot or 57 South Exit Temple Turn right Left on Bonita First left into parking lot GPS or Mapquest address: 1100 North Grand Ave. Walnut, CA 91789. // The GLASSMEN will present their first ENTERTRAINMENT™ clinic of this season, free and open to the public - especially to kids interested in marching with a drum corps! The clinic will take place in the Glass Bowl Stadium from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Before the evening competition. The clinic features a chance for students to break off into music/equipment sectionals with the brass, percussion, and guard - and then reconvene on the field for an interactive visual marching rehearsal. The clinic will wrap-up with a full ensemble rehearsal with commentary from the staff and Q-and-A for directors, and a final run-through of the entire 2006 production. School groups that participate will also be invited to join us at the post-clinic tent before the show for some food and fun for the students before we kick off the evening competition. Tickets are going fast - schools wishing to purchase a ticket for the entire day can call the office at 419-698-9775 for more information and reservations. // Dynasty USA is pleased to announce that Father Ryan High School Band (Nashville, TN) has agreed to join the Dynasty USA family effective May 2006.
Father Ryan’s Indoor Percussion Ensemble has performed in every WGI season since the inaugural 1993 season, and has been a finalist for 13 years. They were Scholastic A Champs in 1995 and 1996, secured a GOLD MEDAL in 2000 in Scholastic Open. In 2005 Father Ryan made the jump to Scholastic World, making finals each year. “Dynasty USA is excited to have the Father Ryan staff and students on board to help us grow as a family and a company” said Mark Reynolds, Dynasty USA Product Manager. “The Father Ryan Winter Percussion group is known for having the most entertaining shows year after year, and we look forward to having a long relationship with their students and staff.” 'Father Ryan is extremely excited about joining the Dynasty family.” Said Derek Schletzer. “We are thrilled with everything that Dynasty has to offer, from the product to the outstanding customer service.
We are looking forward to a long healthy relationship.' Father Ryan’s list of staff includes Band Director Jeff Schletzer, David England, Tim Hale, Derek Schletzer and Dustin Schletzer. Check out their bios in this newsletter. All of us here at Dynasty USA welcome Father Ryan High School and their outstanding staff to the Dynasty USA family! // For Immediate Release: May 10, 2006 Hawthorne Caballeros Select New Dynasty USA Drums for 2006 The Hawthorne Caballeros are proud to partner with Dynasty USA in 2006. The Caballeros recently unveiled a full set of shiny new black Dynasty Drums.
Gary Gill, Percussion Caption Head and Arranger for the Caballeros said that the Caballeros chose Dynasty Percussion because “we love the design of the drums - the sturdiness and the sounds of these drums are second to none. The projection of the bass drums is awesome, nice crisp sound from the snares and a dynamic sound from the tenors. I couldn’t be happier”. Frank Gerris, President and General Manager of the Hawthorne Caballeros commented that “we chose Dynasty USA because of their championship attitude and customer service.
We are looking forward to a successful competing season with Dynasty USA as our partner”. “We are elated to have the Hawthorne Caballeros playing Dynasty USA in 2006 and beyond” said Allan Murray, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Dynasty USA. “as this is the Cabs 60th anniversary we are just excited to be a part of it all and we wish them great success in their 60th year!”. // Dynasty USA is pleased to announce that Paul and Sandi Rennick have agreed to join the Dynasty USA family effective April1, 2006. 'We are excited to have both of these influential teachers and performers join us here at Dynasty USA' said Allan Murray, vice president of Dynasty USA. 'We look forward to a long and lasting relationship with Paul and Sandi.
We know that their input and direction, along with all Dynasty USA family members, will help develop our instruments over the next few years to be the best in the industry.' 'It’s an honor to be associated with Dynasty USA, and I’m excited to work with everyone towards the future and the next generation of percussion instruments.” - Paul “Dynasty is a class act, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team.” - Sandi Paul is an icon in marching percussion throughout the world, and will help Dynasty USA in product development through his involvement in Scholastic and DCI programs. Sandi will be vital in helping with the development of the marching and concert percussion instruments. Both Paul and Sandi have a wealth of experience to devote in helping Dynasty USA percussion instruments become the industry leader. All of us here at Dynasty USA welcome Paul and Sandi to the family! // The 2006 WGI World Championships are taking place right now in Dayton, Ohio.
The PSA and the PIA finals were last night in the Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University. Dynasty is so excited to announce that all THREE medalists in PSA are members of the Dynasty USA family. Mariner HS takes top honors in PSA by scoring a huge 96.35, South Lyon won the Silver medal with a 94.45 and Greenfield Central takes the Bronze with a score of 94.3. Dynasty would also like to congratulate Howell North HS for making finals also last night and scoring an 87.7. Dynasty would also like to congratulate Quest Percussion in PIA finals last night for bringing home the Silver medal and scoring an 89.15. Dynasty is very proud to play a small part in these group's success!
// Mickey Ratliff is currently Director of Bands at Warsaw Community High School in Warsaw, IN, where he previously had been Assistant Director of Bands. His current duties include directing the WCHS Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Pep Band. Other duties include assisting with the Concert Band and four middle-school bands, teaching Music Theory, and serving as Department Head of Instrumental Music.
In the past twenty years, he has served as an educator, clinician, and adjudicator in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Indiana. He teaches private percussion lessons through Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, IN and is a freelance performer and private teacher. Since 1993, Mr.
Ratliff has been the director, writer, and arranger of the WCHS Percussion Ensemble. Under his direction, the WCHS Ensemble has received a number awards and recognitions - including the Bands of America National Indoor Marching Percussion Championship (’93, 94', and 95'). // As part of the GLASSMEN ENTERTRAINMENT Series, world renowned percussionist Mark Ford will present a Master Class prior to the concert. The Master Class is open to all ages, and admission is free with purchase of a ticket to the concert. The Master Class will be held in the same location as the concert, and run from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.
Mark Ford is the coordinator of percussion activities at The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas and Immediate Past-President of the Percussive Arts Society. He is a marimba specialist and the director of one of the largest percussion programs in the United States at UNT. Ford has been a featured performer/clinician throughout the states at universities and at music conferences including PASIC, MENC, TMEA, Mid-West and CBDNA. Mark has also performed at International Music Festivals in South America, Asia, Australia and Europe.? Ford has been recognized as a leading percussion educator and his university percussion ensembles have won national honors from the Percussive Arts Society. With several marimba and percussion CDs to his credit, Mark has also recorded a DVD with Japanese virtuoso marimbist Keiko Abe and the UNT Wind Symphony.
As a composer, Mark Ford has written several popular works for solo marimba and percussion ensemble including Head Talk, Polaris, Kingdom Lore Fanfare, Stubernic, Heads Up!, Nightwatch and Standup Shadow. Attendees are not required to bring items (music/sticks/mallets) to the class - just an interest in learning some of the in's and out's of the percussion world from none other than Mark Ford! Ford will also be a special guest performer featured in the GLASSMEN Showcase concert later in the afternoon. You won't want to miss either of these events! // GLASSMEN Timpanist Chihiro Shibayama performed for a television audience this week as part of the Juilliard School's biennial gala televised nationally as part of the award-winning Live From Lincoln Center series on PBS. Originally broadcast live on Monday night, April 3rd, during the school's 100th Anniversary Gala, the show will be rebroadcast during the week at various times on PBS (check your local listings).
Shibayama is a percussion student at the Julliard School in New York City, and is in her second year playing timpani with the GLASSMEN. As a Julliard student, she's had the opportunity to play for many star-rated events, but she loves coming out to the midwest to be with the GLASSMEN even more. 'I always wanted to do it when I was in high school marching band in Japan,' said Shibayama. 'I thought I had to give it up when I entered the conservatory, but I was wrong. It was really helpful. I learned a lot about not just playing, but living life - making good connections with people.
It's really nice to be in this drum corps!' Congrats, Chihiro! We'll see you on the 'big screen'! // Dynasty USA would like to congratulate Jeremy Hunt and the members of the Mariner High School Percussion section on winning yet another FFCC championship. Back to Back FFCC Championships The Mariner HS indoor percussion ensemble won it's 2nd FFCC PSA title this past Saturday in Orlando, FL. Under the direction of Jeremy Hunt the percussion ensemble once again went undefeated in circuit competition. Mariner would like to thank Dynasty USA for there help attaining all new outdoor mounting systems for our old keyboard instruments.
'It's made a world of difference on maintaining the life of the keyboards and micing was a breeze' said Hunt Good luck in Dayton and we are very excited to check out this amazing show! // The GLASSMEN wrapped up a whirlwind weekend of performances, concerts, drill, and rehearsal as part of their second camp during the month of March. Select brass and percussion members met early on Thursday to prepare for the weekend's concerts with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, and were treated to a top-rate dress rehearsal with the symphony and it's resident conductor, Chelsea Tipton, II.? The corps joined with the symphony to play the finale of the 1812 Overture, and after a few run-throughs of the piece - deciding exactly where the bass drum 'canons' would do the least damage to the audience members ears!
- they were set for two sold-out concerts on Friday and Saturday night. // Dear Dynasty USA I came home late last night after working a full 5:00 AM to 2:30 PM day and then teaching a Customer Service Excellence class at Boeing. My 17 year old son met me at the door and asked if I had ordered something recently. When I walked in, there were two large Dynasty boxes inside.
I was in HEAVEN!!! The triple squints arrived at my house yesterday! That was FAST!! Being late at night and having to get up this morning at 4:30 AM to go to work, I thought I'd just open them up and take a peek.
I couldn't stop looking and touching. The more wrapping I pulled out, the more excited I got! I had to completely unpack them and check them out! Having personally owned Ludwig's, Pearls and Yamahas in the past, NOTHING could compare to the quality of the drums I set out on the table in front of me! The quality of the hardware, the perfection of the white wrapping, the clean lines of the rack.all outstanding. The carrier.a carrier that fits over my head with no problem.SUPREME!!!
To be able to pick up a set of triples with one hand and move them around with little effort.no more back problems for this guy!! Tonight, Jim Nevermann and I will be tuning them up to our specs. We will be happily entertaining (or disturbing) all of my neighbors on our quiet little island for a few hours. Thanks, Frank Jacobson. // Each year Columbus Percussion takes a drum from a winning contestant and completely overhauls their marching snare. A custom exotic wrapped finish, along with a custom powder coating all make for a one of a kind drum. Last year's lucky winner got a drum with a hidden DVD player, a built in iPod, and a Roland metronome as well as one stunning looking instrument.
To enter, just click on the Columbus Percussion link and look for the ' Pimp My Drum ' registration. Dynasty will once again be a part of this event by giving the lucky winner a brand new Dynasty DFX14 marching snare drum along with a new marching snare drum stand. The drum will be revealed at the 2006 WGI World Championships in Dayton Ohio and be presented by a very special guest from the Dynasty family of endorsers.
// The Marquette Pep Band took delivery of new Dynasty USA sousaphones in time for their home Big East game against St. John's last night? The sousaphones added a whole new depth to the Pep Band and it was great to hear nice quality of sound along with VOLUME! Dynasty USA would like to thank Pat Tures and Dr. Nick for inviting us out to experience the band and the game.
The Marquette Pep Band was thanked in person after the game by the university president Father Robert A. Wild, Marquette Head Basketball Coach Tom Crean and his wife Joani and many alumni. What a wonderful time we had and we are proud to have Dr.
Nick and the Marquette Pep band part of the Dynasty USA family. // Dynasty USA is pleased to announce that Sandi Rennick has agreed to join the Dynasty USA family effective January 1, 2006. 'We are excited to have this influential teachers and performer join us here at Dynasty USA' said Allan Murray, vice president of Dynasty USA. 'We look forward to a long and lasting relationship with Sandi.
We know that her input and direction, along with all Dynasty USA family members, will help develop our instruments over the next few years to be the best in the industry.' “Dynasty is a class act, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team.” - Sandi Sandi will be vital in helping with the development of the marching and concert percussion instruments. Sandi has a wealth of experience to devote in helping Dynasty USA percussion instruments become the industry leader. All of us here at Dynasty USA welcome Sandi to the family!
// The Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps are thrilled to announce the arrival of their new equipment courtesy of Dynasty USA and Muremo. 'We took delivery last weekend of a new set of brass instruments and marching percussion which sees the Corps change to Open Key instrumentation for the 2006 competitive season' says Dan Stillwell music coordinator for the Black Knights. 'The Black Knights have done a nice job over the last few years with DCUK' says Allan Murray, vice president of Dynasty USA 'and we are very pleased to welcome the Black Knights to teh Dynasty USA/ Muremo family.' 'Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps was officially founded in 1991.
Black Knights are based in Gravesend, Kent in the UK. Black Knights have been a succesful competing unit in DCUK, BYBA and last year DCE.' // Keith Rousu, coordinator for the Blue Thunder Drum Line of the Seattle Seahawks has informed Dynasty USA that they will be performing at various events around Detroit prior to the Super Bowl game on Sunday. Here is a list of their performances so far.
Friday. 11am performance outside Courtyard hotel - 5200 Mercury Drive, Dearborn MI 48126.
2pm performance at Detroit Day School for the Deaf (only for the school, no public) Saturday. 11am performance outside Courtyard hotel - 5200 Mercury Drive, Dearborn MI 48126. 12pm performance outside Doubletree Hotel. 4pm performance at NFL Experience at the Cobo Exhibition Center, 1 Washington Ave Sunday. 10am performance at Seahawks Team pre-game party (invite only) We hope the Blue Thunder has a great time at Super Bowl XL and we wish them and the team good luck!
// Memphis Sound has entered into an agreement with Dynasty & DEG Music Products to become a full 'Dynasty corps' in 2006. In 2005, the corps began using Dynasty battery percussion.
For this season, Memphis Sound adds a full set of Dynasty brass instruments, as well as Dynasty keyboards and front ensemble percussion equipment. Allan Murray of DEG Music says 'we welcome Memphis Sound to the full Dynasty family.
The corps joins some of today's top names in DCI using Dynasty brass and percussion instruments.' The corps hopes to take delivery of its new Dynasty horns in time for the March 2006 rehearsal camp, with percussion equipment to follow shortly afterwards.
// This past weekend, the GLASSMEN participated in the 2006 Ohio Music Educators Association Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, as both exhibitor and part presenter. The corps has attended the conference for more than a decade, educating students and spreading information to directors about the many aspects of the drum & bugle corps activity. This year, the GLASSMEN are teaming up with OMEA and FJM, Inc. To present a unique version of the trademark GLASSMEN ENTERTRAINMENT Clinic. On July 11, 2006, in Delaware, Ohio, the GLASSMEN will present two special sessions for these two organizations - all in one place! Ohio Wesleyan University is home to the FJM Clinic from July 9-12, and the GLASSMEN will present a clinic for FJM attendees during the evening session on Tuesday, July 11.
Earlier in the afternoon, the GLASSMEN members and staff will present a new type of clinic in conjunction with OMEA, specifically geared towards OMEA adjudicators as well as band directors and staff. This session will focus on design and execution, giving the judges a 'laboratory experience' from which they can hone their skills. For directors,it is an opportunity for them to see the process from both sides, and to better learn how to develop a successful field program. 'OMEA is very excited about this unique opportunity, allowing all of Ohio's marching band adjudicators and directors to have this experience together,' remarked Rob Cintron, OMEA Marching Band Adjudications Chair.
'The ability to integrate all of these learning opportunities at once enables us to improve techniques for judging and designing at the same time - and on the same level.' More information will be available through www.omea-ohio.org, www.fjminc.com, and www.glassmen.org in the coming months. // Recently at the All Japan Marching Band Championships 13 out of 21 groups competing played Dynasty USA Instruments. // We have ventured into the world of Podcasts at Dynasty USA these days for audio and video. If you go to this link listed here copy the link there (which is ) and then go to iTunes, Music Store, look to the top where Advanced is and click on this pull down menu and then when the box comes up 'Subscribe to Podcasts' paste the link into the box. It will then load into iTunes and away you go.
There is an excellent audio interview with Wayne Downey, Music Director for the Blue Devils, arranger for Riverside Community College, movies and many other bands and groups. Please take a moment to listen in and check it out and look back for more things to come SOON! // Mark Ford, Coordinator of the University of North Texas Percussion Program, was a guest clinician and performer for the 2005 Belgian Days of Percussion at the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, November 19-20, 2005. The festival, hosted by Ludwig Albert and sponsored by the Percussive Arts Society, featured a variety of clinics as well as a marching percussion individuals competition. Ford presented a marimba clinic, performed on the finale concert and also judged the marching keyboard contest organized by InCorps' Erwin Van Gemert with the assistance of Jean Paul Ratajczak from the Muremo Company.
Other clinicians were Li Biao from the Bejiing Conservatory, jazz vibraphonist Victor Mendoza with pianist Rafael Alacala from the Berklee School of Music, and Ludwig Albert, Leo Ouderits and Lin Chin Cheng from the Royal Conservatory. Wilma Schneider, also from the Royal Academy, assisted with the organization of the event. In the picture are Leo Ouderits, Rafael Alcala, Ludwig Albert, Victor Mendoza, Wilma Schnieder, Mark Ford and Li Biao. // Brian Hickman, Executive Director for the GLASSMEN Drum & Bugle Corps recently returned from a three day whirlwind tour of France, Belgium, Netherlands and England to finalize the details for the corps' upcoming summer tour of Europe. Although short, the weekend was quite eventful and productive for all.
Arriving in Paris on Friday morning, Mr. Hickman was met by Jean-Paul Ratajczak from Muremo, and embarked on a 'four countries in three days' tour to meet housing contacts, inspect performance sites, and finalize touring details. Although still in the confirmation process, the fourteen day tour next June 20 - July 4 will see concerts, field performances, parades and ENTERTRAINMENT™ Clinics in France, Holland, Belgium, and a historic collaborative event in England. // Mark Ford has released a new marimba method book titled Marimba: Technique Through Music published by Innovative Percussion Publications. Marimba: Technique Through Music is a musical approach for the intermediate marimbist. Sixteen original etudes by Ford guide the student through the technical and musical fundamentals of marimba performance. Released in August of 2005, Marimba: Technique Through Music has already been adopted in the percussion curriculums of The University of Arizona, The University of South Carolina, Texas A & M University- Commerce, The University of North Texas and others.
For more information on Marimba: Technique Through Music contact Mark Ford at www.music.unt.edu/percussion or Innovative Percussion at www.innovativepercussion.com. 'Marimba: Technique Through Music is a much-needed collection of works. The skillfully conceived pieces have the appropriate technical and musical sophistication for any intermediate student.'
Michael Burritt, Northwestern University 'The best part about Mark Ford's Marimba: Technique Through Music is the music! Marimba students will enjoy the musical etudes while building stronger technique and teachers will appreciate the overall structure and development of musical concepts.' Christopher Deane, University of North Texas.
Have you ever wanted to learn the licks? You know, the ones that you hear someone else play and you think, 'What was that?!'
Well, This DVD is the place to check them out! Scott Johnson, aka ScoJo, has reached into his drum-bag-of-tricks and pulled out some of the most challenging licks just for you.
Twenty-six of them, explained, broken down and demonstrated by Scojo himself. Each lick is about 3 minutes in length, and with a gigantic special features section this unique DVD disc contains over 2 hours of rim rocking content. Test your skills with one of the most sought after marching percussion experts in the world, Scott Johnson. #26 – Hi Mom Stick Spins - Here’s another trick for you. #25 – Back-Sticking Flam-Rats - Also known as fun with back-sticking!.
#24 – Stick on Stick - You’ll discover a unique look and sound in this lick. #23 – Short Spurts - This lick features falling par-a-diddle-diddles. #22 – Motion to Create Speed - In this lick I’ll show you how to create a burst of speed through motion. #21 – Three Left 32nd Notes. Twice. #20 – Up and Down Flams - For all you “flam-masters” out there, here is the ultimate in grace note control - every note is a flam.
#19 – Stick Over the Hand. #18 – Five-let - This is the Lick to explore the world of five-lets. #17 – Salt & Pepper - It’s independence time!.
#16 – Flam 5 Chut-a-chuts - We are going to work the double accented chut-a-chuts, with a five stroke roll on the flam. #15 – Spida-Toss 04 - This lick incorporates a few tricks. #14 – Inverted Flam-a-Diddle-Diddles -Here is a real hero lick.
#13 – Tasty Treat - Control at every height is the key to the Tasty Treat. #12 – Drag the Left - The left gets a workout with some one-handed flam drags.
#11 – Para-Speed - A little old school here. #10 – Stick Toss - I explain how to do many variations on the basic stick toss. #9 – Modulating Diddles - I demonstrate how to modulate 16th to triplets and everything in between. #8 – Inverted One Handed Flam Accents - It’s all about speed here.
#7 – The Spida - This is a form of triple back-sticking. #6 – Ghost Flam-Accents - Basic flam accents with a twist. #5 – Dut-a-chuta-dut -I’ve included some par-a-flam-dles along with some two-height hertas. #4 – Stick Clicks - Here is the one people keep talking about - the stick clicks while spinning my sticks.
#3 - Diddle Control - Get ready for 24th notes throughout this entire lick. #2 – Chut-a-Chuts - Lots of grace notes in this one.
#1 – Hero lick - Contains two height paradiddle-diddles as well as a two height five-paradiddle. DVD includes printable PDF's of the licks.