Regular readers of Masters of the Marching Arts are familiar with the fact that the Hanover Lancers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps holds an annual indoor show that has grown over the years. On Saturday, April 20th, we will hold our 11th annual show.
It is the first intermission of Thursday’s Preliminary show in Indy. I turned to head up the stairs to the food court when I thought I recognized the guy behind me. “Hey, aren’t you The Czar?” I said. “I’ve read some of your columns in the past.”
“Yes sir, I am!”, and we began to discuss the season and after a few minutes, I asked him if he would be willing to be interviewed for a column. He said it is not possible since the interviewer and the interviewee are the same person. (more…)
Drum Corps is alive and well. From my seat in Row 1 on about the 48-yard line, I turn around and look up to the top row where it meets the rooftop of Lucas Oil Stadium. I nearly need binoculars to see that far. Fans are packed in from top to bottom, goal line to goal line. When a corps such as the Troopers claws its way back into the top 12 after all the years of being outside looking in, the massive crowd roars in a way that confirms to the corps they have achieved something special. (more…)
Drum corps fans packed the stands at Birney Crum Stadium Saturday night under perfect weather. The wide range of age of those in attendance showed that drum corps is alive and well and sought after by fans of all ages. We drove a six hour round trip to view a show that spanned less than half that amount of time and I had my doubts as to whether the trip was going to be worth the effort. But I was rewarded many times over, finding myself declaring this or that “was worth the drive” following a certain horn or drum sequence.
Calling all drum corps members: drummers, guard members, and horn players alike. If you have been out of practice, it is high time to get back in shape! This season is going to materialize before you know it and you had better be ready. The first few times out on the stage, field or street this season will give us all a tremendous psychological boost. Will you be ready?
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In today’s column we will cover alumni drum corps action. Or shall we say inaction? The last time the United States experienced this low level (zero) of drum corps activity was during World War 1! When the war was over, American Legion posts across the country formed drum & bugle corps using military surplus bugles and drums to keep patriotism at a high level. Esprit de Corps! Drum corps has been running strong for the last 100 years and hopes are that it will all come back soon!
But first: Welcome to the new and improved Masters of the Marching Arts. By way of introduction, several years ago the Drum Corps Czar was appointed by the powers that be, granting the Czar the authority to change rules as he sees fit for the betterment of drum corps activity. Decisions made by the Czar are implemented swiftly so that fans in the stands can enjoy the experience to a greater degree. Readers unanimously responded in the affirmative!
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