The brass and percussion met this past weekend in sub zero temperatures here in Rockford. Over 120 musicians converged at Keith County Day School for the 3rd of six camps this winter/spring season.
The temperatures didn’t freeze the spirit of the members nor the staff, but it did lead to some interesting issues. For instance, moving the equipment truck proved difficult for Bill Riebock (former director and currently special advisor to the director and transportation consultant) as the trailer was frozen to the pavement. Unlocking the padlocks proved difficult as well. The members of the front ensemble unloaded the truck in record time in order to get out of the minus 23 degree temperatures Friday night. The temperatures dropped so much during the weekend that the tractor that we graciously borrow from PG Display had its fuel lines freeze. Luckily, we were able to call upon another volunteer and former Regiment member who buses the corps during the weekend – Chris Glasscoe, who was able to convince her company into letting us use their tractor to move the truck on Sunday.
Glasscoe, an alum of the soprano section, has volunteered to drive the bus for us on these camp weekends as we pick up the members from the Clock Tower in Rockford, and then bus them to lunch and dinner during the weekend. A special note of thanks to the Capital Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps for lending us one of their buses during the winter for these camps runs! The Regiment in the past has used an old school bus, but it s currently out of commission. The Capital Regiment bus makes these runs much more comfortable and easy for all involved (especially in this cold weather)!
The brass and percussion spent the weekend working on the basic technique program of the Regiment in regards to music and visual. Some of the other accomplishments this weekend included:
– percussion received music to the opening piece
– brass received a revised version of the opening piece
– brass received a revised version of the second piece as well
– both sections worked on the closing piece
– brass also played through one of the encore concert tunes – Nessun Dorma from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini
Since the Regiment only has monthly camps during the winter, attendance is crucial as these winter camps are the springboard to the upcoming summer. The horn line had 85 members in attendance while the percussion was at 35. Both sections are currently carrying alternates as there are some students sitting on the bubble as they battle for a spot in the 2007 Phantom Regiment.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with registration, cooking of breakfasts and snacks, as well as fitting uniforms! If you’re in the area, and would like to volunteer, send us an email here.
Our next camp will take place March 2-4 at Harlem Middle School in Loves Park, Illinois. For more info, click here.
