January Camp Update

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 - 2:53 AM
By Chris Lugo

After impressive talent and turnout at the Rosemont and Austin audition camps, The Cavaliers hosted their January Call-back Camp this past weekend in Rosemont, Ill. Even with the particularly frigid weather, the brass and percussion sections accomplished all their major goals for the first rehearsal of 2010.

Percussion arranger Mike McIntosh was impressed with several things over the weekend, including "the approach by the brass staff towards sound production and the efficiency of the brass rehearsal." Prospective and former members have fully embraced the battery technique, and the musicianship of the battery and front ensemble was encouraging. McIntosh went on to say he "loved the intensity of the members and enjoyed watching their faces light up as Scott Koter hinted at details and concepts of the 2010 production!"

The percussion section is making great strides towards an incredible 2010 season. "We were able to dig in on more technique and learn the opener this weekend," percussion caption head Brian Tinkel said. "Sunday's ensemble rehearsal was very exciting because the percussion program had a chance to work closely with the horn line for the first time this season."

"The biggest thing I noticed in the horn line was the increase in energy throughout the camp. By the end of ensemble on Sunday, the corps was absolutely performing," said brass caption head Scott-Lee Atchison.

Visual co-caption head Matt Heard thought "it was an exciting weekend for the 2010 corps, as the staff was able to see and hear each musician again this month; we moved several steps closer to finalizing the 2010 brass and percussion sections."

Veteran and prospective members also got a glimpse into the 2010 summer tour as Mark Ackerson and the tour management met with the corps on Saturday night. Mark and his team highlighted the winter camps, pre-tour, home shows, major DCI regionals and the always important free-days!

All in all, Mike McIntosh thought is was "an amazing weekend of great music and powerful playing! Drum corps is definitely alive and well here in Rosemont!"

A big thanks to all the volunteers, staff, management, veterans and prospective members for a great start to the 2010 season!

2010 Camp Schedule:

February 5-7
March 12-14
April 23-25
Move In - May 21

Check out the Chase Community Giving program on Facebook - VOTING STARTS THIS FRIDAY!