< PreviousPhantom Knights (left)had the final position in their class. The 2018 show was a selection of music from “West Side Story,” including Tonight, America, Maria, I Have Love, Jet Song, One Hand, One Heart and Somewhere’A big shout-out to the small but effective guard that did a great job portraying the rival gangs. The corps’ strength lies in mastering the basics, both musically and visually, and building on those to create a high-quality show that would give those in the higher classes a run for their money.For those not aware, to retain its youth focus, BYBA has an age rule that limits competing units to eight members over the age of 25. An Open Class also exists for those groups that do not meet that age criteria and allows them to march as many +25 years olds as they like. Premier and Open Class run in parallel, with the same judging criteria used, however, separate awards are presented, with BYBA National Champions being the Premier Class first-place unit. With that explained, on to Premier and Open Class!The first band in Premier Class was Liberty Drum Corps (above) with their show called “The Day They Came” that outlined the arrival to Earth of an alien culture and the eventual enslavement of the human race. The show featured Caliban’s Dream, Sunny, the theme from “Schindler’s List” and Run. Liberty from Northamptonshire gave themselves a hard act to follow after last year’s evocative “The Bench” show. At times I was a little confused as to the story being tol,d but that didn’t detract from an enjoyable and visually-intriguing program. I particularly liked the hemispherical props that were eventually used as cages to subjugate the puny humans . . . and I for one welcome our alien overlords!By this time the flood lights were up to full power, although I’d suggest that Bedford International Athletics Stadium might want to invest in a few new light bulbs before the next floodlit athletics event!digital exclusiveCUSTOMFLAGS$19.99 • $19.99 ‘no sew’ option • $26.99 finished • 36” x 56” standard size • Minimum order of 8 flags • $50 design fee www.awctcolorguard.comPROUD SPONSOR OFas low asby A Wish Come True®Premier League Champion Revolution (left) was next on field with their “Imaginarium.” To quote their show description, “There is a place where things can happen, where your possibilities are endless, with no boundaries. Imagine the potential? In 2018 we present the Imaginarium!” To be honest, I struggled to make sense of this concept earlier in the year, but from a slow start the corps peaked at the right time. The guard hs really developed over the course of the season, with some young members performing at a high level. Special mention to Megan Spencer on her piccolo trumpet solo during Imagine. Great job!The final performance of the evening came from Beeches Performance Ensemble (below) in Open Class. Fresh from a credible seventh-place finish at the Drum Corps Europe finals in the Netherlands, their production was titled “Bounce” and was comprised of Part 1: Spring to Action, Part 2: Elasticity, Part 3: Up, Up and Away, Part 4: What Goes Down Must Come Up.As you might expect, this was a very energetic performance with large trampolines rolled around the field and bounced upon at regular intervals, further emphasizing the theme of the show. The weaker middle section of the show had been worked on over the summer break and this paid dividends. All due credit should go to the designers for so successfully weaving the concept into both the music and visual performance.With so many wet uniforms, the muster and presentation of awards was sensibly drum majors only, allowing the bands to mingle in the stand, which created a great communal atmosphere.The National Anthem was played by a large ensemble of brass players made up of 16-year-old and under members of the assembled bands. Thanks to Bethany from Beeches and Emma from Revolution for ably conducting it with only 15 minutes notice.I can’t write this review without mentioning the three judges and friends we have lost this year -- Lynne Horton, Nigel Brown and Marie Leighton-Morgan all three judged at the 2017 National Championships just 12 months ago and were sadly missed this year.Marie’s husband, daughter, mother and father presented the Marie Leighton-Morgan Memorial Award which went to Ellie Hopkins from Beeches Performance Ensemble.The Terry Kemp award is awarded annually in memory of the former bandmaster and BYBA contesting chairman who passed away in 2001. This year it went to Meadow Clampin from Thurrock Marching Brass, who unfortunately was unable to attend the day due to illness.Congratulations to all bands that took part. Every single performer on the field was a star and I hope in the years to come you’ll look back on the day and remember, yes, the rain, yes, the cold, but more importantly that great sense of family and camaraderie that was on display all day and especially during the awards. Banding isn’t always easy, but it’s always rewarding. n n n Key Poulan with Key Poulan, IVafter a stunning Mandarinsperformance at the Rose Bowl.Knowledge ObjectivesWarm UpsBronze ObjectivesSilver ObjectivesGold ObjectivesPlatinum Objectives2018 DRUM CORPSMandarinsCascadesSpartansHurricanesSunrisersJulianaJulianaStar UnitedBAND DIRECTORS - Start the school year with BASICS!BASICS! BASICS! BASICS! is an acountability methodcreated to provide beginning, intermediate, and advanced created to provide beginning, intermediate, and advanced band students with the basic tools and fundamental concepts needed for musical growth in their Middle School and High School Bands. The method book series has been developed in a manner that simplifies often difficult music concepts. Mastery of the objectives will foster the fundamental skills Mastery of the objectives will foster the fundamental skills needed to become a literate musician. The comprehensive program is designed to be self-paced with a reasonableminimum weekly requirement and no maximum requirement for more advanced students. SmartMusic Classic compatible!“Quality Music for the Contemporary Ensemble"Key Poulan Owner / Composer / Arrangerkey@keypoulanmusic.comwww.keypoulanmusic.com1658 E. Lexington AvenueFresno, California 93720(559) 299-5399by William Aldrich-Thorpe, Drum Corps World staff (aldrichthorpe@gmail.com)Around the all-age and alumni drum corps worldWell, here we are, the 2018 season has concluded with a new venue in Williamsport, PA, as Reading Buccaneers (below right, Raymond Fudge) won the coveted Open Class DCA World Championship title and Carolina Gold (below left, Raymond Fudge) was Class A DCA World Champions. Congratulations to the two winners, but a huge applause to the entire competition field that offered up some of the cleverest, musical and entertaining- est productions I have ever attended. We even met a new friend from over the pond with the name of Cadence (bottom right, Raymond Fudge) that hailed from Surrey County in the United Kingdom.From the very first day, Williamsport has been the most welcoming host city. Both the I&E events and mini-corps venue went off smoothly and it was a whole lot of fun, music and many, many appetizers (thanks to those outdoor vendors!). Big congrats to Star United (top right on next page, Chris Maher) taking the mini-corps championship for the 10th time in their 11 years of existence. Also, welcome back Minisink CMCC Warriors (top left on next page, Chris Maher), debuting their new organization at the mini-corps completion. Well, that was 2018 in a nutshell and we now turn our eyes to the upcoming 2019 drum corps season. FJM_Drum Corps World_2018_HR.indd 110/8/18 12:25 PMAnd here is the latest news:DCA, citing operational and financial concerns, placed the Sunrisers on suspension until further notice. As of this article being written, new Sun leadership is in place and all financial issues have been resolved. The corps’ new leadership will work with DCA and hopes to address concerns and possible reinstatement. For more information go here -- http://dcacorps.org/citing-operational-financial-concerns-the-long-island-sunrisers-placed-on-suspension-until-further-notice/. “A Musical Tribute to Late Teacher” at Oktoberfest Parade had bass player Tom Nagy recalls when his pal, drummer Donnie McDougall, offered a pretty sweet gig. The pitch was hard to resist. “He said, ‘It’s outside, it will be cold and not only are you not going to get paid, you have to pay $150,'" recalled Nagy. “I immediately said ‘Yes’.” How could Nagy say no after learning he would be playing on the Gary Tomlin tribute float at the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade. http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/2018/10/in-the-news-a-musical-tribute-to-late-teacher-at-oktoberfest-parade/. The recently-formed Great Lakes Brass Alliance (GLBA) is in the process of finalizing plans for an inaugural indoor show in Western New York, tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2019. The date and location will be confirmed in the near future. Find additional details here -- http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/2018/10/great-lakes-brass-alliance-planning-2019-indoor-show/ The Sunrisers (above right, Chris Maher) announced that Bob Bessich is their new corps director. Along with this announcement, the corps also welcomed back Paul Beaumont in his new role as president of the board of directors, and Cathy Beaumont returning as business manager. http://www.longislandsunrisers.org/ Youth Education in the Arts announced a new executive director. After a four-month-long, nationwide search process, they recently announced the appointment of Vicki Ferrence Ray as the organization’s new executive director. She took over leadership on a full-time basis on October 29. https://yea.org/news/2076-youth-education-in-the-arts-announces-new-executive-director. Congrats to Cadets2 (above, Larry Eckert) Drum Major Armon Raygani who went home with top drum major THECROWNSTORE.COMCROWN DIGITALSPECIALIZING IN ALL OF YOURCUSTOM PRINTING NEEDS!Digital TarpsDigital FlagsCustom Printed PropsCustom Bass Drum HeadsGET SGET STARTED! (803) 547-2270honors, equaling his DCI Cadets counterpart Claire Albrecht, who earned the Jim Jones drum major award at DCI Finals in Indianapolis last month. “This is a great honor, of course,” Raygani said shortly after finals retreat ended Sunday night in Williamsport. “I love this corps and after all we’ve been through, I couldn’t be happier about how we persevered and came together in the end.” https://yea.org/news/2063-cadets2-finish-second-raygani-named-best-drum-major-at-dca-championships. Hawthorne Caballeros (right, Raymond Fudge) introduced their 2019 design team. Matt Hurley returned in his role as program coordinator; Adam Freeman, music coordinator; Matt Blood, front ensemble caption head/arranger; Rich Klimowicz, sound designer; Chris Bernotas, brass arranger; Paul Nalesnik, battery arranger; and Justin McAdams, visual designer.The Caballeros’ open house is scheduled for November 24 and 25 at Passaic County Technical Institute, 45 Reinhardt Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470. Go here for information: http://www.hawthornecaballeros.org/. Minnesota Brass (far left, 2017, Raymond Fudge) announced plans to return to field competition in 2019. After many months of refocusing and listening to stakeholders, the board determined there is sufficient interest to pursue a competitive drum corps for next season. https://mnbrass.org/2018/09/minnesota-brass-announces-plan-to-return-to-summer-competition-in-2019-town-hall-meeting-set-for-sept-26/. Skyliners above right, Chris Maher) announced that Timmy Allen has returned to be the 2019 staff and ensemble coordinator. “Timmy did a wonderful job as visual caption head last year,” said Corps Director Jeff Crawford. “He represents the corps’ vision for both the short- and long-term future so well and we are excited to expand his role this year.” http://www.skylinersdbc.org/. The Southern Knights (right, Raymond Fudge) have welcomed two additions to the board of directors. Next >