i ran away with the drum corps - … ran away with... · throughout my five-year re-immersion into...

IRanAwaywiththeDrumCorps–adailyblog/journal,nowdiarystyleessay.byKevinRussell

KevinRussell,StarkMountainProductions 781MillBrookRoadWaitsfield,VT05673 (802)279-4621 [email protected]

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June21,2017So,asIsitinmycomfortable,humbleabodealongtheMillBrook,Iamcontemplatingwithnervousexcitementmyupcomingadventure.Iamrunningawaywithadrumcorps–theBostonCrusaders.WhatthismeansisthatIamtradinginmycomfortablesemi-retirementandsummertimeintheidyllic

MadRiverValleyofVermontforlifeasasortofroadiefor150young,hardworkingtalentedperformers.Actually,at62,Iamnotreallysurewhatthismeans.Iknowthatfollowingadrumcorpswillentailthousandsofmilestraveledandhundredsofhoursofhardworkhelpingthecorpsstayonthemoveandperformingatits(their)best.DidItellyouthatthisisahighlycompetitiveactivity?Fortheuninitiated,adrumcorpsismadeupofbrass,percussion,andcolorguardmembers.TheWorldClassjuniorcorpsarethepinnacleofachievementinthemarchingartsandhavemembersthroughage21.Thecorpsmembersworktheirbuttsoffperfectinganeleven-minuteprogramandtouralloverthecountrytocompetewithothercorpsthroughoutthesummermonths,culminatinginthechampionshipsinAugust.Itis‘uber’bandcamp.Iknowitisalittlehardtoexplain,soletmebeginwithastoryabouthowIrecentlybecamereintroducedtothedrumcorpsactivity.Backin1973,mybotherandImarchedinaVFWdrumcorps,theGreyGhosts.Thiswasasmalltownparadecorpsthatcompetedwithothersmallcorpsatthelocalfireman’sfielddaysfollowingtheparades.However,wewenttowatchthenationalcompetitionsinRochester,NYandwereblownawaybythetopcorpssuchastheMadisonScouts,SantaClaraVanguardsandtheBostonCrusaders.Asateenager,marchingdidnotstickandImovedontootherendeavorsleavingdrumcorpsbehind.Fastforwardto2012.Itwasadrearywintermorning,weathertoouglytoskisoIwaswhilingawaythemorningcaughtinaYouTubemusicaljourney.IhadrecentlyaddedaBosesoundsystemtomy27”iMacandwasenjoyinglisteningtojustaboutanythingthatcameintomymindwithafewkeystrokes.Suddenly,thethoughtofdrumcorpspoppedintomymind.“Whatisthestateofdrumcorpsafter40yearsofhiatus?”ItypedinafewcharactersandOMG!Idoveinwithalltenfingers.Lookingbackatthattimefiveyearsago,itseemstohavebeenalifechangingmoment.IdecidedthatIwouldtakeinaliveshowinthecomingseasonandheadedtoGlensFalls,NY,theclosestshowtoVermont.WhenIpurchasedtheticketatthewindowtheguysaid,“LetmeseeifIcangetyouagoodseat.”Ifoundmyselffirmlyplantedonthe50-yardlineashighupastheoldstadiumascended.Thefirstcorps’performance,whichisoftenthelowestrankedcorps,wasenoughtohookmeinforgood.Thecorpsthatfollowedwereevenmoreamazing!ThoughIwasnotsurewhyoneofthemwasdoingaChristmasthemeinJune.LaterthatsummerIboughtticketstotheMeccaoftheactivity,atwo-daycompetitioninAllentown,PA,andhavebeengoingbackthereeveryyearsince.InowtraveleverysummertotheBostonareaaswellasothermajorshowswithindrivingdistanceinNY,PAandOH.IhavealsoflowntoMinneapolisandAtlantaforregionalcompetitionsthatincludeovertwodozenperformingcorpsinoneday.IbecameafriendofDCI,thesanctioningorganizationandenjoyedcountlesshourswatchingtheperformanceontheirarchivesbeforetheytookthemdownforcopyrightconcerns.Asyoumighthaveguessed,Ihavebecomeadrumcorpsjunky.SowhyamIrunningawaywithadrumcorps?

Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps horn line at Community Night. Castleton University, Vermont, June 17, 2017



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Again,I’mnotreallysure.Ithinkitismorelikerunningtowardsomethingratherthanaway.Iwillexplorethisquestionfurtherinfutureposts.Throughoutmyfive-yearre-immersionintoDCI,IhavebecomeacquaintedwiththeBostonCrusaders,mylocalcorps.IfyouliveanywhereinNewEngland,itis“BostonNation.”Maybeit’sthatIhavemetsomanyawesomefolksfromtheBostonareaasaskiinstructoratSugarbushoverthepasttwentyyearsthatIfeelsuchanaffinitywiththeBAC.BostonStrong–VermontStrong–HarwoodStrong.IhavehadthepleasureofattendingmanyoftheregionaleventsinseverallocationsintheBostonareaincludingsomeuniqueperformancesatTanglewoodsPerformingArtsCenter.ImaginethecombinedpowerofBAC,Bluecoats,PhantomRegimentandCadetsallplayingTchaikovsky’s1812Overtureunderthestars.TheyearbeforeitwastheBlueDevilswhocameeastearlytocelebrateBAC’s75-anniversaryeventatTanglewoods.IwasintheroundfortheBDwarmuponthelawn.Freakingawesome!BTW–Iloveallthecorps.ItwasataTanglewoodseventswhereImetafirsttrumpeterfromBACwho,inourbriefconversationconveyedthegreatvibeoftheCorps.Asastrongappreciatorandsupportofyouthmusiceducation,IbegantothinkhowIcouldcatchandbepartofthatvibe.Howcoolwoulditbetobepartofthismassive,highspirited,touringensemble.TheclosestphysicalconnectionIhavetoBACistheirspringtrainingatCastletonUniversity,VT,amere90-minutedrivefrommyhome.IhavehadthepleasureofattendingtheCommunityNights,whereonegetsthefirstglimpseofthenewprogram.Thisyearitwasanamazingsummernight.TheCorpsDirector,RonpresentedtheCorpsandgaveveryinformativeandinterestingexplanationoftheactivityandwhatittakestoproduceaprogramsuchasthisyear’s“WickedGames.”PerhapsyoulearnedoftheSalemwitchhuntsinearlyAmericanhistory.ThekidsperformedarunthroughofthecompleteshowthatIthoughtwasveryclean.Watchthatguard!Theprogramisstrongandpowerful,darkandbeautiful,withaverycompellingmusicrep.TheChrisIsaaksongWickedGameisperformedbeautifullybythewonderfulguard/singerandthenwitharichandmelodicexplosionofbrass.ThereissomethingabouttherichtexturesoftheBACbrassthatreallymakesthissongresonate.ThisisonlygoingtogetbetterandIwasalreadybeginningtotearup.IstronglybelievethisCorpswilltakethisprogramalongwayuptheladder,perhapsputtingtheminthetopfiveattheChampionships.TheCorpsalsodidastandstilloftheBACclassics-morewateryeyes.Finally,Ihadthepleasureofmeetingsomeoftheguard,andonceagainthatvibestruckme.Sothatdidit.IbegantoseriouslyexplorehowIcouldhoponboardthiscooltrain.Idashedoffanessay/resume/emailtothevolunteerinternlinkandguesswhat?TheyinvitedmetojointheminJune.So,thisweekIampackingupandjoiningBACfortwoshowsinOhioandwe’llseewhereitgoesfromthere.WhatamIdoingandwhy?Staytuned.Ileavetomorrow,firststop,Albany,NYforthemovietheatre.Iwillkeepyoupostedinfutureblogsfromtheroad.



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Day1and2-June23,2017Welltheseasonofficiallykickedofflastnight.Thisismyfirstblogfromtheroad.IattendedtheliveinthecinemaperformancefromIndyattheCrossgatesMallinAlbany,NYwithavirtuallyfullhouseinattendance.Thoughitisnotlikebeingattheeventlive,itwassurelyentertaining.Bluecoats,CarolinaCrown,Cavaliers,Cadets,BlueStarsandCrossman,finishedinthatorder.Soifyouarelikeme,youhaven’tquitegotyourarmsaroundtheprogramsthisyear.Lastnightwasrevealinginthatnoneofthecorpsquitehavetheirarmsaroundtheirprogrameither.It’searly.MytakeisthatalloftheprogramsthatIsaw(heard)willchangeandimproveastheseasonprogresses.However,eventhoughtheycameoutontoplastnight,theBluecoatsprogramhasalongwaytogotoequallastyears,definitelyatoughacttofollow.Wherearethesoloists?Nocolor?Nohelmetsagain,but…..bowlerhats?Crown’shornlineprowessremainsstrongwithaverydifficultrepertoireincludingendlesstripletonguing.Theyobviouslyhavenotcompletedthisshowasthecloserwasnotthereandtheprogramkindofstoppedflat.Whatwasitaboutagain?CadetshavetheirhandsfullwithBernstein’sMass.Thisshowwillgetbetterandbetter,andyouknowtheCadets,theywillworktheirbuttsoftoperfectit.Uniforms!Manynewuniformslastnight.Mostspecifically,Cadetshaveshedtheirclassiclookandthecummerbund.Infact,shediswhattheydid,droppinglayersthroughouttheshow.Ithinkthebundswillcomebackastheyembellishthisshowmore.Keepyoureyes(andears)ontheCavaliers.Energy,powerandspeed.Thebigtakeawayformefromwatchingalloftheperformancewas–SPEED.Itisunbelievablehowthesekidscanmovefromdottodotwithspeedandgracewhilemaintainingthepowerofthesound.BlueStarshaveaveryclassactwithbeautifulnewuniformstocomplementthebeautifulpageantryandrepertoire.Itappearsthatallcorpsarenowfirmlyinthe21stcenturywithuniforms.TheCrossman’sperformancewasnotmyleastfavorite,butforsomereasondidnotriseabovetheothers.Itisasolidprogramwithalotofpotential.Lovedtheirballad,again.Anothertakeawayfromlastnightwas,thereisalotofroomforBACtosurgeintothetoptierwithWickedGames.So,hereIsitatarestareaontheNYSThruwayondaytwoofmyjourney,slurpingalargedarkroastandwritingthispieceasmydevicescharge.ConveniencenecessitatedmysleepingintheVolvolastnight–notbad.Nostiffneck.Today,IwillbeonmywaytomeetupwiththeBostonCrusadersontheirwaythroughPAtoMassillon,OH.Iwillbemakingadetourtovisitmyoldalmamater,VVSHighinVerona,NYtocheckontheiravailabilitytohosttheCrusadersinAugustfortheDrumsAlongtheMohawk,Rome,NY.BTW-DrumsAlongtheMohawkisafamousnovel(andmoviestarringyoungHenryFonda),writtenbyWalterEdmondsthatdealtwiththetensionsbetweentheearlysettlersandthenativesinNY’sMohawkValley.TensionandreleasewillsurelytakeplaceontheRomeFreeAcademyfieldonAugust6.Meanwhile,ontothemid-westheadingintotheteethoftornadocountry.Keepyourhaton.

The entire corps is on the field for the performance of Giant, the corps’ song.



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Day3-June24,2017SinceIleftyouattheIroquoisRestAreaontheNYSThruwayyesterday,IhavetraveledoversixhundredmilestoColumbiana,OH,thelodgingsitefortheBostonCrusadersfortheirfirstcompetitionoftheseasontobeheldinMassillontonight–InnovationsinBrass.Thetripwasreminiscentofthemany

timesthatItraveledtheThruwayasaprintingsalesmaninthelate1990’s,representingMidstatePrintingCompany,Syracuse,NY.MyterritoryextendedfromeasternNYS,VermontandMassachusetts.Withwelloveramillioncareermilesundermybelt,andforothervariousreasons,Igaveupthelifeasaroadwarriorforonemorelocally-based.However,yesterdayIgotbackintouchwithmysurvivaldrivingskillsandrelivedmymotto–“caffeine,cruisecontrol,androckn’roll.”ItookadiversiononamissionforBostonCrusaderstotheVernon,Verona,andSherrillHighSchooltocheckonavailabilityforhousingduringDrumsAlongtheMohawktobeheldinthenearbyCityofRomeonAugust6.IhadnoticedthattheCorpshadnotconfirmedarrangementsforasiteandatmysuggestion,theyaskedmetocheckintoVVS.Thiswasagreatopportunityformetovisitmyalmamater(classof72).ImarchedinthehighschoolbandbeforeIgotintofootball.Ishouldhavestuckwiththebandandavoidedtheconcussions.LindaCarter(musicwonderwoman),andErinSanchez,PrincipalsAssistant(gluethatholdstheschooltogether)wereveryexcitedabouttheprospectofhostingtheCorps.However,anothersitehadjustbeenconfirmed,theshowsite,RomeFreeAcademy.GiventhatthecorpswillbeinthemiddleofthreeshowsinarowwithAllentownthedaybeforeandMassillonthedayafter,thisisgood.Maybenextyear.GoVVSRedDevils!Iarrivedatthehousingsite,asmallregionalhighschoolinColumbiana,about5hoursaheadoftheCorpssoIpitchedmytentbehindtheballfieldandwenttosleep.TheCrestviewHighSchoolisinthemiddleoffarmlandinnortheastOhio.Loandbehold,about2:20AMthecoachesandtrucksarrived.SoIpulledonmyshort,slidintomysandalsandcheckedinwithastaffmembercarryingawalkie-talkie,–Jackie.SheinformedmethatIshouldshowupinthemorningtohelpoutwithbreakfast.IgladlyreturnedtomyairmattressandsoontheCorpswassnuggledintothegymontheirsandweallenjoyedcontinuedslumberinColumbiana.Thismorningisabeautifuloneforsure,andsurelyagreatdayforthekidstoworktheirbuttsoffbeforethefirstshow.IamexcitedaboutreturningtoMassillontoseeanothershow.Lastseason,IattendedtheTourofChampionscompetitioninMassillon,thelastonebeforethechampionships,andenjoyedamostentertainingshow.WhatatreattowatchtheBluecoatsperformtheiroutstanding2016programintheirhometown.Theyalsodidagreatstandstillperformancetoanadmiringcrowdbeforethescores.TheBluecoats,asyoumayknow,wentontobecomeWorldChampions.Tonight’scompetitionwillincludetheBluecoats,CarolinaCrownandtheCadets,atoughlineup.TheCrusadersareonjustbeforetheintermission.Ipredictthatfollowingthiscompetition,theywillbeonaftertheintermission.Nowthatbreakfasthasbeenserved,whichconsistedofpancakes,sausage,cerealandfruitsalad,Ihavetimetogetcaughtuponmywriting.Ihelpedoutwithservingthecorpsmembers,makingeyecontactandasmilewithAnna,amemberthatIrecognized.Ithenhelpedprepare

Rest area along the Southern Tier Expressway in Seneca Territory. The three sisters – corn, beans and squash.



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fourlargetraysofsalad.Icutmyfinger.Ihavereallyenjoyedmeetingandworkingwithmanyofthestaffandothervolunteers.Thereareover50staffmembersthattravelwiththecorps.Manyruntheoperationalsideofthings.Thefoodtruckinasemitrailerconvertedintoaproductionkitchen.Someinitialtake-awaysare:theyneedrealmaplesyrup,canreducethetrashandincreasetherecycling.Thecorpsmembersarerehearsing,thestaffisbusyfixingprops,alteringuniformsandpreparingforthefirstbignight.IhavebeenhelpingSteverepairsomeoftheguardpropswithglueandgorillatape,whileNatalieandKyleeareworkingontheirguarduniformsintheartroom.Lunchisnext.ESLisat1:00pm.Thatiseat,showerandloaduptoheadtotheshow.BISisat3:30(buttsinseats).TheWOWisabouttocome.Well,Ididmyfirstdishdutyinthekitchentrailer–washingpotsandpans.Iguessthatexperienceworkinginarestaurantasakidcameinhandy.Itisarightofnewbieism.WorkingwithAnthonytheheadchef,Ihavequicklylearnedthatheismorethanacookbutagreatfriendtomanyofthestaffandreturningcorpsmembers.Hewillnotbegoingtotheshowtonightsothathecanpreparethesnackandhavesomelongoverduedowntime.ThecorpsiffedandreadyforBIS(buttsinseats).IamsigningoffuntiltomorrowwithmyreflectiononhowmyfirstshowbeingonthefieldwithBoston.IhavealanyardWhoohoo!ThoughIthinkI’dratherbeinthestandsfortheprogram.Wicked.



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Day4-June25,2017Everytouringcorpshasabusbreakdown.Wehadourslastnight.Fortunately,itwasaswewereabouttoleavetheshow.Miraculously,therewasabusservicenearbythatwewereabletogetthepartfromat10:00pmonSaturdaynight.Evenso,itmadeforalongnightandaswereturnedtothehousingsitearound

2:00am.Nowforthegoodnews:TheBostonCrusaderhadanexcellentshow.Thecrowedrespondedthroughouttheshowandwerestandingattheend.Thescoresweremuchhigherthanthepreviousyearsfirstshowwhichisindicativeofthehardworkofthekidsandstaffandthequalityoftheshow.Thebrasswasoutstanding,bestingtheCadets.Theguardperformedbeautifully,executingsomeveryinterestingdrills.Theconsensusamongthestaffwasthattheguardscoreswerenotindicativeoftheirgoodperformance.Fortheuninitiated,scoringisdonebyofficialDCIjudgesinseveralcategories,detailsthatIwillnotgointoatthistime.Asyoucanimagine,itislargelysubjectiveandsomewhatpolitical.Therearecertainlyrivalriesamongthecorps.Ihavebeenhearingsomeofthatwithmynewlyensconcedinsideview.Ratherthantakemycaronthe45-miletripfromCrestviewHightothePaulBrownTigerStadiuminMassillon,Irodeononeofthebusseswiththestaffandothervolunteers.Whatasightitmusthavebeentoseetheentireconvoyofbusses,semis,andvans,manyemblazonedwiththecolorfulgraphics“ThisCorpsisMadeofGiants”traversingtheruralcountrysideofnortheastOhio.Onceattheshowthecorpssectionssplitoffineverydirectionaroundthevenuelookingforacoolspottogothroughaplannedrehearsalregimen.ItooktheopportunityforanicewalkandranintoGarry,whoIhadmetearlierinthedayafterbreakfastattheschool.IlearnedthatheisadedicatedexecutiveboardmemberofInspireArts,theumbrellaorganizationfortheCorps,andadrumcorpsnut.HeandafriendDougweresittingintheparkadjacenttothestadium.IlearnedthatDougisoneofthefoundersofCarolinaCrown.Thiswasagreatopportunitytolearnabouttheskin($)ittakestobeinthisgame.Forinstance,thisentouragehasaverylargenumberofpaidstaffincludingthetopprofessionalsintheactivity.Addthattothecostoftransportation,insurance,food,etc.,andyouhaveanumbertheisinthe5to25million-dollarrange,dependingontheorganizationtoreachWorldClassstatus.SomeorganizationssuchastheBlueDevils,Concord,CA,fieldBandCcorpsinadditiontotheirWorldClasscorps.Asyoucanimagine,thisisawinningorganizationwiththatkindofdepth.Bingo!Alsoduringmywalkaroundthelot,IstoppedtovisitwithPaul,thehornrepairguywhoIhadseenmanytimesatothershows.Iaskedhimhowhecouldmakealiving,travelingthecountryjusttofixafewhorns.Iknewhewasintothisforotherreasons.Helaughedandsaidthathehasasmalloverhead.“Seethisismyoverhead.”,hesaidpointingtohispopuptent.“It’sovermyhead.”WeexchangeddrumcorpsstoriesandrealizedwehadsomepeopleincommonbackinVerona,NY.Iwenttoschoolwithhiscousins.Smallworld.So,thecoolestpartoftheeveningformewasbeingtherewiththecorpstotakethefield.WefollowedtheTroopersfromCasper,WY.Iwaswiththepittrailerthathauledthebassdrums,gongsandothermiscellaneouspercussionpieces.Thesecorpswillbangonjustaboutanything.Followinguswerethekeyboardiststuggingthererollinginstruments.WepassedtheTrooperspitcrewastheyleftthefield.Thereisalsoadedicatedsoundcrew,whosetupahigh-end

Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps percussion battery warming up next to an abandoned semi near Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, Massillon, Ohio.



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electronicaudiosystemthatplaysarecordedsoundtrackofvoicesandsoundsunderlyingthetheme.Therestofthecorpsmembersarrangedandsetupthepropsandtooktheirplaceonthefield.Theywenttotheirstartingdot.Marchingdrillsisallaboutmakingitfromdottodot.Amazingly,thissetupofonehundredandfiftymarchersandprops,instrumentsandsoundsystemtakeslessthanfiveminutes.Therearepenaltiesfordelaysbothgettingonandoffthefield,sopropfailuresorelectronichic-upscanbeproblematic.HaveImentionedhowheavyandlargethepropsare?Thankfullythereisanarmyofmemberstomovetheheavystuff.Largeplatforms,gallows,stocks,andotherstructurestransformthefieldwiththevisualbackdropfortheshow.Thesepropsarenotonlyforlooks.Theguardandmarchersdosomecrazymovesonthem.Thestaffandvolunteerswatchedtheshowformthesidelinesandweallheldourbreaths(atleastIdid)whiletheannouncersaidwithenthusiasmandverve,“BostonCrusaders,youmaytakethefieldforcompetition.”Whatajoytoseetheshowunfoldinfrontofmeatcloserange.ThoughIwouldratherbeuphighonthe50-yardline,thiswastrulyaninterestingperspective.ThereweremanymomentswhenIlookedovermyshoulderupatthecrowdinthestands.ThesefanswereseeingabrandnewBostonCrusadersandtheylikedthem.Oncethecrowdcheeringfadedthecorpsmadeitswayoffthefieldwiththesamesmoothoperationinreverse.Whatanightforthefirstcompetitionoftheseason.Todaythereisnocompetitionandthecorpsisrehearsingandeating,andrehearsingandeating,andrehearsingandrehearsing.WeESLat7:00pmanddepartat9:00pm.Thecaravanrollsatnightasmuchaspossiblewhenitmovestonewvenuestoreducethetrafficimpact.Everyonebutthedriverssleepintheircoachberthsandthentaketothegymnasiumfloorwhentheyarrive.Thiswillbemyfirstexperiencewithdecampingandencampingatanewsite.Al,theheadtransportationplannerandtuckdriverandmanyotherthings,planstherouteandmanagesthedriversusingGPSandwalkie-talkies.Unlessthecorpsisheadingtoashowsite,thetrucksusuallydepartfirsttobreakuptheconvoy.Ihavemetseveralofthedrivers.IfoundoutthatPaulisfromStowe,Vermont,45minutesfromWaitsfield,myhometown.Wehadasmallworldmomentnamingatleastthreefamiliarpeopleduringourshortchat.Vermontisasmalltown.Mike,whoalsohelpswiththepropcrew,hadthepleasureofdrivingwhilehisstepsonmarched.Ihavealsometsomeotherparentswhohavebeencomingforadayortwotohelpseethekidsandhelpout.NatalieandBill,havebeenagreathelpontheuniforms.LizandsonLeoarealsoonvacationtohelpthecorpsandarefellowfoodies.Eventhoughthecorpsmembersandstaffareworkingtheirbuttsoff,thereissomedowntimeforvolunteers.Ihavebeenwalkingthecampusonmydowntimeandfindingtheseparatesectionsrehearing,eachitsownlittlecommunitywithinthegreatercommunity.IhavehadsomegoodinteractionswithTom,thecustodianoftheschool.EachtimeIcruisethegrounds,Ifindandhavebeenpickingupplasticscraps.ItoldhimthatIwouldbesurethatthefieldswere100%trashfreebeforeweleft.Ihadnotknownthenthatthecorpshasdesignatedmemberswhoareassignedtothistask.ThisisrightalongwiththeleavenotraceethicthatI,andmyfellowskiersandhikers,ascribetoandI’mgladtobepartoftheleaveitbettercontingent.Whileononeofmywalks,Iwastakingabreak,writing,alongamownpathnexttoacornfieldoffcampusthatIthoughtmightbethecross-countryrunningcourse,andsuddenlyappearedPhilandNoraontheirworkATV.Theyownedthefarm.ItwasacomicalinteractionwhileIartfullyexplainedthereasonforthetwo-dayracket.TheysaidIcouldstayandwriteandleftwithbigsmiles.Youhadtobethere.Victoryforespritdecorps.Allinall,sofar,thishasbeenagreatexperience,especiallymeetingthepeoplethatIhavemet.Thecorpsmembersarestartingtotakenoteofmeinthefoodlineandaround.Theyareverycoolkids.Iamstartingtotearup



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now,soIamsigningofffornow.Morelateronhowthemostindeliblepartofallofthisformeisthefeelingofhopethatthededicatedmemberimbuewithinme.



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Day5-June26,2017Well,we’reinHamilton,OH,justoutsideCincinnati.Ihavenowdriven1,000milesonthisjourney.ScatteredtiredebrisisworsethanIhaveeverexperiencedinmymanyyearsdriving.Ifoundthatusingmyfoglightsilluminatedtheroadbetterformetoseethedebrisearlyenoughatnight.Inarrowlyavoidedrunningoveralargesectionoftirethatwouldhavehurt.Oneofourtruckshadablowoutandithasbeenchangedthismorningbyalocaltireservice.ThedecampinginColumbianawasawell-oiledmachineandthesitewaserasedofanypresenceofthecorpsbeforeweleft.WearenowatMountHealthyHighSchoolinHamilton,OH,outsideofCincinnati.Thecorpsisrehearsingallmorningandmostoftheafternoonagain–gofigure.BIS(remember?buttsinseats)fortheshowisat4:00pm.Attonight’sshow,BACisonafterintermission.BTW-BACstandsforBostonAreaCrusaders,thoughlegendhasitthattheacronymoriginatedtorefertothemastheBadA--Crusaders.Donotmesswiththebandkids!BACwillbecompetingagainstCarolinaCrownandtheBluecoatsagainandnowwillmatchupagainsttheCavaliersandCrossmenforthefirsttimethisseason.ItisthehopeandexpectationthatBACwillbeinthirdplacefinish.IhavebeenspendingmoretimewithSteve,thepropandhiscrewofmembersontheprops,andlesstimewithAnthonythechef.Newvolunteerparentshavebeenarrivingtorelievemeofthepots,pansandserving.Thankyou,Betsy,Gina,LizandLeo.Darren,theTourManagerhassuggestedthatIstayon.IthinkthatIhavebecomeadesiredmemberoftheteam.Tonightisajumpoffpointforme.DoIstayordoIgo?IhadonlycommittedtotheOhioshowswithMary-Mason,theTourDirector.ThecorpsisleavingforEvansvilleIndianaat9:00pm.IhavenoticedthatIhavebeenusing‘we’moreoften,asignthatIamleaningtowardstickingwiththecorpsalittlelongerbeforeImakethelongtriphome.IthinkJulywillbeaverylongmonthforme,waitingtohookupagaininAllentown.Ihave50-yardlineseatsforbothnights,andthennextinRomeandMassillon.So,beforeIsignofftoday,Iwouldliketoexplorethesequestionsagain–WhyamIdoingthis?And,whatisitthatdrawsmetothedrumcorpsactivityandspecifically,theBAC?Firstly,Iamveryexcitedtobewritingagain.Ihavehadaseverlackofmotivationasawriteroverthepastcoupleofyears.PerhapsanotherreasoniswhatItouchedonbrieflyyesterday–themembers.Yesterdayattherehearsal,ImetJenabanddirectorfromaneighboringhighschool.Shespoketomeabouthowthebandkidsalwaysgetalongandaremoreacceptingofeachother.Igetthat.Hey,theymakebeautifulmusictogetherthatisaverybondingexperience.Goingthroughtherigorsofdrumcorpsisanultra-bondingexperience.Thereisalsoawidediversityofmembers,culturally,raciallyandabout50/50genderbalance.Theyareallsingularlyandcollectivelydriventomaketheshowabigsuccess.Together,theyarestrivingforexcellence.But,letmealsosaythatmeetingtheadultsintheroom(ha),thestaffandothervolunteershasbeengreat.Thiscorpshasattractedthetoptalentintheactivity.Theydrivethemselvesequallyhard.Theirrelationshipwiththecorpsmembersisbasedonseriousrespectandunderstanding.Thecreativestaffmembersdrivethekidshardtoachieveperfectionandtheyeatitup.TheorganizationalstaffmembersthatIhavegottentoknowwellarejustasdedicatedandfuntowork,andtoonumeroustomention.ThesearejustsomeofthereasonsthatImaystickitoutforafewmoreshowsandafewthousandmoremileswiththeBoston

One of the larger prop sections that are carried onto the field. The steep hill to the Mount Healthy High stadium required engine-uity.



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Crusaders.GiveneverythingthatIhaveobservedsofar,thiscouldbethebestdrumcorpsintheactivity,overall.Tolookatjustscoreswhenonemakesthatstatementistomissthegreaterpartofwhatthisisallabout.



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Day6-June27,20179:00AMWell,I’mnowinEvansville,Indiana.I’vedecidedtostayonforanothershowtomorrownight,completingasolidweekontheroadwiththecorps.Iamnotquitedonewiththisstoryyet.EventhoughIhaveworkedreallyhardwithAnthonythe

chef,Stevethepropteam,andhelpingthepit,Iknowtheycandothiswithoutme.Workingalldayanddrivingallnightisnotagoodcombination,sotherealityisthatthecorpsisgoingonto30plusmorevenuesintheheartland,TexasandFloridaandIamgoinghomeforthe4thofJuly.Ditchingthecarandhoppingthebusisafantasymoreappropriateforsomeoneyounger.And,Idonotwanttooverstaymywelcome.IwillenjoyareunioninAllentown.MyextendedcatnapattherestarealastnightmademelatetohelpunloadtheproptruckandbreakfastwaswellunderwaywhenIarrived.IamreallyhappywiththeperformanceoftheVolvobutitisstartingtotakeonalived-inaroma.Fortunately,thedirtylaundryandfootwearareinthecargoboxontop.I’mdevelopinganicerelationshipwithSiri,mytravelingcompanion.ShegavemedirectionstothenearestLaundromatinEvansvillethismorning.OMG–thecornisovermyheadhere!It’snotnearlykneehighyetwhereIamfrom.AnotherOMG–thecorpshasbeenencampedforafewhoursattheNorthHighSchoolforathree-daystay.Thecampusishugewithmultiplemodernbuildings.OurhumbleHarwoodUnionHighintheMadRiverValleyislikeaone-roomschoolhousecomparedtothismassivecampus.Theskyisendlesshere–allblue.Thereisnowind(sofar)butthesunishighinthesky.Hydrationwillbesuper-importanttoday.Thecorpsisenjoyingbreakfastundertheshadeofpopups,thetraileroranywhereinthedark.Iamsuretheyareinforalongday.Itisnotashowdayandtherearelightsinthehugestadiumadjacenttothesprawlingschoolbuildings.ItwasabeautifuleveninginHamiltonlastnight.Thecorpsputonagreatshow.Itisgettingtighterandmoreintenseandbeginningtoreallyresonate.Seeingandhearingacorpsprogrammorethanonce,itcanreallygrowonyou.Thereisjustsomemuchyoucantakeinononeviewing.And,theprogramsmaturewithcleannessandcomplexityovertheseason.Manyprogramsextendtheirclosuretoahigherclimax,asthemembersgaintheconditioningfortheenergyittakesforthespeedandpowerfulsoundthatbringsustoourfeetinthestands.ByAugust,thisshowwillhavecaughtfirewiththefansandIcan’twaittoseeituphighonthe50-yardlineinAllentown,RomeandMassillon.Thelongdriveshavegivenmetimetoponderfurtheronthequestion,whyamIdoingthis?Iamfindingthatthisisamulti-partquestionandanswer.AmIdoingthisforme,ordidIvolunteertohelpthecorps?Howissomeonelikemewhoisselfemployed,playssolopiano,happilylivesalone,andenjoysthesolitudeofbeinginnature,sodrawntothismassivetravelingcommunity?AmIlookingforbalance?Wasthisfatedtohappen?WhatisbehindthecoincidentaleventsandintentionaldecisionsthatImade,thatgotmehere?Yes,Iamdoingthisforme.Ihavealwaysbelievedthatyouarehelpingyourselfwhenyouarehelpingothers.SincemovingtoVermontin1995,Ihavebeenincreasinglyinvolvedincommunityactivities,volunteeringcountlesshoursfortheFriendsoftheMadRiver,MadRiver

This is drum corps food.



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PathAssociation,VermontCityMarathon,VermontTrailsandGreenwaysCouncil,andonandon.ThatiswhyIhaveahumbleabodeandsimplelifestyle–volunteeringdoesn’tpaywellindollars.But,Ihaveneverbeeninitforthebuck.BeforeImovedtoVermont,nomatterhowmuchImade,Iwasalwaysbroke.Wevolunteerfortheintrinsicvaluethatweareservingahigherpurposeotherthanourselves.Wedoitforthegreatergoodoffallofus.Thecompensationisthegoodfeelingandsenseofpurposethatwegainfromit.And,wesleepgoodatnight.Therearejobsthatprovidethosesameintrinsicvaluessuchasthededicatedmusiceducators,professionalsandotherstaffthatruntheBostonCrusaders.Ihavealwaysbeendrawntoandidentifywithexceptionalthingslikegoodmusicandgoodfood.DrumcorpsattheleveloftheBACishighlyexceptional.Oneimportantaspectthatmakesthatso,isthehighlevelofrespectamongeveryoneinvolvedintheactivity.AftertheperformancewhilerollingthepitbacktothetruckswepassedtheBluecoatsheadingtothestadium.Greatwordsofencouragementweresharedbetweenthecorps.Stevethepropguymentorspropguysfromothercorps.Nobodywantstowinbecausetheothercorpshadapropfailure.TheBACandMadisonScoutshaveafriendshipthatwasestablishedlongagowhenBACcametotheScoutsrescuewhentheirbusbrokedown.Thereisalsoahighdegreeofrespectamongthestaffandmembersofthecorps.Yes,thisisatop-downtypeorganizationinthatthereisacorpsdirectorandahierarchyofstaffbelow,andthenthememberswhofollowthedirectionsofthem.Throughoutalloftheseinteractions,Ihaveobservedonlyahighdegreeofrespectamongall.Ihavenotexperiencedanynegativevibe.Thisissocool!Ok,thereissurlysomeinsidestuff,likeinanyorganization,butIamnotpayingattentiontothat.Whenitallcomesdowntoshowtime,everyoneisontheballandinittogether.ThatistheexceptionalismthatIidentifywith.Stevethepropguytoldmeastoryaboutyesterday’sshowthatexemplifiesthededicationofeveryonetoworkasateamtogettheCorps,andallofitsregaliaonthefield.Iwasnotawareofthis,butStevewasinpanicmodewithbeinglatefortheproptruckdepartureduetocircumstances,includinghavingtoschlepallthepropsupaverysteephillfromthefieldtotheparkinglot.NowondertheycallitMt.HealthyHigh.ItisnoteasytooverstatehowseriousStevetakeshisresponsibilitytogethisstufftothefield.Whenhearrivedatthevenue,therewasfurtherdelaywithsortingouttheparkingofthetrailersandbusses.Youcannotimaginehowchallengingitistocramdozensofthesevehiclesandeightcorpsmembershipincompetitionintothecampusofahighschool.Thesedelaysseriouslyimpingeduponthepropcrew’sabilitytogetthestufffromthetruckstothefield,agoodquartermileaway.Steveputthecallouttotheoperationsstaffwhorespondedinforcetogetustothefieldsothathiscrewofperformingmemberscoulddotheirwarmup.Everyoneisonhandtodowhateverittakestomakeitwork.Drumcorpshasbecomeverypropintensive.Therearestructuresandplatforms,manyweighinghundredsofpounds.Ihavebeenworryingconstantlyaboutthekidsgettinghurt.1:00pmBeingthatthisisanon-showday,IhavetakenthetimetoorganizethetossedsaladofclothesandgearinthecarandheadtotheLaundromat.There,ImetLaurenwhonicelycoachedmeonthewashersanddryers.It’sbeenawhile.IaskedherhowthingsweregoinginEvansville.Shelamentedaboutthecutbacksineducation,includingthearts.ThiswasincontrasttomyexperienceatNorthHigh.ShelooksforwardtoleavingEvansvilleforFloridawheretherearebetteropportunitiesforherthreechildren.Shewasverynice.ItoldherthatIwastravelingwithBACandthatIwaswritingaboutmyexperiences.IsaidthatIwasnotsureifitwasablog,journalorlongessay.IsaidthatIwasconflictedastowhetherIwaswritingaboutmyselforaboutthecorps.Shesaid,“Thereisnowrongwaytowrite.”



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Day7-June28,201710:00AMIhavebeenweaningmyself,andthecorpsawayfrommyvolunteerhelpsinceIamnotgoingtobewiththemaftertomorrow.Idonotwanttobecountedonforamissioncriticaltask.Though,everythingseemstobemissioncritical.Iwillhelpwiththeshowtonightandleaveinthemorning–maybe.Therewillbe‘milestogobeforeIsleep’onmyreturntothesmalltownofVermont.It'sflathereinIndiana.YesterdayIwalkedthesiteofAngelMounds,asettlementoftheMississippiIndiansfrom1500AD.Ihadaveryspiritualfeelingtheentirewalk.Thebirdswereverymelodious.AsIwasreturningtothevisitorcenteralongamowedpath,aRed-wingedBlackbirdflewoutofthetallgrassbesidethepathabovemyheadsquawking.Istoppedashecircledabove.IfIbegantowalk,hewouldfollow.Thiswentonforseveralminutes.Iwondered:whatishetryingtotellme?ThenIspiedthefarmeronhistractorcuttingthehayalongthepathwayahead.HehadcomedownthislanewithonepassalreadytocutthetallgrassnexttothepathwhereIandthebirdwereengagedinourconversation.Ithenrealizedthatthebirdwastellingmetostopthetractorfromcuttinganymoresoastosavethenestlingsinthegrass.IsaidtothebirdthatIwouldgoseethefarmerandstopthetractor.Thebirdthenstoppeditshoveringcirclesandquietlyreturnedtoaperch.Iwalkedaheadandwavedtothefarmerwhostoppedhistractor.Isaidthatitwastoohotoutinthesunforhimtobeworkingsohard.Weshookhandsandengagedinafriendlyconversationaboutfarming,Vermont,Bernieandwhathaveyou.Alis85yearsoldandraisesbeefcattleonhissmallfarmnexttothemoundsite.Ithentoldhimofmyencounterwiththebirdandaskedifhewouldskipthatareaforacouplemoredays.Hesaidhewouldandwasgoingtoquitforthedayanyway.ItwasaremarkableexperienceandIleftthinkingthatmaybethereasonthatIcameallthewayoutherewastosavethenestlingbirds.Andthatisfine.HaveItoldyouhowhardthisCorpsworks?Lastnighttheentireensemblepracticedunderthelightsworkingthroughtheshow,tweakingandperfectingthedrillsandmusic.Therun-throughwasat11:00pm(centraltime).Ireallyappreciatehowthecreativestaffandinstructorsinteractwiththemembers.Thereisverylittleadmonishmentandlotsofpraise.Steve,theheadofthebrassteamhasagreatapproachbyalwaysbeginningacritiquewithacomplement.ThisisthesameapproachthatIhavebeenusingsuccessfullyasaskiinstructor.Ratherthanerrordetection(you’redoingthiswrong),Iidentifyastrengthandbuildfromthere.Suchas:“Ilikethewayyouareturningyourskistogether.Now,ifyoukeepyourhandsforwardandshoulderssquare,youavoidcounterrotatingyourupperbodyandtheturnswillbesmootherandrounder.”BTW–this“strengthidentification”approachworkswithyourownchildren,employees,everyone.ManyofthecreativestaffmembersarenewwithBAC,comingfromcompetingcorps.Thishascausedabitofabuzzintheactivity.Canthisdreamteamputtogetheracompetitiveshow?Lastyear’srankingforBACwasnottheirbest,howevertheywereinthechampionshiplineuponfinals(top12).Thisyear,theexpectationsarehighandaccordingtoGarry,theboardmember,thestaffteamandcorpsmembersarealreadyexceedingtheboard’sexpectation.WickedGamesisaverypowerfulprogramthathasaccentmomentsthatareextremelyintense.Thespeedof

The three sisters at the Angel Mounds visitor center, Evansville Indiana.



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thedrills,thecomplexityoftheguardmovements,theincrediblebrasssound,andthedemandingpercussionofthebatteryandfrontensemble,makesthisacompetitiveshowbutadifficultonetomaster.Itisamazingtoseeandheartheimprovements.Itisgettingcleanerbytheday.Let’shopethejudgesgivethecreditthatisdueforthisamazingcorpsandtheirwickedcoolprogramandseethemclimbinthestandings.Rise.1:00pmWell,Iamattheeyedoctor.Josh,colorguardmembersufferedakicktothehead,receivingaconcussionandisexperiencevisionproblems.TheCorps’doctor,Vivianscheduledhisappointmentwiththelocaleyedoctor.IwasaskedbyRon,theCorpsDirectortoprovidearideforJoshandbewithhimforthevisit.Rifles,sabers,flagsandotherpropscanbedangerous,socanacontrabasshornorbasedrumifyouturnthewrongway.Thespeedandcomplexityoftheprogramscontinuetoincreasemaking,theseoccurrencesmorecommon.ThereisawholeteamofwellnessprofessionalsthattravelwiththeCorps.Theyhavebeenconstantlytreatingpulls,sprainsandbruises.Therearefourconcussionssofar.Thisshootsmytheorythatitissaferthanfootball.Maybe.Themembersendureconstantsun.Theyeachcarrytheirowncoolerandareallowed,mandatedfrequentdrinksastheyrunthroughcountlesstakesofsectionsoftheprogramforhoursatatime.Theirnearlybarebodiesshinewithsweat.Tearscomeassunscreengetsintheireyes.Theysprinttotherestroomandbackbetweentakes.Joshcheckedoutok,buttheBostonCrusaderswillnotbemarchingwiththeirfullcomplementtonight.Blood,sweatandtears.7:00pmItisshownight.Ihavefoundmyhomewiththepit,helpingAnna,keyboardsynthesizerandsoundinducer.Herlargeconsole,thathousesherkeyboardandmisc.otherelectronicgear,isveryheavyandhardtoroll,especiallyuphill.Ihavefoundthatalotofthesestadiumsareupahillordownahill.Thisoneisup.Annaisarockstarwithabeautifulsmile,thoughsheismorefamousforherexpressivescowlsduringthedarkermomentsoftheprogram.Allofthemembersofthepit,therearethirteenofthem,usetheirfacialexpressionsandbodymovementseffectivelytoportraytheemotionofthemusic.Thepitissettingupforapre-showrehearsal.Ihappenedtobesittinginthemiddleoftheirlineup.InadditiontoAnna’selectronickeyboardthereareseveralacoustickeyboards.Juan,thetymp-man,willbeinthenextshow.Arrivinglatewiththecorpshehaslearnedthemusicandisready.SoontheCorpswillassembletotakethefield.First,theywillsingthetraditionalCorpssong.Giants.



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Day8-June29,201710:00AMWell,it’sanotherabsolutelybeautifuldayinsouthernIndiana.Thisencampmenthasbeenawesome.Iscored.ThereisaSteinwayonthestageandJane,aretiredmathteacherandtheschool’srepresentativeunlockedthedoorandgave

mepermissiontoplay.ThepianowasdonatedbytheparentsofNick,astudentofNorthHigh,andpianistwhopassedawayunexpectedly.IlearnedfromJanethatthismagnificentschoolservesalargeareaofthecountyextendingintothecityofEvansville.Buildingaschoolsofarnorthofthecitywascontroversialinthatthekidswhocanleastaffordthetransportationhavethefarthesttotravel.Thiscutsbackonstudentandparentparticipationinafterschoolactivitiessuchastheartsandathletics.Theyuse50bussesdailytogetthekidsfromthecitytothiscampusandback.Theprevailingthinkingwasthatthedevelopmentismovingnorth.Hey!TheBostonCrusaderstooksecondplacelastnight!Whenwasthelasttimethathappened?Everyoneisstokedabouttheperformance.Thecrowd’sfavoritecorpswastheCavaliers,thejudges’scoresagreed.However,BAChadmadeanothergreatimpressiononthefans.IhelpedAnnapushthesynthcartupthathillandthatwastough!ThenIrantothetopofthestandsandstoodatthe50towatchandlistentotheirperformance.Thisshowisgoingtocatchfire!I’msurethatIamnowbiasedtowardtheCorpsbutIthinkitwasthecleanestperformanceoftheevening.WhatisreallybeginningtoresonatewithmeistheemotionalmoodswingsthatIreceivefromtheprogram.Theballad,WickedGamebyChrisIsaak,isverydynamic.ItissungbeautifullybyAubrie-Lee,theguardmembersoloist,andthenclimaxeswithanincrediblypowerfulmomentwiththebrass.Themixofbrassandthesoloistvoicereallyworkswellwiththisarrangement.ItwillbealongtimebeforeIgetthatsongoutofmyhead.Tears.IhavehadsomegoodconversationswithGina,momandconsummatevolunteer.SheandIareonthesamepagewithconcernfortheenvironmentalimpactoftheactivity.Thereareatleast3thingsthatarethrownawaywitheachperson’smeal–aplate,forkandnapkin.Let’sdothemath:200corpsandstaffx4mealsadayx3=2,400pieceoftrashperday.Don’teventhinkaboutthecompost.Oh,whataboutthoseStyrofoamcups.Onetrumpetercomestodinnerwithhisownmesskit.Whataconcept.Anotherareaofconcernformegoesbackthetransportationimpact.Inthelotlastnight,alloftheBACvehicleswereturnedoff.However,anothercorpsdieselwasrunning.Itwasnoisyanddetractedfromthepit’swarmup.Italsostunk.ItseemsironictometoputhundredsofthehealthiestkidsinAmericainthemiddleofdozensoffouldieselemitters.Surelytheremustbetechnologytokeeptheairconditioningoninthebusseswithouttheirmassiveimpactonnoiseandairquality.Maybethetrumpeter,GinaandotherswillhelpBACleadthewaymovingdrumcorpstocleanupitsactoffthefield.4:00pmIhadacoupleofverynicesessionsontheSteinway.ItwasalittleoutoftuneandtheunacordawasalittleoutofwhackbutIfounditsvoiceonthesecondsession.Ihavebeencompletelyslackingtodaywhileeveryoneelseworkshard.MyonlyvolunteerdutytodaywastotakethehorninstructionteamtolunchatagreatgenuineMexicanrestaurant–ElPatron.Ihavemostly

The horn line rehearsing in the late afternoon sun at North High School near Evansville, Indiana.



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beenworkingfortheoperationalteamandthepropteam,sothiswasagoodopportunitytolearnaboutthecreativesideofthisendeavor.Thereisthemusicsideandthevisualsideoftheequationthatequalsthetotalexperience.Therearetheguysthatwritethisstuffandtherearetheguysthatinstructthemembers.Ashuntersandgatherers,wehumansrespondwelltosoundandmotion.Thesepeoplehavetakenthisactivitytoawholenewlevelandthefansareresponding.Thekidsarecominginfromalongafternoonrehearsal.Theyareingreatspirits.Wewillbedecampingtonight.Dinnerisat5:00,sponsoredbyBandShoppe,ensembleat6:30,andBISat11:00forEastbrookHighSchoolfortheDCICentralIndianacompetitioninMuncie.Itisa4-hourdriveandbeginsmyjourneyhomeasitisinanortheastdirectionfromhere.



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Day9-June30,201710:00AMHereIsitintheEastbrookHighSchoolinMarion,Indiana,30minutesnorthofMuncie.Itismuchcoolerinside.It’spushing90degreesandmuggyoutside.TodayismylastdaywiththeCorpsforthistour.Iwillbeleavingtonightafterthe

show.Ihaveadoptedadrumcorpsbrother,Garrytheboardmember.HeandIwillbewatchingtheshowfromthe50tonight.Thekidsareingreatspirits,laughingandtellingstoriesduringlunch.I’mprettysureAnthonythechefandStevethepropguywillbefinewithoutme.Today,IwilldothepotsandpansforonelasttimeasapartingactwithAnthony.Idon’tthinkAnnawillneedhelptonightpushingthesynthcartandtheloadingandunloadingofthepittraileriswellhandledbytherestofthestaffandpitmembers.Iwillhavemybuttinthestandstonight.So,Iwanttoreturntothequestionsaboutmypresencehereandwhatthisisallabout.Ihaveconcludedthatthiswasclearlyafantasyofminethatneededtobefulfilled.Diditinspiremetowriteagain?Yes.Diditgetmeawayfromthedinofourmediaandpolitics?Yes.DidImeetsomeniceandinterestingpeopleintheheartland?Yes.Ihavenotbeenacompleteinterloperhere,IfeelthatIhavebeenawelcomepresence.Ihaveenjoyedpitchinginforsomeheavyliftingaswellasbeinggenerallyapositiveinfluenceinmyinteractionswitheveryone.Certainlybeingundertheinfluenceofthisspiritedorganizationhasinspiredme.Nowthequestionhasbeenasked:Willyoubecomingwithusagainnextyear?MaybeIhavegottenthisoutofmysystem.Maybenot.HaveIturnedintoacompletedrumcorpsjunkylikeGarry?Hmmm….IhaveastrongdesiretomakeatleastonecontributionthatwillhavealastingimpactontheBostonCrusaders.MaybeoneareamightbesourcingsomegoodfoodfromVermonttofeedthekids.ThisisnotacritiqueofAnthony’shardworkbut,Ithinktheycouldupthegameofqualitysuchasmorenaturalandwholefoodsasopposedtotheheavilyprocessedandcannedfoodsthatareconvenientandinexpensive.Thesheervolume,andthefactthattheyprovisionalongtheway,makesthisverychallenging.Thecorpsdirectorstakenutritionseriouslyenoughandtheyprovidethekidswithagoodbalanceofcarbsandprotein.However,Ithinktheywouldbenefitfromrealbutterandgoodcheddarcheese.So,IamgoingtolookintoliningupCabotCreameryCooperative,locatedinmyhometownasasponsor.ItwouldbegreatifIcouldalsolineupKenyon’sFamilyFarmforgrass-fedbeefandVermontSmokeandCuredforbacon.Withsomepickledgingerwecouldmakemyfamous:GingerBaconBurgers(rockfansanddrummersmaygetthewordplayhere).MaybenextyearwhilethecorpsisatspringtraininginCastleton.WhatIdidn’trealizebeforeIdecidedtojumponboardbackinOhio,wasthatthereisahighdegreeofbuzzintheactivityabouttheBAC.Imentionedthecreativestaffchanges.Gino,isthemastercreatorandhiscollaboratorsaremanyandalsohighlytalentedintheirrespectiveareas.TheycamefromthetopcompetingcorpssuchastheCadetsandCarolinaCrownandhaveassembledahighlytalentedgroupofinstructorsandcorpsmembers.Theentireoperationsstaffclickswiththevolunteerstoprovidethebasicsupportofthemission.Jackie,Hanna,Darren,etal.bringitalltogethersmoothly.TheentiretravelingoperationisheadedbyRon,theCorpsdirector.Hewastheonethatgavesuchagoodintroductionatspringtrainingcommunitynight

A rainbow arcing over the Boston Crusaders at Worthen Arena, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.



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tomyuninitiatedfellowVermontersinCastleton,andinspiredmetoactonmyfantasy.Ihavenotbeenabletopinhimdownforaninterviewyetso,Iwilljustsaythatthismachineisrunningonallcylinders,operationallyandcreatively.Ron’ssteady,quietanddeliberateapproachiswhathelpskeepanevenkeelonthisship.Everyonerespondswithoutquestiontohislevelofperformanceexpectation.Also,IwanttoacknowledgeRobert,19-yearoldintern,whohasbeenonthejobrelentlesslywiththeoperationsteam.HeandIworkedthepittogether,too.Hehasapromisingfuturewithhismanycreativeendeavors.Ithasbeenanincredibleprivilegeformetobeassociatedwithsuchateam.Thankyou,somuch.3:00pm.It’sraining.Aglanceattheradardoesnotlookgood.AlongtrainofthunderstormsisinlineforMarion.Hopefully,itwillpassoverbyshowtime.However,thismaymakeforawetESL.Ihavenotseenanytornadowarningsontheweatherforecast.TherehasbeenraininVermont.TheMadRiverreachedfloodstagelastnightandispredictedtodosoagaintonight.ThereisareasonitiscalledtheMad.Itrunsinanortherlydirectionandcanhaveastrongopinionwhenitrainshard.ThisrainiscomingsofastnowinMarionitisfloodingtheroads.Let’shopethe40-minutetriptothestadiumgoeswellforthecaravanningcorpsaseveryoneisdecampingfromMarionandheadingwestaftertheshow,whileIheadeast.TheCorpshasarunofsevenofdaysofonehousingsiteafteranothereachdayuntiltheygetabreak.IdonotthinkIwouldholdup,soit’sgoodthatIwillsaymygoodbyesfornow,today.5:00pmWell,IamintheemergencyroominMuncie.AsIwassayinggood-byetothestaff,Ronasked,“butcouldyoudomeonemorefavorandtakeacorpsmembertotheemergencyroomfirst.”Masonhadjustslippedonthegymnasiumfloorandlandedonhiselbow.Theloadingcrewwasinandoutduringtherainandthefloorwaswet.Whileonthewayhere,MasonandIhadagoodchat.Thisishissecondyearastrumpeter.Hesaidthatthecorpsisworkingmuchharderbutitiswaymorefunandinterestingthisyear.Allofthecorpsmembersareveryintotheprogramandworkingforthenewcreativestaffandinstructors.8:30pmWell,mothernaturerulesandweareallinsidetheWorthenAreaatBallStateUniversity,Muncie.Unfortunately,thethunderstormspersisted.Thecorpsaredoingstandstillpresentationsoftheirprograms.Thisisagreatopportunitytohearthemusiceventhoughtheacousticsleavemuchtobedesired.Thearenawasbuiltforbasketballbutitisgreattohaveitfillinforanalternatevenuesothatthemanydrumcorpsfansdidnotgohomecompletelydisappointed,especiallythosewholikeitloud.MasonreturnedtohiscorpswithnobrokenbonesandItooktothestands.IwasallowedinwithmybackpackandMacAir.TheMadisonScoutsjustcompletedtheirperformance.Coolpit.IwasremindedofastoryIheardfromStevethepropguyaboutsomethingthathappenedattheEvansvilleperformance.OneoftheBAChornmembersblewouthiskneeinrehearsalthatdayandwasoncrutchesslowlymakingprogresswiththecorpsupthathillItoldyouaboutearlier.AlltheBACcorpsmembersweretoofocusedongettinginpositiontotakethefieldtonoticethathewasfallingbehind.Suddenly,twoScoutsgotoneachsideliftinghimupthehillandontothefieldsothathecouldjointhecorpsforGiant.Itwashishomeshow.Teary.So,whatstartedoutinauniquevenueforDCI,thetheatre,isendinginthisuniquevenueformenowhere,anarena.Thankstomynewbrother,GarryIhaveaticket.ThereisanextendedintermissiontowaitforthepassingstormsothattheCrusaderscanunloadthepittruck.I



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thoughtthattheymightstillneedmyhelpsoIwalkedaroundtothebackofthearenatofindthecorps.WhileinrouteIsawarainbowarcingoveroneofthetrucks.IfoundthecorpssafelyinsidetheareaandsaidmyfinalgoodbyetoMary-MasonandthankedherforgoingoutonalimbandinvitingmetojointhecorpsforthemonthofJune.AsIreturnedtomyseat,IbeganthinkingthatIhavealongwaytodriveandIdon’tknowwhereIamgoingtopulloffandsleeptonight.Ihavenotmadeanyarrangementsforahotel.IhavebecomeaccustomedtosleepingintheVolvo.Let’shopeshegetsmehomewiththesamereliabilitythatshegotmehere.



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Day10-July1,2017IhavearrivedinIthaca,NY.IamstayingforthenightwithmysisterwhoworksforCornellUniversity.Iamabouthalfwayhome.SinceIleftthearenainMuncie,Ihavebeendriving,napping,drivingandnapping.Ichasedthestormfrontnortheast.Howlonelyitwaswithnosafehaventoarriveatinthemiddleofthe

night.Untilnow,Ihavehadapre-planneddestination,theschoolshostingtheBAC.Lastnightitwasrestareasand24-hourMcDonalds.Iamsadtobeleavingbutgladtobegoinghome.IhadoriginallysignedonforjustthetwoOhioshowsbutstayedthroughtheIndianashowsforanadditionalfourdayscompletingasolidweekandoneday.Notbad.TheCrusadersperformedtheirstandstilltoanappreciativecrowd.ItwasanextendedintermissionsothatBACcouldgetthepitinstrumentsinbetweentherainevents.Thepitdidtheirwarmupwhilethecorpstookthefloor.Howimpressivetheyalllookedinthehugesemicirclethattheymade.IseriouslydonothinkthatthecrowdwasexpectingwhattheyheardwhentheCorpsdidit’srunthroughstandingstill.Theprogramhassomeverypowerfulbrassmomentsthathitthecrowdheadon.Theyateitup.Audrey,fromthesouvenirteamsatwithme.SheplayedhornforBACforthetwopreviousseasons.ShesaidshewasveryexcitedabouttheprogramthisyearaddingthatthenewBACsoundisveryimpressive,creatingawallofsound.Itsurelyfilledupthearena.IamwindingdownthislongdiatribebutbeforeIdo,IwanttoreturntothequestionsthatIhavebeenaskingallalong.WhathascompelledmetointerjectmyselfintothisactivityandthelivingandbreathingorganizationoftheBostonCrusader?Itmayhavetodowithmyaffinityforworkingwithyouth.Asaskiinstructorforover20years,Ihavehadthepleasureofteachingthousandsofyoungindividualstobecomegreatskiers.Ifyouwanttostayyoung,tryskiingwithabunchof8-yearoldseveryweekend.LastOctober,welostfiveyoungstudentsofHarwoodHightoatragicautoaccident.Theywereinthejuniorclassandverygoodfriendsofmydaughter.Weknowthefamilieswell.ThiswasverydevastatingtotheHarwoodcommunityandIhavenotquitgottenoverit,myself.Mydaughterrecentlyearnedherdriverslicense.Asaparent,ittakesaleapoffaithtoletthemgrowup.SheisnotintodrumcorpslikeIam.However,IwouldnothesitatetosupportherjoiningtheBostonCrusaders.FromwhatIhaveexperienced,thisisasafeplacewhereeveryoneisrespected.Infact,forsomekids,beinginthisactivityismoreacceptingandwelcomingthanmostanywhereelse.And,fortunatelynooneisburnedatthestakelikeBridgetButlerandtheotheraccusedwitcheswereinSalem,Main1692.Ithasbeenanhonor,privilegeandgreatpleasureformetohavetraveledwithandbeassociatedwiththeBostonCrusaders.Iwishthemallthebest.Giants,indeed!

Singing Giant, the corps song before Wicked Games.



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Final-July2,2017Well,I’mbackinVermont,sittingwherethisblogbegan10daysago.Whatastrangetripit’sbeen.ThestoryisnotoverbecauseoverthepastdayandahalfofdrivingandvisitingmysistersIhavemuchmoretoreflecton.WhileinIthaca,mysisterandItookanicelongwalkuptotheCornellcampus.Thecollegewasoriginally

foundedunderthefederalLandGrantprogramestablishedin1865bytheUSCongressunderthestewardshipofJustinMorrill,aVermontSenator.Thinkofthemanystudentswhohaveplayedandmarchedthereovertheyearswearingred.OurtourincludedavisittothechapelandtheSteinway.Joy.IfellasleeponhercouchfollowinganawesomedinneroutatVivaTaqueria,andicecreamatPurityIceCream,allwithinwalkingdistanceofherhumblehome.IthacaisaTreeCityandmostofthehomeshaveporchesandverynicegardensofflowersandshrubsalongthestreetscapethatcompeteforspacewithtwopedestrianswalkingabreast.Beautiful.MyothersisterlivesinClinton,NY,anothercollegetown–HamiltonCollege.Theyhadtorrentialrainsthedaybeforeandwerecleaningupthemessontheirfarmfromtheflashfloodingthatoccurred.Imademywaytheretohelpearlyinthemorning.WhileonthewaythereIbegantothinkaboutmybrotherDanny,thetrumpeter,again.Hehadbeenonmymindoftenthesepastfewdays.Tragically,Dannywaslost40yearsago.Motorcycle,speed,alcohol,andsomewhatofadeathwishwerethecauses.Heracedsnowmobiles.Helivedontheedge.IrememberhimmasteringFlightoftheBumblebeeinhighschool.HewasabiggerfanofdrumcorpsthanIwasandwouldhavestayedwiththeactivityandbeentomanyoftheshowsinthe80s,90s,and00sthatImissed.PerhapsImadethistripforDanny,too.WemovedalotofdebrisaroundthefarmyardandgardensthatwashedupfromthefloodingOriskanyCreekbeforelunch.OnceagainIfellasleeponasister’scouchforacatnapandthendrovetheremainingfewhourshometoVermont.ItisafamiliarroutesoSirisleptthewholeway.NowthatIamhomeandunderthehypnoticsoundoftheMillBrook,Ihaverealizedhowperfectlytheentireadventurehasbeenforme.Itwaslikeeverythingwasplanned,butthenagain,itwasnot.Thespontaneousnatureofitall,beingflexibleandpreparedtodoyeoman’sserviceasavolunteer,visitingmyalmamater,havingtheuniqueopportunitytomeetsomanyveryinterestingpeople,seeingmysistersandhelpingoutinneedforthem.Ithinkaboutalltheeventsthathadtoclickformebeforeembarking.In2012whenIbeganfollowingdrumcorpsagain,IwasverymovedbyprogramssuchastheBluecoats–Unmasked,whichseemedtobendtowardthemorepersonalreflectionsoflife.Cadets–SidexSide,captivatedmewiththehauntingSamuelBarbermusic.Asacancersurvivor,BlueKnights–ThatOneSecond,andBecausereallyresonatedwithme.TheBostonCrusaders,WickedGames,ishavingthatsamekindofconnectionwithme,especiallyduringthebeautifullyandpowerfulballad.NowhavingestablishedsuchapersonalconnectionwiththeCorps,itwillhavealastingimpressiononmewellbeyondAugust.DuringJuly,IwillwatchtoseehowtheyclimbinthescoringandkeepaneyeoutforsomeYouTubecontent.Oh,howIcannotwaittoseetheshowfrommy50-yardlineseatagaininAllentown.

The contra bass section rehearsing in Columbiana, Ohio.



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ThatgreatvibethatIfeltinCastleton,IreallyconnectedwithduringmytouringexperienceforthefirstfourshowsoftheBACseason.IthinktheCorpsisonit’swaytoaremarkableseasonandIamveryproudtohavebeenabletoplayasmallpartinit.So,whydidIdothis?WhyamIwritingthis?Inowrealize,asI’msureyoudidearlyon,thatthisstoryisallaboutme.Myfavoritebossofalltime,Milo,SkiSchoolDirectoratSugarbush,MountEllen,oncesaidofme,“Kevinlikestoshare.”Ithinkthatsumsitup.So,don’tbesurprisedifthestorycontinuesinAugust.Endhttp://www.starkmountainproductions.com/BAC/Intro.html

i ran away with the drum corps - … ran away with... · throughout my five-year re-immersion into...

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