Band Shoppe Asks... Part 2 - Genesis

Genesis Shares Their Thoughts on Show Day

In our three-part blog series; Band Shoppe Asks... we are asking our partnering Drum Corps questions during the three stages of DCI's current season.

This is the second part of our series, these questions have been answered by members of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps brass section

"What Goes Into A Show Day?"

If you missed Part #1 of our series, 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps answered questions about Spring Training. Read it HERE

A special thank you, to James Walker (2nd year Tuba player), Benjamin Allgood (7th year Mellophone leader), and Steven Quintanar (4th year Trumpet player – and bus loading captain) from Genesis, who have graciously answered our questions for Part #2

Let’s hear what they have to say...

What's your favorite part about a show day?

J: Performing for the audience and getting to eat junk food after the show!
B: The show.
S: Audience, of course!

How is a show day different from a full rehearsal day?
J: For a show day there is less time for rehearsal and there is also EPL and show prep to add onto it.
B: The pacing of show days are much quicker, and show days are much more relaxed.
S: We get to wear the uniforms, and have people to play to other than staff members.

What's the mood on the bus ride to the venue?
J: Usually focused unless the ride is long then there is time to squeeze a nap in.
B: Focused.
S: I get very focused, but relaxed at the same time.

How much time do you have between lot and performing? 

J: Between lot and performance time there is 15 - 20 minutes of walking and standing at the gate.

B: Hour and a half most of the time.

S: About an hour and a half to two hours.

Do you have any pre-show rituals? 

J: We put our corps necklaces onto tokem, our low brass idol which someone usually puts at the front of the field.
B: No.

S: I listen to the same song before every show, it helps set my mood.

What goes through your mind as you step onto the field?

J: As I step onto the field I like to think about my show step by step to make sure I get it right.
B: It’s just another chance to perform and entertain.

S: I am extremely confident, and I get amped to show off to anyone who is willing to watch me.

Do you get to talk to members of other performing corps? If yes, elaborate on the experience.?

J: I do occasionally. Usually talk to them on how their blocks are and how they think they are doing in their season.
B: No.

S: Yes I do! I see my friends from other corps after we all finish performing and I get to meet their friends as well.

What do you usually do after a performance? 

J: After a performance we usually have a meeting with the corps director right outside the gate and talk about the show and sing our corps song.
B: Stay by our food trailer, or sometimes I’ll go to a near by restaurant.

S: I eat my snack from the food trailer, then go relax and talk about my day with my friends.

What is your favorite post-show snack? 

J: Chocolate Milk.
B: Fruit snacks.

S: Pringles, peach rings, and beef jerky!

How do you wind down after a performance?

J: I’ll usually sit and talk to my friends, ask how their show was, walk around the show site, and look at everyone and how they are doing. Or go get some chocolate milk from a corner store.
B: By being with friends.

S: I just listen to jazz (I'm a big fan), and chill on the bus!

We would like to thank James, Benjamin, and Steven for answering our questions and giving us insights into their show day. We wish them all the best in the last remaining weeks of the 2018 season!

Stay tuned in August to hear from the Boston Crusaders about...

What it's Like to Age-Out!

Drums on the Ohio Recap

It's been one week since Drums on the Ohio (our home DCI show) was hosted at the Reitz Bowl in Evansville, IN. And we are still reeling with excitement!

But even before the first corps took the field on June 28th, Band Shoppe was already enjoying the festivities. That morning, 120+ students from local middle and high schools joined Band Shoppe staff and other local guard instructors with a handful of volunteers to present the free Tri-State Color Guard Clinic! The students broke out into 5 groups including Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Flags as well as a Rifle and Sabre class. After spending about 2 hours learning and practicing their routines, all of the students came back together to perform what they had just learned in front of the others. It was awesome to see students of all ages engaging, learning and encouraging one another.

All students warm up with 100 flag spins!

Advanced Flags breakout class

Rifle Instruction

That evening at Drums on the Ohio, some students from the clinic took the field to be recognized during the Star Spangled Banner performance.

Tri-State Color Guard Clinic participants ready to take the field at Drums on the Ohio

Music City, from Nashville TN, kicked off the evening, with their show Tribe, with music including Pagan Dances, Goddess of Fire and Trail of Tears.

Pioneer from Milwaukee, WI took the field next, performing music from the Broadway production of Les Miserables in their 2017 performance, titled Irish on Broadway.

Next corps to perform was Madison Scouts, commanding a presence with their headdresses and masks. Their 2017 production, Last Man Standing included music Pilentze Pee, Miraculous Mandarin, Depletion & O2, Hope & Despair, and Music for Prague 1968.

During the intermission, the crowd was entertained with a Drum Line Battle performed by Evansville’s Boom Squad. The Boom Squad had two groups performing against each other, with team Old School winning the battle! Local music store H&H provided a check to the Boom Squad organization, which helps to provide after school programs and encouragement to intercity students. The crowd was very receptive to the Drum Line Battle, especially since the youngest participant was only 2 and-a-half years old!

Evansville Boom Squad with the check presented by H&H Music Store

Right after intermission, it was time for the Boston Crusaders to take the field. The Crusaders’ 2017 production, Wicked Games included Moonlight Sonata, The Adoration of Veles and Ala, Whispers, Cortege Macabre (from Grohg), Wicked Game, Toccata (from Piano Concerto No. 1), and The Verdict.

The Blue Stars performed next, taking the field with their 2017 production, Star Crossed, depicting 3 famous love stories, Romeo & Juliet, Great Gatsby, and Moulin Rouge.

The Cavaliers wrapped up the night, with their show Men are from Mars. Including music Fanfare for the Common Man, Wine-Dark Sea, Little Green Men, Mars, My Way, and more.

On Thursday, Band Shoppe hosted the Boston Crusaders for a BBQ dinner at North High School (Evansville, IN). Every member of the Crusaders (and support staff) received gift bags and a special shirt to commemorate their visit! To spend time with the members and staff was a highlight of our week!

It was a great week thanks to everyone who volunteered their time for Drums on the Ohio, Tri-State Color Guard Clinic, and for the staff members who helped at the dinner with the Boston Crusaders! We are so thankful to have the opportunity to sponsor such a fantastic show right in our own city, we hope it continues for years to come!