Meet the Crusaders / RJ Thompson

In celebration of the 2016 DCI Drum Corps Season, Band Shoppe and The Boston Crusaders are pleased to present Meet the Crusaders. This is part 5 of a 12 part series with Q & A with a few of the amazing people that make up this Corps of Giants!
Want more? read past Q & A's.

RJ Thompson - 2016 Boston Crusaders Trumpet Player

photo courtesy of the Boston Crusaders

Q: Whats your name, age, and years how many years have you been with the corps?

I am RJ Thompson, I'm 17 and this is my first year with the Boston Crusaders

Q: Where are you from?

I am from Richmond, Texas.

Q: Where do you go to school?

I go to Kempner High School. I am hoping to go to school at Northwestern, for trumpet performance.

Q: What is your role with the Boston Crusaders?

I am a trumpet player.

Q: What was your inspiration to become a Boston Crusader? 

I grew up with drum corps, and knew some of the history, and seeing all of these seemingly random people come together and make this amazing, family-like organization and create something simply beautiful, while having so many hard times in the past made me realize that this is the place I should be.

Q: What does being a Crusader mean to you? 

Being a crusader is giving your all at anything put in your way. Seeing the corps’ history and seeing all of the rough times, and then seeing how those Giants pushed through to create something bigger than just to give all of us the opportunity shows me what it takes to be a giant, a Boston crusader.

Q: What advice would you give to future Crusaders? 

My advice to a future crusader is to just give yourself to the activity. No one here is going to make you uncomfortable, and no one supports you as much as the corps does, on and off the field.

Q: Who inspires you? 

Steve Brown, the Boston Crusaders Brass Consultant, inspires me.

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B O N U S   Q U E S T I O N S !

Q: What's your favorite kind of cookie?

My favorite kind of cookie is for sure a dark German chocolate dough, with dark chocolate chips, and a gooey chocolate center.

Q: Who is your favorite Disney villain?

My favorite Disney villain is with out a doubt Maleficent. She put someone to sleep, and literally nothing could wake her up. NOTHING. Pretty intense if you ask me...

Meet the Crusaders / Kaylyn Torres

In celebration of the 2016 DCI Drum Corps Season, Band Shoppe and The Boston Crusaders are pleased to present Meet the Crusaders. This is part 4 of a 12 part series with Q & A with a few of the amazing people that make up this Corps of Giants!
Want more? read past Q & A's.

Kaylyn Torres - 2016 Boston Crusaders Sabre Line Member

photo courtesy of the Boston Crusaders

Q: What is your full name?

Kaylyn Ena Torres

Q: Where are you from?

Originally from Manchester, New Hampshire but I live in Orlando.

Q: Where do you go to school?

I attended University High School, Orlando, in college I want to major in computer science/technology

Q: What is your role with the Boston Crusaders?

I am on the sabre line in the color guard

Q: What was your inspiration to become a Boston Crusader? 

A combination of being from the Boston area and having a lot of very inspirational people in my life March here made me feel a personal connection to the corps from the start. Watching Boston's shows have always given me a feeling no other corps could ever give.

Q: What does being a Crusader mean to you? 

Since I've been here everybody had been nothing but welcoming and extremely supportive. Being a crusader to me means coming together to do something so big and so beautiful that none of the individuals here could do on their own. But also doing it with fire in our eyes and with everything we have.

Q: What advice would you give to future Crusaders? 

Advice to a future Boston Crusader would definitely be to make it count. Always do your best and through all of the hard days don't allow yourself to forget why you came and why you love what you do.

Q: Who inspires you? 

Everybody else's hard work inspires me, my staff inspires me, and my family inspires me

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B O N U S   Q U E S T I O N S !

Q: What's your favorite kind of cookie?

My favorite kind of cookie is Macadamia nut.

Q: If you were a scented marker, what would you smell like?

I'd smell like strawberries

Q: Who is your favorite Disney villain?

Gaston from Beauty and the Beast

Q:  What’s your secret hidden talent?

I can cross one eye and keep the other one straight. (:

Q: What is the one, single food that you would love to have right now?

MAC AND CHEESE!

Q: What do you think cats dream about?

Cats dream about being tigers and have nightmares about fur balls

Band Shoppe's DCI Bingo Card

Are you planning to attend DCI World Championships this week? If so, check out our DCI Bingo Card!

As you watch the performances you can be on the lookout for these specific things, challenge your friends who can spot all of them first! Make it more difficult by using a group only ONCE on your card!

We hope DCI Bingo will keep you more engaged in the talent, creativity and musicality of each performance.
Enjoy the show!

Flag Basics / Installment 3

If you've not read Parts 1 & 2, of our Flag Basics Series, then you can check them out part 1 here and part 2 here. Today, we are going to go over Spirit flags and Battle flags.





Spirit flags and Battle flags are a fun way to incorporate the crowd into any game or pep session! Choose one of our designs or create one of your own. Whether you are going for a more traditional look or a modern design, if you can dream it, we can print it!

So, what’s the difference between a Spirit flag and a Battle flag?

Size! Spirit flags measure 36” x 54” and are recommended to use with a 6’ pole (VE102).
Battle flags (pictured above) are much larger at 58” x 80”, so go for the 10’ bungee pole (VE225).


Is that the only difference? Yep, that's it!
Here are some features that you’ll enjoy with either the Spirit or Battle flag:

• Vibrant colors – Printed with the highest quality inks, our flags sport 100% front saturation and 99% back saturation. 
• Durable fabric – Quality is a must at Band Shoppe. That’s why all our flags are made of the highest grade Poly China Silk! 
• Machine washable – Dirt happens. Our flags are made to handle that! Just toss them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle in cold water. Mild detergent can be used if necessary. Tumble dry low or no heat and remove promptly to prevent wrinkles! Forgot to take them out of the drier? No sweat! Just cool iron as needed. 
• Made in the USA! – Quality that speaks for itself!  
• 1-year warranty – Backed by Band Shoppe’s warranty against manufacturing defects.
  

Now that you know a little about our Spirit and Battle flags, how do you get started?

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Is there a minimum order?
A: No! You can order just one of your design(s), or you can order as many as you like. There are no minimums.

Q: How much does it cost to get a sketch?
A: Sketches of your designs and ideas are absolutely free!

Q: How do I attach the flag to the pole?
A: You can attach your flag to the pole one of two ways. You can 1) use the hook-and-loop attachments included with your pole and flag purchase or 2) you can tape the flag to the pole. We usually recommend the hook-and-loop method for clean, easy on and off!

Q: Can I get the letters to read correctly, regardless of which side of the flag I am looking at?
A: Yes! This is what we call a double-sided flag. We print your flag twice and sew the pieces together, back to back. This will make sure your letters/words read correctly, no matter how you look at it! (Well, unless it’s upside down, that is.   )

Now that you know a little about the flags, which one is best suited for you and your team? Here are some factors that might help you decide which size flag fits you:

1. Are you looking to spell out a mascot or school initials on each individual flag? Spirit flags work better with larger words or phrases, such as “GO TEAM” or “SPARTANS”. Battle flags are great for school initials, like “NPHS” or “ECC”. Both sizes work great for mascots and school pride. 
2. Where will you be using these flags? For smaller stadiums, fields, or courts, Spirit flags work great to accent the space. Larger areas can sometimes swallow Spirit flags, so it might work better for your team to look into Battle flags. 
3. Who will be using the flags? While a Battle flag on a 10’ pole is easily managed by a high school student, an elementary or middle school student could have troubles hoisting it. Opt for a Spirit flag if your bearer is of small stature. 

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You’re all set! You know the in’s and out’s of Spirit and Battle flags! So what's next? Give us a call to get started on your own design! Our friendly sales staff is happy to assist in creating your very own customized flag.

Be sure to check out designs online and in the catalog for inspiration at bandshoppe.com!

Meet the Crusaders / Jason Reckis

In celebration of the 2016 DCI Drum Corps Season, Band Shoppe and The Boston Crusaders are pleased to present Meet the Crusaders. This is part 3 of a 12 part series with Q & A with a few of the amazing people that make up this Corps of Giants!
Want more? read past Q & A's.

Jason Reckis - 2016 Boston Crusaders Contra Player

photo courtesy of the Boston Crusaders

Q: Whats your full name, age, and years how many years have you been with the corps?

My name is Jason Reckis, 21 and this is my third summer in the corps

Q: Where are you from?

I’m from Saint Peter's, Missouri

Q: Where do/did you go to school?

I go to school at North Park University in Chicago where I study music business

Q: What is your role with the Boston Crusaders?

I am a contra player for the Boston crusaders

Q: What was your inspiration to become a Boston Crusader? 

My inspiration to become a Boston Crusader was when I first saw their 2013 show "Rise". I knew that's a corps I wanted to be a part of and also the corps was out of Boston where I am originally from.

Q: What does being a Crusader mean to you? 

Being a Boston Crusader to me means you are loyal and hard working for the corps. You don't let anyone push you down or say you can't do anything, your strong and fight for what you believe and go out to prove everyone wrong.

Q: What advice would you give to future Crusaders? 

To future Boston Crusaders, be ready to work hard and never give up. Be ready and want to strive for greatness. If you push yourself and work as hard as you can, the reward in the end is amazing.

Q: Who inspires you? 

My parents inspire me to always be the best person I can be and have always taught me right from wrong and made sure I am always having fun and successful. Alumni of Boston Crusaders inspire me every day over summer hearing their stories and talking to them individually about their experiences. Hearing what they did and the hard work they put in inspires me to keep pushing and grow as members of the corps.

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B O N U S   Q U E S T I O N S !

Q: What's your favorite kind of cookie?

My favorite kind of cookie is chocolate chip.

Q: If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

If I could sing one song on American Idol it would have to be "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake

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Q: What is the one, single food that you would love to have right now?

The single food I would love to have right now would definitely be pizza because I love pizza.

Q:  What’s your spirit animal & why?

My spirit animal I think would definitely be a lion because they are strong and awesome, and I would like to think I am as well.

BAND SHOPPE presents BOSTON DAY

An Afternoon with The Boston Crusaders!!

photo courtesy of the Boston Crusaders

The Boston Crusaders will be rehearsing in Evansville on July 17 as they travel from Alexandria, KY to their next destination in El Dorado, KS as part of the DCI Summer Tour. During their stop in Evansville, The Crusaders will be holding a hands-on clinic and performing their show, Quixotic, in this FREE community event.

This is truly a magnificent opportunity to #ShareTheCorps with someone who may not know about DCI or who have never experienced the awesome sound of drum & bugle corps!

BOSTON DAY: An Afternoon with The Boston Crusaders

WHEN: Sunday, July 17
TIME: Gates Open at 1:30PM
WHERE: Reitz Bowl, Evansville’s West Side
COST: FREE to the Public

Refreshments will be sold at the event.
In addition, The Crusaders souvi truck will be open to purchase your favorite CRUSADERS swag!

Event Schedule
1:30PM : Gates Open at Reitz Bowl
2:30PM : The Boston Crusaders will perform their show Quixotic
3:00PM : The corps will hold an ensemble clinic where they will break down their show for the audience and explain the meaning of the movement and music behind Quixotic
4:00PM : The corps will invite students middle school age through age 20 to the field for a break-out, hands-on clinic. Students will be able to experience the brass, percussion, and guard sections of The Crusaders. NO INSTRUMENTS NEEDED FOR CLINIC.
5:00PM : Closing of event

We hope you will join us for a fun afternoon of music education and community pride. #ShareTheCorps with someone new and experience drum corps with them for the first time.

FIND OUT MORE @ drumsontheohio.com/bostonday

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The Boston Crusaders are excited to bring their 2016 production, Quixotic, to the field; a reflection of the masterpiece The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. Considered one of the most influential works of literature from the Spanish Golden Age, Don Quixote has been called “the best literary work ever written” by the Bokklubben World Library.

On a field of windmills, the show opens with an interpretation of The Impossible Dream” and “I, Don Quixote” from the Broadway musical. The corps travels the entirety of the field, in itself a challenging musical and visual feat, reflecting Quixote’s quest “to travel the world, righting all wrongs.” The heart of the program presents a series of juxtaposed visual and musical events, non sequiturs reflecting the hero’s various adventures, battles and visions. Solo performers, small ensembles, mixed large ensembles, percussion interludes, guard layering and interruptions present full sensory “quixoticism.” The production climaxes with “tilting at windmills” (literally) ((or are they giants?)), the definitive image of Don Quixote.

The program concludes with the iconic “The Impossible Dream,” the musical reflection of Don Quixote’s spirit and journey, an anthem for the quixotic dreamer in us all.

Meet the Crusaders / Jacob Bowman

In celebration of the 2016 DCI Drum Corps Season, Band Shoppe and The Boston Crusaders are pleased to present Meet the Crusaders. This is part 2 of a 12 part series with Q & A with a few of the amazing people that make up this Corps of Giants!
Want more? read past Q & A's.

Jacob Bowman - 2016 Boston Crusaders  Color Guard Member

photo courtesy of the Boston Crusaders

Q: Whats your full name, age, and years how many years have you been with the corps?

My name is Jacob Bowman, I am 21 years old and this is my third year with the Boston Crusaders.

Q: Where are you from?

I'm from Indianapolis, Indiana

Q: Where do/did you go to school?

I went to high school at Franklin Central High school and I attended college for two years at IUPUI

Q: What is your role with the Boston Crusaders?

I'm a color guard member

Q: What was your inspiration to become a Boston Crusader?

The thing that drew me to Boston was the passion behind their shows

Q: What does being a Crusader mean to you?

Being a Boston Crusader to me means not only growing exponentially as a performer but also having a support system and family of hundreds of other crusaders. I now have a family of every generation of Boston Crusaders for the past 76 years that I can trust and that I can get support from. I'm part of a corps with such a rich history and this family that I have here is what being a Boston Crusader really means to me.

Q: What advice would you give to future Crusaders?

If you are looking to become a Boston Crusader, I would say to hold on tight, because it's a ride full of different emotions. And while it will be hard, and frustrating at sometimes, looking back after finals night and being able to see your family of Crusaders and say "We did this together" is the most rewarding feeling in the world.

Q: Who inspires you?

Honestly, my caption head, Rory Duffey inspires me so much. Everything he does is so organic and he makes me see the world in a different light while I'm in rehearsal.

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B O N U S   Q U E S T I O N S !

Q: If you were a scented marker, what would you smell like?

If I were a smelly marker, so would be the mint one because I'm obsessed with mint.

Q: What is the one, single food that you would love to have right now?

I would love to have Taco Bell right now.

Q:Who is your favorite Disney villain?

My favorite Disney villain is Gaston because I'm in love with Beauty and the Beast!

Q:  What do you think cats dream about?

I'm fairly positive my cat dreams about either chasing mice, or catnip.

Meet the Crusaders / Aidan Williams

In celebration of the 2016 DCI Drum Corps Season, Band Shoppe and The Boston Crusaders are pleased to present Meet the Crusaders. This is part 1 of a 12 part series with Q & A with a few of the amazing people that make up this Corps of Giants!

Aidan Williams - 2016 Boston Crusaders Drum Major

(and 2015 Band Shoppe cover model!)

photo courtesy of the Boston Crusaders

Q: Whats your full name, age, and years how many years have you been with the corps?

My name is Aidan Williams and I'm 22 years old. This is my 5th year with the corps. It is also my bonus and age out year.

Q: Where are you from?

I am from West palm beach, Florida

Q: Where do/did you go to school?

I go to Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. I will be graduating in December of this year.

Q: What do you study or what is your current major?

My majors are Actuarial Science and Risk Management & Insurance. I am studying to be an Actuary post-graduation.

Q: What is your role with the Boston Crusaders?

I played mellophone for 3 years and this is my second as one of the drum majors. Of course, I conduct and help keep the show together but my favorite part of the job is the role I get to play off of the field supporting my fellow crusaders.

Q: What was your inspiration to become a Boston Crusader?

After watching the 2011 quarterfinals in the theaters in high school, I knew I wanted to be a Boston crusader. I also had a friend in the corps and the camps happened to be in Florida, so it all worked out!

Q: What does being a Crusader mean to you?

I have an unending love for the organization after all that it has done for me. Being a crusader means to be a part of an accepting group of strangers who take on the task of putting a drum corps show on the field and end as a close family of friends.

Q: What advice would you give to future Crusaders?

Don't be afraid, you will easily find a home here.

Q: Who inspires you?

My bus driver, Sheldon.

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B O N U S   Q U E S T I O N S !

Q:What is your favorite kind of cookie?

The pre-cut pillsbury cookies that have seasonal images printed on them.

Q: If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?

Too much time on my hands, by Styx

Q: What is the one, single food that you would love to have right now?

An egg sandwich. All the way!

Q: What do you think cats dream about?

I think cats dream about how to take over the world.

2016 DCI Tour Premiere at your local theater!

Marching Music’s Major League™ Premieres its 2016 Tour Live on the Big Screen!

Fathom Events and Drum Corps International invite you to join fans from all over the country as Marching Music’s Major League™ brings the sixth annual DCI Tour Premiere to select cinemas nationwide on Thursday, June 23! Drum Corps at the Cinema: 2016 DCI Tour Premiere features best of the best in marching.

The event will be broadcast live for the second year and will feature six of DCI’s top ensembles: Bluecoats (Canton, OH), Boston Crusaders (Boston, MA), The Cadets (Allentown, PA), The Cavaliers (Rockford, IL), Carolina Crown (Ft. Mill, SC) and Phantom Regiment (Rockford, IL).

Here are all the details:

Date: Thursday, June 23

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. CT / 6:30 p.m. MT / 5:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. AK / 2:30 p.m. HI

Run Time: 2 hours (approximate)

Ticketing: Click Here to see if your local theater is showing this exciting event!

Get your tickets now to catch all of the action LIVE on the big screen!

Competing Corps - Listed in performance order 
Boston Crusaders - Boston, MA
The Cavaliers - Rosemont, IL
Phantom Regiment - Rockford, IL
The Cadets - Allentown, PA
Bluecoats - Canton, OH
Carolina Crown - Ft. Mill, SC

Find out more, buy your tickets, and more at Fathom Events!

Crusader Cam: Season 3, Episode 2

photo courtesy of The Boston Crusaders

Week 2 of the Crusader Cam is here! 

Get and inside look at the Boston Crusaders' tour, and view the 2016 Season from the member's point of view.

Tune in every Friday at 5pm for a new episode or stay up do date on Facebook!

Crusader Cam: Season 3, Episode 1

photo courtesy of The Boston Crusaders

Season 3 of the Crusader Cam is here! 

If you don’t keep up with Crusader Cam, you’re seriously missing out! The Crusader Cam is a fun, firsthand look inside the lives of our members as they spend the summer traveling and performing across the country.

Tune in every Friday at 5pm for a new episode or stay up do date on Facebook!

A Welcome Message from Band Shoppe!

Welcome to the Band Shoppe blog/newsroom – we're glad you stopped by!

For those who don't know about us, Band Shoppe is a division of Pearison Incorporated based in Cynthiana, Indiana. Pearison Inc. was founded in 1970 by Chuck Pearison, along his wife Susan, as a small music repair shop operated out of their two car garage in Poseyville, Indiana. The business soon expanded to include marching uniforms and accessories, these products were sold from a small black and white flyer that was mailed to three states under the name "Band Shoppe".

Since then, Band Shoppe has grown to nearly 90 employees! With a full staff of sales and customer service representatives all based here in the USA, as well as secure online shopping, Band Shoppe gives you an easy shopping experience with fast and reliable shipping through USPS and UPS. Our recent 20,000 square foot manufacturing addition has expanded our facilities to 55,000 square feet. This expansion gives Band Shoppe the ability to make even more of our quality marching products right here in the USA, including our full line of custom uniforms and flags!

Here's what you can look forward to in the Band Shoppe Blog: 

• We'll introduce you to the people who make Band Shoppe different
• We'll share with you information about the products we sell - our quality custom marching jackets, color guard and percussion uniforms, and our made-to-last show flags as well as fun tips and tricks to help your group stand out 
• Look for special guest bloggers, interviews with giants in the activity, and a few surprises
• We'll answer your questions about how to make your show's vision a reality
• We'll keep you up to date on sales and events taking place

Stay tuned for weekly updates with tips, tricks, tutorials, how-to guides, event wrap ups, photos, and much much more for both marching band, and color guard. We hope you find some interesting and helpful information, new ideas, and opportunities to join the conversation.

Here are a few link to help you get started:
>> Read more about Band Shoppe
>> Read the Band Shoppe Responsibility Statement
>> Follow us on Social Media:            
>> Shop now at bandshoppe.com

Please remember: We ask that you keep your comments relevant to the conversations taking place here so that we can maintain respect for all those involved and add value and depth to the discussion. All comments are moderated. Profanity, racial and ethnic slurs, and rude behavior won’t be tolerated and we will quickly remove any comments that are offensive, disrespectful or irrelevant.

This blog is a public forum – don’t post anything confidential or private. Also, these are the personal views of the individuals posting here, and not necessarily those of the Company. And, lastly, this is not the place to submit specific customer service questions or technical support inquires. For specific customer issues, please complete a Contact Us request with as much information as possible or give us a call at 1.800.457.3501.

Thank you for reading, visiting, commenting and contributing. We’re excited to have you here!

The Band Shoppe Blog Team