Your boosters have worked diligently to bring in the funds, your director has finalized the design and now it's time to measure your students for their brand new uniforms!
You're excited, right?
Hopefully, yes! But, if you are not exactly sure how to measure for a new uniform,
this can seem like a daunting task. That's why we are excited to share this step-by-step uniform measurements instruction video that walks you through the entire process!
Band Shoppe wants to take the stress out of this crucial step with your uniform purchase
and hope you might even find our short video entertaining, too!
When you're ready to start measuring, make sure you have a cloth measuring tape and a measurement form to take down the numbers. a free downloadable form is available at BandShoppe.com/MeasurementForm
As always, our Sales Team is ready to help with your questions.
Feel free to call us at 1-800-457-3501 or, email us Sales@BandShoppe.com
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...
7th Regiment Shares Their Thoughts on Spring Training
In our three-part blog series; Band Shoppe Asks...
we are asking questions to our Drum Corps partners during the three stages of DCI's current season.
Part #1 kicks off with our friends at 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, who are currently rehearsing and preparing for their 2018 DCI Open-Class Season.
Thanks to Katelynn Hyde, a 4th year Guard Sergeant and Victor You, a 2nd year Drum Sergeant for answering all of our questions about their preparation for the season ahead!
So, Katelynn and Victor...
What does a typical day look like during Spring Training?
K: A typical day starts with PT, stretch, and full corps dance block, where we move right into visual. We will usually have visual until lunch, then next block is sectionals, followed by dinner, and then finally we have ensemble after a quick rewarm with our sections.
V: A day usually consists of waking up to a random song picked by our drum major Leslie. Then it’s off to breakfast, then PT and dance, visual, sometimes the battery goes into sectionals, and then lunch. Then the battery will continue sectionals and sometimes we split up into subs. After that, the corps has dinner. Following dinner, is a quick rewarm and then we’ll run right into ensemble. After finishing the run, the corps goes back inside and continue sectionals. We’ll have snack afterwards and then it’s lights out. Rinse and repeat… Do you stay at one location during Spring Training? V: Yeah
When does Spring Training end?
K: Mini tour training ends June 29th
How much down time do you get a day, and what do you like to fill it with? K: I typically have some down time during meals and i like to spend it talking with my friends, or relaxing
V: Usually meal times and lights out are my down times. I would spend the time catching up with other sections in the corps. Also I can’t lose my snapchat streaks too…
What are the 5 things that you HAVE to have during Spring Training? K: WATER!!, sunscreen, good sneakers, good attitude, and bungee cords V: Any tools for the drums, lots of pencils, water is kinda important, high, but controlled energy, and a smile
What is the thing you are most excited about for the season? K: 7th is going in a great direction with our show and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
V: The whole vibe of the corps is certainly different, but it is definitely amazing. From the musical selections, drill, and energy that the corps offers, I know that we will do great things.
What food does everyone look forward to the most during Spring Training?
K: Chicken patties
V: Pasta night is tight
How many times do you get to do laundry?
K: Once every two weeks
What luxuries do you miss from home?
K: Driving my own car
V: Coffee
Do you have any pre-performance ritual?
K: I go through any handshakes I have with people, and then we all come to together as a corps for a pep talk and to sing our corps song
Thank you, Katelynn and Victor for answering our questions and giving us insights into your spring training! We wish you all the best as the DCI Open Class season gets underway NEXT WEEK!
Stay tuned in July to hear from one of our other Corps about
Our 10% Off Custom Guard and Percussion Uniform Sale Has Begun!
From April 16th until June 8th, you will receive 10% off on custom Guard and Percussion uniform purchases. This excludes uniforms with printed fabric and any in stock uniform. Browse our selection online or call today to talk with our Sales Team to get your custom uniform sketch and price quote.
As you anticipate the arrival of our 2018 Band Shoppe catalog, we are excited to showcase two of our new uniforms in our Guard Sale advertising! Both of these uniforms would be eligible to receive 10% off during our sale.
This uniform includes (separate pieces) a tank unitard, tunic, and wrist gauntlets. If you are interested in shopping this look, it is EXCLUSIVELY available online now (before the catalog arrives in your mailbox!). Shop now
The tank stirrup legging unitard is created with Mermaid Hologram stretch fabric (Black/Turquoise) as it takes on the appearance of fish scales the performer transforms into a sort of sea creature.
The flowy tunic with an asymmetrical side design in Neon Yellow Power Mesh can elude to a bright fin, flowing alongside with the performer's movement.
The cowl neckline gives visual interest with occasional glimpses of the underlying scales while providing musicians with a drum harness the ability to hide the harness without constricting their movement.
Another exclusive uniform to shop before the catalog is available, this new modern legging unitard with a mock turtleneck uses bright Satin Spandex colors and Mystic Jewel panels to create a sleek color block, that is mirrored on the back. The GeoCube print front panel creates a focal point in the uniform and elongates the body causing the performer to draw more visual interest.
This custom unitard was worn by Central Hardin High School in the fall 2017 Marching Season (we used our stock GeoCube Spandex fabric in place of their custom print)
The bright colors with the contrast of the GeoCube creates a modern juxtaposition
New Partnership Between Band Shoppe and Genesis World Class Drum and Bugle Corps
Band Shoppe is excited to announce a new partnership with World Class Drum and Bugle Corps, Genesis, for the Drum Corps International 2018 season.
“The whole team at Genesis is beside themselves with excitement for our partnership with Band Shoppe,” said Chris Magonigal, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps. “After speaking with Band Shoppe’s team, it was evident right away that our arrows were pointed in the same direction. Their commitment to quality and the student experience is in line with the Genesis philosophy and their offerings are second to none. Genesis is committed to strengthening Band Shoppe and Fenix brands together to set up an incredible future.”
Band Shoppe’s talented Sales and Design Teams will work alongside the Genesis Visual Team to create custom uniforms to advance the Genesis organization and bring their look to the next level.
“We are thrilled to bring another World Class Corps into Band Shoppe’s family”, said Jay Pearison, President of Band Shoppe. “We have enjoyed our working relationship with the Boston Crusaders over the last several years. Now we aspire to bring that same level of quality and creativity to Genesis. Our team looks forward to working with Genesis in 2018.”
photo courtesy of Genesis World Class Drum and Bugle Corps
About Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps
Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps holds a deep-seated philosophy of Education Through Performance. Our purpose is to provide world class education through performance in the areas of percussion, brass, dance, and visual ensemble artistry.
Genesis has consistently achieved artistic and performance excellence and is recognized as an exceptional and excellence-driven group. With the inclusion of a leadership curriculum drawing upon top training methodologies used in corporate America, the organization provides educational, cultural, interpersonal, physical, and emotional growth necessary for our young people to become leaders. Genesis employs some the most talented design and instructional professionals in the country, who design programs that over 250 talented performers convey through a powerful, athletic, and artistic performance.
For more information about Genesis, visit genesisdbc.org.
It's our great privilege to have Zach Ashcraft, founder of Music & Marching, share his perspective of the 2017 DCI Season with us in this guest blog post! Music & Marching is a blog that exists to tell the unique stories of those watching, facilitating and performing in the Marching Arts activity, in hopes to garner a deeper respect and appreciation for what goes into each performance. From the dynamic photography to his unique perspective, we are so thankful to have this opportunity to share Zach's "DCI 2017 Year in Review" with our readers and followers! When you have finished reading, be sure to go to MusicAndMarching.com for other stories and interviews that took place during the season. Also, you can follow Music & Marching on Facebook and Instagram (@MusicAndMarching)
*All images in this blog courtesy of Zach Ashcraft, Music & Marching*
DCI 2017 Year in Review
2017 marked another incredible year for Drum Corps International. Along with setting new attendance records, this season brought with it some of the most innovative shows and concepts the activity has seen in years.
This summer marked my 10th season of involvement within DCI. From my first 4 years as a performer with The Blue Stars, to a few years on staff with the Crossmen, and now as a freelance photographer, I’ve witnessed an incredible amount of change over the last decade, both on and off the field.
Visual Identity Shakeup
The most notable change of this era, in my opinion, has been the visual identity of each corps from year to year. In generations past, many corps wore the same uniform over the course of multiple decades, with slight updates or adjustments coming every few years or so. More recently, Corps have increased both the frequency and scope of uniform changes, with many groups presenting audiences with drastically new looks on a now yearly basis.
While some critics believe this has diminished the visual identity of each corps, many within the activity agree that it allows designers to create a more cohesive program that more clearly communicates the concept of a show. Several designers are taking advantage of this new found creative freedom. Something as simple as The Bluecoats decision to forgo helmets in 2016 has already had an impact on the activity just a year later.
Several corps opted to perform without headgear this year, and its had a huge impact on the way that both audience members and the performers experience the performance. Having a clear view of each performers face not only allows the audience to better feel and experience the emotional content of each show, it allows brass members to explore new avenues of expression and performance not available to them.
Not all corps have taken this route, however. Many have chosen to keep their shakos, aussies, and helmets, and have found creative ways to adapt them with their new uniforms. The Phantom Regiment, for example, had two helmets to convey different emotions throughout their show. The Boston Crusaders had an entirely new look, and the shakos and uniforms themselves perfectly personified the story their show was trying to tell.
From new uniforms, to innovations in electronics and prop staging, the last several seasons have indeed been wrought with change. One thing that has remained constant since my first day in the activity though, is far more important than what the corps are wearing.
Final Goodbyes
Standing in the Lucas Oil Stadium parking lot following each corps final performance of the season, I was reminded that the true importance of this activity goes far beyond what happens on the field. Watching as the performers walked out of the tunnel with tears streaming down their faces, embracing their fellow corps members one last time was a powerful reminder that design trends may come and go. But the one constant in Drum Corps is the life-changing affect each tour has on the individuals who participate in it.
Everything comes to a screaming halt at the end of DCI Finals Night. With the design process for most corps 2018 programs already well underway, the 2017 season will soon be left in the history books. But the one thing that will always remain are the friendships and families formed during those 85 days.
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!
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