|
Spirit Announces 2009 Program |
|
Written by Joel Vincent
|
|
Thursday, 20 November 2008 08:11 |
|
In seeking to recapture the true essence of Spirit, traditionally known for their high-energy, unique approach, and fan-friendly programs, the Jacksonville, Alabama based corps has announced the musical source for their 2009 program.
In describing the 2009 program, Executive Director Joel Vincent states, “Sometimes in trying to capture the past, we have to realize we are operating in the present and not try to repeat what cannot be repeated. Instead, we need to concentrate on the ingredients that shaped our past and use those tools to help determine our future. Those are the threads that guided us as we approached the ’09 program. Mark Waymire and the design team have done a great job in finding the right vehicle for us to tell our drum corps story and to present it in a high-energy, contemporary Spirit way. The genre we have chosen is wide open for exploration and with the creative genius of brass arranger Scott Boerma as well as, percussion arrangers Shane Gwaltney and Eric Willie I know we have found a musical format which will energize our creative process as well as excite members and fans.”
In 2009 Spirit will explore the music of one of America’s premier progressive-rock groups, KANSAS as the corps returns to a hard driving, high energy sound that fans have loved for years. The music of KANSAS presents a strong body of work that is sometimes complex, yet always accessible making it an outstanding choice for drum corps in this era as we expand our craft without forgetting the fans. With the group’s first album released in 1974 their music was always considered to be “ahead of its time”. Anchored by their classic hits, “Carry on Wayward Son”, “Dust in the Wind”, and “Point of Know Return”, KANSAS has produced over thirty years of outstanding work.
“If ever a group has expressed a true marriage of rock music and original art music, it is the progressive offerings of KANSAS.” Grammophone.
We invite you to journey with Spirit as we explore the music of, KANSAS.
|
|
Spirit Welcomes New Visual Caption Head |
|
Written by Joel Vincent
|
|
Sunday, 16 November 2008 23:09 |
|
Spirit is pleased to welcome new Visual Caption Head John Scruggs to lead the corps' visual instruction program.
John joins the Spirit staff after having served as the Visual Caption Head at the Madison Scouts where he also spent six years on the visual staff and four years as a marching member. He is currently the Director of Bands for the Humboldt City Schools in Humboldt, Tennessee where he conducts the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and the Pride Marching Band.
“I am very happy John will be joining our already outstanding 2009 staff at Spirit, says Joel Vincent, Executive Director of Spirit. I am excited for our membership as I believe they are going to really enjoy John’s personality.”
He is a graduate of Austin Peay State University receiving his Bachelor of Music Education. He holds professional memberships in the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, MENC, Tennessee Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to be involved with such a great drum corps, with so much history. It is going to be great working with the staff in place at Spirit. I’m energized and ready for the 2009 season with the Spirit family,” says Scruggs.
|
|
Spirit Announces 2009 Percussion Staff |
|
Written by Joel Vincent
|
|
Thursday, 13 November 2008 20:50 |
|
Building upon the success of the 2008 season, Spirit is pleased to announce the return of the percussion staff for 2009. "Percussion Coordinator and Battery Arranger, Shane Gwaltney has put together a great group of educators and we are thrilled they will return for 2009, says Spirit Executive Director Joel Vincent. Shane is one of the most creative minds in the percussion world right now and teamed with Front Ensemble Arranger Eric Willie, we have a team ready to take the percussion caption to another level.”
Joe Hobbs (Battery) and Sean Womack (Front Ensemble) will also return to the 2009 staff in expanded roles as Co-Caption Heads. Joining them as instructors will be Will Campbell, Jami Fennell, Josh King, Matt Jordan, Mario Taylor, and Dan Mihalko.
|
|
Spirit Announces December 13 Texas Audition Location |
|
Written by Joel Vincent
|
|
Monday, 10 November 2008 09:03 |
|
Spirit has announced an additional brass audition site for the 2009 season. We welcome all brass performers to audition for Spirit December 13 in Richardson, Texas.
“We are very excited to offer this audition opportunity in this talent rich area," said Spirit Executive Director Joel Vincent. We have compiled a truly outstanding brass staff and are very pleased that we can offer the experience for individuals who may not be able to attend our Thanksgiving audition weekend in Jacksonville, Alabama.”
Individuals may audition anytime between 1:00 pm (local time) and 5:00 pm on Saturday December 13 at Richardson High School in Richardson, Texas.
All audition material may be downloaded by visiting the AUDITIONS area of the website . Individuals may also register online or print the application and bring it with them to the audition site. Audition material is the same for all audition sites. Applicants will be asked to perform basic marching fundamentals in addition to playing therefore dress appropriately.
Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for any additional information. |
|
|
Written by Joel Vincent
|
|
Tuesday, 04 November 2008 00:40 |
|
Spirit is honored to announce the 2009 Brass Staff led by Brass Arranger and Music Coordinator, Scott Boerma and Co-Caption Heads Dr. Ray Vasquez and Mark Waymire.
“We are very excited about the instructional staff for 2009, says Spirit Executive Director, Joel Vincent. We have put together a brass staff with tremendous teaching experience and a wealth of drum corps success to their credit”. “One way to insure high-level benefits for our members is to find instructors that have successful experiences and can deliver true educational and musical information in a variety of ways. Each member of the Spirit brass team brings a diverse and unique background along with a strong commitment to excellence. In addition, each member of the staff understands the value of fun and will provide the Spirit members with a truly memorable experience”.
Joining Boerma, Vasquez and Waymire on the Spirit Brass Team will be Andy Putnam, Todd Snead, Jacob Garlinger, Steve McKeithen, Ian Melrose, Adam Seltzer, Joseph Musick, Patrick Hinton, and Alex Blue.
Read more information about each instructor.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
Mark Waymire Joins Spirit Staff |
|
Written by Joel Vincent
|
|
Thursday, 18 September 2008 19:33 |
|
Spirit is excited to announce the appointment of Mark Waymire as Director of Programming, Development and Education. In addition to his duties as the head of programming and corps development, Mark will also serve as Brass Co-Caption Head working with music coordinator and brass arranger, Scott Boerma and Dr. Ray Vasquez to establish a brass program with exceptional depth of experience and instruction.
“Mark brings a wealth of drum corps experience to Spirit having been brass caption head at both Madison Scouts and Glassmen during his career as well as working on the staff at Phantom Regiment for six years prior to his tenure as a high school band director in Texas. Mark has tremendous experience in all areas of the marching activity from being an adjudicator, to drill writer, to visual caption head at Phantom Regiment in 1992, to brass arranger and brass caption head. He has a great understanding of the current drum corps activity and a firm idea as to where Spirit needs to go in the very near future,” says corps director, Joel Vincent.
Waymire explains, “I have a special place in my heart for my earliest exposure to drum corps. I remember my high school director showing drum corps videos and some of my freshmen peers were not paying close attention. As for me, I was mesmerized. There are several corps I remember vividly from that video, one was Spirit. Within six months of watching that first video, I was seeing Spirit live, a memory now firmly planted in my heart. I would have never thought I would have the opportunity to not only lead the creative direction of this drum corps icon, but to do so at a time where the momentum is so strong for getting the corps back to a high level of prominence and excitement within our very special activity. The talented staff is incredibly committed to the students and fans it serves. We are going to work hard, but we’re also going to have a lot of fun.”
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Become a Member of Spirit |
|
Written by Joel Vincent
|
|
Wednesday, 24 September 2008 16:11 |
|
SPIRIT Drum and Bugle Corps is pleased to announce audition information for the 2009 season is now available. We invite all prospective members to take part in one of our audition opportunities during late November and early December. Our main audition will take place during the annual Audition-Open House weekend November 28-30 at Jacksonville High School 1000 George Douthit Dr SW in Jacksonville, Alabama.
Our nationally recognized staff is committed to providing our members with the highest quality musical and visual experience possible and strives to provide an enjoyable educational environment that will last a lifetime.
We welcome you to visit the audition section to learn more about SPIRIT and how you can become a member of a World Class Drum and Bugle Corps. |
|
King Marching Tubas For Sale |
|
Written by Joel Vincent
|
|
Friday, 05 September 2008 06:48 |
|
Spirit currently has 12 King Model 1151SP Ultimate Marching Tubas for sale. These three-valve BBb tubas have a .734" bore, 21" bell with fast-action tuning slide. They weigh only 29 lbs making them excellent instruments for typical high school players. All instruments come with specially designed rolling cases making transporting an easy task.
All instruments have been used by Spirit for the past two seasons with the exception of a few horns which were new for the 2008 summer tour. These King Tubas are priced at $3,000 (retail price $6,350). Shipping is extra.
All instruments are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. We accept checks, credit cards, and school purchase orders. Due to the nature of this sale, payment or purchase order must be completed before shipment.
We also have one King 1129sp Marching Euphonium for sale priced at $1,250 plus shipping.
For additional information please contact Joel Vincent at 256-343-9710 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 2 |
