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GCS Newsletter (6 April 2005)
GCS,
Congratulations to the all the TCGC Championship contestants from GCS! I lost track of how many awards GCS members took home last weekend!!
This is really turning out to be a fantastic year. The hornline and drumline have doubled in size and the color guard is 3 times as big as last year! The Corps sounds and looks better now than we ever have. All the pieces are in place for us the do extremely well this season. Now is the time to kick it up a notch. We're learning the first 20 or sets of drill at the Camp this weekend. The pace of the rehearsals is going to quicken as we really start to enter the season. Don't just hang on for the ride..... help us push and keep the momentum going!
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After MUCH discussion and debate the staff has added an hour to the rehearsal schedule. We did this to give the Corps more breaks during the day without compromising our allotted time to rehearse. It's going to start getting pretty hot and we'll need the downtime in order to be productive. If you'll notice we've got a 30 minute break from noon - 12:30 as well as several 15 minute breaks.
So, starting this Saturday you need to be in the Fellowship Hall (big building where we rehearse) at 9:45 AM. After the morning announcements we'll all head out to the field to stretch and do some marching basics. Once done with that we'll break up into sections for the remainder of the morning and afternoon.
We're also trying something completely new this year: "Sectional Drill". In the past we've learned the drill together. However, in our never ending quest for efficiency we're going to try learning the drill by sections: brass, guard, perc. This should allow the Visual Staff to teach the drill much more quickly and be able to address more individual issues along the way. In the evenings (after dinner) we'll put it all together as a full Corps.
8:30 Breakfast @ Luby's (45 @ Shepard)
9:15 Staff Arrives
9:30 Instructional Staff Meeting
9:45 Members Arrive
10:00 Briefing for the day (Full Corps)
10:10 Basics Block -Stretch and Warm-up (Full Corps)
10:30 Rehearsal in Sections (Brass & Percussion)
10:30 Drill (Guard)
12:00 *Break & Switch
12:30 Rehearsal in Sections (Brass & Guard)
12:30 Drill (Percussion)
2:00 Break & Switch
2:15 Rehearsal in Sections (Percussion & Guard)
2:15 Drill (Brass)
4:30 **Dinner Break
6:00 Ensemble Music (Full Corps) (Guard can opt out if needed)
7:00 Ensemble Drill (Full Corps)
9:00 Announcements and Dismissal
* "Craig's Break" is at Noon.
** Dinner Break is a full hour and a half.
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Gig's
Keep in mind the Drum Corps Tigers gig is Saturday, April 16th. This is a FULL CORPS performance. We'll be wearing the new GCS t-shirts and khaki shorts or slacks depending on your preference. Everyone needs to be there from 11:00 - 2:00. More details this weekend....
The Contraband Days performance in Lake Charles, LA is coming up on April 30th. We still need some more help with this one. At a minimum we need 7 horns and 4 percussion. I'd like to double that if possible. More details are coming....
The KHOU Channel 11 Morning Show is still set for Monday, June 6th at 5:30 AM. Details coming soon....
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Dues
The first $100 of your dues are now past due. Please see David Breitwieser to make payments. The remaining amount will be due on June 18th.
We have several fund-raisers planned and the candy sale is on-going. To get involved and help offset your dues please contact David today: Fundraising-Dir@GulfCoastSound.org
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Remember that you need to have "Bring Me To Life" completely memorized for this weekend.
That's it for this week. I'll see everyone at 9:45 Saturday morning!! This is the first DRILL CAMP!!!!
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."
"Corps: A group of people working TOGETHER towards the same goal"
Jason Rose
<><
Gulf Coast Sound
Corps Director
www.GulfCoastSound.org
AOL IM: "ContraMarine272"
GCS Newsletter (4 March 2005)
GCS,
As you may have noticed I've stopped writing these letters every week. That is due to the new website being operational. Nearly everything you'll ever need to know is on the website. This is a very powerful tool , please use it. The calendar is now finished through September, although there will likely be a few changes later in the summer. Most of the Staff members have email addresses on the Staff page, along with the Section Leaders. The new "Music Download" page (for current members only) is up and running with nearly all of the music that we're going to use this year. Drill charts will follow soon. You're able to pay your dues on line with the PayPal page. And, of course, we have the SOUVENIR page. Take a look!
The Member Guide and Medical Release form can be found
here.
As you can see, there's a TON of new information. And, if you're in a hurry just read the marquee at the bottom of the main page. All the recent news and dates for upcoming rehearsals and performances can be found there.
If you have any problems with the site, or have ideas for new content, please let me know.
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If you are a current member and are not on the GCS Yahoo group please contact me ASAP! Also, if you are a current member and do not have access to the Music Download page on the website please contact me or your Section Leader.
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Staff Additions (From the Press Release)
Gulf Coast Sound Drum & Bugle Corps from Houston, Texas is honored to announce David Bolzman as the interim Head Drum Major and Elaine Emmerich as the Assistant Drum Major for 2005. GCS is also announcing Ramon Rincon as the Percussion Caption Head and Alan Macon as the Brass Caption Head.
Regretfully, Nikki Nauck can not continue her tenure as Drum Major because of commitments to her family. We all greatly respect her dedication to her boys and their active lives. She will, however, continue with the Corps this season as a member of the mellophone section. We owe Nikki a great deal for being the field leader of Gulf Coast Sound for our first three years.
David Bolzman, Executive Director and Visual Caption Head, offered to step in as the interim Head Drum Major after some discussion at a recent Board of Directors meeting. David was once the drum major for the Saginaires Drum & Bugle Corps. Because he is already filling several positions with GCS he is willing to step down if someone more qualified has an interest in leading the Corps this summer. If interested please contact the Corps: info@GulfCoastSound.org
Elaine Emmerich is the classic example of someone willing to step-up to a challenge. Her enthusiasm is infectious!!. Though this is her first drum corps experience, she did direct her high school band a few years ago. Welcome aboard, Elaine.
Ramon Rincon has two decades of experience instructing and performing with drum corps and college percussion sections. His wealth of knowledge and can-do attitude will push the battery to new heights this year.
Alan Macon has hit the ground running. Within minutes of his arrival at the Corps Hall he was warming up the hornline! Alan is majoring in Music Education at the University of Houston and is a Bluecoats alumni.
The management of the Corps has complete confidence in the new staff members and is VERY excited that they have risen to the challenge and are helping to move the Corps forward in 2005.
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Dues Schedule
Remember, the first $100 of your dues must be turned in on March 26th. The remainder is due on June 18th. All dues money must be turned in by June 28th.
Now, we realize that not everyone can make this schedule. If you're having difficulties please see your Section Leader and Dave Breitwieser. We'll work with you to keep you as a member of the Corps.
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Fund Raising
March 19th is the Annual Bowl-a-Thon. This is a FUN and EASY way to raise money for your dues. Dave has already passed out the forms. If you did not get one please email him at: Fundraising-Dir@GulfCoastSound.org
Remember, we also have the candy sale. That will be on-going the entire year. If you need candy to sell contact Dave. If you have money out it is due this weekend.
There are several other fund-raising events coming up. Details later........
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April (Hell Month)
Most Corps have a "hell week". We're about to have "hell month." Don't get the wrong idea though, it's going be FUN!!
Friday, April 8th 5:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M.
GCS is being featured LIVE on KHOU Channel 11's morning news broadcast.
Saturday, April 9th 11:00 A.M. - 9 P.M.
First Drill Camp of the year.
Saturday, April 16th Times TBA
Drum Corps Tigers performance.
Saturday, April 23rd 11:00 A.M. - 9 P.M.
Second Drill Camp of the year.
Saturday, April 30th Times TBA
Contraband Days in Lake Charles, LA
All of these events and rehearsals will require the FULL CORPS. We need all hands for this month.
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2005 Schedule
Saturday, March 5th Rehearsal at RBC
Saturday, March 19th Fund Raiser - Bowl-a-Thon
Saturday, March 26th Rehearsal at RBC
Saturday, April 9th Rehearsal at RBC (Drill Starts)
Saturday, April 16th Drum Corps Tigers BBQ
Saturday, April 23rd Rehearsal at RBC
Saturday, April 30th Contraband Days - Lake Charles, LA.
Saturday, May 7th Rehearsal at RBC
Saturday, March 21st Rehearsal at RBC
Saturday, June 4th Rehearsal at RBC
Saturday, June 18th Rehearsal at RBC
Thursday, June 30th --
Tuesday, July 5th Drum Corps Midwest TOUR
Friday, July 15th
to Sunday, July 17th DCA South TOUR - ??(Mini-Corps Only)?? - Rockmart, GA.
Saturday, July 23rd Rehearsal at RBC
Saturday, August 6th--
Sunday, August 7th Family Days (Houston & Dallas)
Saturday, August 13th Rehearsal at RBC
Friday, August 19th
to Sunday, August 21st DCA South Championships TOUR - Orlando, FL.
Thursday, September 1st
to Wednesday, September 7th DCA Championships TOUR - Scranton, PA.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."
"Corps: A group of people working TOGETHER towards the same goal"
Jason Rose
<><
Gulf Coast Sound
Corps Director
www.GulfCoastSound.org
AOL IM: "ContraMarine272"
GCS Weekly Newsletter (3 February 2005)
GCS,
Mardi Gras was a huge success! The raffle winners, Donna and John, from Elmira, NY had a great time. They called me Sunday morning before they left to again thank the entire Corps for making their trip down here special.
A very big THANK YOU needs to be extended to Marc Sanders and David Breitwieser for making the All-Star Parade happen this year. There's a TON of things that had to take place behind the scenes to get GCS to Galveston and these guys made it all happen. Thanks guys!
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I'm very proud to announce the addition of Ramon Rincon to the Instructional Staff. Ramon will join us as the Percussion Caption Head. Some of you old BCB guys may remember Ramon from 2000 and 2001 He left after 2001 to help care for a new born baby.
It's good to have you back Ramon!
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The next camp is February 12th. Here's the schedule:
10:15 Staff Arrives
10:30 Instructional Staff Meeting
10:45 Members Arrive
11:00 Briefing for the day (Full Corps)
11:15 Warm-up (Sections)
12:00 Rehearsal (Sections)
12:45 Break
1:00 Rehearsal (Sections)
2:00 Break
2:15 Marching Basics (Full Corps)
2:45 Learn New Practice Drill (Hornline & Guard)
2:45 Resume Rehearsal (Percussion Only)
4:30 Dinner Break
6:00 Resume Rehearsal (Sections)
7:45 Break
8:30 Show & Tell (Full Corps)
9:00 Announcements and Dismissal
Please remember that when you arrive you need to head to the Fellowship Hall (big building behind the church). We'll make some quick announcements after everyone signs in and then we'll get started. If you arrive late you need to go see Michele Rose (Mellophone) to sign in.
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We are recruiting VERY heavily right now. Corey, Joe, and Kerry have stepped up and are pushing hard to get new members into the Corps. As I've said since Day 1, "Recruiting is everyone's job." We could use a hand here, folks. We need people to volunteer to make phone calls (we have a script to help you) and place flyers around town. If you can help out PLEASE contact
Andy Jurick.
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We will be starting a new candy sale as soon as the money is turned in from the last one. This is an EXCELLENT and EASY way to help defray the costs of your dues. If you have money outstanding it needs to be turned in at the next camp. No exceptions.
If you would like to reserve a case or two when we order more please contact
Dave Breitwieser.
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That's all for now. I'll see everyone on the 12th!!
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."
"Corps: A group of people working TOGETHER towards the same goal"
Jason Rose
<><
Gulf Coast Sound
Corps Director
www.GulfCoastSound.org
AOL IM: "ContraMarine272"
BR>
GCS Weekly Newsletter (3 January 2005)
GCS,
Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a safe and joyful Christmas.
Special thanks to Dave S., Andy, Bart, Michele, Kerry, Jeanie, Joe, and Scott
for performing at the Christmas Caroling gig in Pearland. The Corps made an
easy $250.
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We're having our first full rehearsal this weekend. The focus will be almost
entirely on the 2005 production: "Pulse". New versions of "Dust in the Wind"
and "Point of No Return" will be handed out. We will also quickly run through
the 2 parade charts for Mardi Gras.
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It's my sad duty to report that we're loosing Craig Grabein, the Percussion
Caption Head, this year. His company is calling him back over to Basra, Iraq
to act as the Camp Manager for the U.S. Embassy. He'll be gone for about 6
months. Our thoughts and prayers go with him.
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Here's the schedule for this weekend:
10:15 Staff Arrives
10:30 Instructional Staff Meeting
10:45 Members Arrive
11:00 Briefing for the day (Full Corps)
11:15 Warm-up (Sections)
12:00 Rehearsal (Sections)
12:45 Break
1:00 Rehearsal (Sections)
2:45 Break
3:00 Marching Basics (Full Corps)
4:30 Dinner Break
6:00 Resume Rehearsal (Sections)
7:45 Break
8:00 Show & Tell (Full Corps)
8:30 Announcements and Dismissal
Please remember that when you arrive you need to head to the Fellowship Hall
(big building behind the church). We'll make some quick announcements after
everyone signs in and then we'll get started.
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Stacie Parsley (Guard) is going to be writing articles for the "News" area on
the website. She may be coming around to interview people so please cooperate
with her. If you have any story ideas please let her know. Thanks for stepping
up and helping out Stacie!!
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Corey Mark (Percussion) has offered to assist Andy and Marc with the recruiting
and marketing effort. As we keep telling everyone, "Recruiting is everyone's
job." Thanks for stepping up and helping out, Corey!!
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** If you are not on the Yahoo Group and are a current member please send me
your email address. We use this to send information out, as well as fun stuff.
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I'll see everyone on Saturday!!
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."
"Corps: A group of people working TOGETHER towards the same goal"
Jason Rose
<><
Gulf Coast Sound
Corps Director
www.GulfCoastSound.org
AOL IM: "ContraMarine272"
GCS Weekly Newsletter (30 November 2004)
GCS,
Open House was a huge success. By all indications GCS is going to double in
size this year. However, we're still recruiting. Bring a friend! Bring 4 or
5!!
Saturday is our first regular season rehearsal. The camp will be followed by
our first performance of the 2005 season! The Corps has been invited to perform
Christmas Carols in Pearland, TX. We'll have maps at the camp. All members of
GCS are invited to attend/perform. We need to have at least 3 Sopranos,
2 Mellophones, 3 Baritones, and a Contrabass. However, all of the Hornline is
invited to perform.
The Percussion Section will also likely perform a few selections. Craig and
Corey will have more details on Saturday.
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It is my pleasure to announce Craig Grabein as the 2004-2005 Percussion Caption
Head. Craig has worked with several top high school bands in the area as well
as Percussion One. I believe GCS is his first Drum Corps, but by all
indications he'll fit in perfectly.
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Janelle Ewing will be joining us this weekend to run the brass rehearsal. Due
to some family issues Robert Sims will be unable to commit to the Corps for a
while. Janelle is the band director for Lamar Consolidated HS in Sugarland and
is a former brass instructor for Revolution D&BC in San Antonio.
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Saturday Schedule
| 10:00 | Staff Arrives |
| 10:45 | Members Arrive |
| 11:00 | Briefing for the day |
| 11:15 | Warm-up (Sections) |
| 12:00 | Rehearsal (Sections) |
| 1:45 | Break |
| 2:00 | Marching Basics (Full Corps) |
| 3:00 | Break |
| 3:15 | Resume Rehearsal (Sections) |
| 4:45 | Full Corps Meeting |
| 5:00 | Dismissal |
| 7:00 | Performance in Pearland, TX |
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We will be wearing street clothes for this performance. It will be outdoors, so
dress warmly. Santa hats are optional, but highly encouraged. Please dress
nicer than normal rehearsal attire. Jeans are perfectly acceptable, jeans with
holes are not.
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That's all for this week. I'll see everyone on Saturday!!!!
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not
an act, but a habit."
"CORPS- A group of people working TOGETHER towards the same goal."
Jason Rose
GCS Weekly Newsletter (9 Nov 04)
GCS,
The Corps Banquet is this Friday at 7 PM. It will be held at RBC, the Corps
home base. The Banquet is open to ALL current members, alumni, and guests.
PLEASE RSVP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO!!!!
The price is $10, due at the door.
Dinner is being catered. In addition, there will be awards, videos, a slide
show, and some freebie stuff... so please come. It's going to be a LOT of fun.
Decorations are being handled by the GCS Color Guard!! (THANKS Guard)
The dress is business casual: slacks and button down or polo-type shirt for the
guys, dresses/skirts or pant suits for the gals. Suits are optional if you
want, but really not necessary. Please don't show up in grunge/rehearsal attire.
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The 2004-2005 Open House is quickly approaching. Andy Jurick and his volunteers
have been HARD at work recruiting for next year. There could be anywhere from
15 to 50 new faces at the Open House. If you have spare equipment at home
(horns, drums, flag equipment) please bring them. We're probably going to need
several Contras (about 10 people have signed up to play Contra)
Recruiting is the responsibility of the entire Corps, not just Andy. Please
help us get the word out!
Schedule for Open House:
| 10:00 | Staff Arrives |
| 11:00 | Start Time - Quick Intro of 2005 Staff Members |
| 12:00 | Break into Sections for Warm-ups and Rehearsal |
| 1:30 | Lunch (BBQ) & Outline for 2005 Season |
| 2:30 | Sectional Rehearsal Continues |
| 3:00 | Show & Tell Time |
| 3:30 | Final Comments & Dismissal |
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Here's the schedule through Christmas:
| November 12th | Corps Banquet |
| November 20th | Open House |
| December 4th | Full Winter Camp / Small Ensemble performance in Pearland (during camp) |
| TBA | "GCS Lite" Christmas Carols at Houston Zoo |
| TBA | Possible "GCS Lite" Christmas Carols in El Lago (near NASA) |
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That's it for this week. PLEASE RSVP FOR THE BANQUET TODAY!!!!!
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not
an act, but a habit."
"CORPS- A group of people working TOGETHER towards the same goal."
Jason Rose
