The Conquistadors Drum & Bugle Corps based in Johnson City, NY is in the process of putting together a performance ensemble for 2012 and is making some huge decisions to make the dream a reality.
Corps director Harry Eldridge states “We are doing something completely unheard of to drum and bugle corps. We will be including woodwind instruments in our ensemble. This ensures that all musicians in the area have an equal chance to participate in this project, not just brass and percussion players.”
To those unfamiliar with the activity, drum corps uses only various bugles or other brass instruments such as trumpets, horns, baritones and tubas and does not typically include such instruments as saxophones, flutes, and clarinets. The ensemble will resemble more of a marching band in the early stages. Eldridge also goes on to state “We will eventually be phasing out woodwind instruments. We hope that our teaching staff can educate woodwind players on brass and percussion instruments as every member is valuable to the group. The corps cannot go into competition circuits with woodwinds however so it important to get members trained in the areas that we need to fill. For now we hope to do some local parades and raise money and awareness about the group before going into our phasing process.”
The group is looking for any interested members to visit their website at www.conquistadors.webs.com and send an email to the official corps email address expressing interest. There are no age requirements to participate, just basic knowledge of music and your chosen instrument.
In addition, the corps has decided on the first field show. The show will be entitled “The Mask of Zorro” and contain music from the motion picture. Audio samples of the show are also available on the corps website.
Conquistadors Drum Corps Announcements
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says ... on Tuesday, Jun 26 at 9:01 PM
Santa Clara Vanguard in the late 60's and 70's had many members that had started in school bands on woodwind instruments, but were taught to play horns because of dedicated teachers both in the corp and out.
says ... on Saturday, Nov 19 at 9:44 PM
What they need is support and not critisicm. Plenty of corps have done drastic things to get off the ground. I remember the Empire Statesmen taking penalties in the 1980's for having guitars. They are top 3 every year now. I commend your efforts guys
says ... on Saturday, Nov 19 at 9:37 PM
I am well aware of the difference between a drum corps and a band. The point of it is to get a members to start training on brass instruments. You can't expect a drum corps to thrive in an area where it hasn't in more than 20 years without compromise
says ... on Saturday, Nov 19 at 8:14 PM
Woodwinds make you a band .... not a drum corps!
says ... on Friday, Nov 18 at 5:19 PM
I wish more local news stations could broadcast this story. It's been a while since drum corps was a part of our area and anything to get the youth involved in is a good move.
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