Halftime Magazine May/June/July 2021 by Halftime Magazine

“’90s Kids” Book Excerpt

Q&A with Sacramento Mandarins MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021

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COVER COVER PHOTO PHOTO Photo of Avon HS World Guard by Blake Dutton Avon HS World Guard by Blake Dutton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Brown, Mary Karen Clardy, Jeff Conner, DJ Corchin, Jamie LeeKaren Cortese, Justin Eberly, Savy Amy Brown, Mary Clardy, Jeff Conner, Leiser, KillianJamie Weston, Wiencken DJ Corchin, LeeAdam Cortese, Justin Eberly,

Savy Leiser, Killian Weston, Adam Wiencken CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS B. Johnson Photography; Bateman; Aaron CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Baxter; Rebecca Couey; Blake Dutton; Cami B. Johnson Photography; Bateman; Aaron Janzen-Guare; Joseph Khalifa; Chris Maher, Baxter; Rebecca Couey; Blake Cami Corpsreps Photography; CarleyDutton; Metsker; Brad Janzen-Guare; Joseph Khalifa; Chris Maher, Poreda; Scott Schwartz; Debra Starrs; Jake Corpsreps Photography; Carley Metsker; Brad Szetela Poreda; Scott Schwartz; Debra Starrs; Jake CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Szetela Dan Dougherty and Erik Evensen CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS

Dan Dougherty and Erik Evensen WEB DEVELOPERS Karen Eborall and Mike McCullen WEB DEVELOPERS ADVISORY BOARD Karen Eborall and Mike McCullen Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band Anthony ADVISORY BOARD L. White, Dr. ArthurLos C. Angeles Bartner, University of Southern Unified School District California Trojan Marching Band Charles F.L.Whitaker, Anthony White, LosNorthwestern Angeles Unified School University Medill School of Journalism District Peter G. Riherd, SpinMedia Charles F. Whitaker, Northwestern University Steve Goldberg, Empirical Media Medill School of Journalism Peter G. Riherd, SpinMedia CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Steve Goldberg, Empirical Media Joshua Katzman CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER LOGO DESIGNER Joshua Katzman Timothy Watters, Teruo Artistry

LOGO DESIGNER Timothy Watters, Teruo Artistry SUBSCRIPTIONS: Send subscription questions to SUBSCRIPTIONS: admin@halftimemag.com. Send subscription questions to Halftime Magazine is published admin@halftimemag.com. by Muse Media LLC Halftime Magazine is published by P.O. Box 428738 Muse Media Cincinnati, OHLLC 45242 P.O. Box310-594-0050 428738 Phone: Cincinnati, OH 45242 Website: www.halftimemag.com Phone: 310-594-0050 Website: www.halftimemag.com 2 HALFTIME MAGAZINE 4 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 3 May/June/July 2021 IS SN 1939-6171

SIGHTS, SOUNDS & SPIRIT OF THE MARCHING ARTS

ith increased vaccinations, the United States is emerging from the shutdowns and restrictions that resulted from COVID-19. However, we all face ramifications from the past 16 months. Halftime Magazine has experienced various setbacks, and we are making the difficult decision to cease publication of the Digital Edition. This issue will be the last for the foreseeable future. We will continue our website and have plans to create new types of content to support the activity and give readers valuable insight. The existence of Halftime Magazine for the past 14 years has proven that fans thirst for information regarding the marching arts. Since our founding, we have seen numerous websites, podcasts, blogs, webinars, YouTube channels he startand of every year brings us a pop up from independent as This well chance for a newsources beginning. as from ensembles and companies. year is certainly no exception as Throughwe our and our COVID-19 support allarticles hope for declining of the industry, believe that Halftime caseswe and look toward a new Magazine has to unite various president and ourhelped first female vice president types ofabout performing Drum corps, to bring positivegroups. changes. indoor ensembles, college bands, high With Halftime Magazine, you will see many school bands, and community groups transformations but also many similarities arethe allpast. equally important components of to Although this issue is completely the pageantry arts. have seen them digital, you’ll find theWe same type of stories partner and perform together. WeWith know and layout that you know and enjoy. an that eachinteractive type of group will continue electronic format, we are excited to shine while helping others achieve embed videos to supplement print content. their You’ll highest find thempotential. in two of the three feature stories. In this issue, we look 2021 Many college bands endedback 2020 on or began group competitive winners/finalists from 2021 without traveling to their football team’s WGI Sport of the pageat16how and bowl look bowl games. We Arts take on a look forward to incorporated 2021 Drum Corps International organizers “Bands at the Bowls shows COVID” on page 10. 14). WeIn also spotlight the During (page addition, Halftime Sacramento Mandarins, a corps with Magazine is proud to be a founding partner of Chinese-American roots, on page 24 as we the College Band Directors National Association stand in solidarity against violence. Intercollegiate Marching BandAsian (page 18), uniting nearly 1,500 nominated performers—not only in

a virtual show for the College Football Playoff National Championship game but also in an ongoing community. We also recap the fall 2020 marching season (page 24), including the in-person Texas University Interscholastic League and Utah Music Educators Association marching champions. For our “For Fun” department (page 34), we have changed out the crossword puzzle to bring you a dose of humor: the syndicated comic strip “Tales from Band Camp” and an excerpt from The Band Nerds Book Series. Because we all need a reason to laugh, and the marching arts can be pretty funny. We are also building up our YouTube Channel with broadcast versions of our stories, band parodies, and videos shared by marching ensembles. If you or your marching group have videos to share, tag us with them on social media, and we may add them to one of our playlists. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, so you don’t miss any video content. WeIfare pleased to give you an excerpt youalso haven’t yet subscribed to the magazine, from our latest “’90s Kids,” featuring remember to do book, so at halftimemag.com, so characters with the marching you can get itinvolved delivered straight to your inbox. arts young-adult, time-travel, LGBTQ+ Asin wea all continue to experience uncertainromance onahead, page 22. ties in thenovel, months look for ways to In creative, the meantime, we willimpact, continue stay make a positive and our one book division put steppublishing in front of the other. as well asPerhaps creative services. We the also welcome Amanda Gorman, first National partnerships to implement new business Youth Poet Laureate and the youngest inauconcepts. a manuscript gural poet If inyou U.S.have history, said it best ready, in her have content-creation needs, or want our poem “The Hill We Climb”: help in other ways, contact us. To quote Ernie Harwell, a former When day comes, we step out of thesportsshade, caster, “It’s aflame time to and say goodbye. unafraid. But I think goodbyes aredawn sad, and I’d much The new blooms as we rather free it. say hello. Hello newisadventures.” Forto there always light, So, keepwe’re on marching! if only brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it. Musically Yours, Christine Ngeo Katzman Keep on Marching, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Christine Ngeo Katzman Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Illustration by Erik Evensen.

PUBLISHER, EDITOR, AND ADVERTISING DIRECTOR PUBLISHER, EDITOR, AND Christine Ngeo Katzman ADVERTISING DIRECTOR christine@halftimemag.com Christine Ngeo Katzman (310) 594-0050 christine@halftimemag.com ART 594-0050 DIRECTOR (310) Jana Rade, impact studios ART DIRECTOR

Halftime Magazine is proud to partner with the following organizations:

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S ERVI NG OUR NATION WITH T HE WORLD AS OUR STAGE Marine Musicians represent the Corps and create the sound of freedom for all the world to hear. As a Marine in the Music Enlistment Option Program, you can proudly use your passion for music to inspire our entire Nation. Do you belong among our ranks? Scan here to learn more about MEOP.

CONTENTS 2021. Photo of theDrum Farmington © 2021. Photo©of the Mandarins and (Utah) HighbySchool by Lisa Bugle Corps from 2018 Chris band Maher, Gemperline.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved. Corpsreps Photography.

DEPARTMENTS 24

PUBLISHER’S LETTER LETTER PUBLISHER’S

NOTEWORTHY 68 NOTEWORTHY USBands and BD Performing Arts

DeMoulin Suits Up with Algy; Illinois and

FEATURES BANDS THE BOWLS DURING COVID 2021AT SUMMER PREVIEW 14 DCI 10 2021 New Year bowls incorporated marching bands as best as

Drum corps is back—live! Learn about the show themes, the unique they could, using andand video recordings to add to the preparations, the audio training, the tour directly from thegame’s staff of atmosphere. several prominent organizations. By Frank DiMaria

INTRODUCING THE INTERCOLLEGIATE 2021 TOP GROUP COMPETITORS 18 WGI 16 MARCHING BAND

For 2021, WGI Sport of the Arts created a virtual season for large competitive The CBDNA Marching BandWe unified performers in a groups as well Intercollegiate as soloists and small ensembles. showcase group winners virtual show the College and finalists infor this year’s WGIFootball recap. Playoff National Championship

game as well as on more personal, deeper levels. By Savy Leiser

“’90S KIDS” BOOK EXCERPT A FRAGILE FALL 2020 MARCHING SEASON Bex! She’s the captain of her high school’s drumline, a huge fan of 24 Meet With everyone focused on safety and community, Texas and UtahBut ’80s music and movies, and the only teen in 2006 without a cell phone! pulled in-person high marching competitions while she won’toff need one when sheschool gets sent back in time to 1989 in “’90s Kids,” other band novel circuits turned virtual events. amost new young-adult available ontoAmazon.com. BySavy KacieLeiser Brown By

SECTIONALS

Continue to Create; What’s Next?; In the SECTIONALS Best Light; Not Just the Flick of a Wrist

Learning Through Teaching; Becoming a Portfolio Musician; Metronome Tricks; Emoting Expressions

GEAR UP

Electric Marimba; Collab App; Blue Devils’ Sound Library

FROM 24 DIRECT DIRECT FROM

Sacramento Mandarins

Michigan State University

BEHIND HEALTH THE ANDBATON SAFETY 30 26 Leading in a Global Pandemic at Temple Allergy Alert

University

HEALTH FUNAND SAFETY 32 28 FOR Don’t Break a Leg

Tales from Band Camp Comic; Excerpt from the Band Nerds Book Series

FOR FUN

Tales from Band Camp Comic; “The Unscalable Wall” from the Band Nerds Book Series

Photo courtesy of the Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc.

Join Forces; Collegiate FA Ntastic Ohio State Perform in Spring Football Games; Winners; DCI and DCA 2021 Season; New Directors March In; HBCU Band Alumni HBCU Homecoming Programs Share Their Stories in Bestselling Book

NEXT ISSUE

• THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION • WGI ESHOWCASE

WEB EXCLUSIVES

• MARCH MADNESS

Want more marching arts material? Read more articles online at halftimemag.com/articles/web-exclusives/.

• AND MORE …

MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 75

BY JAMIE LEE CORTESE

DEMOULIN SUITS UP WITH ALGY

DeMoulin Brothers and Company acquired assets of the Algy Trimmings Company in March 2021. The acquisition brings the octogenarian color guard and dancewear costume brand, now called “Algy by DeMoulin,” into the DeMoulin family of brands, which dates back more than a century and features marching band uniforms. “We believe it’s a good fit with DeMoulin because we’re a 129-year-old company, and … Algy … is an 84-year-old brand,” says Don Adamski, DeMoulin president and chief executive officer. Since the business purchase, Algy by DeMoulin has been brought into a new facility with increased manufacturing capacity. Key employees, including Algy’s former owner and president Sue Gordon, have been hired by DeMoulin. The acquisition occurred after Algy went into bankruptcy due to fallout from the pandemic. DeMoulin stepped up as a buyer, obtaining the brand’s intellectual property, equipment, raw materials, and more. “Algy by DeMoulin’s already manufacturing for the upcoming season, taking orders by phone while the website is rebuilt to be ready for back-to-school season, and [is] even developing a new line,” Adamski says. Despite Algy’s change in ownership, its reputation and quality of products will not change, Adamski says. With DeMoulin’s far-reaching customer base, Algy by DeMoulin’s costumes can reach more potential customers than ever, he adds. “Our objective is really to bring quality products with cutting-edge design to the scholastic market and expand our presence in that realm,” he says. 6 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

NOTE WORTHY

ILLINOIS AND OHIO STATE PERFORM IN SPRING FOOTBALL GAMES Band members at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and The Ohio State University (OSU) took to the stands and the field after a long hiatus to perform in their respective spring football games. The Marching Illini had many new logistics to accommodate for safety, but this performance also brought to light exciting additions, such as a new football coach. The band played its pregame show in the stands and various pep tunes. “Though there was some normalcy, … it still was all very different,” says director Barry Houser. The OSU Athletic Band was able to take the field for a halftime performance as well as play pep tunes in the stands. Its show was based on “The Wizard of Oz,” including music from the 1939 film as well as “The Wiz” and “Wicked.” According to director Dr. Christopher Hoch, many students said that it was the most normal that they’d felt all season long. “To the credit of the students, every single one said they could participate and were excited to do so,” Hoch says. Photos courtesy of The Ohio State University Athletic Band.

NEW DIRECTORS MARCH IN SOUNDSPORT SCHOLASTIC The University of Kentucky (UK), Western Carolina University (WCU), and the University of Southern California (USC) are among major colleges with new band directors. Dr. Shayna Stahl became the first female director of UK’s Wildcat Marching Band in May 2021. As director of athletic bands and assistant director of bands, she will also direct the UK Pep Bands and UK Concert Band. According to Stahl, directing the UK athletic bands has been a longtime goal. “This position has always been a dream of mine since I started my journey working with college athletic bands,” she said in a press release. “I had always been impressed that you could see and hear the energy that the students brought to each marching and pep band performance. I said to myself, I would love the chance to work with this group [and] be a part of the traditions Photo courtesy of Drum Corps International. and history while creating new traditions together.” Also in May, Jack Eaddy Jr. became director of athletic bands at WCU, to where willcelebrate lead the aPride of the Mountains Marching Aiming serveheand broader field of performing arts Band. Eaddy knows that(DCI) students are excited to perform groups, Drum says Corpshe International and Varsity Performing Arts again, and he’s ready to lead them. as a Scholastic Performance will launch a reimagined SoundSport Dr. Shayna Stahl Jacob Vogel

Jack Eaddy Jr.

Event Series, planned for fall 2021. The program lessens barriers to participation by offering live and virtual events across multiple categories in local competitions that can lead to national and international pursuits. The program will encourage ensembles to bring their best selves to the stage rather than focus on competition. “SoundSport Scholastic provides performing artists with a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and a growth mindset that encourages teamwork and community,” says John DeNovi, DCI’s senior director of global sales and business development. The program will reduce participants’ financial burdens by deemphasizing long shows with expensive features through use of smaller performance areas. “Success in a SoundSport Scholastic Event Series will be focused on musical and visual excellence as well as crowd engagement,” says Ben Schroeder, manager of Varsity Performing “To“The be aperformance part of this program Arts. assessment is designed as an equalizer for all is unreal, Eaddy said inthe a press groups by” emphasizing skill of the students and providing valuable release. “The Pride has a richas musicians and performers.” feedback that supports growth tradition of excellence SoundSport Scholastic and will also create more local performance a long-lasting legacy. It’s program, limiting travel expenses opportunities through an…affiliate almost like jumping on a train and accessibility barriers. “[The program] will expand opportunities that’s already running. You justschools that want to perform locally, for rural, urban, and coastal want to make you come DeNovi says. nationally, andsure internationally,” in,More and details you don’t the willderail be announced soon. Visit soundsport.com for train. I’m very excited.” more information. Jacob Vogel stepped in as the new director of the Trojan Marching Band at the University of Southern California on Jan. 1. He succeeded Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, who retired after 51 years. Vogel had previously been USC’s associate director and arranger. While committed to honoring the band’s legacy and traditions, he is exploring ways for the band to grow and evolve, including expanding the program’s curriculum. “While I do think it’s time for a change, there are elements of the program that the students appreciate, so the focus is going to be working with Student Affairs, band staff, and students to identify the elements of the program that work really well and want to be maintained as well as those that are in need of innovation,” Vogel said in a press release. Congratulations to these directors.

HBCU BAND ALUMNI SHARE THEIR MICHIGAN BAND ON MINECRAFT STORIES INMARCHING BESTSELLING BOOK The importance of marching band culture in the overall experience at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is now chronicled in a new bestselling book envisioned by The HBCU Experience Movement, LLC. “The HBCU Experience: The HBCU Band Alumni Edition” shares Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan Marching Band. stories by band alumni from various HBCUs. Published inas April 2021, hangout between trumpet players in the What started a Minecraft it is believed to be the University of Michigan Marching Band (MMB) turned into a timely first-ever HBCUband band virtual marching video with thousands of views. anthology is thea6th Brendanand Owens, fourth-year student studying history and book in the movement. political science, and Holli Conrad, a third-year student studying T h eengineering, g o a l o fmade t h ea small-scale video on Minecraft recreating sound movement is to work one of the Michigan Marching Band’s game-day traditions for fun. withparade all 107 from HBCUs to create and endowments to “We Revelli Hall, partnerships which is our band hall, over to the increase and enrollment giving, according Ashleya stadium, the wayand thatalumni we form our parade blocktoisDr. through Little, the founder, chief executive process called Revelli exit,” Owens officer, says. and visionary author of The HBCU Experience Movement. For “The HBCU Experience: The Many of their fellow band members found the video entertaining. HBCU Band Alumni Edition,” a portion of the Amazon proceeds “[The first video in the fall of 2019] was just one line going out and will gothe to the HBCU National Consortium while doing Revelli exit,” ConradBand says.Directors’ “We posted that just among a portion of the for each of the other books MMB people, and Amazon everyoneproceeds got a laugh out of it.” will govideo to thecaught featured “It’sofall about DeMarco, giving back the The the HBCU. attention Danielle theat MMB end of the day,” Little says. marketing and social media manager. She asked Conrad if the Dr. could Christy Walker, leadand author latest was band modify the video post itof to the social mediabook, accounts. connected with in October 2020. As lead Walker “We actually hadLittle a Discord server set up with aboutauthor, 100 people who helped gather other contributors. In total, notable Conrad HBCU band were in the MMB and [who] had an interest in 36 Minecraft,” says. alumni authored chapters in this book. It’s important to show The final video, posted on Aug. 22 on Facebook, showcased about “how HBCU bands helped to make us who we are today,” says 40 characters controlled live by participants as they marched through Walker, who previously co-founded The 5th Quarter, a website a virtual University of Michigan. dedicated to even HBCUincluded bands. drum major Walter Aguilar catching The video that she knows thethe value alumni in telling their hisLittle macesays after throwing it over goalofpost, another game-day own stories. inluck. that book has been history makers,” she tradition and“Everybody sign of good says. can share stories like members us.” The“Nobody project brought newour and returning of the Michigan Visit thehbcuexperiencemovement.com Marching Band together during the pandemic.for “Wemore wereinformation giving some about the HBCUtours Experience Movement andMinecraft,” get a copyConrad of the book of the freshmen of Revelli Hall through says. on Amazon.com.

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MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 57

WINDS

LEARNING THROUGH TEACHING BY MARY KAREN CLARDY

Learning through teaching others is an honored tradition. For example, teaching marching fundamentals to younger students is a great way to refine individual skills, practice good form, and foster team spirit for the new marching season. Beginners need simple explanations for new concepts, and the teaching process often builds confidence and develops patience in the teacher. Try these simple ideas to learn the benefits of teaching others. HELP WITH SECTIONALS. Work with students on scales, warmups, or memorization. One-on-one experiences develop confidence in young players by eliminating the group effect that masks individual performance. TAKE A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH. Keep it simple when explaining a new technique. Encourage several repetitions at a slow pace or tempo to check for accuracy and to help build the students’ confidence in the new experience. DEMONSTRATE THE MUSIC. Play a phrase out loud for the other students. Use your best tone, rhythm, and style as a reference for individual practice following the session. Remember that notes on the page come to life in performance, and offering a good example is the most natural way to both teach and learn music. BE ENTHUSIASTIC. Energy and enthusiasm are contagious! An enthusiastic teacher encourages learning in every lesson, and students respond to the energy with an open, positive attitude to learning. EXPLORE IDEAS WITHOUT CRITICISM. Fear of failure is the enemy of teaching and learning. A supportive learning environment encourages and builds confidence in both the teacher and students. Collaborate in learning sessions with a “two-way street” approach. Provide opportunities to discuss ideas, encourage questions, and learn mature communication skills. Teaching others builds a pathway to individual learning by developing patience, discipline, consistency, and energy. Remember the saying, “You are your own best teacher,” and apply these simple ideas to help yourself and others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mary Karen Clardy, professor of flute at the University of North Texas in Denton, appears as a soloist, chamber artist, and teacher throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and South America. A renowned author, she has published more than 10 books from European American Music, Leduc, Schott, and Universal Edition. Her students are consistent prizewinners in international competitions and occupy prominent orchestral and faculty positions throughout the world. Visit mkclardy.com. 8 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

BR AS S

SECTIONALS

Leading instructors provide practical tips for each section of the band.

BECOMING A PORTFOLIO MUSICIAN BY JEFF CONNER

Being a portfolio musician is a concept that every music student should dive into. When graduation day arrives, it is your responsibility, and not just your school’s or your teachers’ job, to make sure that your portfolio of skills is overflowing with every imaginable music and business element possible. Every year more than 20,000 students graduate with some kind of music degree. Young musicians need to ask themselves, “What’s going to give me the edge for the job, gig, audition, or internship over other graduates?” If you ask this question only at the end of your studies, that will likely be too late. IN YOUR HANDS. Years ago, I had the privilege of being director of bands at The Fenn School in Concord, Massachusetts. The school’s motto is: “Sua Sponte,” which means, “in your hands.” Following that philosophy, each student must “set his own course and shape his own destiny.” As a young person studying music, you must decide what goes into your own portfolio. Unfortunately, many students have no idea what to do or don’t understand that music is a business. MUSIC MANAGEMENT. To be a successful musician, you must have an understanding of non-musical elements that include contracts, accounting, budgets and finances, unions, networking, taxes, copyright law, business incorporation, recording, handling debt, and social media, just to list a few. Fortunately, most music schools and conservatories now offer courses and/or degrees in music management and the music industry. Every student must make these elements part of his or her music education. If your school doesn’t provide these skills, you need to acquire them elsewhere. But take heart, doing so is not as difficult as it sounds. Perhaps seek out a mentor, an internship, or a networking group. As many of you are beginning your musical journey, stay curious about all aspects of your education, including these non-musical elements.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeff Conner is the only original member of Boston Brass. He has more than 30 years of experience building and branding the Boston Brass name in the world of chamber music. As a Yamaha Performing Group, Boston Brass has performed in 49 states and 30 countries, is a featured participant in conferences and conventions, and leads master classes and artist residencies around the world.

BY ADAM WIENCKEN One of my earliest teachers in drum corps told us at a winter camp, “If you’re not using a metronome, you’re not really practicing.” Even for those less enthused at the use of a metronome 100% of the time, everyone understands its positive impact. The following are a few ways to use the metronome in ways that perhaps you haven’t tried before.

ALTERNATE TIME. Alternate using the metronome at single time and half time to check your rhythmic

accuracy as you progress through the material. Set your metronome to quarter note = 120, and then practice the measure at half time, where the 120 becomes the eighth note.

TAKE BEATS OUT. Set the metronome to click on only certain beats of the measure (only beats 1 and 3 or only beat 1, 2, 3, or 4, etc.). This practice places more responsibility on the performer to keep good time when aligning with only one or two clicks from the metronome in any given measure.

PUT MORE CLICKS IN. If you are practicing material that requires a lot of space or is at a slow tempo, setting the metronome to multiple clicks per beat will help. When the metronome is gone, you have practiced your mind and brain to be subdividing throughout the slow tempos. Try and be creative with this concept. Set your metronome to the eighth notes, sixteenths, triplets, etc. to fill the measure.

USE YOUR PLAYLISTS. Not down with always using a metronome? No problem! Turn on whatever you like to listen to from your personal music collection, and practice to it. That method can be a really good way to break up the monotony of the metronome and keep the practice session fun, light, and fresh. It is also an effective strategy to use when trying to build endurance by not allowing yourself to stop until the track stops.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Adam Wiencken is the percussion specialist for Broken Arrow (Oklahoma) Public Schools. He is an alumnus of the Madison Scouts and The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps and is an active percussion arranger and adjudicator throughout the United States. He is a Yamaha Performing Artist and an educational artist for Innovative Percussion Inc., Remo drumheads, Zildjian cymbals, and MEINL Percussion.

GUARD

PERCUSSION

METRONOME TRICKS

EMOTING EXPRESSIONS BY KILLIAN WESTON

No matter what type of marching season you’re dealing with—indoor vs. outdoor or in-person vs. virtual—facial expressions are an indispensable part of a performer’s repertoire. Everyday facial expressions are comfortable for us but aren’t dramatic enough to be seen and interpreted from far away. More extreme expressions can be uncomfortable and difficult to maintain. Try these tips to help you emote your facial expressions. TRAIN FACIAL MUSCLES. You use muscles in your face to create and maintain your facial expressions, so you need to train those muscles just like you would train the muscles for tossing a rifle or spinning a flag. Practice moving your face in new ways and holding it. Use a mirror, so you can see and feel each expression. It’s going to feel weird, and that’s okay! Practicing on your own and working through the discomfort will help you build confidence and muscle memory in order to maintain your expression once you add in dance and equipment. FOCUS ON EYES AND EYEBROWS. During the past year, with masks being necessary in group settings, the eyes and eyebrows have become the only way that audiences can read facial expressions. If you’re performing masked, practice expressions with your mask on also, so you can make sure your eyes are getting everything across. Practice raising and lowering your brows, widening and narrowing your eyes, and mixing and matching combinations to see what works and what doesn’t. LET GO. These expressions feel weird for everyone at some time or another. The rest of your team is in the same boat (or has been at some point) and understands. Your instructor needs to see your expressions in order to make sure that you are matching the mood of the show. Unleash those facial expressions in rehearsal with confidence! When everyone is expected to do the same thing, then the people who aren’t exaggerating their expressions stand out in a bad way. Every instructor I know would rather ask their performers to give less than to give more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Killian Weston is a color guard instructor and designer in southeast Michigan. She began performing with her high school marching band in 2002 and continued with college marching band and collegiate winter guard. She has taught several guard units and is a prospective judge in the Michigan Color Guard Circuit. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 9

SUMMER P

Drum corps is back—live! Learn about the show themes, the unique preparations, the training, and the tour directly from the staff of several prominent organizations.

BLUECOATS: LUCY BY ELIZABETH CLAYTON MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

fter a season off the field, the Bluecoats could not be more excited to join the 2021 Drum Corps International Celebration Tour. This season is going to look unlike any before, and we are looking forward to new opportunities. Starting right from our July 1 move-in to Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), this tour is going to be a new experience. While our time at IWU usually provides solitude, this year we intend to broadcast to the world from our headquarters with regular live streams of rehearsals and performances including chamber music and show materials. “The 2021 season is such an incredible opportunity to revive the heart and soul of our activity, and I am so excited to play a role in that process,” says Nick Kneupper, a 2021 Bluecoats drum major. “I can’t wait to get out onto the field after nearly two years and show our fans what the Bluecoats have in store for this unusual but memorable summer tour!” The Bluecoats organization creates life-changing and enriching experiences for our young adult participants. Therefore, their health, wellness, and safety will always be our first priority. Our team has been working around the clock for months to develop plans to operate safely. We are working to ensure that most, if not all, of our

10 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

participants and staff are fully vaccinated, that all in-person participants and staff are tested weekly, that our medical team is tripled, and that our return-to-play protocols meet industry standards for infection mitigation and COVID-19 treatment. Of course, part of that life-changing experience is the type of Bluecoats show that fans and performers alike have come to expect and love. 2021 will be no different. You’ll remember that at the end of our 2019 production, “The Bluecoats,” Sgt. Pepper closes the door. Now, intermission is over. What’s on the other side of the door? To start, we find a new character: Lucy. What does her world look like? Find out during the summer tour. Visit bluecoats.com for more information about the Bluecoats.

PREVIEW THE CAVALIERS: LIVE! FROM THE ROSE BY EZEKIEL JACKSON DIGITAL PROPERTIES SPECIALIST

ack after a summer away, The Cavaliers are thrilled to announce its 2021 production, “LIVE! From The Rose.” With only 10 shows this season, The Cavaliers are looking to rock the stadium each night for live audiences as the corps brings a flare of Rosemont while celebrating its 40th anniversary with the Village! Designers provided extra attention and energy to make this year’s milestone show even more memorable. “There is no script when this team gets together to design a show: It’s organic; it’s passionate discussions, belly laughs, and a genuine respect for each other, our membership, alumni, and the audience,” says Michael McIntosh, percussion caption manager and music coordinator. “2021 seems to be about generating all the feels—loud playing, energy, and displaying the power that a drum corps can generate. Our 2021 musical production will have the signature pacing and emotion that people have come to expect from us as well as a musical twist or two, for sure! Our 2021 production pulls from multiple genres such as rock, traditional barbershop quartet, cinema, pop music, and big band, all wrapped up in a powerfully cohesive product that will be ignited by some of the most talented membership that we’ve had in more than a decade. We are excited about bringing ‘LIVE! From The Rose’ to life this summer!” Staff as well as participants have all worked hard to make the season possible, according to Monte Mast, executive director. “We are excited to be returning to the field this summer,” he says. “The last 14 months have been a challenge for everyone. Our design team was committed to providing the members a show that was going to be something that they wouldn’t want to miss, and they have nailed it. The instructional team has created a great virtual off-season program and kept the members engaged and ready to hit the ground running when we finally move in. I can’t say enough

about the members adapting and adjusting to the challenges and making the best out of a crazy situation. We wanted this season to be about them.” In addition, the organization made improvements in equipment and other areas. “We took advantage of our time away from the field to get better off of it,” Mast says. “[That includes] a new equipment fleet. We can’t wait to get started and to see you at a show this summer.” Visit cavaliers.org for more information about The Cavaliers. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 11

THE CADETS: THE ACADEMY: SHALL ALWAYS BE EXPOSED BY ALLISON BROUSSARD MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

“

he 2021 Cadets are excited to finally perform this summer,” says Denise Bonfiglio, director of The Cadets and CEO of Cadets Arts and Entertainment Inc. “Making a decision to participate in 2021 required strength, vision, education, risk-taking, and creativity. … Drum corps in the future may not be the same as it was in the past, and I look forward to creatively navigating The Cadets to a path that sets them up for success for years to come.” Entitled “Shall Always Be” taken from a line in the corps’ song, “O Holy Name,” The Cadets’ 2021 program will feature several iconic musical pieces that are inextricably tied to The Cadets. “The show is an homage to The Cadets—to our past, our present, and even to the future,” says Jay Bocook, brass arranger. Regardless of challenges, obstacles, and setbacks, The Cadets Drum Corps is committed to being here for the community, for its alumni, and for young performers.

BY LINDSEY VENTO ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR

“

he Effort Is the Prize,” the timeless motto of the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, has never felt more relevant, real, and motivating. Just as with every drum corps organization, we have felt every bump, bruise, battle wound, and

tire-flattening pothole along the way, and just like every other drum corps organization, we are excited to replace the battle wounds with sunscreen and the potholes with speedbumps. The Academy is thrilled to be able to dust off the 2020 shelved production and give it a new treatment. The corps’ 2021 production, “Exposed,” takes a look at the life, art, and person of Andy Warhol. The program title plays on the word by showcasing his photographic silk-screening art and exposing some of the eclectic and reclusive personality traits of the artist. Warhol’s lasting impression on art, society, and pop culture will be showcased in the show’s musical representation and selections, the strong visual pops of color and efforts to capture his signature style as defined by his fascination with consumer culture (such as Campbell’s Soup and a single banana), and the introspective look into his need for solitude and isolation during key times of his life. This “Exposed” program, along with a 20th anniversary celebration featuring past musical selections of the Academy, will be brought to life with a very unique rehearsal schedule. Due to the Arizona summer heat and some facility speedbumps, we will be

“In its current form, drum corps has been on a journey, building and evolving since the ’70s, and we’ve never had a pause in that journey until now,” says Jon Bilby, Cadets alumnus and drill writer. “So, we really reflected on that when designing this show.” “Shall Always Be” opens with a dance soloist who discovers an old trunk in a grandparent’s attic and pulls out a Cadets uniform. The iconic, West-Point-style jacket evokes a feeling of nostalgia. “So many great Cadets have worn the uniform,” says Sharbel Skaff, The Cadets’ horn sergeant. “Our motto going into this season is to honor those Cadets who came before us but also to be innovators in the activity while we’re here.” The 2021 musical repertoire, woven together with quotes from legendary Cadets designers, comprises “Everything Old Is New Again” by Peter Allen, “Fanfare” from Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” “Rocky Point Holiday” by Ron Nelson, “New World” by Björk, “Moondance” by Van Morrison, and Bocook’s arrangement of “The Land Race” by John Williams. “It’s going to be really exciting for our current members to step into the shoes of those who came before them and make their own mark on the corps’ history,” Bocook says. “This is their chance to say, ‘Here we are. We are The Cadets. You remember this. Now, remember us.’” For more information about The Cadets, visit cadets.org. 12 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

meeting in two blocks of time: 10 days in June and 10 days in July before the road to Indy!

Ambitious? Yep. Worth it to see The Academy members back together, doing what they do best, and ensuring the corps vets get to see the shelved 2020 production come to life? Yep. Ultimately, “The Effort is The Prize.” Potholes, battle wounds, 20 days of rehearsal, and all. Visit arizonaacademy.org for more information about the Academy.

CROSSMEN: YOUR MOVE

RIVER CITY RHYTHM

BY COLIN BUSICK MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

BY BOJAN HOOVER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

fter taking a hiatus during the 2020 summer season, River City Rhythm (RCR) is excited to return to the field in 2021. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, RCR began to offer online programming in the spring of 2020 through a series of popular programs, including the RCR

Summer Academy, the RCR Winter Experience, and Distant Harmonies. The RCR Summer Academy provided students with the

opportunity to take individual lessons with RCR instructors throughout the summer of 2020. The RCR Winter Experience gave students the opportunity to take small group master-

he Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps has been putting on powerful displays of music in motion for 47 years. Returning to the field with the 2021 production “Your Move,” the Crossmen are thrilled to be bringing the excitement and adrenaline of drum corps back to a live audience. Featuring the music of Pat Metheny and Hozier, “Your Move” is a classic display of the Crossmen’s musicianship and visual prowess explored through the game of chess. The program spans three parts— Openings, Movement, and Coronation—each providing drum corps fans with exhilarating and memorable moments on a monochrome field. Following a year of unprecedented adversity, the Crossmen are eager to make their move back to a semblance of normalcy and to reaffirm drum corps as a paragon of the performing arts. “Getting back on the field is important in so many facets,” says Natalie Steele, chief executive officer of Crossmen Productions. “The 2021 season is special because of what it stands for. We’re here to keep music and the marching arts relevant not only for drum corps but also for middle school, high school, and colleges and universities.” The Crossmen will be kicking off the tour in the organization’s home state of Texas as well as performing in Arkansas and Missouri before finishing the summer in Indianapolis. Although this season lacks any formal competitive adjudication, the San Antonio drum corps has its own set of goals to achieve. “The Crossmen’s goal is the big picture,” Steele says. “We want to develop the 2021 cast and then hit the ground running for the 2022 season.” In spite of the unconventional nature of the 2021 tour, Crossmen members are excited and thankful for the chance to return to the activity that they love. “I am excited for this upcoming 2021 season,” says Nathaniel Khatibloo, a returning Crossmen member and trumpet section leader. “I feel very lucky to have a chance to age out with the Crossmen. I know that this season is going to be different, but I know that the Crossmen [will] give the members the same phenomenal experience.” Visit crossmen.org for more information about the Crossmen.

classes with RCR designers and instructors and culminated with a collaborative virtual performance with hip-hop artist Nur-D. Distant Harmonies garnered worldwide interest

through the commissioning of original works to be performed by various virtual ensembles. To date, thousands of student recordings have been compiled to create dozens of unique video collage performances through the Distant Harmonies program. RCR conducted a virtual clinic at the 2021 Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic, which featured past and present performances from all three RCR ensembles—the RCR Winter Drumline, the RCR Winter Guard, and the RCR Drum and Bugle Corps. In the spring of 2021, RCR announced that it would return to in-person activities and participate in the DCI celebration events scheduled in August and in local Midwest Combine shows held in Wisconsin and Iowa leading up to Indianapolis. The 2021 summer show is designed by program coordinator Paul Weber, music director and horn arranger Drew Shanefield, and visual director Michael Lentz. Visit rivercityrhythm.org for more information on River City Rhythm. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 13

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he Colts are ready to put the challenges of the past 15 months in the rearview mirror. There might never have been more anticipation for the start of a drum corps move-in than during 2021. Following an entire summer of virtual learning, followed by an entire off-season of virtual auditions, the Red Team regrouped for the first time on July 2, 2021. The Colts from Dubuque, Iowa, did not stop when the pandemic shut down the world. The design team put the finishing touches on the 2020 production—now set to debut in 2022—and began discussions for the uncertain 2021 season. As the off-season recruiting cycle turned to Zoom, the Colts designers worked through numerous concepts before landing on an idea, “Leap of Faith,” that perfectly suited the upcoming season. The program’s journey is mirrored by the times we are going through. Sometimes you just have to trust and take the leap. Expect a somewhat traditional drum and bugle corps performance but with many added twists. The Colt Cadets prepared for the 2021 season with a similar pandemic approach in a show aptly titled “Apart Together.” The Colt Cadets are often a fan favorite and has one of the youngest memberships in the activity. Each year the group welcomes a vast range of students from those getting their first DCI experience (and occasionally their first time on an instrument or piece of guard equipment) to those who are nearly ready to make the leap to World Class. The Colts and Colt Cadets geared up for summer with a spring training schedule at facilities throughout the Midwest. They join their neighboring corps in staging the Midwest Combine before heading off to the DCI Celebration in Indianapolis in early August. For more information about the Colts Youth Organization, visit colts.org.

Careful Preparation

FOR A SAFE RETURN TO SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES THE CAVALIERS Rosemont, Illinois

CROSSMEN

San Antonio, Texas

PHANTOM REGIMENT Rockford, Illinois

MANDARINS

Sacramento, California

THE BLUECOATS Canton, Ohio

DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE STAGE FOR THE WORLD’S GREATEST STUDENT PERFORMERS. When the show can go on, the show will go on – but only within an environment which ensures the safety and welfare of the thousands of performers, educators, volunteers, event staff and supporters of Marching Music’s Major League™. With guidance from a multidisciplinary team of consultants and advisors, we are making plans for a return to the greatest stage in marching music – once it is unquestionably safe to do so. To get through these challenges, we need your support more than ever. Please visit www.DCI.org to learn more and to contribute to our “MarchForth!” Campaign. JOIN US FOR A CELEBRATION OF MARCHING MUSIC • INDIANAPOLIS, IN • AUGUST 12-14, 2021

Drum Corps International • 2495 Directors Row, Suite I • Indianapolis, IN 46241 • Telephone (317) 275-1212

TOP GROUP COMPET

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TITORS Photo courtesy of Daviess County Indoor Winds and Guard.

For 2021, WGI Sport of the Arts created a virtual season for large competitive groups as well as soloists and small ensembles. We showcase group winners and finalists in this year’s WGI recap.

MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 17

WINDS The Winds category announced champions and scores in almost all classes, similar to past years. Here are the winning programs.

SCHOLASTIC REGIONAL A

Kent City (Michigan) HS Winter Winds Score of 78.000 Director: Jonathan Schnicke

Outdoor Serenade: Representing the wonders of an evening outdoors, the new Kent City Winter Winds program performed “Butterfly” by Rajaton and arranged by Alex Thode. The performance showcased high reeds, low reeds, and high brass as well as incorporated campfire sounds at the beginning and end of the show. The program used a new digital sound system and backing track. Its tarp showed the vibrant colors at night when the moon peeks through the clouds and illuminates the world. Performers wore black pants and purple tops to pop out the color from the floor. Director Jonathan Schnicke says that he had wanted to have a winter winds program for a while, and this year’s lack of a competitive fall season led to the right timing to start it.

SCHOLASTIC A

Joshua (Texas) HS Indoor Score of 90.500 Director: Bryan Bass

The Matador: With original music composed by Rob Stein, the production by Joshua High School Indoor showcased the aggressive nature of the bull, the finesse of the matador, and the various tapestries created when the two interplay. The hyper-syncopated “shout section” in the final movement created a dramatic climax. Wind musicians wearing masks of bronze horns portrayed the bulls while color guard member portrayed the matadors. Front ensemble performers, dressed in historic Spanish streetwear, portrayed the audience members who would typically watch the fights. The show also featured a drum-set player. The tarp showed a sandy landscape with a red oval encircling the center to portray the inside of an arena. A stage with ramps and red tarps hung along the front added to the colosseum atmosphere and created a second level to showcase performers.

INDEPENDENT A

Daviess County Indoor Winds and Guard from Owensboro, Kentucky Score of 87.250 Director: Nathan Clark

Birds of a Feather: With original music by Jeremy Thompson and Shane Gwaltney, the program presented by Daviess County Indoor Winds and Guard presented themes about birds in flight and working as a flock. The flute, clarinet, and French horn small ensemble provided strong musical features in moments that would normally have been transitions between larger impact points, so that viewers would always be engaged with both musical and visual interest. Performers wore digitally printed bird costumes with built-in masks. The program also featured rolling birch tree props that could be rotated to look like birds in flight.

SCHOLASTIC OPEN

Keller Central HS from Fort Worth, Texas Score of 93.750 Director: Kevin McNulty

The Stone: Playing the song of the same name by Dave Matthews Band, Keller Central High School musicians wore gray and blue patterned costumes and performed on a plain gray tarp. They rolled, pushed, and carried around a large round gray prop, but in a surprise ending, the stone turned into the Earth.

INDEPENDENT OPEN

Horizon Winds from Auburndale, Florida

Score of 86.750 Director: Patrick Miller

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Taking Flight: Recording its WGI finals video inside an actual airplane hangar with a P-51 Mustang Redtail plane on the floor, Horizon Winds honored the Tuskegee Airmen in its show. The tarp showed a dirt airplane runway with 18 runway lights and an airsock as additional props. The original composition by Alex Thode portrayed the characteristics of flying during peace and wartime. Musicians were dressed in green aviator jumpsuits to portray the Airmen. The show also included a drum-set player in the back.

SCHOLASTIC WORLD

Avon (Indiana) HS Indoor Winds Score of 97.500 Director: Matt Harloff

Dimensions in Time: Avon Indoor Winds explored the concepts of time and dimension through Chaos, Reflection, and Celebration using the music “Reflections of Earth” by Gavin Greenaway. The journey was filled with dimensionality, represented by a variety of metal shapes as props as well as shapes created by the performers’ movement. The tarp also appeared multidimensional and provided patterns to enhance the drill, staging, and choreography. The costume was motivated by the design of the tarp with a bright pop of color to help the performers stand out.

GUARD For Guard, WGI recognized top groups with Master Ratings, the highest honors for the 2021 WGI Virtual Season. Here are a few of the groups, presented in alphabetical order. Other Master Rating recipients are Florida International University Gold, McCullough Junior High Varsity, and Onyx.

SCHOLASTIC WORLD

Avon (Indiana) HS World Guard Director: Daniel Wiles

In the Stars: With the song “Gran Torino” by Jamie Cullum and Clint Eastwood, the Avon World Guard created a show about leaving behind your legacy to future generations. With white costumes, the guard members represented stars. The use of scarves and equipment, including flags laying on the floor throughout the show, allowed the performers to utilize the stage in a unique way.

SCHOLASTIC JUNIOR

Badger Middle School Varsity Cadets from West Bend, Wisconsin Directors and Founders: Kathy Nienow, Cami JanzenGuare, and Lindsay Guare

Twinkling Variations: Inspired by the “Seven Levels of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by pianist Hayato Sumino (aka Cateen), the Badger Middle School Varsity Cadets brought many styles of the classic melody to life. The show had eight distinct segments with the ballet section and the two flag features as highlights. Nine starry-sky backdrops helped set the scene and create a smaller stage for the young 13-member group. Star props were used in a dance sequence in the middle of the show. Performers wore white jumpsuits that stood out against the star backdrops and black tarp. The West Bend Winter Guard organization was founded in 2013 with one middle school team and has since developed into a program with four teams ages 1 to 18.

SCHOLASTIC A

Blue Springs (Missouri) HS Varsity Director: Marisa Barzee Designer and Program Coordinator: Lindsey Vento

You.: Encompassing many emotions—the obsession with someone, the obsession with something, the refusal to give up, feeling lost and desperate—the winter guard program by Blue Springs High School Varsity combined Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and “The Unanswered Question” by Charles Ives for its music. The floor had a distinct woman’s face to draw the audience in through her eyes and tilt of her head. Printed plexiglass props created a backdrop, and performers wore sleek, monotone unitards. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 19

Photo courtesy of Spring ISD guard.

SCHOLASTIC WORLD

Center Grove HS from Greenwood, Indiana Director: Keith Potter

The Sound of Rain: In aqua-colored costumes, the winter guard members from Center Grove High School depicted raindrops in the song “Raindrop Prelude” by Frederic Chopin. White piano benches on a black tarp mimicked the visual elements of a piano to appear as if the raindrops were dancing on piano keys in a sonic fantasy.

SCHOLASTIC OPEN

Laguna Creek HS Winter Guard from Elk Grove, California Director of Bands: Jeffrey Edom

The Tree: The Laguna Creek High School Winter Guard performance enacted the song “The Hanging Tree” by James Newton Howard featuring Jennifer Lawrence intermixed with the version by Beowulf and JRDN. Performers represented multiple roles during two contrasting sections of the program. First, they depicted branches, leaves, and wind and then the murderer and executed one from the song lyrics. The program used an actual tree fallen by a local windstorm from one of its member’s yards as a major prop with the shadow of the tree painted onto the tarp. It also used boxes to create dimension and a variety of heights. 20 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

SCHOLASTIC REGIONAL A

Lubbock-Cooper Winter Guard from Lubbock, Texas Director of Bands: Nicole Baxter Color Guard Directors: Brian and Cindy Gruben

Saloon Showdown: In a sequel of its 2020 cowboythemed show, the Lubbock-Cooper Winter Guard combined Varsity and Junior Varsity performers to add saloon girls to its cast of cowboys. During the show, the cowboys courted the girls during a rowdy poker game. The soundtrack with “Breaktime” by Kevin MacLeod, “Saloon Fight” by Chad Olivera, “Cindy” by Ricky Nelson and Dean Martin, and “Celebration/Wild West Finale” by Chad Olivera evoked varying moods, requiring performers to adapt their characters’ emotions from serious to playful. For props, the program utilized functioning saloon doors, a moveable bar, a poker table with chairs, and a whiskey barrel to showcase a variety of dancing sequences and equipment features, including nine rifle performers executing skills on and around the poker table. Its brown tarp showed a variety of wood grains with a longhorn skull in the center.

SCHOLASTIC OPEN

Milford (Ohio) HS Winter Guard Director: Drew Steinbrecher

The Art of Chaos: According to musical theater composer Stephen Sondheim, “Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos.” With

the uncertain feeling of the last 12 months, the Milford High School Winter Guard created a show about finding order in chaos. Drawn to the music “Choros” by Ludovico Einaudi, the program designers realized that the contemporary piece of music had a very similar feel to guard director Drew Steinbrecher’s artwork, which he describes as “controlled chaos.” Like a frustrated artist creating a piece of art, the guard members slowly revealed the tarp as the main visual element throughout the show. The front of their costumes comprised various patterns of digitally printed artwork that matched aspects of the floor tarp while the back of their uniforms appeared black, making performers practically disappear when facing backstage.

INDEPENDENT REGIONAL A Spring (Texas) ISD

Director: Chad Berkstresser

Thank You, Etta James: In a tribute to the singer Etta James, the Spring ISD winter guard—comprised of students from three schools—performed to James’ “At Last” with a spoken introduction by Beyoncé. The program included a silent flag feature. Digitally printed props with ombré bubble patterns were used for smooth staging changes. Performers wore costumes with black and white stripes and polka dots to pop off a black floor tarp.

PERCUSSION In the percussion category, WGI listed finalists but not rankings, ratings, or scores. Here is is a list of World Class finalists. For the full list, visit wgi.org. Also, here is a peek at the show by Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in the Percussion Scholastic World category.

SCHOLASTIC MARCHING WORLD CLASS Avon HS Broken Arrow HS Centerville HS Dartmouth HS Franklin Central HS Lambert HS Lebanon HS Milton HS Timber Creek HS Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

INDEPENDENT MARCHING WORLD CLASS

Blue Knights Breakthrough Indoor Percussion Cap City Percussion Infinity Matrix

SCHOLASTIC WORLD Walled Lake (Michigan) Consolidated Schools Directors: Nick Pourcho and Seth Williams

Only: On a journey to explore uniqueness, creativity, and peace—often found through solitude—Walled Lake (Michigan) Percussion created a show only possible in this unique virtual season. With three 50-foot by 90-foot black floor tarps, the program set up the largest set ever used in a competitive show in order to spread out on the floor. Four stages of varying heights, a two-story scaffolding for a drum-set player, 20 large archways covered in fabric, and six large chime stands with just a single chime were all used as props to isolate, hide, or highlight various performers. With a full color guard group in addition to percussion members, performers chose their own costumes to fit their individual personalities and to highlight the concept of being the “only” one. The show also used lighting to create “fireworks” and energy. Musical pieces comprised “Wednesday Is the New Friday” by Floex and Tom Hodge, “Never Count on Me” by Haywyre, “Details in the Fabric” by Jason Mraz, and “Who We Want to Be” by Tom Day. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 21

BOOK EXCERPT

BY SAVY LEISER

Meet Bex! She’s the captain of her high school’s drumline, a huge fan of ’80s music and movies, and the only teen in 2006 without a cell phone! But she won’t need one when she gets sent back in time to 1989 in “’90s Kids,” a new young-adult novel available on Amazon.com.

22 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

y the time the West Plainfield Marching Band was lining up outside the North Media University stadium and preparing for its last performance of 2005, the sky was a transitional shade of medium blue. But the setting sun apparently had no effect on Jackowski’s eyesight, Bex realized, when she found herself face-to-face with a familiar mustached authority figure. “Goshdarnit, Rebecca!” His voice boomed though his face was mere inches from hers. He was so close that she could smell the egg salad that he’d likely had for lunch. “What did I tell you about wearing makeup in uniform?!” “It’s Bex,” she muttered. She knew that Mr. Jackowski probably couldn’t hear her. But Bex had reminded him of her preferred name so many times that if he couldn’t remember it, that was his own goshdarn fault. “You’re supposed to be the captain!” he yelled again, making Bex grateful for the brim of her shako serving as a small barrier to Jackowski’s nasty egg and onion breath. “How are you going to set an example for the freshmen when you can’t even follow

Illustration and book cover by Erik Evensen.

the rules yourself? We are ambassadors of our school, Rebecca! We have an image to uphold! We’re not just one high school! We’re here representing the entire greater Media City area! And …” Jackowski paused for a moment. His eyes darted past Bex’s shako and toward her ears. “What the fudge is this?!” Bex was used to Jackowski saying things like, “What the fudge?” or “Let’s give a goshdarn good performance,” or “Let’s get our rears in gear,” but for some reason, his censored language did nothing to make his anger less grating. Bex knew exactly what the object of Jackowski’s fudge was this time around. His eyes focused on the three silver stud earrings lining each earlobe. “Jewelry too? Good thing I didn’t make you drum major, or you’d have shown up at band camp with a goshdarn face tattoo!” “Sorry, Mr. Jackowski,” Bex said. “I got the ear piercings last week as an early Christmas gift from my dad. They’re too new to take the studs out yet.” That was at least half-true. The earrings themselves weren’t the gift; Bex’s dad had told her that this year’s present was finally

allowing her to get additional piercings. That wasn’t really much of a gift, especially when most of the other kids her age were getting cell phones for the holidays. But as one of the only poor kids in West Plainfield and one of the only kids in her school raised by a single dad, Bex didn’t really want to draw attention to the fact that her dad couldn’t afford to pay for the piercings and earrings themselves. That price was covered by a few weeks’ worth of saved wages from Bex’s past summer job as cashier at one of West Plainfield’s lesser-known supermarkets. Apologizing to Jackowski always felt like admitting defeat. What Bex really wanted to say to him was, “You’re supposed to be an ambassador to our school. What is the entire Midwest region of band directors going to think about that half-dead caterpillar sleeping on your upper lip?” But for the sake of saving her nostrils from another olfactory assault, Bex kept her mouth shut. Thankfully, before Jackowski could give Bex another retort, a pimply university student in an NMU-branded polo ran over to the band and shouted, “West Plainfield, you warm up in five!” The evening passed quickly as the band performed and then watched other groups without Bex having another negative encounter with Jackowski. Despite West Plainfield’s devastating loss to a performing arts school from Michigan, Bex remained optimistic as she headed home that night.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR An author, entrepreneur, and artist living in Chicago, Savy Leiser is the founder of Furever Home Friends, a small business producing picture books, plushies, and merchandise based on real rescue dogs. “’90s Kids” is Savy’s 10th book. Savy has written for Halftime Magazine since 2015 and has run the successful YouTube channel SAVY Writes Books since 2018. Savy graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in communication in 2015 and from DePaul University with a master’s degree in writing and publishing in 2019. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 23

DIRECT FROM

SACRAMENTO MANDARINS BY KACIE BROWN

ay is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and you might be surprised that Asian culture and drum corps have a long, rich history of intersections in America. Dr. Dan Fong, president and CEO of the Mandarins of Sacramento, talks about the organization’s Asian history and evolution. Halftime: What is your background, musically and beyond? Fong: I have a Doctor of Optometry degree, and I’ve got my own private practice. … I was a flute player for four years in elementary school and middle school, and when I was 12 years old, I could not wait to join the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps because my older brothers were marching. … I was in the brass line for the Mandarins and marched nine years until I aged out. I became brass caption head three different times from 1982 to 2016 … and was on the design team until 2011. I [also] arrange music for some local marching bands. Halftime: What does your role with the

24 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

Mandarins look like now? Fong: Currently, I’m the president and CEO of the Mandarins of Sacramento, and … we have many programs. Our flagship is of course the drum corps; J.W. Koester [is director]. We also have a music education program, which we implement in elementary schools. That was [a project created by Jim Tabuchi, former CEO]. … We also have a pathways program, another one of Jim’s projects, where we bring percussion instruction into the Sacramento County juvenile detention center. We just purchased our own home base, a 12,000-square-foot building in Sacramento County. We use half of it as an event center for bingo and fundraisers. We also have a 3,000-square-foot band room that we rent out to local music and dance groups in the community. … So, there are a lot of projects that I oversee, and the drum corps is just one of them. Halftime: Tell us about the corps’ history. Fong: The corps [was] started in 1963 by four gentlemen who wanted a youth musical group specifically for the Chinese community

in Sacramento. Back then, everything was kind of segregated, and there weren’t a lot of things for Chinese youth to get involved with. There were a lot of drum corps at that time; they were community groups, safe environments, and kept kids off the streets. Every city had several because they were started at places like churches and [Veterans of Foreign Wars] posts. Actually, I went and visited some small towns along the Sacramento River, which were known to have a lot of Chinese immigrants and Chinese laborers [who] were left over from the railroad days and the gold rush days. We went to visit one and actually came across pictures of Chinese drum and bugle corps from as early as 1926. The Mandarins started as a drum and bell corps called the Ye Wah Drum and Bell. Ye Wah is the Cantonese name for Sacramento. They were just a parade corps until 1967 when they added the bugles and eventually changed the name to the Mandarins. The name was actually chosen by the members. Then, they started doing field competitions in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Halftime: What kinds of challenges have the Mandarins faced as a historically Chinese corps? What are your thoughts on advocacy in light of heightened discrimination against Asian people in America? Fong: All I know is what I’ve witnessed. There wasn’t a lot of overt discrimination that I know of. In the ’60s, the ethnic groups pretty much kept to themselves. There wasn’t a lot of integration, at least in social circles, so the Mandarins provided a safe place for the Chinese. As times went on, in the ’70s and ’80s, the corps opened up to allow people from any Asian descent, not just Chinese. One difficult situation we came across was when we had several non-Asians who wanted to be part of our corps, but the bylaws still said you had to be of Asian ancestry. The board of directors ended up relaxing the rules, and that’s when we opened up the corps to everyone who wanted to be a part of it. … I think education is huge. I think speaking up is important, and a lot of groups are being vocal … in their communities and on social media. Taking a stance on what you believe in and what’s right is so important. We have been making very conscious efforts in our drum corps to address these issues by emphasizing equity and inclusion. Now we’re also working that into our Mandarins education programs, especially in Title I schools, with the idea that no kid should be left behind just because of their situation. It’s a part of the fabric in everything we do.

The CEO of the Sacramento Mandarins looks back at nearly six decades of the group’s challenges and successes, honoring its Asian history and evolution toward inclusion and equity for all. Halftime: How does the corps engage with its culture? Fong: We have a history night where I talk a little bit about the founding of the corps, the early days, prominent members and staff that have come through, and some of the traditions. But first and foremost, we always [talk] about the values of our organization: respect, family and treating everyone with kindness. As the organization grew, faces have changed and times have changed, [but] these values are things that we have not allowed to change. Halftime: Do the Mandarins incorporate Chinese elements into shows? Fong: For a long time, we did. And then we’d let it go and revisit it again. It’s been cyclical. In our drum corps shows, we bow, and the uniforms initially had a Chinese influence. But we went through a phase in the ’80s where we wanted to escape that. … We’ve had several shows with taiko drums. In 2013, our show was called “Destination America,” and it was about Chinese immigrants. In 2015, it was about the Terracotta Warriors. Halftime: What kinds of special traditions do the Mandarins have? Fong: I know we eat really well. … Once a year, we have our alumni make a meal for the kids and give our kitchen crew a break. They serve traditional Chinese food. … We also started a Hall of Fame. … Of course, like every music group or sports group, they have their quirky section traditions. Halftime: What are your proudest moments with the corps? Fong: I think the organization’s decision not to be all Asian anymore was a landmark. This was the early ’90s, and it was time. You can’t apply the social views of 1963 to 1990. It just didn’t fit anymore.

Making finals [in 2018 and then again in 2019] was certainly a dream. All of the alumni, from all the way back to the ’60s, started to pay attention to the Mandarins again. … It was a very proud moment to make finals and have so many alumni there to experience it. Halftime: Tell us about your 2021 plans. Fong: We’re so excited to be able to provide our members with a full drum corps experience this season. … The members will be traveling and going to different cities and performing, so it’s going to be real drum corps. We’re not watering anything down, and we’re ramping up for 2022. [In 2021, the Mandarins will present the show, “Beyond the Canvas.”]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kacie Brown was a member of the Pride of Broken Arrow from 2012 to 2016. She is now pursuing a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance at Indiana University, where she completed her Bachelor of Music degree with a certificate in journalism. In 2019, she won the inaugural Elise Hall Competition for Emerging Saxophonists. She regularly performs with her quartet, the Kanaderu Saxophone Quartet, which appeared at the U.S. Navy Band’s International Saxophone Symposium in 2020. MAY/JUNE/JULY 2021 25

HEALTH AND SAFETY ALLERGY ALERT BY JUSTIN M. EBERLY

Combat the discomfort and potentially lifethreatening effects from insect bites, seasonal allergies, and poisonous plants.

s we take our music outdoors in the summer, be sure to recognize and provide first aid for mild to life-threatening allergies. The human body has a naturally occurring immune response, called a histamine reaction, which causes inflammation. Most people have experienced this type of mild pain, itching, and swelling. Insect bites, seasonal allergies, or exposure to poisonous plants (ivy, oak, or sumac) are among the most common non-food allergens.

OVER-THE-COUNTER AID

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an overthe-counter (OTC) antihistamine that can be used to treat mild allergic reactions. Taking an oral antihistamine will reduce the immune response and inflammation over time. Topical itch creams that contain hydrocortisone or other active 26 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

ingredients could also be used. Cold compresses relieve pain and swelling.

PRESCRIBED EPINEPHRINE

If an allergic reaction causes difficulty breathing or swelling to the face or neck, call 911 immediately! Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve shortness of breath, ineffective breathing, or unconsciousness. Epinephrine is a prescribed drug that can be used to treat anaphylaxis. As an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist, epinephrine works by relaxing muscles in the lungs while also constricting blood vessels. The effect of epinephrine eases breathing and regulates blood pressure. An epinephrine auto injector may be prescribed and carried by someone who has experienced a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis in the past. An auto injector uses a spring-loaded needle to release a metered dose of the drug into the muscle, often the outside of the upper thigh. An auto injector is designed to automatically retract the needle to prevent accidental needle sticks. Even if signs and symptoms subside after the injection, a victim should be immediately evaluated by a healthcare professional. Epinephrine is relatively short acting, and its effects may wear off over time. In some cases, the side effect of a heart arrhythmia requires careful monitoring.

MEDICATION DISPENSING

Let’s bring back the fanny pack! Members prescribed an auto injector should be within an arm’s reach of it at all times.

Staff members should complete a basic first aid course at least every two years. The use of an auto injector may be included in the course if permitted by state law and health regulations. All OTC and prescription drugs should only be used as directed. If signs and symptoms do not resolve, or side effects are experienced, consult a physician. Minors should not be administered OTC or prescription drugs without the knowledge and expressed consent of a parent/guardian, so have a medication form signed by parents at the start of each marching season. All injuries, illnesses, and first aid provided should always be documented in accordance with state health regulations and organizational policy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Justin Eberly is a volunteer firefighter and active emergency medical technician in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He presents emergency services educational and training programs locally and nationally. Eberly has played trumpet for 15 years, previously performing with Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and Shippensburg (Pennsylvania) University. He also serves as a marching band instructor.

Let S do the rest. 2021 Virtual Performance Opportunities Individuals | Ensembles Concert Bands | Percussion | Jazz Band Creative Class Featuring a formal schedule of evaluations and online streaming ____________________________________________________

2021 Fall Marching Band Season Connect to the National Pageantry Arts Network and Host a USBands Event to Benefit Your Music Program Affordable, comprehensive packages to maximize income and the overall marching band experience.

For More Information or to Register Visit USBands.org marching@usbands.org 925.689.2918

• Nationally accredited adjudicators • Fee-free band participation • Event technology package • Area or Regional Exclusivity where available • Full time staff to serve you 24/7/365 and help manage your event

FOR FUN Because we all need a reason to laugh, and the marching arts can be pretty funny.

TALES FROM BAND CAMP

AMY BROWN

It’s a salute, not interpretive dance.

Amy Brown is the author of “Tales From Band Camp,” a webcomic featuring marching band and music in general. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her husband, two cats, and two daughters, one who plays flute and the other who plays tuba! Amy plays bassoon, is still active in the University of Georgia Redcoat Band Alumni AAssociation, and serves as co-president of the Hillcrest High School Band Booster Club. She also considers herself a “professional” Girl Scout volunteer.

DJ CORCHIN DJ Corchin, otherwise known in the band world as The 13th Chair, has been involved in music education since learning to play the viola in third grade. And by learning, he means immediately forgetting how to play it the following year when he started on trombone. Growing up in the band world, DJ graduated from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, with a degree in music education and immediately did not use it. Instead he became a featured performer riding a unicycle and playing the trombone in the Tony and Emmy award-winning Broadway show, “BLAST!,” as one does. Shortly after, he became a high school band director developing BAND NERDS for future world domination. When a takeover didn’t materialize, he started a career as a children’s author, writing books about kindness and communication. As one does. 28 HALFTIME MAGAZINE

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