Saturday, we got the opportunity to go to one of Derek’s shows. These pictures and videos do not do it justice. Drum Corp has come a long way since the days of the Fulton Goucho’s. We sprang for the VIP tickets which got us seats on the 50 yard line, programs and VIP parking. We decided that was the best way to go from now on. The air was full of excitement with the buses, people and kids. Above is the equipment bus for the Spartans. They also travel with a food wagon, 3 coach buses and lot of helpers.
Greg caught this shot of the guy sitting in front of us. It has their summer schedule on the back.
Don’t you just love a man in uniform. The Spartans are based in Nashua, NH. Each group gets approximately 10 minutes to perform. They are also judged on getting their gear on and off the field within a certain time limit. Derek is a member of the pit. They have a lot of equipment to move. The Spartans performed second. The first group was the Muchachos from Manchester, NH. They are the only group that doesn’t age out. Their members range from 14-69. The other groups have age limits. This was Derek’s only opportunity because you can’t be older than 21. The Spartans are in the open class and competed against the 7th Regimen. The Spartan have dominated each time so far this season. All the other groups are in Class A. They are much larger and complex.
The Spartans are coming onto the field. The guy in front is the drum major. All the drum majors have their own platforms and conduct the group. If you watch some of the other videos you will see that the larger groups often have more than one.
Derek was on chimes, gong, mallets and base drum. He was hopping. The sun was setting as the Spartans performed so unfortunately the video wasn’t as good as it could have been. Click on photos for larger view.
After each group played they came around and marched off in front of the grandstand (which was packed).
Spartans (click to view)
7th Regiment, New London, CT (Click to View)
Jersey Surf, Camden County, NJ (click to view)
The Scouts were incredible in their precision and sound. They are unique in they are all men including the color guard, very impressive group.
The Class A groups have been touring the country for the whole summer. It’s a huge commitment for the kids, parents and all involved.
Spirit of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
(click to view)
The Spirit used music from show tunes. The girl in the red dress came slowly across the field wrapped in a black cape. It was a great show.
The photo below is also the Crossmen. Unfortunately my battery died partway into the Boston Crusader show and the Carolina Crown from Ft. Mill, SC. They were the group that took first place.
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