ARCHIVE DIRECTOR's CHAIR
At the start of our 2008 Season - 07/2008
A wise man Mr. Bruce Mc Cready - Drill writer
warned us that the maturity of our horn line may prove to be a problem.
With a total of 22 horns - and 9 of them being over the age of 55
3 of which are over 70- Nearly 2/3rds our line
This prediction proved to be correct.
We had a wonderful opportunity to rehearse inside this season - courtesy of the Boy's & Girl's Club, this allowed us to get a great head start on our drill.
Colorguard started in April and we were off . With the addition of several people to our percussion line. We finished at 22horns/10 in the battery /4 in the pit/14 guard from various organizations.
When it was time to go outside - & we started that 2 months ago, the weather was mild - over the last few weeks the heat and humidity grew and I began to see signs of Bruce's warnings manifest .
As Director's - we are charged to make decisions about the
organization, production, business etc.
It is not usually par to have to make medical decisions as well.
And ... I am a little gun shy after an event that happened in Jan. this year.
As A Director, I am not willing to put myself or anyone
in that position again either.
Or in Danger... regardless of the repercussions we stand to face.
Therefore...
EXCELSIOR D&BC will- with great sadness have to withdraw
from the competitive season 2008 & work to reorganize the makeup of the line yet evolve the experience that we do have in the line to a new level of EXCELSIOR
Good luck to our brother's and sister's in the
Class A organization this season. We will be watching intently !
A special Thank you to the DCA folks who have been
very helpful with this transition.
EXCELSIOR looks to maintain our show and will return in the
competitive 2009 season.
We would like to thank all those who participated with us during this season
and invite back for the 2009 season
those who decided not to continue in exhibition.
We completely understand your position and still love you .
We look forward to seeing you in the Fall.
Ever Upward....
The Bennington Parade
and other stuff ....
It was a beautiful morning, cool, you know, just the right temperature for a parade. The crowd as always, very welcoming.
And keeping in tradition when the parade is over we strip down and go exhibition in T-shirt and shorts. My favorite. The Corps too !!! :-p
(Get your mind out of the Gutter !)
Never the less- the crowd gave us some great cheers and it was a blast.
We took first place !
I was glad to see the corps relaxed for a change giving all the drama they experiened.
Speaking of Drama, ya'll must catch our soaps, AKA the Guest Book -
This is a real sketch. Hardly anyone from the corps of course but it is interesting to see all the people who are interested in our business.
;:-p
For Example Pete Amico ( President) from the White Sabers.
Gotta love it. Leave it to a Director to send a president to do the dirty work.
Decides to come on our site and ask members to join Sabers.
You gotta wonder why Saber's doesn't have a guest book... :)
Enough of that.
Anyway... I have learned from this experience that- Not everybody is gonna like ya, no matter how hard you try and.... It certainly is not in our best interest to force someone to-
Remember - Leaders are not born- they are put there
by those who would be lead by them.
I ask my corps often if they are still willing.... ( Have you?)
I have been fortunate to have such loyal friends (family)
It is still exciting for me to be in front of them- and I hope that I am exciting enough to be there (in front of them)
The corps is really looking forward to growing and changing in the
2008-09 season. And I am looking forward to being just a Director.
We have a great deal of experience in our line....
champions-
Interstatesmen,Monarchs,Pittsfield Cavaliers,Volunteers,
Avant Garde,Defenders, Blue Angels, etc.
The List goes on and on....
I am honored
I love to hear their stories.
Some day I'll get that on here too.
Enough for now.... Ever Upward.
Donel
A day in the the life of a Drum Corps
Wow, fall sure is upon us fast and so is drum corps season.
With our first camp slated for Nov. 28-29-30
Things are already ramping up.
Our banquet will be held this year in Mass. at
The Polish Falcon's Club
With a great dance /cover band to follow, we will be opening it
up to the public for a fundraising event.
8pm-1am if your interested - I will post directions on the invitation that you can access from the Excelsior News Page or that link right there.
Well... It's never a dull day on the Excelsior Website-
As usual our guest book has held true to the soap box it has become. A little while ago I wanted to take it down - as you can see on other sites many corps do not even have one.
Now I know why.
You would be interested to know that we had
over 4,000 hits to that 1 page alone. The average person (who we can track) spends at least 35 minutes on our GB. Go figure for a site that people have stated they don't like, interestingly, it is those individuals who are spending the most time.
One even spent over 2.5 hours on that 1 page. My gosh ....
But, lets get to the meat and potatoes here.
I spent a lot of time reviewing all of the comments. Trying to see where all the anger is coming from. It of course (me being the director at present) is usually directed at me. Despite what anyone even knows about the functioning of our corps.
Never the less...
Here is what I (a lowly director) have deduced.
The Capital Region as well as the Berkshires ( Always have to mention that you know), has over the years -
in the well of Drum Corps....dried up!
I know, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know but, it is what it is. As I see it though, It is my opinion that people aren't just mad at me, they are mad at the lack of Drum Corps in this area. We being the current competitive corps on the block trying to make a go of it, will of course receive the brunt of hits pass or fail, because there isn't anyone else to take it.
(Field Corps I'm referring to so don't
get your panties in a twist)
Having said all that, people are getting edgy, not just about us but, about the other corps, who HAVE names such as The Skyliners and T he Sunrisers - potentially not making it back.
I too would be upset to not see those great corps emerge from the ashes as some of our bigger corps have in the past-
The Briggs for example - I have never seen a corps come back so many times and strong too- from the ashes, like they have.
But... again, people are getting frustrated because if they don't
- Where will they go ?
Clearly, based on some of the comments - Excelsior isn't good enough to come and spend the time it takes to really build a drum corps. So, how sincere are they really about bringing drum corps back to the area?
It is truly a pity though because there is such talent here.
It is my mission though along with the members who remain with the corps to keep trying.
I too have had the opportunity to go to other drum corps.
Myself like some of my fellow horn players in Excelsior was asked to drive down to one of these corps -
I had been asked to be the drum major for a few - pretty major corps too- But.... I am from here.
And here is where I marched in Avant Garde
And others who marched in
The Interstatemen, The Volunteers, The Defenders, Troy Skyliners, Spiegelaires, Monarchs,The Pittsfield Cavaliers, Capital Brass... The list goes on
Proud of our accomplishments -
And well aware that, this area was once filled with talent-
But today, are driving south & west to make those corps bigger and better. Take a good look at the demographics of most of the members of other corps. You will see that a great deal of them are not from those areas.
Imagine if all the people in this area - stopped driving away
Imagine if the people who are here still - laying dormant decided to just try it one more time.
As a former AG person. I watched that corps grow at the hands of a great leader -
Mr. Jeff Perkins ~ When AG folded - many of us were very sad.
But, In my opinion - AG never really died... actually I believe it wasn't finished. I know this because they are all still here.
Some working in schools with colorguards , some still and some not with marching bands- But they never went somewhere else. ( some did )
Because they loved it so much and needed the high we all experience from its former glory.
The experienced talent that still reigns in this area is enormous.
someone mentioned in the GB that we (Excelsior) over time had 40+ horns go through our corps.
As the director, I have the actual statistics.
We had over 58 horns - !!!
and 37 different drummers.
22 color guard.
And enough extra drummers for a pit of 15
Can you imagine if everyone came together -
put aside all of their differences-
Stopped trying to be the head gun in charge-
WOW !!!!!
A wise person once told me -
That a leader is not born...
They are put there by those who would be lead by them.
That means - that a true leader, does not put themselves into power ~ instead
They work hard, put their selves on the line and make sacrifices in order to prove their worthiness of the task they were asked to do.
And so, this year ~ as all people should, we learn from our mistakes
I say we, because we work as a group.
together not letting the dream of fielding a corps from this area
The Greater Capital Region of New York
&
The Berkshires of Massachusetts
die...
The Friendships, The skills that we have all learned in our experiences with Drum Corps
Have lived with in each of us all of these years -
Our abilities to teach our children today about what that meant and felt like is limited only by ourselves not being involved.
My son Daulton, was 9 when he first joined.
He was in 3rd grade and just picked up a trumpet when he stood in the line of Excelsior 5 years ago.
At that point he had already taken some lessons at school and was holding his own - as a 3rd sop.
I loved that he was standing next to me in the line as I was at the time a Sop 2
With a line of 36 horns then....!!!!!
We had just finished playing through the first song we had learned in X
and it was finally time for the percussion to ensemble with us.
they came in and stood on the stage in front of the line.
We then ... the experienced hornline - Where brought to attention
for the first time at Excelsior.
WE ALL SNAPPED TO ATTENTION
and
HORNS UP!
My son of course not having a clue stood in our midst.
I could hear him breathing heavily.
When we got home that night - I asked him
"What did you think Daulton?"
He said, " Mom, I get It now..."
Today as a 14 year old - He is a Sop II
and sits first chair in the High School Band.
I've done my job....
How about you ?
Ah... the Holiday's
My favorite time of year. That first Christmas Commercial
of the Time Life Collection ...Bing Crosby,Andy Williams...
What's that you say ? You don't know who they are ?
God I'm getting old!
But, It's also my favorite time of year cause ...
You guessed it , Drum Corps starts !!
Black Friday Baby !!!
That opener for everyone's Open Houses ,Camps ...
What ever you name it.
And what to our wondering eyes should appear
But a recruiting Director who has a big tear.
For all the hard work he or she put in that way
Has come to head and manifested that day
Sopranos and Mello's
Dancing around
With baris and contras and pit how profound
But alas its the numbers of the guard this year - will they be full, will they be slight can they dance .
what did you hear ?
What did I hear, I cant , with the banging in my head
What was that ? the drummers using the sled ?~
dragging the battery across all the snow
to get to their location at camp dont you know
Kitchcen crew scramblin to make up the meals
a menu ? whats that ?
as they turn on their heels
Instructors poring in from the meeting last night
all geared , bushy tailed up and ready to go
YEAH RIGHT !
from out of the depths of the meeting you see
comes the talent of the show and how it will be
Everyone working together to create
A show that is pleasing , entertaining , first rate.
So off to rehearsal we go with a flash
everyone excited ... what a bash.
and at the end of the day as the corps
drives out of sight ~
The director says
Happy Drum Corps to all and to all
see ya
8:AM TOMORROW MORNING !!!!
oH YEAH
And Good Night !
It's the Beginning of the New Year
2009
And International Love Month is sneaking up on us fast.
Remember MEN a women's happiness is always good for at least
4 weeks of Peace !
Just kidding girls ....;-)
Never the less, Drum Corps season is well under way
November Camp under our belts and of course the winter weather killed the December one - But we are planned for 2 in January.
Not concerned at all though as the Horn line is of course Done with the music. (Yeah) - Now just catching up the newbies !!! Working the Dynamics
The Drum line is the biggest it has ever been and the kids are GREAT!!!
We are very excited to see the line come together so early this year.
We are currently with 3 snares, 4 Bass, 1 Quint ( would like to get 1 more)
and The pit is currently at 4 always accepting new pit.
We were very sad to announce the passing of our long time friend
and Perc. Caption & Arranger
Mr. Chet Zabek November 2008
Chet was my Instructor
When I marched Tenors in the Volunteers Drum & Bugle Corps
A DCI Corps back in the 80's
He was a tough cookie and I was the only girl in the line.
Need less to say ~ The weakest link
BUT
he made me strong and aggressive
the line flourished
and little did I know it then but
he became a big part of who I am today
Thanks Chet xx oo
EXCELSIOR now holding the last Percussion
Arrangement that he ever wrote ...
Is more anxious than ever
to see his line come to fruition this season .
But with all things that must come to end...
So starts a fresh beginning !
And EXCELSIOR WELCOMED
Mr. Ron Perry on board this year
A former - FSU Marching Band & Spirit of Atlanta member
A great addition AND the boys + JEz our only girl Bass
is very happy to have him.
Also we are loving the great addition of Miss. Kendall Lashin (flag,saber& Rifle), Meagan Savage Choreo for Colorguard ~ great assets and we are looking forward to great things from them- The colorguard is building quickly this season thanks to Kendall and although we have new talent they are learning quickly and we are encouraged for the new season.
Of Course we always will have openings for all areas -
Currently we are looking for Mello's and SOPS -
particularly 2nd and 3rds for Hornline
But of course more leads are always nice to have.
And you can never have to many CONTRAS
Also... like I said before - Would love to see another Tenor
and maybe even more bass ~ you know they make 11 different size bass
and that would give me an excuse to buy another new
YAMAHA !
I also love Cymbal players.. don't see them much anymore
and we have room for 2 now that one has moved to bass
and of course COLOR GUARD
WE are looking to fill the front drill with 12 spots to include Robin Hood and Maid Marian the soloists
BUT
I am interested in 8 additional back field performers who will build the
scenes and bring life to our forest on the field.
PARENT helpers always a must -
along with parade helpers
CORPS DO NOT RUN ON TALENT ALONE
many thanks to all of our staff, administration and those who have helped in other various capacities -
The corps is always looking for more volunteers.
As we enter into the Months of Love ~~~~
Come out and show us some love and support this
2009
season
Happy New Year and Happy Valentine's Day
ALL !
Bring Drum Corps Back to the area
xxx oooo <3
Donel Mysliwiec - Director / Drum Major
It's March O' Ready ?
Wow ! the season is really moving fast ~
Donelism # 7
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
# 10
I've learned that ... There is no substitute for good manners.
#74
I've learned that a good reputation is a person's greatest asset.
O'k enough of that !
The EXCELSIOR has really been working hard to earn our
Second Chance.
It feels good to see the new faces ~
It feels greater still to have the wonderfully talented people that
EXCELSIOR
is attracting now .
It is wonderful to have some new folks involved from the DCI
areana and some old faces returning from the DCA areana
We are coming !
I also want to mention the great responses that we are getting from
our drum corps community .
( see guest book )
I want to thank
James Iacketta
My dear friend , former marching buddy with the Volunteers
and Director of the
Stillwater Music Department
For really stepping up the push to bring
DRUM CORPS
back into this area .
It takes a lot of grace to push an activity with kids who are not
familiar with DRUM CORPS.
And he is doing it and has been sending us some very
talented youth .
Youth .... the building block to the survival of
DRUM CORPS
In our corps, I try to instill theories that help to grow & promote
great character , perserverence ... Pride
I try to teach that it is not about the performance , it's about the recovery.
To build stamina and will, tolerance and discipline.
A Drum Corps is made up of 3 PARTS
A FACE
A SOUL
and a HEART BEAT
The face of the corps - IS the COLORGUARD
Without a face ~ no one will look at you.
The Soul of the Corps - IS The HORNLINE
With out a soul, you can not sell the show.
&
The Heart- Beat is the Drum Line
and with out a heart beat ... you are dead.
I have learned that the first way to kill a drum corps is ...
To not show up.
Well the count down has begun...
AND
EXCELSIOR
IS SHOWING UP !!!!!
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Donelism # 70
I have learned that my success stops when I do .
#7481
I've learned that you should keep your promises
no matter what
#7659
I've learned that if you are the boss
and you stop rowing, you shouldn't be surprised if everyone else rests too.
Spring Is in the Air ...
Thank GOD !!!
It's got to be drill time . ;-)
Although the corps has already been going outside ...
It still is a tad bit chilly out there and if that isn't bad enough
the ground is all MUD !
It's been a great start to this season though ...
And we have nicely come together with the TARGETS
A DCI Class III Corps from Springfield Mass.
It's great to combine forces, resources and Ideas.
It is greater still that a corps can realize the potential
and grab a hold of it... rather then to be afraid of it.
Never the less...
Parade season has started and what a great season that will be in itself.
The combining of the parades between X's & Targets has been great !
This past weekend we were in Hoosick Falls and Kingston.
Nice parades again a little bit chilly but, we made it.
You know it's funny ... Despite the fact that drum corps is relatively the same every years... you always manage to experience different things, new twists that make things just that much more interesting.
Sadly ....
Other things change like the news of good friends getting sick or the lost of others ...
Our prayers are with you.
All in all, it makes one step back, breath a little deeper, take long looks around and strive
to give thanks and be humble because
I've learned ... that most people resisit change, and yet it's the only thing that brings progress...
Enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Ever Upward in the Performing Arts
So much to touch on & so little space....
Donelism # 10
I've learned that trust is the single most important factor in both personal & professional relationships
Season full underway and the seat of the
director is such an interesting view...
It has been 5 years for Excelsior and several several instructors of several different flavors have passed through our ranks ~ Not very successfully and lessons were learned about people, who they are , where they come from
and their ethics.
I knew that one day someone would step into our fold
who like us ... would be worth their weight & our wait.
And so ... it has
Excelsior was very fortunate this season to bring on a Battery Instructor
Mr. Mike Guertin
Santa Clara VanGuard
Who ... by his own effort has proved to be more valuable then just that. Greatly coming together as Co- Captions with Mr.Ron Perry ( Spirit of Atlanta) These 2 who lovingly refer to themselves as Cue Ball & Eight ball ( Inside joke) have really turned this percussion unit upside down and have done more with them in a very short time then anyone has ever done in the past.
Putting finally my trust in letting them do what they need to do , because ... I know they will do it as I would.
And if that isn't great enough ... We have brought on another addition to the line
BASS TEACH
Mr. Steve Cavanaugh
A.K.A Dave
# 82
I've learned that nothing of value comes without effort
This season has been a real challenge to say the least.
It has made me really open my eyes to kids and their environments and what the activity has really had to do to get recognized
Contending with XBOX 360's the internet, television, parties, firends work etc... WOW.
KUDOS to those corps who really put out a successssful show with the number of youth they have to contend with .
Between the Winter Ensebmles , WGI and school stuff
Let me just say it again WOW.
The worst part is being in an area where this activity is not known at all--- and kids would rather be hanging out then to be doing something more powerful more confidence building with their lives.
And a lot of that comes from the home.
I have learned that "You are your environment"
I have also learned that
# 55
If you give a pig & a boy everything they want
you will have a good pig and a very bad boy.
I believe as I have 5 children and can see all age groups through their eyes that there are 3 populations in school
The JOCKS
The TOP 10
and the other 80 % in between.
From who, this activity sees it's most population from the 80%
among a fewer # from the other 20 %.
What will these kids do in the current climate of budgets not getting passed to support performing arts.
what kinds of scholarships does that % of kids have available to them if the music department dies off.
If Parents aren't encouraging their youth to participate in band
practice when they are home... etc.
#1055
I have learned that enthusiasm is caught not taught !
So what does that mean ???
Are the parents really not supporting the expantion of their minds in the arts.
Did you know that is it a statistical fact that most kids who are thinking with their left brains are more successful in their lives - become leaders !!!
Instead of followers who are being lead to their demise.
#3
I've learned that you need to let your children be children
That doesn't always mean ... what is easy for us.
We are obligated to give and do for our children that which enriches their lives. Often at a sacrifice of our own ..
But, that is the price for choosing to have children .
I remember when I was young , marching in drum corps ... It was like my baby-sitter . My mother couldn't wait to put me on the tour bus each summer.... time alone for herself and time for me to grow independance , discipline (something today's kid lacks), ledership skills that
incidently I am using today
I was afforded 20 + more hours a month through even the winter months toward s my musicality , performance , reading skills and playing ability .
This activity has made great strides in its recognition at the collegiate level .
I am beginning to work closely with a Music Director who of course marched Drum Corps
and he says he needs the help that our activity can offer his students, the community and the welfare of
The Performing Arts !!!
This is passion for me as well...
It's why I do it ... It's why we do it ...
It's why I make sure that every kid has a ride to practice...
A shoulder to lean on and a group of people
who supports their efforts , builds their confidence
while building their character
For tomorrows world...
"Ever Upward"
"Ever Upward"
Full Metal Jacket
By definition :
Noun 1. full metal jacket - a lead bullet that is covered with a jacket of a harder metal
( A Director)
For the Director ...
Donelism # 48
I have learned ...
That you can never have too many smart people in your life.
In the same room??? Now that is another story all together ~
It is so important to have people around you that know what they are doing ... Am I right or what....
sometimes knowing their place though Is 98 % of the sale.
Think about it...
Donelism # 13466
I've learned that most people resist change , and yet it's the only thing that brings progress.
As the heat sinks in and tempers tend to flare...
we survive.
It's amazing to me how much people know when they are hot and bothered ~ You have to grow a thick skin to be in drum corps... It certainly is not for the weak.
But... We survive...
Donelism # 13291
I've learned that the best way to attend to any problem is to hurry slowly...
Hurry fast to fix a problem will often result in a pretty big string of the WRONG WORDS and in the WRONG TONE
this of course would be followed by
Donelism # 13054
I've learned that if you allow someone to make you angry,
they have already won ...
And If you lower yourself to their standard ... they will beat you with experience.
besides if you throw a little mud ... you will get some on you.
HOWEVER
Donelism # 13164
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life
with a catcher's mitt on both hands ... You need to be ABLE to throw something back ....
and so it goes with out saying...
that It is very satisfying to work hard at work that's
worth doing.
and I have learned that no one is ever so powerful or successful that they don't appreciate a sincere compliment
( I know you know what I mean )
Hero's are people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences..
Some times you just have to shoot a hostage !
.Have a Happy Healthy New Year !
There is a new year upon us and well ...
A great women once said,
" I will not look back to see if anyone else is following"
Joan of Arc
A Philosophy of Excellence
Drum Corps season is underway
And so as it is ... we work diligently to improve on what we have learned.
As I reflect on last season it reminds me of Charles Dickens who said:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,
It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,
it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity
It was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness,
It was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,
We had everything before us, we had nothing before us ...
sounds a lot like drum corps don't it ?
What one does, and the way one does it, builds character and forms a priceless philosophy of life that can distinguish the person forever.
Quaility work is important for many reasons. One is that it soon gets into the worker's muscles and into attitudes, and determines the kind of person he or she will be.
A Philosophy of excellence underlines and determines one of the most important principles of any success.
One may possibly be better than his principles .
Life will grant us any desire that is built upon a sufficient love of what we are doing and supported by a firm determination to do it well.
This philosophy not only produces excellence in every accomplishment, but it also does away with worker fatigue and gives vigor and grace to life itself.
As a director - We can only provide the tools... the seeds if you will,
of success. It is all up to the members to cultivate and water it with excellence ~
It is with great pleasure that we start this season
well with many new staff faces and a creative inspiration know as
" Anastasia"
Determined and cultured was she and so shall we (Excelsior) come to be.
- Where we are not only coming to compete this year but, to become more competitive this season
Welcome back everyone...
To a new season of
"The Director's Chair"
Happy New Year
NEW BLOOD
Wow !
Is it really May already ?
With the way the weather has been It still feels like winter.
EXCELSIOR
has been having a good year so far, and I am very grateful
to all those who have been so instrumental in that
First off - Our Biz Mgr. Marilyn Sanford -
Who has been so diligent in getting us work this season with out killing our practice schedule ~
Thank you !
The Corps Staff !
Just phenomenal
The CORE ~ Thank you
All the new kids involved - you are all very talented kids and
We are very proud to have you on board.
With the current state of Drum Corps
ie. The loss of competing corps such as
The Brigs , The CRU, Shoreman, Music City etc.
We are all in a whirl ~
Now more then ever, those of us who are still in it ~
Must - step up ! It is our duty to help weather the storm
But, It is also our duty to figure out how to stop the bleeding.
Are you Game ?
I mentioned once before that, one of the reasons drum corps died in our area was because we were not paying attention to
"What feeds the corps"
New Blood
Being in the marketing business, I am constantly trying to figure it out
What is the Candy ?
What makes us attractive - what can make us attractive.
What can we do for them - the youth that is
You know ... the "New Blood "
I learned allot this year from watching and asking questions
of other organizations who clearly have it going on.
A local WGI - school has the Idea ...
they get to kids real young
train their tenacities,
their young minds and their endurance
at a very youth age.
So - Greg & I decided if it works for them
Imagine what it can do for us ?
SO...
In conjunction with the City of Troy
and Russell Sage College
Excelsior Kidetts was formed ~
9-11 year olds Monday - Thursday 8am-12pm
Beginning in JUNE 2010
Spread the Word ...
We are very excited about it.
looking forward to having the little guys march with us in parades.
"X"cited about what it could mean to the future of
EXCELSIOR
We have also gone into the High & Middle schools with a new plan
unlike what we have ever done before and ...
It works
The kids are great , they are talented, and have
dedication that I have not seen in a very long time~
you know that R word ...
RELIABLE
and the great thing is.... they are sponges and eager to learn
and the best part...
they are learning our ways-
The one thing that is important to this whole process though -
Is understanding what it means .
It means that drum corps is going to be new to the new ones.
It means that as a director I have to step back and respond as
the Great Director's did before us who started this so many years ago
~ be prepared to take the bumps
and the bruises of a corps in its infancy and growing stages...
AGAIN
It is great to have a CORE of experience of whom,
the new ones can lean on but,
The CORE also has to be willing to learn....that, which keeps us fresh
and not dated.
So far so Good !
As Jeff Perkins once said to me
" Be patient ...One Apostle at a Time"
Thank you..... Greg... Peanut ...B ...
I can't wait to see who will come next.
NEXT... Another great word
NEXT for Excelsior is for us to Sponsor our own show
and with the thankful help of
The City of TROY
Mayor Harry Tutunjian &
The cities Events GURU
Mr. Vito Ciccarelli
along with getting DCA's blessing & paper work
We will be.... JULY 17th - 2010
CLASS "A" CLASSICS
The City has some exciting things going on that day
as well and we are really looking forward to
linking the events
The City is hosting its annual
"PIG OUT "
That is a national competition for the person who makes the best
BBQ
we are looking forward to sampling everything ~
So far We have a yes for
FUSION CORE
WHITE SABERS
SHEN SOUND
Along with EXCELSIOR
POSSIBLE : SUNRISERS & GRENNIES
Appearance by : Troy High School
with 22 years of experience in Event Planning
myself and some experience with being in shows
getting to see what works and what doesn't
--- I am looking forward to having a shot at
making this a very comfortable show for our visiting
Drum Corps.
We are really looking to bring the awareness of
DRUM CORPS
Back to this area - re- educate the population on what
was once a HUGE deal here in TROY
If you are interested in helping with the show
in anyway -
Selling tickets, getting program ads, helping with vendors
or what ever....
Please contact me directly : Donel Mataruga
518 708 1107
Looking forward to see everyone this year !
Wish us Luck - visit our guest book
DR_M
&
B_GLE CORPS
The only thing missing is
"U"
Ever Upward in the Arts
"The State of Drum Corps "
06/2010
The baffling complexion of
Drum Corps ...
I am amazed at the status of Drum Corps this season .
No I'm Not !
Is it the economy ? lol
People really tired of traveling, lack the funds to invest in gasoline ?? What is it ?
I wonder ...
Actually
I'm a Libra and I tend to always want to
balance things .
AND
I'm a fixer, always need to fix things - ask my husband
drives him nuts.
BUT
I won't stop.
I can't
I have for some time tried to discuss with other
drum corps, options with regards to competitive
Drum Corps and the preservation of it .
Seems to me that instead of the preservation
of drum corps being first and foremost on the mind of
Directors - It's more about
Who is going to be the head "D" in charge.
If you get my point ...
SHAME ON YOU !
I had a thought one day that in order for Drum Corps
to really survive we as Directors
needed to bond together.
A thought I had was
For an alliance between corps '
NOT A MERGE
You stay your drum corps -
do parades - promote etc.
make money
I stay my drum corps for the same
purpose -
that is to make sure that Drum Corps exists in
every city / town
But
We come together for the purpose of
COMPETITION
a competitive drum corps
run by a jointly formed
production staff.
Not The "D's"
Where funds are split between corps
and ..
DRUM CORPS
becomes a little bit more interesting in the
OPEN CLASS ARENA
But what do I know ...
Who would know that ...
The marketing of such a thing could be
HUGE
Imagine ... a long time drum corps name
affiliated with a short term name -
some of these old time drum corps think they are
invincible -
I think by what we have witness this season with
the loss of some of our
staple drum corps you would think someone
would wake up .
The concept of size and look could bleed out into the public and more and more youth would start to
take a look and say
HEY !
I wanna do that -
How do you really think your gonna do that with only
35 people
Its the old Yankee Candle theory again folks
If it looks good and smells good -
It likely is ...
And the beauty is - it doesn't have to last forever -
because ...
I'm still my corps and you are still yours.
hmmm... Quality drum corps again .
Now there 's an interesting concept
I've been seeing a lot of ads out there for the corps
*Still taking members
* need to fill just a few holes
Not enough Brass
Not enough Guard
It's June folks !
Never the less -
we'll all walk this walk again ~
I think it's time that drastic measures are
made by the people who can take them
otherwise ...
What are we doing here ?
In this ...
The current state of Drum Corps ...
A FALLEN FRIEND IN DRUM CORPS
Mr. Stephen "Les" Perry
Asst. Dir. of Public Relations
Baritone III
1933-2010
E X C E L S I O R
Drum & Bugle Corps
Born August 5 1933 Lived in Troy New York, and played the baritone.
He has been an Excelsior founding member since 2004.
His only hobby was Drum Corps if you asked him, but he keeps himself busy with all kinds of electronic toys and could be seen and heard around drum corps sharing about drum corps events and stories. Not sure what inspired Les I think he was born with a horn on his face.
Les was always doing something for the Corps making new shirts or shorts with the Logos on them he was always proud of what he did, not to mention his carpentry work with the building of the Plume Box which was unique in itself.
Les will truly be missed by all in the Drum Corps world and his family and friends. Those who knew Les knew he loved to gamble and play his scratch tickets and was usually pretty lucky .
Thank you Annette Michaels / Frank Ostrander
Excerpt : Excelsior Book 2008
Drum & Bugle Corps … If a person could have more then one middle name It would be Les’.
He was the epitome of Esprit De Corps.
With loyalty & honor he, was the most dedicated to the activity
anyone could ever know.
Having marched with such corps as The Grenadiers, The Interstatesmen, The Defenders among others.
Les, proudly was a founding member of a new all age organization, EXCELSIOR
Drum & Bugle Corps
From his home town of Troy, New York.
Beginning in 2004 , Les proudly wore his uniform while marching a number of Parades & Exhibitions through out the Capital District, New Orleans in the Mardi Gras Parades and the Berkshires of MA.
Les’ career in Drum Corps culminated when at the ripe age of 76, he stepped foot once again onto the competitive Drum Corps field in Rochester New York as the oldest marching member of the Excelsior Drum & Bugle Corps.
Les Perry marched his last parade in
PITSFIELD MA
at the 4th of July Parade
July 5th 2010
Where EXCELSIOR has been marching in that parade
for 6 Years.
Les Marched his last Competition
At EXCELSIOR'S
First Ever HOME SHOW
JULY 17th 2010
In Schenectady , NY
The Drum Corps World will forever remember his stories, his laugh but most of all his love for the activity.
We Love & Miss You
Forever UpWard...
Services for Les will be held Monday August 5th - 5-7 pm
At the Parker Brothers Funeral Home in Watervliet, NY
 | ||||||
Inspiration
Each year I start out with new hopes and dreams for the
Drum Corps, its members, its staff, the show and well
ME
Hoping that I can be inspiring enough to propel the corps forward into yet another season of growing, building, all while
shaping young minds and families.
Wishing ...
Is not a substitute for Prayer.
No, It's not.
So often I will have my private conversations
and ask God to bless the corps with
a fruitful season , reminding him that we have been
on this long journey and.... isn't time that we win one of these battles ?
Perseverance is not a long race
it is many short races one after another.
WON after another....
And I feel that we have won over the steps that we have taken
Each year getting a little bit bigger and a little bit better.
There is a lot to be said about having a positive attitude ...
Positive anything is better than negative nothing.
Many have said to me year after year that growing a Drum Corps in
the Capital Region was not possible anymore....
I think that ....
Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible.
WELL HERE'S TO BEING STUPID !
Lou Holtz says ...
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.
With a good attitude, motivation will give us the ability to accomplish great things. Impossible things... Anything we set our minds to and well ... My mind is set !
How 'bout You ?
Things that we persist in doing become easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.
Having said that ... did you know that ...
Your POWER is directly proportional to
your ability to RELAX?
Who knew ?
Here I thought that If I kept pushing 24/7 we would be
successful.... I guess that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached ~~~ more so by the obstacles which he has overcome to get there.
Inspiring ?
Success will not lower its standard to us.
We must raise our standard to success.
If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up in your work. Much of the best work of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities.
The thing is....
To get the work done.
I knew I got something out of that DALE CARNEGIE class.
LET'S
GET R' DONE !
OCTOBER 2010
WINTER WONDERLAND
12/2010
"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey,
and enjoy every idle hour. "
- John Boswell
A K A : Off Season For Drum Corps
It seems like it takes forever between winter month CAMPS
Perhaps even more so now ...
We are really excited about this years show.
THE AUGUST Rush
RUSH ... It has 2 meanings for us ...
The RUSH of the time AUGUST brings for a Drum Corps
Everyone scampering to get their final scores, tweak their shows one last time before prelims to make sure of their seeding and success.
and ...
The RUSH that this music brings ... naturally.
I know... many have done a MANGIONE show.
But not as many have had the connection that X has to it.
With Championships being in Rochester for the last time this year... it just made sense for us to play it now.
“Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things the most important factor.”
Many years ago My Dad... Don Potter & Chuck Mangione
Started out on an adventure together ... talk about right timing... My dad happened to be in the Right Town
(Rochester, NY) at the Right Time...
He can be heard singing all of the Chuck tunes we have
all come to know as well as hearing his Acoustical Guitar throughout all of Chuck's greatest Hits.
Later he fostered some of his own greatest hits of which
Rochester is familiar ... I'm Gonna Fly Someday
Which we are using as a percussion feature and
Introducing
Paris Without You
another favorite we are using as part of the Exit.
A Sort of Farewell to Rochester...
An exciting beginning for them ...
Where this show really began, Where they began and
Where I began.
Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.
Ralph Blum
On that note...
The AUGUST Rush
Children of Sanchez
I'm Gonna Fly Some Day
Bellavia~Hill Where The Lord Hides
Paris Without You ~ Legend of the One Eyed Sailor
Looking forward to bringing the Music of
Chuck Mangione & Don Potter
Together again ...
ROCHESTER 2011
TALENT IS NOT ENOUGH
Author Denis Waitley says,
"The winner's edge is in the attitude, not aptitude."
Unfortunately, many people resist that notion. They want to believe that talent alone or talent with experience is enough.
But plenty of talented teams never amount to anything because of the attitudes of their players
Take a look at how various attitudes impact a team made up of highly talented players.
Abilities + Attitudes = Results
Great Talent + Rotten Attitudes = Bad Team
great Talent + Bad Attitudes = Average Team
Great Talent + Average Attitudes = Good Team
Great Talent + Good Attitudes = Great Team
Funny how that all works ???
If you want great results , you need good people with great talent and awesome attitudes.
Thank God for my Staff...
&
Thank goodness for all the wonderful members
that have evolved into this CORE.
Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are....
VISION
Vision is everything for an organization
especially for its leader.
it is utterly indispensable . Why?
Because vision leads the leaders . It paints the targets, sparks and fuels the fire within. and draws them forward.
And, it is also the fire lighter for others who follow those leaders.
Show me a leader without vision and, I'll show you someone who isn't going anywhere.
At best , they're traveling in circles.
remaining in Status Quo
Never Growing , moving up...
Vision Starts Within
Vision draws on your history
Vision meets others' needs
Vision helps you gather resources
The most valuable benefit of vision is that it acts like a magnet
attracting, challenging , and uniting people.
The Greater the Vision, the more winners it has the potential to attract
The more challenging the vision , the harder the participants fight to achieve it...
Any questions....
Seek When Setting Goals ...
The number of people today who lack a strong sense of purpose is astounding. Pulitzer winning writer
Katherine Anne Porter observed:
"I am appalled at the aimlessness of most people's lives. Fifty percent don't pay any attention to where they are going; forty percent are undecided and will go in any direction. Only ten percent
know what they want
and even all of them don't go towards it."
Hmmmm....
Goals give you something concrete
to focus on and that has
a positive impact on your actions
GOALS
help us focus our attention on our purpose and make it our dominant aspiration
As Philosopher Ralph Emerson said
"The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going"
SELF DISCIPLINE
Not an easy thing...
General Dwight D Eisenhower Said,
"There are no Victories at bargain Prices"
When it comes to self-discipline people
choose one of 2 things
Either they choose
the pain of discipline,
which comes from sacrifice and growth ,
OR
they choose the pain of regret
which comes from taking the easy road and missing opportunities
*****
Each person in life
CHOOSES
We MUST look for two areas of self discipline.
The first is emotions.
Effective people recognize that their emotional reactions are their responsibility.
MEANING
How you react will affect the out come.
The Second area concerns TIME
Every person on the planet is given the same allotment of minutes in a day . BUT ...
each person's level of self - discipline dictates how effectively
those minutes are used.
**************
Disciplined people
MAXIMIZE
The use of their time.
In what AREA can YOU improve your
SELF DISCIPLINE ?????
SO PONDER THIS
Enter your goal by the narrow gate...
for wide, is the gate and wide is the way,
that leads to destruction
and there are many who choose the wide gate.
Because narrow is the difficult way which leads to life and there are few
who find it
Because... not many will take the road less
traveled ....
EXCEPT FOR US !
