January 31st 2016 was the first camp I attended for the coming 2016 Drum Corps season and I was really excited to find out what it would be like to play on a System Blue Trumpet. Well, I can tell you that both the Trumpet and System Blue mouthpiece exceeded my expectations. Both are made of high quality materials and perform really well. Kidsgrove Scouts opted to have the large bore trumpets and I really think it’s going to pay off. We’re still getting to grips with how best to get them in tune but the quality of sound and volume they produce is immense.
The camp when really well and I enjoyed learning all the new music even though some of us hit a mental wall on Saturday afternoon because the music for the closer is very challenging. I can also tell you that the trumpet section is looking like it’s going to be stronger than last years with the addition of some new members and some of the 2015 line have been promoted to 2nd and lead trumpet. Our arranger Tez Smith has once again given the trumpets some rock star musical licks in the opener which are so much fun to play.
Unlike last year I plan to take a camera with me to every rehearsal to document what it’s really like to march in the Kidsgrove Scouts hornline. These photos were shot by me when i didn’t have a trumpet in my hand and by Sam Catcliffe when i did. The photos have been edited in a documentary style to show what our new instruments look like when used in anger.
