Like many other Drum Corps all over the world this weekend marked the first drill camp of the year for Kidsgrove Scouts. I’m pleased to say that the sun came out a few times on both days but it was really cold. Visual caption head Rob Swindells was in fine form striking a balance between pushing the brass to the limit and having time for a few laughs. As I’m writing this my calf muscles and shins are in pain, but it’s not as bad a last year which for me is a result!
6 Things I learned about Kidsgrove Scouts this weekend
Even though we only marched and played for the for first time the horn sound is already solid, we have loads of work to do but we are working from a higher standard compared to last year.
The trumpet sound is going to be different this year for two reasons. Firstly, we are marching 6 lead trumpets which is going to be a fantastic challenge for anyone who is playing second or third trumpet. They are all excellent players so the rest of the line will really have to be on it so we can balance the sound. Chordmaster Tez Smith has once again given the trumpets some really cool parts to showcase our talent. Secondly, these System Blue trumpets really are a joy to play on, they produce a really open sound which is going to enable us to increase our dynamic range.
Today I found out how much of a badass Drum Instructor Alex Willis is. Right from the start of Saturday rehearsal he had the drums tracking the opener and continued march and playing all day. With the help of Trevor Tomlin they had almost finished all the drill for the opener by the end of rehearsal. Now I’ve been at Kidsgrove for 6 years now but I’ve never seen the Drumline ahead in the drill learning championships before. I’m going to take a guess that Kidsgrove Scouts corps director Rob was aware of this and really stepped it up a gear on Sunday morning. Needless to say the brass had caught up by lunchtime so we were ready for the coordination block in the afternoon.
Third Trumpet player Alex is a star in the making. This is his first season in drum corps and he’s doing really well. Alex plays without fear ,his parents have told me that he rehearses everyday at home. So much so that they have just purchased a silent brass system for him. I remember seeing Alex working really hard in our winter programme and it’s really paying off. So why am I talking about him? Perhaps that’s because he’s only 12! He’s the son of veteran Lead trumpet player Paul Tucker.
Andrew Chadwick is such a positive Trumpet member to be around. He is the provider of the middy gems, keeps us all in time and more importantly he gives assistance to those who require help with the drill. Andrew I salute you!
Our Colour Guard are continuing on from their recent success at the WGUK championships this year. We will be fielding large guard again and the work they’ve done in the opener is already impressive. They are fortunate to have at least 5 instructors who have previously worked together before so I have no doubt that they will be on top form again this season.
Thank you for your kind words about Alex, he loved his first outdoor rehearsal! His motivation and determination to do his best continues, inspired by those performing around him.