Laundry and Woodbury

The past two days, we've been staying at St. Croix Central High School in Croix, WI. Yesterday, the corps had a two-block rehearsal day, followed by laundry. We used the day to add in choreography and a couple musical changes.

Today, we had a show in Woodbury, MN. It was our first show with the Colts, who we tend to have intense competitions with throughout the season. This season seems to be no different! Here are the scores:

Pioneer 58.6

Colts 68.5

Troopers 69.0

Blue Stars 73.4

Bluecoats 75.7

Cavaliers 79.7

We're currently on a short 2 hour bus drive to Mankato, MN for a competition tomorrow!

Muncie and Lisle

Unfortunately schools have been blocking my internet access to the blog and such, so my updates have been a lot less often.

The past two days have been great for the Troopers. We have definitely been improving our scores and inching our way toward some of the other corps in our area. Here are the scores from the past two shows:

Muncie

Cavaliers 77.7

Crown 74.4

Bluecoats 74.4

Blue Stars 70.8

Glassmen 65.5

Troopers 65

Teal Sound 59.4

Lisle

Cavaliers 78.6

Carolina Crown 75.7

Blue Stars 72.4

Glassmen 68

Troopers 67.8

Pioneer 56.4

This is turning out to be a really exciting season!

We've now had two shows on a turf field and we're getting a lot better at setting up the tarp road. Today we added industrial strength duct tape to it to keep the ends of each piece from getting kicked up during the show. It really worked great during the show today.

Tonight, we're heading to Minnesota. Tomorrow will be a rehearsal day with an evening laundry block. Tuesday will be a show day in Woodbury, MN.

Second Show and A Rehearsal Day

I'm just going to go ahead and write about the last two days, since I have the time and access to the internet... Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to update after the show, but if not, it'll definitely be up the day after.

On Wednesday, we had our second show in Fairfield, OH. The corps was fortunate enough to be able to stay at the actual show site. This allowed us to have additional rehearsal time, since we were able to cut travel time out of the schedule. The show started off with a rain delay of about 20 minutes or so. When we went on, the sky was much darker from clouds, but no rain yet. The show was much better than the night before, especially since we were able to get a visual warm up in this time. As soon as the corps left the field, we knew it was time to get out of there or get hit by an incoming storm system. Luckily, we made it back to the gym just in time. The show ended up being cancelled, so there were no scores for the night.

Today, we are staying at Jay County High School in Indiana. It is a GREAT facility! We spent the day learning the outro for the show. There was off-and-on rain throughout the day, but nothing to cut into our rehearsal time. The band students from the high school were practicing on the cement field behind the stadium, so once their practice was let out, we had a nice audience for what ended up being the best run through the members have ever performed thus far!

Tomorrow will be our first show on a turf field, so we will be bringing out the "surprise element" for our show. If you looked at previous posts, you will have realized that meant the tarp road. It will be exciting to present the entire show tomorrow with the tarp!

First Show

Yesterday, the corps had their first show of the season. It was a bit of a chaotic warm-up, since the show was on the verge of cancellation due to an incoming storm (which ended up not passing over the stadium). Regardless, the kids did a really great job on their first show. The scores were as follows:

Pioneer: 50.9
Crossmen: 60.9
Troopers: 63.7
Madison Scouts: 69.1

After the show, we brought Pioneer over to our food truck to surprise them with cake to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The members from both corps got to hangout and meet each other. Here are some photos of the event:

Last Day of All Days!

Today was the final day of All Days!

To send us off, Indiana was nice enough to mess with our schedule by giving us hail and thunderstorms throughout the day. There was mud all over the field, so we were all a bit messy after full ensemble block!

It's been a LONG few weeks, but we are all definitely looking forward to finally putting the product onto the field tomorrow. It's also very exciting to start tour!

As we hit the road, the schedule for the blog is going to change. Depending on where we are, I may have to wait until midway through the next day to update on the previous day. However, I will be posting live tweets on the Troopers twitter during shows to update you on the scores You can see the tweets at the bottom of the blog, or visit the twitter account here: CasperTroopers

Here's to a great first show day!

Rainy day

Today was a very rainy day. The morning block was spent putting choreography into the opener. Unfortunately for the members, it was wet outside and we were doing ground work, so they all got pretty soaked. The rain continued off and on in the afternoon, but cleared by the evening, so we had a dry full ensemble block.

Tomorrow is our LAST DAY OF ALL DAYS! It's been a great three and a half weeks and the members have really worked their butts off. Tuesday will be the start of a wonderful tour!

Day at the stadium

When the corps woke this morning, we were pretty worried about how the day would go. It was pouring rain outside on the day we had the stadium reserved! Luckily, it was done raining by about 9AM. We stopped the first block an hour early at 11 and had lunch before packing up and heading over to Zionsville. The color guard was instructed to wear black and the rest of the corps wore white shirts, black shorts, show shoes, hats, and the new drop sash. We had a super productive full ensemble and halfway through the 5 hours, the corps took a 15 minute snack break. At the end of our time at the stadium, the corps successfully performed the first no-metronome run through. All in all, a great day!

Here's some shots from our day. There are a few holes on the field, due to our Northwest members who only got out of school this past week. They haven't quite learned the whole show yet, but most of them should be in by our first competition! However, there still is one hole we are trying to fill, which is a trumpet spot (either 2nd or 3rd... don't remember). If you are interested, please send me a message at ila.gaponoff@gmail.com

Big stadium tomorrow!

Today was another great rehearsal day. We have just a few days left before our first show, and I think the members are definitely ready for it.

Tomorrow, if you are in the area, feel free to come see us rehearse at Zionsville High School's fantastic stadium from 1-6. It's going to be the members' last opportunity to be on a turf field before the first show. I will post pictures tomorrow night for those of you who aren't locals.

First full run!

Today we had our first full run through of the show! The members really did a great job and are working very hard to put out a great product on the field. By the time our first show rolls around (5 days!) the corps will definitely be ready to perform. Tomorrow we are learning choreography for the intro and adjusting a few sets in the closer.

I apologize for the lack of writing this past week. We're on a routine for all days, so it's mostly the same basic schedule each day. Once we start hitting the road, there will be a lot more to write about.

(Remember to vote for Troop in Pepsi!)

First Rainy Block!

Well... I guess I spoke too soon... Our first block of the day was brought inside by thunderstorms. The forecasts predicted rain all day, however after lunch, it was all clear. Today we ran the closer in full ensemble for the first time. The goal was to get a full run in, however due to it getting dark and no lights at our facility, we ended up having to settle with separate production runs.

As a little treat... here is a video of the horn line from this afternoon:



Pretty great, huh?! So... if you enjoyed that video, make your way over to your nearest grocery store or gas station and buy a Pepsi for a power vote!

The closer is on the field!

Today we finished the closer drill! The only bit of show left to learn is the outro. Now, with one week left before our first competitive show, we get to spend our time putting it all together so we can have a great first performance.

The members have truly been working really hard and it's definitely paying off. Our music arranger, David Reeves flew in today and our Program Coordinator, William Chumley has been in town too, so the whole design team has been working hard to shape the show into a great product.

Despite all of the stormy forecasts, we have yet to see any rain during rehearsal time! Today was especially warm and sunny, so we all got a little more toasted than usual. We'll definitely be hitting up the aloe vera tonight!

Lastly, as usual, please take the time to vote for the Troopers in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge!!!

Brownies and Icecream

Another great day for the drum corps!

Today we started the drums and brass off with some circle drill. After that, we spent the remainder of the morning block on the beginning of the closer. The afternoon music block went really well and sent us into a very strong full ensemble rehearsal!

Tomorrow, we will finish putting the closer on the field. This leaves us a week to begin clean before our first show. The secret addition to our show I mentioned yesterday is great! However, you'll need to make it out to a show to find out what it is for yourself!

Snack was brownies and ice cream. We were all very excited about it...

Please vote for the Pepsi refresh! We still have more than half a month to go! http://www.refresheverything.com/troopers

Laundry Day!

Today the corps had its first laundry day. From about 8 until noon, the corps was split up into three different laundromats and received some time off to wash their clothes, eat, and buy anything they needed from the nearby stores. At about 1, the corps shuttled back to the park to clean the 3rd movement and add in some choreography. After dinner, there was two hours of sectional time and then for the final two hours, the corps regrouped for a full ensemble rehearsal. To end the day, we did a full run through of all of the show so far.

Tomorrow, the corps will be beginning the fourth and final movement (closer). In addition, an important element (sorry, it's a secret!) to the show will be implemented for the first time. Tomorrow will definitely be a very busy day!

Connor Prairie and a Great Stadium!

Today the Troopers played at Connor Prairie to commemorate the opening week of the 1863 Civil War Journey exhibit. The corps played twice during the day with a short break in between performances in which the members were able to explore the museum themselves. Although it doesn't show in the photo, there was a good sized crowd, though most sat further back, under the shade of trees. It was really a great performance!

The corps returned in the evening for dinner and then shuttled over to Zionsville High School to use the stadium for full ensemble rehearsal. It was our first opportunity to be on turf since move-ins, which was truly helpful for the corps. In addition, it was the members' first opportunity to get a reaction from an audience, as a lot of band families from the high school came by to watch. We ended the day with a really great full run-through of the first three movements.

Tomorrow we have a short rehearsal day, because the members also have a laundry day. Remember to vote in the Pepsi Refresh Project!

Three movements down!

Today we staged the entire third movement on the field! It was a long day of hard work, but by dinner, we were playing and marching the entire piece. After dinner, we ran the show and encore pieces in music ensemble so they would be ready for the stand-still performances tomorrow. Lastly, we worked through the entire show in full ensemble and did a full run-through of the first three movements! The members are really doing a great job and working very hard.

I know I said I'd post pictures today, but I forgot to charge my phone, so they'll have to wait until tomorrow. If you live in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, come check us out at the Connor Prairie performances tomorrow. More information can be found here: http://www.dci.org/news/view.cfm?news_id=eafc1930-46d7-4148-a77c-e5386cacf6e0

Also, don't forget to vote in the Pepsi refresh challenge! We've really dropped a lot! Can we make it through the month of June?

Finally in Indy!

Our trip from Iowa went very smoothly! The corps rolled in to Indy at about 5:30AM this morning. We hit the floor for a few extra hours of sleep and woke up for the day at 9:00AM. Due to some events at the fairgrounds, we are shuttling to a nearby park and football field for rehearsal the next couple days. In the morning, the corps worked the drill for the second movement, the afternoon split for sectionals, and in the evening we regrouped for a full ensemble rehearsal. Tomorrow, we will begin work on our third movement!

The radar for the next week shows possible thunderstorms every day, but so far, so good! We'll keep our fingers crossed. Tomorrow I'll get some pictures up as well!

Also, don't forget to vote for the Pepsi refresh! We've fallen a lot... please don't give up!

On to Indiana!

This evening, we're finally heading off to Indiana. Corps Director Fred Morris and Executive Director Mike Ottoes arrived today with the replacement bus and driver. Today, there was also a radio interview with Fred that you can listen to online: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fk2radio.com%2Ftroopers-drum-and-bugle-corps-update-audio%2F&h=e0a29

We'd also like to announce the new "Fill a Bus 500" campaign. Each time one of our 4 tour buses and 2 tractor trailers fill up at the pump, it costs about $500. You can pledge to help fill our buses in all or part of $500! Tour budgets are always expensive, but this year now has new additional costs after the accident. So, anything you can provide to help fuel our buses is greatly appreciated! You can pay by credit by calling (307) 472-2141 or send your check to Troopers "Fill a Bus 500", 1801 East E St, Casper, Wyoming 82601.

Now, here's to a safe trip to Indy!

A Special Guest!

Tonight, the corps had its first performance run of the first two movements. To top it off, a special guest had come to check on the corps: Brandt Crocker! We surprised the members by having him announce them as they stood in the opening set. It was a great treat to top off a really wonderful and productive full-day of rehearsal!

Back to Work!

Today the corps went back to a full, three-block day for rehearsal. Spirits have been very high! Minus a couple members, everyone was back in rehearsal today. The colorguard went mostly without equipment and worked on drill, since they are all still very sore.

The corps will be staying another night in Greenfield, IA. Tomorrow, we will have a two-block day and depart for Indy at about 6:00PM. We can't thank the residents of Greenfield enough for their hospitality. Also, an even bigger thanks to the Nodaway Valley Schools and the director of bands, Jamie Craig. What was originally going to be a less than a day stay turned into nearly three full days and they have been nothing but accommodating for the corps.

On another note, we reached our first goal of 20th in the Pepsi Challenge! As promised, here is a cool video of the battery playing the pre-game at the Wyoming Cavalry game! It's pretty cool!



Now, time to reach for our next goal of 15th! Remember to use your daily votes! http://www.refresheverything.com/troopers

Thank you for the kind words and support!

Today has been quite a long day, but thank goodness everyone is all right! We would like to send out a very special thank you to the people of Greenfield, IA, for all of their wonderful support. Also, a big thanks to all of you out there in the drum corps community for all of your kind words of support.

We spent the entire day at the high school with a shorter rehearsal day after a long yoga session and will spend the night here. Tomorrow, we plan to rehearse all day in this facility. As of right now, we are not sure exactly when we will be leaving for Indiana.

Lastly, please continue to take the time to vote for the Troopers in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. We are currently in 21st place. One more place up and we will post the promised first video! http://www.refresheverything.com/troopers

Thank you again for all of the kind words and support. The kids are in great spirits and will continue working hard to get the show ready for our first competition.

Cheyenne Performance

Today, the members got to sleep in a couple of extra hours this morning, after pulling into Cheyenne at around 3:00AM. The rehearsal day was short, but very productive. We were finally able to do a full ensemble run of the second movement. Because of the performances these last couple days, we haven't managed to do it up until now. After rehearsal, the corps cleaned up and got into uniform for a stand-still performance in Cheyenne at Central High School. They really did a great job. Afterward, the alumni came down to the field and circled up with the members to sing the corps song. Finally, after getting out of uniform and packing up their stuff, the members were treated to a pizza dinner provided by our great alumni organization.

We're about to load up for a LONG bus ride to Iowa where we will rehearse for the day before heading off to Indy.

I'd like to point you toward the post below. We've managed to go up one place to 22nd! Two more and the first video will be released! Vote! Vote! Vote!!!!

Pepsi Refresh Project Challenge!

Okay, the Troopers are currently sitting in 23rd place out of 258 in the Pepsi Refresh Project. We need to get into the top 10 to win the $50k. I understand how annoying we can be, asking for your votes, so we're going to present all of you with a challenge that has some great prizes.

Each time we break a certain landmark in placing, we will post a video of the corps for your enjoyment. Here are the landmarks you must help us achieve to see the videos:

20th place
15th place
10th place
5th place
1st place

Each video will be more exciting than the next! Soooo... get voting and thank you in advance!

Remember, you can vote through your facebook account, pepsi account, and through texting. In addition, buying specially marked Pepsi will give you codes worth an additional 5-50 votes each!

Night With the Troopers

Today was the Night with the Troopers at Fort Caspar. The members really did a great job. I figured today I'd just post a bunch of photos rather than write a lot.

First Performance!

Before I begin, I'd just like to let you know that there WOULD be pictures in this blog, however I have to wait to post them because new alterations to the uniform have not yet been made public. Once they are, I will update with the photos from today's performance.

Today, the corps finished learning the drill for the second movement of the show. So, as we leave for Indianapolis this weekend, about half of the show is on the field. We are completely on schedule, thanks to Wyoming's weather cooperating.

After dinner, the battery, drum major Josh Jensen, and trumpeter Kirby Powell suited up into uniform and hopped on the bus to the Wyoming Cavalry game against the Omaha Beef. Once we got there, the battery warmed up on a patch of grass overlooking all of the City of Casper. In the sunlight, those new drums looked absolutely gorgeous!

As the football game neared the end of pregame, Josh Jensen and the battery marched onto the field and arched up to play. The lights in the stadium went out and a spotlight lit up on the drum major. As the battery played, spotlights waved back and forth over them. The whole effect was very cool. After they finished playing, Josh marched them off the field and the football players were announced.

Next, it was time for Kirby Powell to play the national anthem. He marched on behind members of the Casper fire department who were presenting the colors. The crowd sang along to Kirby's trumpet and there were large cheers from around the stadium as he finished and marched off.

After eating some pizza, it was time for the battery to head back out for the halftime performance. Josh lead them out again and they played through the whole show, ending with a standing ovation from the crowd. An announcement was made to the crowd about the Pepsi grant voting and we sent around donation buckets. The Wyoming Cavalry started us off with $500 which was matched right after by generous donor, Mitch Zimmerman.

I think it's fair to say that today was a very successful day for the Troopers. Hopefully you'll be able to see pictures soon as well! Also, remember to get in your daily votes for the Pepsi Refresh Everything Project!

Day 5 and 6 and the Pepsi Refresh Project

The past two days (Wednesday and Thursday) have been great! Yesterday the new drums arrived and they look fantastic! We've almost finished putting the drill for the second movement onto the field. Pictured to the left is some ladies from the colorguard who were out in the hall tonight taping their flags. Tonight the music ensemble sounded absolutely incredible (pictured to the right). The music for this show is amazing. You're in for a treat whenever you get a chance to hear it! Tomorrow, the members have their first performance. The battery will be playing at the Wyoming Cavalry Game at 6:00PM.

Now, I'd like to take a moment to tell you about a fantastic funding opportunity for the Troopers. Right now, we are in the running for a $50,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project. You can vote EVERY DAY by clicking a link and/or texting in a code. For more information, or to cast a vote, you can visit the Troopers' page on the Pepsi Refresh Project website here. You can text 106974 to 73774 to cast a vote as well. Please forward all of this information to your family and friends! This contest is running throughout the month of June. If we can make the top 10 in votes, we will win the money which will really benefit the corps.

Thank you so much for all of your support! We'll probably keep reminding you about voting in all of the blogs for the next month, so please bear with us. This is a VERY important opportunity!

First Four Days of Move-Ins

The first four days since move-ins have been a huge success for the Troopers. In these past few days we've managed to get a lot of work done. The full opener is on the field (drill, music, and choreography) as of Tuesday. Overall, the Wyoming weather has been pretty good to us. The first couple days had some rain and a lot of wind, but the last two days have been clear and sunny with fewer gusts. In addition to the show, the hornline and battery have been working on the Trooper Medley in preparation for the performances this weekend. Information on the events can be located at the Troopers' website. Hopefully you can make it out for one of these events and get a taste of the 2011 Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps!

This photo was taken Tuesday during the full ensemble block. While the members rehearsed the opener, the sky above had a breathtaking sunset.