Wrist Flicks and Focal Points

Hey UC Band fans and DMS supporters! As we officially start the winter quarter here at the University of Cincinnati, we have also officially started the 2012 Drum Major Training Program sponsored by the Drum Major Society. Since we have restructured our board of directors, there is no longer an official director position dedicated towards organizing the training program; however, its overall responsibility belongs to our Operations Director.

This year’s program organization has primarily been handled by a small subcommittee of the board and many of its workshops and sessions are being instructed by various board members, directors, and guests. In additions to instruction, all candidates of the program are receiving a copy of the Drum Major Handbook and full access to online resources listed in our training members’ site. The added variety of instructing styles and the availability of resources to candidates have so far been of great advantage.

The program kicked off on January 11^th with our first conducting workshop and the second was held just this past Wednesday. Through the coming weeks, workshops on intermediate conducting, field commanding, score analysis, and advanced conducting will be offered to candidates as resources for their preparation in trying out for the Drum Major position this spring.

This year’s class of candidates is comprised of 17 individuals, including returning Drum Majors and Drum Majors in Training. So far the group has exhibited a strong desire to work in refining their conducting technique and they show promise of some real improvement over the next several weeks. Despite whichever candidates are ultimately chosen for the position, the program is certainly a worthwhile investment of time and the society is excited to be hosting its third official year of drum major training.

As we move through the upcoming training program and tryouts, we will be sure to keep you all posted on the status of everyone involved. Happy training!

TUCBIDG!

Corey

Bearcats on Beale Street

One final rehearsal on campus occurred this past Thursday morning at 7am in the “bubble.” The rehearsal was in preparation for the Liberty Bowl Trip to take place that week. Immediately following that rehearsal, we loaded up all five buses, and hit the road for Memphis, TN to cheer on our Bearcats at their first bowl game since the Sugar Bowl two years back.

Before the game even started on Saturday (New Year’s Eve), there were plenty of events leading up to the big game. Thankfully that also involved some downtime for the band to enjoy the area. Our buses rolled into Memphis around 6:00pm on Thursday night and we had the evening to ourselves. On Friday morning we were up early for the “official” last rehearsal of the season at a nearby football field. With temps in the 60s, nobody was complaining about the weather. Later that same day we had TWO big performances. The Beale Street Parade was the first. At 3pm, we let the opening of the parade while Vanderbilt’s marching band took up the duty of closing it. Since we began the parade, we were able to make our way back to the parade entrance to see Vandy’s band before they set off. Ben, Mike, and I were also able to meet both of their saber-carrying Drum Majors during that short break.

Not long after we rocked Beale Street, we set up for a Battle of the Bands. The format was actually very cool outside of all the dead time between the parade and band showdown. Both bands lined up at either end of Beale Street and started marching towards each other at 5pm. We ended up meeting in the center, facing off. We approached them chanting Down-the-Drive which really got our fans pumped up. The “battle” soon relocated to an amphitheater in Handy Park just off the street. We set up both bands on either side of the stage and began to trade songs after some initial rallying words from the coaches and MC. At the end of the rally, the battle was claimed to be a “tie”. I would have to respectfully disagree since the last band standing seemed to clearly be ours. It certainly was a great way to get the crowds excited about the game.

That night was very enjoyable as the band got to hang out on Beale Street until later that night when the buses picked us up. UC Fans were everywhere! The live music and food was exceptional in each of the establishments we visited, and the occasional Down-the-Drive cheer could be heard by fans getting excited about the upcoming game. Personally, I felt the atmosphere was even more enjoyable than New Orleans. It was a bit smaller, but it was also a little less crowded and more laid back.

Throughout the week, the hospitality of the Liberty Bowl organizers and local Memphis police was great. We were escorted by cops with C-Paws on their helmets who gladly shut down the expressway for us several times. The hotel was very generous in offering us space for a New Year’s Party in their dining area after the game. Even before the game started, we were fed well by the bowl organizers. I can testify that the BBQ in Memphis is quite good.

Game day was perfect as the Bearcats took home a solid victory under the leadership of its coaches and captains. Coupled with that victory was the band’s own victory. We pulled together two of our best shows of the year. Pre-game looked and sounded great as we performed American Overture and Johnny B. Goode. Our half time was even better as we performed our traditional pre-game show. This was exactly what the crowd needed at this point in the game and the energy was explosive as they chanted with us throughout the performances. This was by far one of our best pre-game performances in the time I’ve been with the band. I couldn’t have been more proud to call that my last marching band performance. After the game, we dismissed and packed up shop. Job well done Cats.

After a bit of celebrating for the New Year that night, we got some rest for the trip home and arrived back in Cincy the next day around 8pm. The trip was perfect and everyone had a great time. This band is certainly proud of their football team, and it has plenty of reason to have pride in itself for such a great final performance of the year.

TUCBIDG!

Corey

Message from the Executive Director

Greetings to everyone!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone who supports us, participates with us, has been a Drum Major and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Years, and joy this Holiday season!

We couldn't be more pleased with the momentum of the past few months which is due in large part to everyone's love and support. As we wrap up 2011 and ring in 2012, please know that many exciting changes are coming our way which will grow our organization and bring to fruition many months of strategic and organizational planning.

Stay tuned for those updates, and in the meantime support our Drum Majors and the UC Band in Memphis at the Liberty Bowl as the 'Cats take on Vanderbilt on Saturday Dec. 31st at 3:30pm or on TV on ABC. Ticket information can be found HERE.

Happy Holidays to all!

Nick A. DelleCave
DMS Founder & Executive Director

A New Flavor of Drum Major

When I first joined the Bearcat Bands, I never imagined that I would be in the position I am in now. Being a Drum Major for two years in high school pushed me to try here at UC because I knew how much I loved being in that type of a position and how much I love being a part of this band. As Associate Drum Major I have learned more than I ever imagined I would. It is very different from being ‘in training’ and from being a full Drum Major in front of the band. It is a whole new atmosphere, a new flavor of Drum Major.

I started off the season in the summer, training right along with the Drum Majors, learning everything they learned, the show pieces, the commands, conducting, planning, marching, it was just as if I was a full Drum Major. I even got to teach commands to the rookies as a Drum Major on Rookie Day. As the Associate Drum Major I feel like I am always ‘on deck’. Ready and able to step in and function as a full Drum Major at any time, while at the same time I march and play on the field. I get to see both sides. I take part in everything the Drum Majors do to prepare for rehearsals, conducting, and leading the band, then on the field I can see how it takes effect from the inside of the band. This experience, I think, is one of the best learning experiences possible for a few reasons. First is that I can report directly back to the Drum Majors with the reaction or ‘field view’ from being mingled in with all the other members. I can see things that the Drum Majors may not see from where they stand. I am more observant of specific conducting techniques and can give observations from the ‘field view’, I can report back with the types of things that confuse the band and the types that work. All of this only helps the corps in finding more efficient ways of leading the band. I’m like the inside man (well, woman) in disguise on the field getting info for the other guys.

Being in this position, yet still marching on the field also made me a go-to type for general members of the band. Knowing that I was affiliated with the Drum Majors, band members would ask me all sorts of questions that they might normally want to ask a Drum Major. I think it is very beneficial for both the band and the Drum Majors to have this type of person on the field. Many band members have questions or need help on the field either with drill or specific instructions and many times the Drum Majors are at or needed in the front of the band. I think it is very beneficial to have this in between person, a Drum Major on the field to act as a resource when the Drum Majors are busy on the sideline or the podiums.

Overall, this season has been a tremendous learning experience for me. I have seen things from all sides and feel that I am better equipped then ever with the knowledge I have gained and the observations I have made. I firmly believe that the experience one gains from being in this position will enable them to be a better Drum Major than any other type of training or practice. This is the real deal without actually stepping up on the podium (most of the time), which is an extremely beneficial type of learning.

One of the best opportunities I had while in this role was stepping up as ‘the 4^th Drum Major’ and being able to conduct in front of the band at a performance in Nippert. That day I truly played two roles. For pre-game I was dressed in my red uniform, clarinet in hand, marching and playing as a general band member and section leader. Then, before half time, I changed coats. As I pulled on and zipped up the white Drum Major uniform I thought of Julie, and of the honor that comes with being able to put this jacket on. When I came back to the field I was a Drum Major! It was probably the most exhilarating experience I have had as Associate Drum Major. After all the training and preparation, I was finally able to be up in front of the band. I stood on the podium on the sideline of Nippert Stadium, in a white jacket, and conducted the band. Stepping into that role for even that short period of time was like a whole new wind blew through me. It was an honor. It. Was. Awesome.

From the field, I can say that this has been quite an exciting season. From band camp, learning drill and music, rehearsals, games at Nippert, Paul Brown, and Pittsburgh, 3D glasses, and the general excitement that comes with being in with the band for every game, this season has been one of the most exciting yet. I was excited to play so many different types of music. I am also very glad to be a part of this last show we did when we received the best crowd response in years and the roaring of the fans as we marched and played toward to student section. That is definitely a show to remember. I cannot believe how fast this quarter went by. I think back to my first sectional with the rookie clarinets, teaching them horn flashes and playing the fight song over and over again. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. And what a better way to top of the season then to have Doc dressed as Mickey Mouse as he conducted Frosty the Snow Man for the encore of our Marching Band Concert? And better yet, we will be spending new years in Memphis for the Liberty Bowl! I don’t know what else to say besides that this season was truly amazing.

I want to congratulate all the seniors, especially our Head DM, Corey; we wish only the best for you! I hope everyone has had a fantastic season and we will see you in Memphis!

TUCBIDG!

-Laura

A Report From the Board

Greetings!


As we approach the end of our fifth year in existence, the Board of the Drum Major Society felt that it would be appropriate to give to the members and the general public a report of sorts regarding the activities of our organization. 


First, this has been a tremendous year in terms of our growth. I don't mean in the number of members, but rather in how our group has developed. In the last year we have expanded our Executive Board to seven from our previous five. 

• Nick Dellecave - Executive Director
• Rob Jaques - Operations Director
• John Stueve - Finance Director
• Andrew Reynolds - Communications Director
• Corey Knapke - Current Head Drum Major & Director At-Large

New Additions: 

• Dr. Jody Besse - Director At-Large
• Brandon Yocum - Director At-Large

This body represents the core administrative center of the Drum Major Society. Congratulations to our newest member, Jody and Brandon. 

I also wanted to take some time to recap the DMS Reunion. This past Saturday December 3, we hosted our Fifth Annual Drum Major Society Reunion at Mecklenburg Gardens. Let me first thank the fine folks at Mecklenburg Gardens for their tremendous hospitality and accommodations. We were able to use the entire upper floor of the restaurant and the service was quick and polite. We had 30 people in attendance, including current Drum Majors, the Directing Staff, Bob, BJ, and Michael Benken, the Presidents of Upsilon (KKY) and Band Council, Foundation Representative Christa Flueck, and numerous others. 

Aside from the food (which was delicious), we inducted additional honorary members. These individuals have shown unyielding dedication to the UC Band, the Drum Majors in particular, and the Society. Upon unanimous vote of the Board, we are proud to announce the newest honorary members:

• David Martin
• Jody Besse

In addition, the board decided that in order to properly recognize the honorary members, they ought to possess some symbol of the Drum Majors that they so fully support. In this spirit, we presented to all honorary members (all of whom were present) a silver whistle with a white lanyard. It is our hope that this token can be taken to show the appreciation the Drum Majors and the Society have for their dedication.

A new awarded, the MVP Award, was also created this year by Mr. DelleCave to allow the Executive Director the opportunity to recognize  those Society Members who during the fall season have proven themselves to have gone above and beyond the call of duty. This year's recipient was Laura Pinzone. Following a fall season where she took on the role of Associate Drum Major (a new position this year), Laura has worked tirelessly to serve as a general band member, a section leader, an on-field Drum Major, and an all around leader in the band. The Society thanks her for her service. 

Finally, this past year was really our first push at true fundraising. Through a combination of dues and donations, we were able to exceed our fundraising goals. These funds are helping to offset administrative and operations costs. As we look to the future, we have some lofty goals for fundraising so that we can continue to provide support for the UC Drum Majors in as many capacities as possible.

As we look toward the next year, we see ourselves on excellent footing. We will have some exciting news very soon and hope you'll stay tuned to support us. 

A Season Full of Firsts

Wow, what a great way to end a season! Not only did the Bearcats clinch a share of the Big East Championship, but the Drum Major Society had a reunion where 40 people came to reunite with old friends and memories. It was great to see so many faces come back for a dinner and a few short words. Seeing the Benkens, Drum Majors from many years past, current and past directors, and current Drum Majors was truly a great experience. Yea, awards (old and new) and recognition was given to many people at the reunion, but I think the awards are smaller than what was actually taking place during the reunion. It was not just everyone talking about one person, or one particular piece of being a Drum Major. The reunion was people coming together, talking about their lives, and wrapping that around something everyone in the room has come to love one way or another. It is always an honor to be associated with such a great bunch of people, and to know that so many people gave up time to get together is icing on the cake.

Seeing every honorary member of the Drum Major Society in one room was incredible. It is truly great they could be recognized and welcomed into this organization. I personally found it very awesome to see the Benken family in attendance. To know that their love and passion for their daughter has translated into the success of an organization is humbling. It goes to show that with love and the right intentions, anything can happen. To be able to be in the room of the family who this young organization has been dedicated to is an eye opening experience. It makes the purpose of the Drum Major Society real. It really does make one think about something bigger than just themselves. Ultimately, it gives me that much more respect and honor whenever I get to put on the white marching uniform. To know so many people have the immeasurable passion about the band and the art a Drum Major has to master makes me very proud to say I am a member of the Drum Major Society.

As I was sitting in a chair at Mecklenburg Gardens, I sat there and thought about what a wild year it has been. Remembering the email with the announcement of the leadership positions, reading my name, and calling my family members about 20 minutes before my English 209 class was about to begin. Fast forward to summer where I was on the "Drum Major Education Fast Track' Program where I had to help plan, backup plan, and learn everything a Drum Major needed to know before stepping in front of a new set of Rookies and the rest of the veteran band members. I will never forget the first time I got to conduct Cheer Cincinnati on the back podium during a rehearsal of pregame the evening of Rookie Day with tears in my eyes and the most intense down beats I could muster. What a crazy few months! It all led up to my first pregame performance as a Drum Major when our Head Drum Major, Corey, called me down from my spot on the 14^th step of Nippert Stadium for another “Good Luck Tap” and congratulated me of making it through the first week of camp. He told me to suck it all in and to remember this moment. It was truly an awesome experience. An entire season of doing this? I must be dreaming… There will always be memories of my ‘firsts’ as a Drum Major. My first time directing Army Fanfare at a game, my first halftime performance, my first Down the Drive, my first Sigma Sigma Concert, my first time I put a headset on, my first time wearing a black uniform, and my first time as a feature twirler!…I could go on for hours with a story for each of these moments and so many others not mentioned.

The season was awesome. We hit music from almost every genre, style, and time period. Talk about a versatile band! Swing, Rock n’ Roll, Top 40…what more could a band kid want? Challenging drill? We had that too! If something needed to be done, the band was there. Even when we were called into a pop-up gig or parade, the band always responded with enough to fill the requirement and more. This band is one of the most flexible bands in the country, and we are always DAMN good at doing that. Competing at a BOA competition, performing on Heinz Field, Nippert Stadium, and Paul Brown Stadium, and playing at small events/athletic events around campus is something not many other college bands do. Usually colleges have other bands do that while the main one focuses on the football field. Yea, I would say The UC Band is DAMN Good!

I congratulate everyone on a great fall season. Seniors, you guys are awesome for sticking it out for so long even with so many tough classes, choices, and other things that had to be made and completed in order for your continuation in band. It takes a great deal of commitment to continue with band for so long, and I commend you for your dedication. The best part, we all get an encore! I hope every single one of you is in Memphis for New Year’s Eve to watch us perform one more time in 2011. It will not be a show that disappoints.

Dreams do come true.

TUCBIDG!

Ben

Final Game on the Wall

Dear DMS and UC Band fans,

Let me begin with a giant “thank you” for all of your continued support for the university and its spirit-holding organizations. Thank you.

This past Saturday was my final Nippert home game (as it was for many other band seniors). I think for those of us who have been around the band for an extended amount of time, Saturday was a big game… and not just because it was a fight for a portion of the Big East Championship title. It was the close of an important chapter… and a meaningful one. For many members in the band, it may have been difficult to understand what that game meant for us graduating seniors, but just give it a few years… When you’re finally down there for the last time (and it will come soon) it will be big for you too. Words cannot describe it; it must simply be experienced.

The day was perfect, and with the best weather of the season, by far. Between the team winning the game and the band putting forth its most audience-enlivening performance of the year, it was an excellent day. The band performed a triple-sided show and the crowd responded from all three directions. I was very happy to be in the midst of that excitement for my last home game performance.

For me personally, this day was the culmination of nine years of combined marching band. I’m hardly finished (with an upcoming bowl game and other spring activities on the way), but at an official and traditional capacity, this was THE game. Everything had meaning… Catwalk, Inspection, Sigma Sigma, Down the Drive, Good Luck Taps, Pre-game, Half-time, the Alma Mater, Dismissal. So many components of what make this such a tradition filled band... They all were a bit heavier on Saturday. I thought back three years as I stood on the wall to conduct the fanfare. Was it really three years ago that I did this for the first time? I remember just how nervous I was at that time. I will admit here that nothing can top that first game experience conducting the fanfare on the wall; although this final game came pretty close.

There are a number of memories at UC that will stay with me for a while. Saturday will be one of those memories. Moments like those make the UC experience what it really is and should be. It is hardly ever solely about the class work or the degree. It is about being a member of a larger community and experiencing that community with your peers. Whether they are through the band, an athletic team, an academic team, the dance team, student government, or some other group… these are the experiences that make UC a great college university.

After the game, my fellow DMs and DMiTs attended the Drum Major Society Reunion at Mecklenburg Gardens. It was a wonderful event, and Mecklenburg’s did a grand job accommodating. Here I was able to interact with past DMs and other members of the society who truly understand what I just described above. The event was a “class act” and I tip my hat to executive director, Nick DelleCave, and operations director, Rob Jaques, for putting together such an event. The event opened with some remarks from Nick DelleCave and the director of bands, Dr. Terren Frenz. Shortly after, we were able to recognize some of our past honorary members with official shingles and whistles. Associate Drum Major, Laura Pinzone was then honored with the first ever DMS MVP award. Following this, I was given the opportunity to say a few remarks regarding my final game experience as exiting DM of the UC Band. I was honored to stand before such an audience of dedicated Bearcats. I had reason to be thankful for every person in that room and the contribution each of them made towards making the band program a better one.

So to all, I say again, thank you. I am blessed to have been a part of something so meaningful, and I look forward to the remainder of the academic year where more is yet to come. I’ll see you all in Memphis for the Liberty Bowl!

TUCBIDG!

Corey