November 2001

Crown Purchases New Equipment Trailer

Carolina Crown board member Ray McCrary recently completed some extensive work on locating the corps a newer, larger "air ride" trailer as a replacement for the trailer we have used for the past few years.  After writing to over 75 used trailer dealers around the country, with our requirements he finally found one we thought was a good deal in Atlanta (thanks to the pictures taken for us by corps parents Terri and Paul Flood). The new trailer is four feet longer and six inches wider than the old trailer, which will help us to accommodate our ever-expanding equipment storage and transportation needs.  The old trailer is going to be used for storage of excess equipment and supplies.

Board member Larry Gibson will be picking up the trailer for us in early November and will lead the effort to get the interior renovated this winter.  If you have some time to help on weekends please let us know and we will put you in touch with Larry!  

TheCrownStore Premiers National Advertisement

“Got Silk” premiered in Winter Guard International’s quarterly publication FOCUS in October 2001.  This new advertising campaign, designed and created by Carolina Crown board member Andy Crews, will be distributed to nearly 20,000 winter guard and winter percussion supporters, fans, participants and instructors.  

Visit TheCrownStore.com today!

 A Message From The President:

Dear volunteers, members, parents, supporters, staff, management and fans:

The only proper method to begin my term as your president is to say thanks for your involvement in this great organization.  Although we are all engaged in different ways, my above salutation illustrates the many lives that touch—and are touched by—Carolina Crown. 

I am honored to serve as your president, and I am pleased to report that we are lead by the most talented and enthusiastic board of directors in Crown’s history.  In the words of Ray McCrary, long-time volunteer and newest member of Crown’s Executive Committee,

“The board of directors’ role is to lay the track and provide the fuel for Crown to run on.”

An excellent analogy, indeed.    

Most of you are familiar with our “conductor,” Kevin Smith.  However, there are several others among the board of directors seeking coal for the engine room and driving railroad ties to keep Crown on track.  I want everyone to understand that this is your organization.  If you think the tracks are facing the wrong direction or you have an idea about how to get more fuel, then I want to hear from you. 

Here’s how to reach me:

wloelius@aol.com, (H) 704-545-2765 (W) 704-573-8235

 Your thoughts and ideas are important to our continued success, so I’m here to say—"ALL ABOARD!”

Bill Loelius

President

Carolina Crown

A Message from Carolina Crown Drum Major David Roth:

I remember…

I remember Carolina Crown 2001.  I remember the winter camps, and how we got snowed in and had to cut the December camp short.  I remember first learning the opener, “Wood,” performing “show and tell” in the gym, marching in the annual “Fest-i-Fun” parade in Fort Mill, and watching us get better and better with each rehearsal.  I remember how some camps were sunny, some rainy, some in between, but all extremely productive.  I remember how people just kept coming back each month, how they kept pulling up on Friday night ready for a weekend of fun with some of the best teachers, motivators, and friends in the world.  Yeah, I remember those winter camps.

          I remember “everydays,” and how the fire alarm went off EVERY NIGHT, even though there never was a fire.  I remember how quickly we learned the drill (and then relearned it… and then relearned it again!)  I remember how each field had its own nickname—the desert, the swamp, the beach… remember that?

          I remember summer tour 2001.  I remember how it always rains in Florida, and how the gnats never leave you alone in Georgia, and how Texas is not quite as hot as we all make it out to be.  I remember that New England is the most patriotic place in the country around the 4^th of July, and that the Rocky Mountains at sunset is one of the most awe-inspiring sights anywhere in the world.  I remember that there’s nothing like having a home show, where family and friends come to cheer you on, and how for one glorious night you’re the local hero.  I remember the rain-outs, the standstills, the great crowds and the not-so-great crowds. 

I remember how it took a small army to get us on and off the field, and how after the show was done we’d frantically search for spare tires and dropped costumes left behind. I remember circling it up outside the stadium and lifting my shako proudly because that night was my best night.  And I remember Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, where the season culminated in a performance that was not equaled in total quality at any other time during the season, regardless of what the judges said that night.   I remember our successful summer tour.

          I remember singing “Carolina in my Mind” with tears in my eyes, listening to monstrous chord progressions, watching the drumline perform a flawless run-through, seeing every flag spin at the same rate, every mallet strike the keys in perfect unison—seeing every foot in step, every head held high, and every Crown gleaming in the light of the setting sun.  I remember the highlights, the lowlights, the struggles, the achievements, and the feeling of pride at finishing the season we started together.  I remember wondering early on what would lie in store for us in 2001, and how far we would go, and now I find myself wondering the same thing for this coming year.

          I remember Carolina Crown 2001, and I loved it.  Now I’m ready for 2002.  Are you? 

I Spy…. Carolina Crown Alumni

Jackie Kent (Guard 97-99) graduated from Carnegie Mellon University this past May with a degree in graphic design.  She now resides in Panama (the country) to study international perspectives on design and photography.

Chris Green (Brass 92-94 &96) currently employed with General Dynamics in Richmond, VA as a project manager.  He earned his BA in Music Composition from Gardner Webb University in 1999.

Neil Landini (Percussion 95-96) is married to alumni Morganne Carlson and resides in Powhatan Va. where he is the Middle school band director for Powhatan County Public Schools.

Matt Wilkerson (Brass 97) currently works for Moonlight Graphics and is working with Olympic HS and Kennedy Jr. High bands.

Alan Horne, Jr. (Brass 99) is currently attending college at Clemson University studying Computer Engineering.  He marches with the University Tiger marching band, Jazz ensemble and Men’s basketball pep band.

Philip Rainer (Brass 90-91, Guard 92) is currently employed with Chesterfield County School District at Central High School where he is a Science teacher and Dept. Head. Philip works with Fort Mill High School Bands, and worked with Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2001 season. Philip has also served on the Board of Directors for Carolina Crown.

Patrick Sloan (Brass 90) is currently employed with Sperry & Associates as a graphic designer.  His current drum corps affiliation is with Carolina Gold Senior Corps out of Raleigh, NC.

Darrell Pearman (Brass 93) recently accepted a position as Director of Bands for the Woodbridge Sr. High School Band in Woodbridge, VA. 

Joe Clarke (Percussion 90) is living in Hollywood, CA since 1993 where he is a film technician working on various movies and television shows such as the HBO series “Six Feet Under” and the new “Planet of the Apes”.  Joe got married this past year to someone he has been seeing for 8 years from South Carolina.

If you would like to be included in our next Eye Spy . . .Carolina Crown Alumni article, please submit your name, years with Carolina Crown, section, current place of residents, career, etc. to crown@carolinacrown.org.

Volunteer Profile - Larry Gibson

    Larry Gibson is very well known in the Ft. Mill community.  But as well known as he is, most people do not know the half of what Larry does for the community in his support and dedication to the students that reside here or call it their adopted hometown during their time with Carolina Crown.

    Larry is originally from Lexington, Kentucky. He moved to Fort Mill in 1983 with his wife Shirley. Within a few years he established himself as one of the most active supporters and volunteers of Ft. Mill HS band where his daughter was then marching, and has been there ever since!  "He is always there for helping kids even though he doesn't have kids involved anymore" says current FMHS Band Director Martin Dickey.  "We would not be able to function without Larry at Fort Mill High School.  I know he has helped Bob Cotter, Scott Lambert, and myself as directors at Fort Mill High School over the years", continues Martin.

    Larry started volunteering with Crown when they moved their office to Ft. Mill. Like FMHS, Larry's support of and assistance to Crown has been invaluable since that time.  And just like at FMHS, Larry's efforts are not just confined to the more "usual" assistance he provides both organizations such as driving trucks and buses, picking up and moving equipment and instruments between storage and rehearsal sites, and building props.  He also is the "master" when it comes to solving the most unusual challenges each group can throw at him.  When you talk about this to longtime FMHS faculty member Jason Ford he is quick to rattle of a list of "Amazing Larry Accomplishments":

 - building from scratch a charger for the Long Ranger
 - having a "spare" generator in the truck when the Irmo HS field outlets were dead
 - building and painting an amp stand between prelims and finals at BOA in Johnson City
 - tapping into the wiring of HS and college circuits everywhere to provide
 lighting/power
 - changing the alternator on a bus or equipment truck on the spot
 - driving hours to meet the band on the road in order to fix something or pick up a downed vehicle

    And speaking of help on the road, Crown Support Services Coordinator Teri Brinson recalls, "This summer when the generator on the food trailer wasn't working, Larry met us when we pulled into Columbia in the middle of the night and worked all night to get us up and running... and that isn't the first time he has done that."  But again that's just the tip of the iceberg!  Teri says, "I could write a dissertation on Larry.  He keeps the food truck running and is constantly looking for a way to make it better. I make a wish list - Larry makes it happen!  I've called him from a thousand miles away and asked him what to do about the refrigerator freezing up...and he will worry until he figures it out for us and I tell him it is working!  Many times when I was getting up to cook breakfast during everydays this summer, Larry was packing up and going home after working all night on the truck."

    When people describe Larry the words they use include "dedication", "ingenuity", "tireless", "go to guy", "faithful", and "invaluable"!  In fact, as both groups have learned over the years there is little that Larry cannot, or will not do!  The more complicated the task, the more he seems to enjoy it.  He will spend hours upon hours researching and finding a way to make something work.  And as with the Crown food trailer that Larry has practically rebuilt over the past few years you end up with one of the most efficient trucks on tour!

    When it comes to Larry's volunteering there are no lines dividing groups, or calendar designating "seasons".  As Jason says, "he not only works tirelessly during the band and corps marching seasons, but he also supports the programs throughout the rest of the year--driving the bus or truck to all-state or Crown winter camps, helping with winter guard, loading equipment for region band clinics and other events.  He donates his time--literally--every month of the year."  This winter he will be leading the crew building out the interior for Crown's new equipment trailer.  It is no wonder that he was recently honored as Volunteer of the Year in Ft. Mill.

Local Schools Complete Successful Marching Band Season

Ft. Mill High School, Indian Land High School, and Clover High School have just completed the marching band portion of the high school band season. 

These three schools, all participants in the “Partnership in Education” program with Carolina Crown, host the drum corps’ rehearsal camps, spring training, member banquet and Carolina Summer Clinic. 

Below are some highlights of all three school’s marching band season.   Congratulations Ft. Mill, Indian Land and Clover on such successful marching bands!

The Fort Mill High School Marching Band

2001 Band of America Regional Championship at Johnson City
East Tennessee State University - 9/29/2001 - Prelims Recap

 2001 Bands of America Regional Championship at Johnson City
East Tennessee State University - 9/29/2001 - Finals Recap

South Carolina Upper State 4A Championships – 2nd place

 South Carolina 4A State Championships – 4th place

For more information on the Ft. Mill High School Band please visit http://www.fort-mill.k12.sc.us/fmhs/band/index.htm

The Clover Marching Band performed the music from Epcot's Millennium Celebration.   

South Carolina 3-A Upper State Championships – 3^rd place

South Carolina 3-A State Championships – 5^th place and Outstanding Performance Award

For more information on the Clover High School Band please visit http://www.goblueeagles.com/Portal/Athletics/Band/Band%20front.htm

Indian Land Warrior Marching Band

23rd Annual Harrison Elliot Tournament of Bands, Landrum, SC
Class AA - 1st Band Front - 1st Place "AA" - Rating = Superior

South Carolina Upper State 1A Championships, Clinton, SC, 1^st Place 

South Carolina 1A State Championships, Newberry, SC – 1^st Place

On October 27th 2001 the Indian Land Warrior Band won the South Carolina 1A State Championship.  A single red rose was carried with the band in memory of percussionist Shannon Campbell as well as a sign made by her father.  The band would like to dedicate this championship to everyone's friend, fellow classmate, and dedicated band member: Shannon Campbell.

For more information on the Indian Land Marching Band please visit http://www.indianland-band.org/index.htm