January 2002

First "Full Corps" Camp Another Success Story

Carolina Crown had two fantastic December camps with over 200 students attending each... a new record for Carolina Crown!  The new student-only audition camp that was reported on in the December issue of CrownBEAT was then followed by the corps' first "full corps" camp where the "vets" came back and joined the new students was held the weekend of 12/14-16.

The percussion and guard captions had good turnouts and a very productive camp.  Each concentrating on working their basics program, auditioning students and preparing for their performances at Sunday's "Show & Tell" (which saw the battery percussion perform Semper Fi [our 2002 parade tune] with the brass line, the front ensemble play "Trepak", and the guard perform newly-taught equipment work and movement).

Also included in the tremendous turnout at the camp were 100 brass players! Not only was this total another new record, but the amount of music learned in one weekend also smashed the record book!   Approximately 4:15 of brass music from our 2002 Greek mythology show was completed including most of the opener based on Samuel Barber's "2nd Essay" and the ballad based on the Moulin Rouge hit "One Day I'll Fly Away" by Will Jennings and Joe Sample. These two sections of the show are to depict the myths of Zeus and Icarus, respectively (Note - see elsewhere in this issue for more information about the myth of Zeus). This is in addition to the line learning the music for Semper Fi, Crown Imperial (on-field warm-up), America the Beautiful (DCI Retreat tune), Carolina On My Mind (the corps' song), and several holiday carols Larry Markiewicz taught the line for "Show & Tell".

So what do we attribute this excellent achievement?  Higher quality musicians?  Increased experience and average age of our students?  Return of a larger number of dedicated corps veterans?  Yes, Yes, and Yes!   But, we also believe a major reason for the enhanced performance ability of the brass line during these early camps is our purchase of the B flat instruments last spring!  No more Friday night "trials and tribulations" for our students as they try their hardest to switch from their band instruments to our old G bugles!  Also, no more students standing instrument-less in the line because our 54 bugles were not enough to go around!  This year, we just have the students bring their instruments from home to supplement the identical ones the corps owns!

At Sunday's "Show & Tell" event, Executive Director Kevin Smith asked the several hundred parents and supporters in attendance to now assist us in paying off the complete set of horns that have brought us such early success.  And, you too can still assist in this effort by clicking here to see a facsimile of the mailing that went out during the holidays, and filling out the donor card with your pledge! Our students deserve the very best experience possible, and with your support we can continue to bring it to them!

Volunteer Profile - Ben Regalado

The drum corps community has consistently recognized Carolina Crown as one of its best-run organizations.  Strong financial controls, innovative marketing and clarity of mission are some essential elements of this distinction.  In a great sense, the strength of these elements can be directly attributed to Ben Regalado, whose service has spanned over a decade in such critical roles as President, Treasurer, Board Member, NightBeat co-chairman, tax advisor, and marketing guru (excepting the Duck Race, of course).

"Of the many people who have served in Crown management," says current President Bill Loelius, "Ben has held the most positions - and that's a big reason for our success.  Ben's business knowledge and acumen is second-to-none in our organization, and although he never marched, drum corps is his passion.  Even his MBA thesis, which long pre-dated Crown, was about starting a drum and bugle corps!"

Ben was born in San Antonio, TX, but considers Dallas, TX his "original" hometown.  He marched in his high school band and was drum major for two years.  That's how he found out about drum corps, attending his first show in 1982.  He has been living in Charlotte since 1993, but got involved with Crown while still living in Greenville, SC.  He regularly made the 90-mile drive to attend meetings and various events.

Carolina Crown's financial record keeping has improved tremendously over the past five-years or so.  Administrative Assistant Moe Smith says, "Ben has been a great help in the office with financials and tax filing.  He has done the 1099's, 990's and quarterly tax filing over the years.  He has helped me learn the financial system by coming into the office on his free time or via telephone any time I have some questions."

Recently, Ben's career, personal and family commitments have convinced him to take a "breather" from being an active board member.  He is Director of Managed Care for Medac, Inc, working with anesthesiologists throughout the US in managed care contracting negotiation and troubleshooting.  He is also active in Scouting and political campaigns, and announces an occasional band show.  Ben and his wife Babet have three boys - Michael (9), Ryan (6), Daniel (3) . . .no WAIT! . . .a late breaking news flash . . .the newest addition to the family-  Jordan Craig Regalado (yes, another boy!), born Thursday, January 17, at 1:40 P.M.  He's 19" long, 6 lb., 10 oz., “quite a little dude” according to Dad, and Mom is doing wonderful.  Congratulations to the entire Regalado family!

As he told Crown's Executive Committee recently, "being a Board member carries with it certain responsibilities, and I do not believe that I can meet those obligations effectively.  Plus, fresh ideas are essential.  But, keep me on the mailing list, though.  I'm not straying far!"

Don't worry, Ben!  There's no way we're going to let you get too far out of touch!  Thanks for all you have done over the years!

2001 Awards Banquet Honors

Outstanding Members and Volunteers

(award winners are denoted by bold print and *)

Marching

(Brent Bernier Presenting)

Outstanding First Year Member Nominees:  John Alexander, Andy Cartwright, Chad Thompson, Danielle Vaughn, Laura Young*

Most Improved Member Nominees:  Marie Allen, Jennifer Gipson*, Adam McFarlind, Reggie Richardson, Aaron Yow

Outstanding Member Nominees:  Corey Alvero, Brian Booth, Ryan Howell, Scott Maxie*, Laura Young

Guard

(Brian Bambauer Presenting)

Outstanding First Year Member Nominees: Joshua Benningfield, Mandy George, Christopher Poe, Melissa Slade*, Danielle Vonderau

Most Improved Member Nominees:  Naoko Abe, Antonio Fulmore, Melissa Kennedy, Christopher Poe, Kirsten Stebner*

Outstanding Member Nominees:  Peter Eichler, Antonio Fulmore*, Colby Musgrove, Danielle Vonderau, Holly Wilson

Percussion

(Paul Rennick Presenting)

Outstanding First Year Member Nominees:  Jon Bunner, Mickey Burmer, Sean Redman, Dave Reyes, Kelly Wright*

Most Improved Member Nominees:  Jimmy LaBreque, Robbie McConnell, Javan Norman, Matt Raynor*, Kelly Wright

Outstanding Member Nominees:  Steven Musumeche, Michael Ptacin, David Reyes, Butch Smith, David Stedronsky*

Brass

(Larry Markiewicz Presenting)

Outstanding First Year Member Nominees:  John Alexander*, Corey Alvero, Andy Cartwright, Scott Maxie, Antonio Travers

Most Improved Member Nominees:  Bryan Anderson*, David Tobin, Kelvin Figueroa, Glenda Lee, Minh Thieu

Outstanding Member Nominees:  Reggie Richardson, Seldon Harris, Ryan Howell*, Patrick Wachholz, Laura Young

Five-Year Member Award

(Jake Wade Presenting)

Jennifer Wisniewski*

Volunteer of the Year

(DeAnn Ellisor and Carol Srdar Presenting)

Nominees:  Luanne Bailecki, Lisa Camann, Doug Madar, Ray and Mary McCrary*, Moe Smith*

Support Staff of the Year

(Kevin Smith Presenting)

Nominees:  Teri Brinson*, Mary McCrary, Susan Yow

Member of the Year

(Kevin Smith Presenting)

Nominees:  Antonio Fulmore, Russell Ratteree, David Roth*, David Stedronsky

Congratulations to all award nominees and winners-  and thanks to everyone who helped make the banquet such a success!

2002 Drum Major Auditions Underway

The competition is already heating up for Crown, and it is only January! But this competition is not being staged on a football field!  Instead, six new candidates join returning drum major David Roth in the quest to represent Carolina Crown as the corps' two drum majors for the 2002 season.

The corps implemented a formal drum major selection process last season, which is again being followed (with a few enhancements) for 2002.  The process will run for a three-month period (December - February), assuming there are no snags along the way (last year we actually extended the auditions an additional month due to the extremely tight competition between all of the candidates).  Jake Wade, past Crown Drum Major and current assistant to Executive Director Kevin Smith, is the main contact for the candidates' questions and is coordinating the logistics of the selection process.  The formal selection process is as follows:

1. Solicit vets interested in being considered as drum major (completed in early December)
2. Candidates begin performing in leadership roles assisting caption heads/administration at the December camp
3. Caption heads/administration conduct interviews with each candidate at the January camp
4. Candidates conduct the corps during ensemble rehearsals at the January camp and/or the February camp
5. Selection made by the end of the February camp

As indicated in item #1 above, the corps' philosophy has been to select drum majors from within the corps (i.e., "vets" whom have already completed at least one year with the corps already).  Other than that, there are no restrictions on who can audition for one of the drum major spots each year.  In addition, this year we enhanced our procedure by adding a requirement that past drum majors must re-audition for a spot each year (i.e., no automatic positions the following year, just like we do in all other captions within the corps).  It just so happens that this year's seven candidates all began their Crown careers in our hornline.  This year's candidates are:

1. David Roth - Marietta, GA; 3rd year member (B99, DM00); music ed./composition major at University of Georgia-Athens

2. John Alexander - Morganton, NC; 2nd year member (B00-baritone); music ed./performance major at University NC-Greensboro

3. Corey Alvero - Orlando, FL; 2nd year member (B00-baritone); music ed. major at University of Central Florida

4. Trevor Cox - Orlando, FL; 3rd year member (B99/00-euphonium); music ed. major at University of Central Florida

5. Frank DiMartino - Seminole, FL; 2nd year member (B00-tuba); music ed. major at St. Petersburg College

6. Matt Jarrett - Concord, NC; 2nd year member (B00-bari); music ed. major at University NC-Charlotte

7. Laura Young - Venice, FL; 2nd year member (B00-tuba); psychology/social science ed. dual major, with minor in music at University of Central Florida

We wish all the candidates the best for their auditions, and expect that they will be great leaders for Carolina Crown regardless of any title bestowed upon them!

MIGHTY ZEUS

Zeus is the supreme god and ruler of Olympus. To the ancient Greeks, he became the undisputed master of the universe, and as the source of all heavenly manifestations, he caused rain, drought, good weather and bad weather. He commanded tempests and created storms, and nobody dared challenge his fearsome thunderbolts.

Zeus was the sixth child born to Cronus and Rhea. Cronus, ruler of the Titans and the supreme god at the time, was warned by an oracle that one of his own children would overthrow him, just like he overthrew his father, Uranus. To prevent this from happening he swallowed his first five children as each was born to Rhea.

This, of course, infuriated Rhea and when Zeus was born she tricked Cronus into swallowing a rock wrapped in blankets. Cronus foolishly swallowed the stone and thought himself safe. Then Rhea sent the baby to Gaea (Mother Earth) who secretly took Zeus to be raised on the island of Crete, away from his unsuspecting father.

Zeus tricked his way into becoming the cup-bearer to his father Cronus and with his mother Rhea and the Titaness Metis's help he slipped his father a drink which made him disgorge the swallowed siblings of Zeus. The children of Cronus attacked their father, and it was a furious battle, but at last Hades, wearing his helmet of invisibility, snuck up behind Cronus, Poseidon rendered him immobile with his trident, and Zeus struck him dead with his thunderbolt.

The three brothers then drew lots to determine who gets what. Zeus drew the heavens and became supreme ruler; Poseidon became the god of the sea and Hades the ruler of the Underworld. Thus began the reign of Zeus.

(Note - Zeus is the mythological character that the 2002 Carolina Crown show will depict in it's opening production set to the music of Samuel Barber's "Second Essay".  Watch for next month's CrownBeat where we will discuss the Greek myth of Eros, the basis for the 2nd production in our 2002 show.)

A Message from the Drum Major

Palindromes, Football Teams, and Carolina Crown

   A palindrome refers to something that is spelled the same way forwards and backwards.  Mom, dad, deed, kayak—these are all examples of words spelled the same way from either direction.   We can apply the same concept to numbers: 101, 202, 303, etc. can all be considered palindromes.  In that case, then, this new calendar year—2002—would also fit our definition.

   We can apply the concept of a palindrome to our 13th season of Carolina Crown.  We have had a great start thus far—a hugely talented pool of prospective members and returning veterans, an inordinate amount of music learned (including this summer’s parade tune and the corps song), some 4 minutes worth of show music learned by the second camp, the first of six winter leadership seminars, and there is still so much more that we have already accomplished!

   Therefore, the task at hand now shifts to finishing the season as strongly as we have started it—to complete the palindrome that is Carolina Crown 2002.  In order to do this, though, we need to make sure that what lies in the middle of this palindrome (these next few months before tour starts) all leads to a strong finish.   We need to continue to work, to practice, to memorize, and to do those things that have enabled us to start so well.  We need to set ourselves up for a great ending, just as we have had a great beginning.  Similar to how a football team needs victories during the year to help qualify for the playoffs, we need to start winning now—with our work ethic, our commitment, and our attitude—in order to have a chance at success down the road.

   If Carolina Crown 2002 is a palindrome, then our goal must be to make sure that the end is just as good as the beginning.   And if that’s the case, we need to work hard now and set ourselves up for future success.  

    Here’s to a great new year—full of opportunity, hard work, and success—a palindrome in more ways than one.

David Roth

Carolina Crown Adds New All-county Honor Band in 2002

In 2000, Carolina Crown hosted the first York County Middle School Honor Band.  The event was very well received and expanded in 2001 with the addition of the Union County Middle School Honor Band.  This year, Carolina Crown is again hosting these two events and adding yet another -  The Cleveland/Rutherford Middle School Honor Band.  Below is a synopsis of each event for 2002:

1. Union County Middle School Honor Band-  February 22-23, Wingate University, Dr. Royce Lumpkin conducting.  Dr. Lumpkin, a native of Kilgore, Texas, is in his fourth year of service as the Chair of the Department of Music at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior to his coming to Charlotte, he was a member of the faculty of the College of Music of the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where he taught applied trombone and brass chamber music and performed regularly in the Texas Brass Ensemble.  He also served as Assistant Director of Bands from 1971-1976 and as Assistant Dean of the College of Music at UNT from 1990 to 1993.
 
2. Cleveland/Rutherford County Middle School Honor Band- March 15-16, Gardner-Webb University, Donna Tucker conductor. Donna is presently in her 24th year as band director at Hidden Valley.  She received her B.S. from Radford University and a Master of Arts from Virginia Tech.  She has served on the faculties of Virginia Tech and The King's School of Sydney, Australia.  She serves as a freelance flutist, pianist, and organist in the Roanoke area.  She has developed a balanced curriculum at Hidden Valley of instrumental ensemble studies, jazz band, and four levels of concert band.

3. York County Middle School Honor Band- April 12-13, Fort Mill HS Auditorium, Dr. Les Hicken conducting.  Dr. Hicken, Director of Bands, joined the faculty of Furman University in the fall of 1993.  In the Department of Music, his responsibilities include the directorship of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Basketball Band; instructor of instrumental conducting; instrumental music education coordinator; and instructor of clarinet.  In addition to his duties at Furman, he is the Artistic Director of the Carolina Youth Symphony and the Director for the Summer Lakeside Concert Series in Greenville.  In the fall of 2000, Dr. Hicken completed a residency with the public schools of Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro State in Brazil preparing a concert with their String Orchestra.

A Message From the President

Recent Charlotte Observer headline—“Slump Curbs Arts Funding.”   Unfortunately, this is the truth.  In fact, for the first time in its history, Carolina Crown must learn to operate and survive in a weak economy.  As a child of the 1990’s, Crown has enjoyed a robust economy for its entire life.  Now, just like other non-profit organizations in the region, we must plan to overcome today’s economic woes and their expected impact on our operation.

What impact do we expect?  Although we hope that the generosity of our long-time supporters will not wane, a drop in contributions to Jewels of the Crown, Christmas fund drive, and other fundraising campaigns may be experienced in 2002.  Perhaps ticket sales at NightBeat will decline as the disposable income of local drum corps fans diminishes. Golf tournament income might be off, CrownStore revenue may decline, and souvenir sales could drop.  The fact is, we are not immune from the trickle-down effect of a weakened economy.

What proactive steps can we take to mitigate the effects of the economy on Carolina Crown?  Beyond a direct appeal to our most important resource—you, here are a few actions underway to help ease the expected pain:

·       Our recently formed Revenue Committee, under the able leadership of Ray McCrary, is mounting a focused campaign to seek philanthropic grants from regional corporate foundations.  This is an untapped source of potential funding for Crown—expect to hear more about this shortly.

·       In order to ensure stable souvenir income, we are negotiating a second-year outsource agreement for this function that will provide immediate cash flow and eliminate all expenses related to souvenir operations.

·       To defray some bus operating expenses, we are discussing an off-season bus usage arrangement with Fort Mill HS.

·       As always, we continue to review all aspects of the operation for efficiency gains and expense reductions.

We live in a very unpredictable world.  As the old adage reminds us, “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”  Well, rest assured that Crown plans to remain strong despite the weak economy.  Nonetheless, YOU are our most important resource.  Your Crown family needs you now more than ever.  I trust that you will continue to support this great organization as you have in the past—regardless of the economy. 

Sincerely,

Bill Loelius

President

Carolina Crown, Inc.

 I Spy….Carolina Crown Alumni

Melisa Logue (G 95-98) now Melisa Logue Silvey had a baby boy January 5, 2002, David Michael Thor Silvey.

Michael Luther (B 93) is now teaching video production to high school students in the Asheville area where he currently resides.

Steven Musumeche (P 99-01) is a senior at LSU and working as a web designer for Safety Connection, Inc. He currently lives in Baton Rouge, LA.

Roi Evans “The Doctor” (P 94-95)  Currently lives in Milwaukee, WI and is a police officer for the city Milwaukee. He does still play on occasion and is trying to put together a performance art piece involving monologues, vibraphone playing and social commentary.

Yolanda “YO” Smith (B 95-96) cousin of Roi Evans also lives in Milwaukee and is the manager for Bally’s total fitness, a national health club chain.

Michael Crowe (G 97) lives in Charleston, SC doing computer network security for the Navy.

Ryan Bybee (B 00) is a music education major at UGA.

Jimmy Currence (B 90) a charter member living in Southern Pines NC and is the Band Director at New Century Middle School.

Terrace Ellis (B 97) served on the visual staff for Carolina Crown’s 2001 season and is a Graduate Assistant at Georgia Southern University and working on his Masters in Music.  Terrace lives in Statesboro, Ga.

Mike Mathew (P 00) is married to Melissa and living in Garland, TX.  Has a baby on the way too!!  He is currently student teaching and teaching privately at Berkner High School in Richardson, TX and will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education.

Shannon Mulhearn (G91-98) is currently living in Charlotte and will be marrying Carlos Soria, a Santa Clara Vanguard Alumni in May!  She is also teaching colorguard at South Mecklenburg HS, Northwest Cabarrus HS, and Carolina Visual Productions.  Both continue to be great supporters of Carolina Crown.

If you would like to be included in next month’s “Eye Spy” article, please send your name, year(s) you marched, section, and current family/education/career status as well as location to crown@carolinacrown.org.