Teri Bell began her Carolina Crown experience in 1997 when her oldest son, Larry Summerlin, marched with the corps. Since Larry had never been away from his mother for the entire summer, Teri jumped in and did her week of tour after traveling in a van for 16 hours to meet the corps in Wisconsin. At that time in her life she still put her makeup on first thing every morning and curlers in her hair at night. Anyone who has ever been on tour knows how difficult it is to keep that type of routine going. Since her other two children fell in love with Crown while watching their brother march in Finals at Orlando that year, she started driving Jeremiah and Loraine Womble to the monthly camps that next winter. The day before Crown was to pull out on tour in 1998, Loraine decided to disappear from the corps' housing site and ended up spending the night on a near-by park bench. The only way that she was going to be allowed to go on tour after that stunt was if her mother went along all summer as well. Teri's boss consented to her going that summer, and the year after that Crown had a new Food Truck Cook. The funny thing about Teri now being in charge of cooking for over 150 people four times a day all summer long was that she didn't really cook much at home as her husband did most of it.
Loraine says of her mother, "My mom was always a volunteer for the band when I was growing up. Even though she had no idea that she would volunteer to work this hard in corps, it was like it was almost expected to some level (she basically ran the band booster concession stand for years). Having my mother on tour as a volunteer or as food truck mom was the best thing that ever happened to our relationship. We were close before, but when it was all said and done four years later we were like best friends. My mother was always the working mother and tried her hardest to be a part of everyone's activities, by being in the food truck almost all summer, she supported not only me but many others. Having my mom there she could finally see what was going on in the life of a marcher. The sleeping on floors, showering in locker rooms, and the happiness somehow found in the pure exhaustion we experienced together. Not to mention for the first time we traveled places we had never been, and both made friends that are not to be forgotten anytime soon. She took care of all of the corps members as if they were hers. She used to joke with us that she played mama to everyone but her own children! Not everyday was a wonderful day in her life because she went through the chaos that sometimes happens in corps life, and on those days we as corps members helped her out. In the end it meant a lot to me because we were able to spend more time together, and in a sense grow up together."
During the years of Teri's tenure as the head of the food truck, a lot has changed. The truck now has a walk-in refrigerator, a convection oven, gas water heater and many other improvements that Teri was a part of making happen. The quality and quantity of the food for the members and faculty was ever-improving, with the utmost care and love put into it. The volunteers also benefitted from Teri's efforts. The support staff experienced a lot more comfort and "extras" than they had in the past years, but what they don't know is that the "extras" a lot of the time came out of her own pocket.
Teri has put a lot of time, energy and heart into her Crown family and beloved food truck. She always had a difficult time overcoming the sense of loss at the end of each summer when it was time to leave her kids. Teri has a commitment to the corps that has lasted beyond her own kids involvement. Says Loraine, "When we got home in August the whole family could sit around the table and talk about drum corps, and we all knew what it was like to be there. The last two summers I didn't march, and my brother's time to march was long forgotten, but my mother still went to the camps and worked in the food truck. I told her 'you don't have to go anymore', and she simply told me, 'I have to go, this is who I am'." Even though this year Teri will no longer head the food program, she remains active in Crown as a member of Board of Directors and plans to tour at least two weeks this summer during her vacation as an assistant to Executive Director Kevin Smith and lead representative of the Board when Kevin is off tour.
Each year DCI canvasses the drum corps community for nominees for their Volunteer of the Year Award. The Crown Executive Committee submitted Teri's name in 2002 and shortly thereafter Crown President Bill Loelius announced, “Teri has been recognized by Carolina Crown in the past as our support person of the year(s), now it's time for her to be honored by Drum Corps International...she truly is the 'best-of-the-best'."
The text of Crown's nomination of Teri was authored by Treasurer DeAnn Ellisor who said in part, "I am nominating Teri for this award because of her undying love of the activity and all that she does to promote it and make Carolina Crown a premier corps. For the past four years, Teri has been the 'Food Lady'. Not only does she appear and provide miraculous meals at every camp; she takes a leave of absence from her job for 10 weeks and does the same for the entire summer tour. She spends many hours just recruiting volunteer cooks and 'helpers' for tour. She has made the Carolina Crown food operation painless, and one of the very best in DCI. She does all of this out of love and caring because she is paid not one penny! This is a real volunteer!"
Teri is a tremendous volunteer that has positively touched the lives of hundreds of our members. Thank you for all you do!
Note - Teri was married to Steve Bell the weekend this profile was being written. Congratulations Teri and Steve!
Drum Major Report
When I drove to the February camp the weather outside on that Friday afternoon was gorgeous, with the temperature being 78 degrees and very few clouds in the sky. However, Sunday afternoon was completely the opposite because I drove back home in snow and sleet. This experience reminded me of 2 lessons. First, no matter what weekend the Carolina Crown camp is in February it is going to snow (it snowed during the February camp last year for anyone who missed it) and to be prepared. Meteorologists try to forecast the weather but often they are wrong so we have to be prepared for whatever type of weather might come our way. Drum Corps is a little different, the members of a corps know what to expect when they show up at a camp. At the end of each camp they are told what their expectations for the next camp are. They will rehearse the music, work on visual, and prepare for the summer. The members must prepare themselves for this by practicing in between camps and being prepared to accomplish whatever the faculty throws at them.
The 2004 Carolina Crown has reached a point where the preparation of the members will determine the rest of the season. The faculty has done a fantastic job in getting the members all of the show music (the percussion should receive the rest of it at the March camp), so it is the members' responsibility to be prepared in knowing all their music and being ready to perform it in rehearsal. The more preparation we do as members between camps determines the success we have not only at the end of each camp but at the beginning and end of the season. Let's make sure we are ready to go on Friday evening of the March camp.
The March camp is the time we begin to move outside and learn drill. As I said above, the weather is unpredictable especially around this time of the year, make sure you are prepared to be outside so we can accomplish as much as possible. Spring training is a little over 2 months away, and in that time we have 3 camps, but that time will go by fast so let's make sure we are doing everything to improve as much as possible by being prepared.
Bob Beasley
2004 Drum Major
NightBEAT Newser
At times, coming up with creative spins for articles can be difficult, and for me sometimes counterproductive. Therefore this month I will would like to offer you a few recent headlines regarding FirstBEAT and NightBEAT!!
As always, for further information you can visit FirstBEAT.CarolinaCrown.org or NightBEAT.CarolinaCrown.org or call us at 803-547-2665.
FirstBEAT to go back to Waddell High School for 2004
The NightBEAT committee has worked out the final details in bringing the early season show back to Waddell High School in Charlotte for its second year. Waddell offers a great environment for the show and is located directly off
of Interstate 77. We look forward to once again working with Waddell Band Director Chis White and the Waddell Band Boosters!!!
Magic of Orlando Added to FirstBEAT Lineup.
Recently DCI approved Magic of Orlando to join the 2004 tour, having overcome some serious financial issues. With that, Magic was added to the FirstBEAT linep, giving us one more 2003 World Finalist corps to the aleady strong
group of 5 corps already set to participate. Tickets are on sale now at $20, $15 and $12.
Note: Be sure to order NightBEAT and FirstBEAT tickets at the same time and save $5 on the additional processing fees for two separate orders.
Band Director Seminar and Corps Clinics to be held at FirstBEAT Carolina Crown will be holding their annual Carolina Summer Clinic for band directors and their staff prior to this year's FirstBEAT show. This annual clinic will again be conducted by the Carolina Crown staff, as well as possibly some special guests. The clinic sessions will focus on show building ideas, practice and instructional techniques and other topics related to the upcoming Fall band season.
Running concurrently with the Carolina Summer Clinic event will be an on-field clinic conducted by Carolina Crown for all band students attending FirstBEAT. The corps will identify and present the rehearsal and performance techniques ulitlized through the season and give students a "behind-the-scenes" look at what it is like to be in drum corps. More details to follow.
NightBEAT to be Kickoff Event for WBTV-3 We are proud to announce an agreement with WBTV for NightBEAT to be the kickoff event for WBTV "Football Friday Night's" Band of the Week segments. NightBEAT has become to mark the beginning of the marching season in the
Carolinas and is a natural fit to promote this kickoff as well with over 70 area high school bnads in attendance. We also look forward to WBTV broadcasting directly from Memorial Stadium at the show!!
Become a NightBEAT Advertiser Did you know that of our crowd of approximately 7000-7500, over 60% is high school or college age? This is one of the most desirable demographics in the marketplace! If you are a business owner or have contact with a business owner that would be interested in advertising in the NightBEAT program, we have a full downloadable packet in the sponsor section of the NightBEAT site. The packet includes a cover letter, show background and info, and the advertising contract. All advertising income goes directly to the corps! Also if you know one of the members of the corps and order through them, 50% of the ad sale will be credited to their member tuition and fees. If you order a half or full page ad we will also provide kiosk space for handouts, brochures or other literature of your business in our Marketplace and VIP reception.
Jesse McGuire Coming Back to Perform at NightBEAT 2004
As you might have heard, renown trumpet soloist Jesse McGuire is returning as the opening act for this year's NightBEAT. Formerly of the "Tower of Power" and "Winton Marsalis Band", Jesse had the crowd on their feet with his
performance two years ago at the show. We greatly look forward to having him back to bring the house down again this year!
Next month I will look to have more updates, and perhaps some notes from the other committee members.
See you at the shows!!!!!
Keith Miller
NightBEAT Chairman
Meet the 2004 Carolina Crown Brass Faculty
Michael Klesch is back as the Carolina Crown Brass Arranger and member of the design team for the 2004 season. Michael is currently Assistant Director of the Minuteman Marching Band, University of Massachusetts - Amherst. Since earning his Master's in 1986, Michael has arranged music for many bands and drum corps including the World Champion Cadets of Bergen County and the DCI Finalists Phantom Regiment and Crossmen.
Matt Harloff is returning as Brass Caption Head. Matt holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Indiana University and his Master's in Education from the University of Indianapolis. He is currently, and has been since 1996, the Associate Director of Bands at Avon High School in Indiana. His drum corps experience covers performing soprano/trumpet with Dubuque Colt Cadets, Phantom Regiment Cadets and finally moving on to many successful years with the Star of Indiana, where he was also drum major in 1993. Matt also served as student conductor and brass staff member for Star of Indiana/Brass Theater from 1994-1997. Most recently Matt was on brass staff for the World Champion Cadets of Bergen County 1998, 1999 and 2002. Matt's personal life finds him happily married to his wife Susie and the proud father of 2 1/2 year old Tyson Matthew Harloff.
Bob Chreste has returned for the 2004 season. Bob spent most of his life in Houston, Texas where he attended Westfield High School and then the University of Houston. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Houston and then went on to pursue his Masters degree in conducting at Sam Houston State University, in Huntsville, Texas. Bob has taught at many top programs in and around Texas, including: Westfield HS (TX), LD Bell HS (TX), Richland HS (TX), Klein HS (TX), Cypress Falls HS (TX), Union HS (OK), and most recently at Avon HS (IN). Beginning his musical career as a saxophonist, Bob later learned to play euphonium in college because of his desire to march drum corps. Bob spent three summers marching with The Cadets of Bergen County (1996-1998). In addition to winning the DCI World Championship in 1998, Bob also learned a great deal that summer from Matt Harloff. From May 2001 to August 2002, Bob was a member of the US Tour cast of Blast! Bob's primary role in the show was as conductor; however, he also played euphonium in part of the show. Bob currently resides in southern Indiana. Currently, Bob resides in the Dallas area where he is in his first year as an Associate Band Director at Berkner High School.
Andre Feagin is in his second year at Carolina Crown. Andre is a woodwind private teacher. He has also been a clinician and adjudicator, and is currently visual designer for over 15 schools in 6 states. His drum corps experience includes four years as conductor with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from Rockford, IL. While with Phantom Regiment he received the Drum Corps Midwest High Drum Major Award and was the 2000 recipient of the Jim Jones Leadership Award, the highest award given to any drum major in Drum Corps International. Andre's primary instrument is clarinet and he has been playing for the past 15 years. Outside of his music, Andre enjoys reading and spending time at home with his family.
Ryan Summers returns for his third year on the brass faculty. He is also an alumnus of the corps, having marched in the contra and baritone lines for a three-year stint from '97-99. Ryan graduated from Appalachian State University in December, 2001. He is currently the Band Director at Lincolnton Middle School, as well as the Assistant Band Director for Lincolnton High School, in Lincolnton, NC. Ryan is also very interested in music recording, and does so for all of the Middle and High School Honor Band events that Carolina Crown sponsors.
Carolina Crown Hosts Annual Cleveland/Rutherford County Honor Band!
The third annual Cleveland/Rutherford County Honor Band was the weekend of 3/12-13, at Gardner-Webb University. We had about 150 students in the band from five of the seven possible middle schools and five of the seven possible high schools. Mark and Anne Reese from Southwest and Kenndy Middle school were the guest conductors for the event. Dr. Oland Summers, Dr. Matt Whitfield and David Whitesides were very helpful with the organization/preparation of the event. Saturday's concert had about 500 people in attendance! Allan Whitney assisted with the lunch and souvenir sales.
Thanks to the following schools, directors, volunteers and supporters for all their help making this event a success:Paul Hendricks Chase MS, Vickie Whitfield Chase HS, Lana Hinkle Burns MS, Richard Plyer Burns HS, Nelson McDaniel Crest MS, Angie Bess Crest HS, Kathy Weir East Rutherford MS/HS, David Whitesides Carolina Crown, Shelby MS/HS, James Phillips Shelby MS/HS, Dr. Oland Summers Gardner-Webb University, Dr. Matt Whitfield Gardner-Webb University.
Carolina Crown in 3 of Top 5 Parades in Country!
In a recent article by John Bordsen, Travel Editor for the Charlotte Observer, he named what experts have chosen as the top ten parades in the nation. Our own Carolina Crown has been or will be performing in three of those parades/events that have received recognition as the best of the best.
Coming in at number three is the Wakefield Independence Day Parade in Wakefield , Massachusetts . It's only a 1.5 mile route, but it brings together the 10-12 of the “crème de la crème of corps” from Drum Corps International. Carolina Crown has been invited back and will be marching this year come July 4 th .
Number four is the July 5 th parade in Bristol , Rhode Island . For a small town, they know how to throw a parade, they've been doing it since 1785! As the oldest continuous event of this sort in the country, it brings together about 25 floats and approximately 30 bands and drum & bugle corps. Carolina Crown is slated to be in it once again!
Number five is the exciting Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Parade in Canton , Ohio . On August 7 th this year, the parade is only a part of the two-week celebration around the induction ceremony to the Hall of Fame. It kicks off with a DCI competition in which many of the top DCI corps participate. Carolina Crown has been there in the past, but is not scheduled to compete there this year.
So if you love a parade, pack your bags and join Carolina Crown for a fun tour of the country!
Calling All Volunteers!
For 15 years you have heard our cry, "Calling All Volunteers"! Yes, it is once again time to ask for the assistance of all our supporters in getting the corps down the road on yet another summer tour. Support staff are needed to do everything from cook and serve food four times a day; prepare over 12,500 gallons of drink mix; mend a torn uniform or flag in a rush before a big show; empty trash bag after trash bag; and "just be there" to answer a question, lend a helping hand and be a nightly cheering section for our members! We promise, it will be an experience you will never forget! If you are interested please fill out the Area of Interest section of the Volunteer Submission form with the Support Staff Team and dates (from below) for which you would like volunteer. Also, the best way to learn what being a member of the corps' support staff is all about before you come out on tour is to sign up for one of our remaining winter camps. Click here for the Calendar
