The Rex Blog

2011 Season Has Begun!!!

2011-02-20T22:29:00.003-06:00

The 2011 season has finally arrived and our first camp was a huge success! We have a bunch of rookies this year and they were really working hard this camp. The veterans have stepped up their game and have been awesome role models and examples as they help the rookies learn how we do things the "Brigade Way".

Our opener, "Mars" sounds really cool and the drill possibilities are endless. Each camp will introduce a new part of the show which will consist of: "For the Beauty of the Earth" by John Rutter; Forest Battle and E.T. - Adventures On Earth by John Williams and finally - "Jupiter" by Gustav Holst.

Our staff is very excited for this year we are all enjoying the positive "vibe" the Brigade has! I told the members at the end of camp that my ultimate goal for Brigade would be a band of 85-90 members. We can get close to that if everyone works really hard to bring in ONE friend to try out camp in two weeks. The show music is going to be SO MUCH fun to put together. Our staff is going to be amazing to work with. The boosters are already in overdrive to give our members the best support possible. Brigade is really clicking right now - I sincerely hope as many students as possible take advantage of this great opportunity. The season is going to be terrific and our trip to Calgary should prove to be outstanding.

I'll be back with another blog this week. Until then.......

- Rex out

Here we go again!

2010-02-21T11:08:00.002-06:00

Welcome to another Lighthouse Brigade season! Check back often to get updates on our off-season camps and inside information on the progress of the show design! "Redemption" is going to be yet another fantastic Brigade production and the staff and I are very excited that rehearsals have finally started!

We are in the middle of camp #1 (for the color guard) and everything is going great! We currently have 14 girls in guard and the talent level is very high. The veterans are already "stepping it up" and our rookies are working very hard to learn how we do things the "Brigade Way". Last week was the first camp for the horn line, battery and front ensemble and everything is pointing to a very strong season! The attitude, behavior, work ethic and talent level is making the staff very fired up about the potential of this year! We all agree that it feels like 2006 again, where everything just seemed to "click"........and that year ended with the first Lighthouse Brigade championship! Successful season are started in the winter, not in June, and so far I think we are right on track!

I am going to try and post something every few days or so. The staff and I are going crazy with ideas and concepts for this show and I will be sharing them on this blog! Until then.....

- Rex out

2009 Tour Report

2009-06-25T07:18:00.002-05:00

What a crazy last couple of weeks this has been! Let's start with the drama.......

Because we have been housed at Gifford Elementary School for the last 8 years, we have racked up some serious custodial overtime. With things the way they are, the district moved us to Park High School right after school was let out so that we would be able to rehearse and have custodians there already - thus not having to pay overtime and in the end saving the district money. This idea sounded good on paper - but the reason we left Park HS after the 2001 season was that trying to get rehearsal space and fields to rehearse on at a high school is often very, very hard to do. Gifford has been the perfect place for us to house our equipment and rehearse with pretty much unlimited field space.

So, anyway, the school year is done and at the end of record's day we all meet at Gifford and load up EVERYTHING and make the move to Park to begin our band camp (by the way - this was a Tuesday and our first show was the following Sunday). We pack everything in record time and get over to Park by about 2:30. The visual staff runs out and gets the football field lined and we are set to go.....except that now we are being told that the field has been re-seeded and we can NOT use it. We have use of a field house for only a few hours each day and no place to learn the rest of our show. Long story short - after two days of NO field time and trying to make the best out of a bad situation - we move back to Gifford for the rest of the summer. I have never been so happy to see that Gator at the front of the school.

We finally learned the remaining drill by lunch on Saturday. Our show in Janesville on Sunday was pretty rough - and it usually is for all of the rookies. That first show is such an overload on their brains and senses - to just get through it is a huge step forward. Two nights later, we performed in rehearsal clothes for some other MACBDA bands at the annual social and it was like watching a completely different group - they really turned it on.

We are currently staying overnight in Prophetstown, IL - home of some killer Kamikaze gnats. The heat has been pretty intense the past two days and I thought our performance last night was a small step backward because I felt they let the heat get to them - it was almost like they are not used to performing in their uniforms, yet. The funny thing is - all of the other directors told me the same thing about their members last night. We have a nice chunk of rehearsal time today to start cleaning the show and I hope the members can kick out a great show tonight.

- Rex out

Mini-Camp Report

2009-05-27T09:40:00.002-05:00

Hello Rex Blog fans! Sorry it's been a few weeks since my last blog entries. I wanted to finish up my "Get To Know Your Brigade Staff" and after doing that I was in the middle of my Mitchell Symphony Band trip to NYC and school concerts, etc., etc. I still have a couple to go - I am going to spotlight Paul Ruffolo (our DVD and recording expert) and my big brother, Gene (our lighthousebrigade.org webmaster). Maybe I'll even spotlight myself - who knows!

The mini-camp was very productive and the weather held out for us all weekend. I see this camp as a huge opportunity to start getting the members to learn how to really rehearse effectively and how we do things the "Brigade Way". It will be June when we meet again and we are really going to push the members to learn charts quickly and get the show taught and get them performing it at a high level. For our Saturday 9-9 coming up on June 6th - the members will get computerized charts for the entire opener and the week after that Korean Folk Songs Part I, II and III. Because of so many snow days our camp has been cut short of 9-9 days - so I have had to adjust the schedule to include 5-9 rehearsals the last full week of school. This is NOT the ideal way to rehearse and it is a real burden for members trying to study for finals - but at this point there is really not a choice! We have had to do this the last couple of seasons, so I guess we are getting used to it!

I thought the parent concert went really great and I am very excited about our whole show after hearing all of the sections playing together. Is everything polished and perfect? Of course not - but I think everyone can feel that this show has a TON of potential.

As we are getting into band camp and the MACBDA season - I will try to blog daily - so stay tuned for updates on how the members are doing, what the awesome Boosters are cooking for dinner, what the scores from the previous night's show were, and lots more inside information from me!

- Rex out

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-04-14T10:07:00.002-05:00

The next staff member in the spotlight is none other than our color guard caption head Todd Neuenschwander. Todd is one of the funniest people I have ever met and also one of the most talented. As amazing as he is with everything color guard - he is just as adept at everything musical. You would think that someone who marched in a drum corps that was world champions both years he was in would have an enormous ego. Not so with Todd. If you ask him about his world championship years or what it's like to have two (TWO!!) DCI world championship rings - the most you will get out of him would be something like, "Yeah - we were pretty good those years".

Todd has brought an extremely high work ethic and desire to always challenge his guard members. The beauty of it is that all of the girls buy into his teaching style 100% and I wonder if Todd understands just how much his positive attitude also rubs off on the other staff members, students, and parents. Now on to my Q & A with Todd:

Name: Todd Neuenschwander

Position: Color Guard Caption Head

Number of Years on Brigade staff: 6

Marching Band/Drum Corps experience: The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (2001 and 2002)

Current Job: Middle school choir teacher!

College degree: Ball State University, K-12 Music Education (instrumental)

Main instrument: Saxophone

Home Town: Marion, Indiana

Birthday: February 23, 1981

Favorite Food: I love Italian food.

Top Five Favorite Movies: The Godfather, Silence of the Lambs, American Beauty, The Dark Knight, Superman Returns (I need everyone to understand that this was the hardest question on the list)

Favorite TV shows: The Sopranos, Smallville, Rescue Me, Simpsons, Star Trek (pretty much all the different versions)

Book you are currently reading: Wicked

What song is currently playing on your iPod: "I Stand," by Idina Menzel

Favorite sports team: COLTS!!!

Favorite pig-out food: Nachos!

Dream Vacation: DISNEY WORLD!!!!!

Worst Habit: Procrastination...oh...and I spend WAY too much money on DVDs

Hidden talent you have: I am an innovator of belching technique...but I guess I don't hide it too often

Famous person you have met: Ben Folds, Wynton Marsalis, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

Famous person you would like to meet: John Mayer, Dave Matthews

Favorite Quote: "Stop wasting so much time remembering what everyone else says, and come up with something clever, insightful, and funny on your own." -Me

Favorite Actor: Al Pacino, James Gandolfini

Favorite Actress: Emma Thompson, Meryl Streep

Favorite ride at Disney World: Mission Space

Add your own personal thoughts about the Lighthouse Brigade:
Working with Brigade over the summer is pretty much the highlight of my year. I never laugh so much as when I'm hanging out with our staff. We are probably the most hilarious and brilliant people anyone could ever meet.

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-04-13T17:36:00.003-05:00

Our next staff member in the spotlight is our new visual caption head, Matt Reichardt. Matt joined the Brigade staff for our "Dead Men Tell No Tales" tour in 2007 and has been a terrific addition. He is a very easy going guy who really knows his stuff. He will probably be remembered best, however, for his involvement in a certain football game that was caught on the 2008 Brigade DVD. All of us who have seen that footage know what I am talking about and will never forget it.....as for Matt....I think it is something he would like to forget!!

Now on to my Q & A with Matt:

Name: Matt Reichardt

Position: Visual Caption Head

Number of years on Brigade staff: 3

Marching band/drum corps experience: Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps ('02 soprano, '03 mellophone), UW-Whitewater Marching Band ('00-'03 mellophone, '04 snare)

Current Job: AR Analyst

College Degree: Bachelor of Music - Choral/General Music Education, UW-Whitewater

Main Instrument: Voice/French Horn

Home Town: Manitowoc, WI

Birthday: April 20th, 1982

Favorite Food: Pistachio Torte

Top five favorite movies: Shawshank Redemption, The Jungle Book, The Truman Show, Momento, Office Space

Favorite TV Shows: Seinfeld, The Office, Baseball Tonight

Book you are currently reading: Songs in Their Heads

What song is currently playing on your iPod: AIR - How Does This Make You Feel?

Favorite sports team: Brewers

Favorite pig-out food: Wings

Dream Vacation: Germany

Worst Habit: Eating delicious food all the time

Hidden talent: Computer programming

Famous person you have met: Corey Hart

Famous person you would like to meet: Jerry Seinfeld

Favorite quote: "These pretzels are making me thirsty!"

Favorite actor: Tim Robbins, Ed Norton, Steve Carrell

Favorite actress: Anne Hatheway, Natalie Portman

Favorite ride at Disney: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

Add your own personal thoughts about the Lighthouse Brigade: Lighthouse Brigade is among the hardest working, most dedicated group of students I've ever worked with. Lighthouse Brigade performs at a very high level, but also does not take itself too seriously. I appreciate the strong tradition of working hard and having fun and doing the right thing.

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-04-12T21:38:00.003-05:00

Our next staff member in the spotlight is our music caption head Dan Schmidt. Dan is simply one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and he is also, like myself, a fan of the wonderfulness that is Starbucks! Dan is an outstanding musician and teacher but I bet most people don't know that he is really quite adept at computers (especially if they are Mac's).

Dan has also been the assistant director for the Junior Brigade for the last few years but this year he will only be devoting his time and talents to the Lighthouse Brigade - and we are all very happy to have him working with us again this season! Now on to my Q & A with Dan:

Name: Dan Schmidt

Position: Music Caption Head

Number of years on Brigade staff: 4

Marching band/drum corps experience: None

Current job: Instrumental Music Director, Clintonville High School

College Degree: Bachelor of Music Education - UW-Stevens Point

Main Instrument: Saxophone

Home Town: Juneau, WI

Birthday: July 28th, 1983

Favorite Food: Steak, Pasta

Top five favorite movies: any of the Bourne films, The Prestige, Ocean's 11, Dead Poets Society, The Patriot (do you have that one on DVD?)

Favorite TV shows: Arrested Development, The West Wing, Seinfield, Good Eats, The Daily Show

Book you are currently reading: Teacher Man, The Audacity of Hope

What song is currently playing on your iPod: Keith Jarrett: Yesterdays

Favorite sports team: Does the Chicago Symphony count?

Favorite pig-out food: Doritos

Dream Vacation: another European trip

Worst Habit: Procrastination

Hidden talent you have: I can fix tractors, sort of

Famous person you have met: Rex Rukavina

Famous person you would like to meet: Barack Obama

Favorite quote: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - Teddy Roosevelt

Favorite actor: Matt Damon

Favorite actress: This changes on a weekly basis. This week it is Charlize Theron

Favorite ride at Disney World: Never been

Add your own personal thoughts about the Lighthouse Brigade: I'm excited to be back for another great season of Brigade! I really enjoy being able to do this kind of work and the students and staff are great!

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-03-30T19:47:00.004-05:00

The next staff member in the spotlight is Steve Lange - one of our percussion technicians. Steve joined us in 2006, our championship year, and has been a terrific addition to our staff. Steve can pretty much always be counted on to fix any type of drum using only a rubber band, stick of gum, a penny, or a toothpick! Steve is an all around great guy and will also "River Dance" for you if you request it of him! If you are ever having problems in math class - you can also ask Steve for some help! Now on to my Q & A with Steve:

Name: Steve "MacGyver" Lange

Position: Percussion Technician

Number of years on Brigade staff: 4

Marching Band/Drum Corps Experience: 14 performing seasons, 6 teaching seasons

Current Job: Professional Nerd (aka math teacher)

College Degree: Geographical Quantitative Techniques - UW-Whitewater

Main Instrument: Kazoo

Home Town: Atlantis, Lost City of

Birthday: November 31

Favorite Food: Gum

Top Five Favorite Movies: Pulp Fiction, Seven, The Godfather, Anchorman, Wayne's World

Top Five TV Shows: South Park, Family Guy, Simpsons, Ali G Show, Ducktales

Book you are currently reading: The Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson

What song is currently playing on your iPod: Don't own one......on CD - Stephen Lynch "Voices In My Head"

Favorite Sports Team: Manchester United

Favorite Pig-Out Food: Wings

Dream Vacation: Baghdad

Worst Habit: Kicking people in the shins randomly on the street

Hidden Talent: I can drink a half gallon of Gatorade really fast with a sombrero on

Famous person you have met: Vladimir Putin

Famous person you would like to meet: George Murisan

Favorite Quote: "It seemed like a really good idea at the time"

Favorite Actor: Kevin Spacey

Favorite Actress: Jenna Jameson (yes, she was in House of Wax, I think)

Favorite Ride At Disney World: Never been

Add Your Own Personal Thoughts About The Lighthouse Brigade: Where else can a mean spirited individual get power, get paid for yelling, and have people thank him?! Just kidding, I don't have any power! The Lighthouse Brigade is the only teaching job I actually like.

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-03-28T16:53:00.003-05:00

Our next staff member in the spotlight is none other than Matt Koscinski (aka "Satan"). In addition to being one of the funniest people on the planet - Matt has been involved with the Lighthouse Brigade for what seems like forever! Matt was a marching member in the Junior Brigade when I used to direct it for crying out loud!

Matt was our visual caption head last year and this year he and Danny Greenberg will be going out west to Oregon for a masters program. However, he and Danny both agreed to help us out as much as possible until they have to leave! It is always great to watch young people grow up and become professional musicians and teachers and it has been a true pleasure to have known Matt for so many years and be able to see his progress! Now on to my Q & A with Matt:

Name: Matt Koscinski

Position: Visual Consultant

Number of years on Brigade Staff: 9

Marching Band/Drum Corps Experience: Lighthouse Brigade (5 years), UW Madison (5 years), Phantom Regiment (1 day!)

Current Job: Director of Bands, Park View Middle School - Mukwonago, WI

College Degree: Instrumental Music Education - UW - Whitewater

Main Instrument: Trombone

Home Town: Racine, WI

Favorite Food: Chipotle Burritos

Top Five Favorite Movies: Primal fear, Mystic River, Anchorman, Rudy, Caddyshack

Favorite TV Shows: Heroes, Lost, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, 30 Rock

Book You Are Currently Reading: The Road

What Song Is Currently Playing On Your iPod: What's an iPod?

Favorite Sports Team: UW Badgers

Favorite Pig-Out Food: Chipotle Burritos

Dream Vacation: Touring Europe

Worst Habit: Saying the word, "Ridiculous"

Hidden Talent You Have: Rock Star at Guitar Hero

Famous Person You Have Met: Donald Driver

Famous Person You Would Like To Meet: Barack Obama

Favorite Quote: Amateurs practice until the get it right, professionals practice until they can't get it wrong -or- "It's simple. Be better" - myself

Favorite Actor: Neil Patrick Harris

Favorite Actress: Angelina Jolie

Favorite Ride At Disney World: It would have to be around the world in EPCOT (is that even a ride?)

Add Your Own Personal Thoughts About The Lighthouse Brigade: What can I say. Where I am right now in life is directly related to my experience in the Lighthouse Brigade. It's a great way to achieve something greater than yourself while having a blast. There's a reason that I've stuck around forever.

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-03-26T21:48:00.004-05:00

Our next staff member in the spotlight is Patrick Coughlin, our percussion caption head and all around great guy. Patrick has had to deal with my continued razzing about his choices for food whenever the staff is at a restaurant. Patrick has the unique ability to always choose the wrong food. Example: Staff at a steakhouse - Patrick will order some type of pasta dish. Staff at a burger joint - you guessed it - Patrick is going for the grilled cheese!

In spite of this major flaw in his personal makeup, Patrick is an amazing musician and teacher and the Lighthouse Brigade is very lucky to have him on staff. Now, on to my Q & A with Patrick:

Name: Patrick Coughlin

Years on Staff: 6

Marching Experience: University of Wisconsin Marching Band (2 years), Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (1 year)

Current Jobs: Freelance musician; Director of the Green Bay Packer Tundra Drum Line; and multimedia staff at Borders Bookstore in Madison, WI

College Degree: Percussion Performance - University of Wisconsin

Main Instrument: Marching Bass Drum

Home Town: Inukshuk, Alaska

Birthday: July 14th

Favorite Food: Corn Dogs

Top Five Favorite Movies: Shawshank Redemption, Bourne Identity, Dark Knight, Lord of the Rings, Fight Club

Favorite TV Shows: Mythbusters

Book you are currently reading: Miley Cyrus autobiography

What is currently playing on your iPod: 4:33" by John Cage

Favorite Sports Team: Whoever beat the Bears last week

Favorite Pig-Out Food: Gatorade

Dream Vacation: Europe. Again.

Worst Habit: Narcolepsy

Hidden Talent: Jim Carrey impression

Famous Person You Have Met: Donald Driver. I threw him a pass. He caught it.

Famous Person You Would Like To Meet: Brian Urlacher. I'd kick his butt. I could take him.

Favorite Quote: "Sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken" - Tyler Durden, Fight Club

Favorite Actor: Jim Carrey

Favorite Actress: Jim Carrey

Favorite Ride at Disney World: The Lazy River

Add Your Own Personal Thoughts About The Lighthouse Brigade of Racine: The best thing about Brigade is the booster dinners!

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-03-26T21:23:00.002-05:00

Really? Another Brigade staff member and their Q & A?? Really?? Of course this blog entry is on one of our visual consultants for this season - Danny Greenberg. Danny joined the staff last year and we all really enjoyed his sense of humor and his teaching style and expertise. We also all went back to our teaching gigs in the fall saying, "REALLY" way too much! Danny and Matt Koscinski are going out west to Oregon for a masters program and will not be able to be with us for the entire season. However, they have agreed to help us out as much as possible in the off-season and a part of band camp! Now on to my Q & A with Danny:

Name - Daniel Greenberg

Position: Visual Consultant

Number of Years on Staff: 2nd year

Marching Band/Drum Corps Experience: Rancho Bernardo High School; Esperanza Drum and Bugle Corps; San Diego Alliance (staff); Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps; and Capital Sound (staff)

Current Job: Director of Bands at Merrill Middle School in Oshkosh, WI

College Degree: Instrumental and General Music Education - UW-Whitewater

Main Instrument: Tuba/Euphonium

Home Town: San Diego, California

Birthday: February 19th, 1983

Favorite Food: Pasta

Top Five Favorite Movies: Grumpy Old Men, Ace Ventura

Favorite TV Shows: Boston Legal, CSI, Simpsons, Chuck, Saved By The Bell

Book You Are Currently Reading: Reading.....isn't that why they make movies?

What song is currently playing on your iPod: Lost! - Coldplay

Favorite Sports Team: Wisconsin Badgers

Favorite Pig-Out Food: Dots!

Dream Vacation: Australia - just to see if the toilet water flushes the other direction.

Worst Habit: Cracking my knucks

Hidden Talent You have: Poop master extraordinaire

Famous Person You Have Met: Jason Alexander

Famous Person You Would Like To Meet: Kate Walsh

Favorite Actor: Jim Carey

Favorite Actress: Kate Walsh

Favorite Ride at Disney World: Space Mountain

Add Your Own Personal Thoughts About The Lighthouse Brigade: Really!!!!

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-03-24T21:51:00.004-05:00

Our next staff member in my "Know your Brigade staff" is our color guard technician - Danielle Birkholz. Danielle marched in the Lighthouse Brigade from 2002-2006 and was not only rookie of the year in 2002, but aged out a champion in 2006 with our MACBDA victory and high color guard trophy! Danielle as a marching member was always one of the hardest working students on the practice field. She NEVER coasted through rehearsals and the staff and myself would often be amazed at how she performed 100% of every second of rehearsal.

I remember telling Todd Neuenschwander (our color guard caption head) during his first year on staff to just watch Danielle if he wanted to see how his color guard work should look when performed. It was a very easy decision to add Danielle to the staff in 2007 and we are all very happy that she shares her talents with us! Here is my "Q & A" with Danielle:

Name: Danielle Birkholz

Position: Color Guard Technician

Number of years on staff: 3

Marching Band Experience: 7 years total with Junior and Senior Lighthouse Brigades

College: Music education, UW-Stevens Point

Main Instrument: Voice

Home Town: Racine, WI

Birthday: May 20th 1988

Favorite Food: Gyros

Top five favorite movies: I don't really have a concrete list, but here are a few: Fight Club, Sweeney Todd, Boondock Saints, Silence of the Lambs, Memento

Favorite TV shows: House, CSI, One Tree Hill

Book you are currently reading: A Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire

What song is currently playing on your iPod: Le Temps des Cathedrales from Notre Dame de Paris

Favorite sports team: The Packers of course!

Favorite pig-out food: I can pig out with the best of them, doesn't matter what kind of food!

Dream Vacation: I've studied Greek and Roman art and architecture and I would love to actually visit and experience the beauty of it first hand.

Worst habit: I run my hands through my hair all the time - it actually gets quite obnoxious I'm told.

Hidden talent you have: I can kick some butt at judo!

Famous person you have met: Wynton Marsalis

Famous person you would like to meet: I would LOVE to meet Stevie Wonder!

Favorite quote: "The only thing better than singing is more singing". - Ella Fitzgerald

Favorite Actor: Anthony Hopkins

Favorite Actress: Angelina Jolie

Favorite ride at Disney World: Aerosmith's Rockin' Rollercoaster!!!

Add your own personal thoughts about the Lighthouse Brigade: Honestly, I have no idea what to say here. In short, so far I've dedicated ten years of my life to this organization, both performing and teaching. I wouldn't have stuck around this long if it wasn't all worth it in the end.

Camp Update

2009-03-24T15:38:00.002-05:00

Update from the third Brigade camp of the season:

Horn Line - continuing working on breathing exercises; warm ups; and technique - worked on the parade tune, "Battle Hymn" and the opener, "Incantation and Dance" - will be starting work on "Variations on a Korean Folk Song" in a few weeks!!

Front Ensemble - Patrick was unable to be at camp, however, the pit members worked on various exercises as well as starting work on the opener! The front ensemble will be eight people strong this season!!

Battery - continuing work on various exercises as well as the parade tune and the opener. Work on the second half of the show will begin next camp!

Guard - continuing work on warm ups, dance technique, flag technique and various tosses - all of the girls were also spinning rifle at camp and the guard began to work on actual show routine!!

All in all, I thought this was a very productive camp and I am still impressed with the talent level of the members this year (both rookies and veterans!!). Drum major tryouts will happen next camp - which is the first weekend in April.

- Rex out

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-03-06T21:18:00.002-06:00

The next staff member to be thrust into the spotlight for my "Know Your Brigade Staff" posts is one of our percussion technicians - Tony Holm. I had the pleasure of having Tony as a band student at Mitchell and it was a true joy to see him go through the Lighthouse Brigade experience for five years as well.

Tony was a part of some of the best drum lines MACBDA has ever seen and it was no surprise to me when he made the snare line with the Madison Scouts - where he marched for the last two years. I am thrilled to have Tony back on staff for this season for what promises to be a very strong year for Brigade - especially the drum line. Now - on to my Q & A with Tony:

Name: Tony Holm

Position: Battery Technician

Number of Years on Staff: 2 full (4 being involved)

Marching Experience: Junior Lighthouse Brigade (3 years), Lighthouse Brigade (5 years), Racine Kilties (1 year) and Madison Scouts (2 years)

College/Major: University of Wisconsin (biology)

Main Instrument: Snare Drum

Home Town: Racine

Birthday: January 24th, 1987

Favorite Food: Italian

Top Five Favorite Movies: No order, and there are a ton more, but this is what comes to mind: Blow, Ghandi, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Boondock Saints, Super Troopers

Favorite TV Shows: South Park, Colbert Report, The Office, Planet Earth

Book You Are Currently Reading: I Am America (And So Can You) by Stephen Colbert

What song is currently playing on your iPod: Definition by Black Star

Favorite Sports Team: Green Bay Packers

Favorite Pig-Out Food: Grapes or chips and salsa (good salsa, though - not that Pace garbage)

Dream Vacation: Travel the world

Worst Habit: Tapping

Hidden Talent You Have: Playing Jurassic Park

Famous Person You Have Met: A bunch of drummers who are famous by drum corps standards - Ralph Hardimon, Scott Johnson, Roger Carter, Casey Brohard and Jeff Queen

Famous Person You Would Like To Meet: Ghandi

Favorite Quote: "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today"

Favorite Actor: Johnny Depp

Favorite Actress: Megan Fox

Favorite Ride At Disney: Soarin'

Add Your Own Personal Thoughts About The Lighthouse Brigade: The Lighthouse Brigade is an organization that not only educates you musically but it also helps form friendships with people that will last you a lifetime. I have performed with and have been a part of many organizations and can honestly say the best times of my life were spent with my friends during Brigade seasons.

A Change.....

2009-03-06T21:06:00.002-06:00

I am very sad to announce that Brian Braatz, who was set to be our visual caption head, will be unable to be with us this season due to personal reasons. Brian first joined the Brigade staff in 2004 and was a huge reason for our winning numerous marching trophies. I will personally miss Brian and would like to thank him on behalf of myself, the rest of the staff, and the members for all of the hard work, great teaching, and excellent memories he brought to us.

On a much more positive note - I am thrilled to announce that our new visual caption head for this season is Matt Reichardt. Matt has been with Brigade since 2007 and is someone I respect and trust to continue our tradition of excellence with our visual program and bring it to new levels of performance in 2009!

Remember that our next camp is Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd. At 5:15 on Sunday we will continue to do our "show-and-tell". Parents are more than welcome to come and check out all of the terrific things that are happening with Brigade so far this year!

- Rex out

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-02-24T17:44:00.002-06:00

My next installment of "Know Your Brigade Staff" will feature our visual caption head - Brian Braatz. Brian first became involved in 2004 and has been a fantastic addition to the staff. Through his efforts we have won many high visual trophies and have become known around MACBDA as a group with very strong marching technique. Brian got married last year and was unable to be with us in 2008 and I am really happy to have him back on board with us for this season! I am sure that many of our veteran members will agree with me that Brian at one time had the funniest ring-tone on the planet! Now, on to my Q & A with Brian:

Name: Brian Braatz

Position: Visual Caption Head

Number of Years on Staff: 5

Marching Experience: Madison Junior Scouts (1 year), Capital Sound (6 years), Madison Scouts (3 years), UW-Whitewater Marching Band (6 years - 2 as drum major)

Current Job: Accounts Payable Department in the national office of Brookdale Senior Living

College/Degree: Instrumental Music Education - UW-Whitewater

Main Instrument: Trumpet

Home Town: Morristown, WI

Birthday: May 28th 1982

Favorite Food: Chipotle Burrito

Top Five Favorite Movies: Casino Royale, Bourne Trilogy, Ocean's 11 Trilogy

Favorite TV Shows: King of Queens, nearly everything on HGTV, Man vs. Wild

Book you are currently reading: "Feeling and Form" by Suzanne Langer

What song is currently playing on your iPod: "Happy" by Natasha Bedingfield

Favorite Sports Team: Badgers

Favorite Pig-Out Food: Cool Ranch Doritos

Dream Vacation: Greece

Worst Habit: Not shaving

Hidden Talent You Have: I love dancing - contemporary, ballet, tap - though my technique is undoubtedly rusty

Famous person you have met: My great grandfather taught Charles Linbergh how to weld

Famous Person You Would Like To Meet: Dave Ramsey - radio talk show host on life and money

Favorite Quote: "Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion." - Martha Graham

Favorite Actor: Matt Damon

Favorite Actress: Anne Hatheway

Favorite Ride at Disney: Splash Mountain

Add you own personal thoughts about the Lighthouse Brigade: I'm continuing to be impressed by this organization and the students who put so much effort into such a wonderful product. In many ways I think winter camps and six weeks in summer is more educationally and socially developing than 36 weeks of school. I'm so glad that there is an administration and a parent group so supportive that this activity can continue, yea even thrive, in a climate that looks left and right for ways to cut costs. That members, volunteers and staff regularly devote 100% to Brigade is truly praiseworthy.

Camp Update

2009-02-24T17:25:00.003-06:00

After finishing the second winter camp of the 2009 season I am happy to say that everything is going great in Brigade Land!! Once again, the attitude and work ethic of the members has been outstanding and the staff and I are very excited about this group! The sky really is the limit this year - especially with our numbers and talent so strong in ALL sections of the Brigade! It has been a few years since I have been able to say that and even though it was only the second camp, it kind of felt like we were much later in the season with how much work we got done and how good we already sound! Can you tell I am just a little bit excited this year??!! For example - the horn line and battery already got together to begin rehearsing the opener and I can't remember doing this so soon in the season (or having so many things sound so good already!!).

I would like to thank all of the members for leaving Gifford so spotless - again! That is very much appreciated by myself and it shows the kind of pride that is already present in this year's edition of the Lighthouse Brigade. I always enjoy our "Show-And-Tell" at the end of camp and I encourage all parents to come check it out if you can. They will always take place on Sundays at 5:15. After the "Show-And-Tell" the members have to begin cleaning all of the rehearsal areas, and this is a great time to chat with other Brigade parents and learn how to get involved with this terrific organization.

Members - if your caption heads gave you homework - or things to work on for next camp....well, all I can say is that the Lighthouse Brigade is all about personal responsibility and we simply expect you to work hard at rehearsal AND at home. I hope everyone enjoyed my first edition of the newsletter and if you have any suggestions or if you would like to see something added to the newsletter - please feel free to contact me. I really look forward to our next camp in March - it is always a pleasure to see all of you! If you are on "Facebook" and have not added me as a friend - please do so ASAP so that I can include you for announcements and other communication I have been doing through Facebook.

- Rex out

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-02-15T16:18:00.004-06:00

This edition of "Know Your Staff" will feature one of our most popular staff members - Guy Gregg. Guy is a former marching member of our very own Lighthouse Brigade and is one of the few people who is able to say they marched under both Brigade directors. He has been on staff with us since 2004 and has been a HUGE part of our outstanding horn lines in recent years. Guy will be starting his graduate studies in Chicago this season, but we are very lucky that he has agreed to work with us as much as possible as a music consultant. Now - on to my Q & A with Guy:

Name: Guy Gregg

Position: Horn Line Staff (Music Consultant)

Number of Years on Brigade Staff: 6

Marching Band/Drum Corps Experience: Lighthouse Brigade of Racine, Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps

Current Job: Band Director at Oak Creek High School

College Degree: Bachelor of Music - Music Education from UW - Stevens Point

Main Instrument: French Horn

Home Town: Racine, WI

Birthday: May 22nd, 1982

Favorite Food: Anything

Top Five Favorite Movies: Wayne's World, Silence of the Lambs, Batman (the two most recent), Edward Scissorhands

Favorite TV Shows: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Clean House, Survivor Man, Dirty Jobs, MythBusters

Book you are currently reading: Just finished the second WICKED book, "Son of a Witch"

What song is currently playing on your iPod: Eric Whitacre's "Cloudburst"

Favorite Sports Team: Green Bay Packers

Favorite Pig-Out Food: Taco Dip and BBQ Pulled Pork

Dream Vacation: Italy

Worst Habit: Being overly critical

Hidden talent you have: I can Cloup (pronounced, "C-Laouwp") which is clapping songs in my mouth - I named it "Clouping"

Famous person you have met: Bobby McFerrin (had dinner with him!)

Famous person you would like to meet: Will Ferrell

Favorite Quote: "Big gulps, eh guys? All right....see you later!"

Favorite Actor: Dustin Hoffman

Favorite Actress: Angelina Jolie

Favorite ride at Disney World: Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, Rockin' Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror (it's a toss up!)

Add your own personal thoughts about the Lighthouse Brigade: There are few opportunities to find out exactly how far you can push yourself as a human being, especially as a young adult. This is definitely one of those experiences that is life-changing. Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, Socially, and sometimes even Spiritually, it is an experience that is enjoyable, safe, and supportive to becoming a better musician, marcher, and human being. All of my current best friends today are the guys I marched with in Brigade over ten years ago. In other words......I like it.

131 Days until "Dakota Lemonade" time!!

2009-02-15T16:05:00.002-06:00

That's right - only 131 more days until we will all fall under the spell of the best lemonade on the planet - the famous "Dakota Lemonade"!! Sometimes I wonder if I only do Brigade because I know there is a magical beverage in store for me when I go to Dakota each year for their annual field show competition!

For those of you who have never experienced the joy and rapture of Dakota Lemonade - you will soon understand the longing and excitement that will be spreading through the Brigade ranks as we get closer to June 25th! For those of you who know exactly what I am talking about......131 more days until we will be able to toast Brigade, Dakota, cows, the ever present smell of manure, and all that is good in the world!

I'm looking forward to seeing everybody again for another Brigade camp this weekend! Don't forget the dates and times:

Saturday, February 21st (9:00am - 5:00pm)

and

Sunday, February 22nd (1:00pm - 6:00pm)

(Gifford Elementary School)

Note: For Parents - "Show-And-Tell" will be at 5:15 on Sunday!!

- Rex out

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-02-09T15:48:00.003-06:00

My next "Know Your Staff" will focus on one of our percussion technicians - Meghan Christian. I've known Meghan since she was my band student at Mitchell Middle School and it so much fun to now work with her as a staff member! After two years in the Junior Brigade - Meghan began marching in the Lighthouse Brigade on bass drum in 2002 and then on snare 2003-2006 (ending her marching career with Brigade as drum line section leader during our championship season). During her years in Brigade, our drum lines were among some of the best in our history and she was a big part of that. So - here is how Meghan answered my questions:

Name: Meghan Christian

Position: Percussion Technician

Number of years on staff: second year

Marching Experience: Junior Brigade (2000-2001), Lighthouse Brigade (2002-2006)

College: University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Major: going for BFA

Main Instrument: Percussion

Home Town: Racine, WI

Birthday: May 18th, 1988

Favorite Food: fish and pasta

Top Five Favorite Movies: American Beauty, Lord of the Rings, Curse of the Golden Flower, Mulan and Gladiator

Favorite TV Shows: South Park, Scrubs, What Not To Wear

Book you are currently reading: My Year of Meats

What is currently playing on your iPod: Radiohead

Favorite Sports: volley ball, badminton, horseback riding

Favorite games: FF, Risk, Chess, GTA, Fable, Portal, Civilization, The Sims.....

Favorite pig-out food: salted popcorn

Dream Vacation: Seoul, Korea

Worst Habit: nail biting

Hidden talent you have: random character impersonations

Famous person you have met: Johnny Yong Bosch (the original Black Ranger)

Famous person you would like to meet: Yoshitaka Amano, Alphonse Mucha, Gustave Klimt, Louis Sullivan and Giacomo Balla

Worst Fear: heights

Favorite Actor: Kevin Spacey

Favorite Actress: Meryl Streep

Favorite ride at Disney World: Mission Space

Add your own personal thoughts about the Lighthouse Brigade: I can not seem to find the appropriate words to express my appreciation for what Brigade has done for me, but I will do my best. Because of Brigade, I was able to meet interesting people and develop important character building skills that have proven useful as I go through my "post-adolescent idealistic phase". Brigade is something I encourage for anyone interested in challenging themselves, making new friends, and creating powerful memories. My years in the Lighthouse Brigade are something I will not easily forget and I am glad to be back on staff for this upcoming season!

First Camp of the Season!!!

2009-02-09T15:21:00.004-06:00

The first camp of the 2009 season was a huge success! For the first time in a bunch of years - all sections of Brigade (horn line, battery, front ensemble and guard) have strong numbers. It is so great to see a ton of former Junior Brigade members coming up this year and I really enjoyed the work ethic and attitudes on display all weekend!

This camp is designed to give our old and new members a chance to get to know one another and start forming friendships that will not only last a summer - but often for a lifetime! New members quickly started to learn how we do things the "Brigade Way" while the veteran members shook off the rust of winter and started to get back into "Brigade Mode". Membership so far this year is almost up 50%!! As I told the members - the numbers are looking great already, but we are always looking for just a few more people if possible to fill out our ranks even more. I will accept new members until the middle of May, and then I will have to really start writing the actual drill with our final and confirmed numbers.

As far as what was accomplished this weekend: Guard is learning all of the warm-ups and technique (body and flag) they will be needing for the season. Battery worked on warm-ups, technique, the street beat and even started to look at the opener. The Front Ensemble was without Patrick this weekend, but one of Patrick's friends - Alex - stepped right in and worked with the line. He did a great job and we really appreciate him filling in for Patrick. Patrick is expecting all of his front ensemble members to be able to play "four mallet" technique and they started working on that. The Horn Line worked on a bunch of warm-ups and breathing exercises and also started work on the opener. Brian Braatz is back as visual caption head and he started the long process of getting our members to march our style. It is a long road ahead, but Brian and his visual staff are hyped!

All I can say is: the staff and I are SOOOOO excited for this season - especially after seeing the talent level of the group; the full numbers and the behavior of the members. It is going to be a fun AND competitive season for sure!!! On a side note.....at the end of every rehearsal I do a final check of all of the rehearsal areas to make sure they are left clean. Well - this weekend - each area was SPOTLESS!! It was like we had never even entered the school - so a HUGE thank you to the staff and members for being responsible.

Our next camp is right around the corner: Saturday, February 21st (9-5) and Sunday, February 22nd (1-6). There will be "Show-And-Tell" for parents on Sunday at around 5:15 (just follow the sign to see where it will start). Come and see what amazing things your children are doing in this program. Members - bring a friend! I can't wait to see everyone in a couple of weeks!!

- Rex Out

Know Your Brigade Staff

2009-01-17T19:29:00.006-06:00

As another season gets underway - our many Brigade "rookies" will be learning how to do things the "Brigade Way". This year we also have a "rookie" staff member - although he is certainly no stranger to Brigade. I will be publishing posts every other week or so (in addition to my normal director blogs) about our amazing staff members. This should prove to be a great way for members and parents to get to know our staff a little better. I thought that starting out with our new staff member would be a terrific way to get the ball rolling!

Brigade Staff Member Q & A - Mike Kowbel

Name: Mike Kowbel

Staff Positions: Music and Visual Technician

Number of Years On Staff: First Year

Marching Experience: Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2008) and Lighthouse Brigade of Racine (2005-2007)

College: Freshman at UW-Stevens Point - Music Education

Main Instrument: Trumpet

Home Town: Racine

Birthday: October 7th, 1989

Favorite Food: Barbecue

Top Five Favorite Movies: (1) Braveheart (2) Gladiator (3) The Notebook (yes, I like "The Notebook"!!) (4) Tommy Boy (5) Land Before Time (the first one....the only good one!!)

Favorite TV Shows: Planet Earth series, Family Guy, The Office

Book Currently Reading: The Bible

Currently playing on my iPod: DRUM CORPS!!

Favorite Sports Team: Packers

Favorite Pig Out Food: Barbecue

Dream Vacation: Anywhere tropical

Worst Habit: The Cricket Noise....if you don't know - just ask me!!

Hidden Talent: Able to make lots of weird noises

Famous Person I Have Met: Wynton Marsalis

Famous Person I would like to Meet: Sean Connery

Favorite Quote: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Favorite Actor: Mel Gibson

Favorite Actress: Angelina Jolie

Favorite Disney ride: Probably the safari....but after I go on the new Mountain roller coaster thing they just built - I bet it will be that!

My own personal thoughts on Brigade: Brigade shaped my life. It gave me the chance to experience a whole new level of performance. It is one of the main reasons why I want to be a music educator in the future. I wouldn't have the deep passion for drum corps that I do if it weren't for Brigade. It is an amazing organization that caters to all a student needs in a summer: friendship, performance, the sun, Disney World, air, water (lots of water!!), being active, and great food from the Boosters!!! I love Brigade and that is why I'm so fired up to be teaching this summer!!

2009 Brigade Season Set To Begin!!

2009-01-13T12:38:00.005-06:00

The start of the 2009 Lighthouse Brigade season is right around the corner! Our recruitment night is Thursday, February 5th at 7:00pm in the Gifford Elementary School Auditorium. Parents AND students are expected to attend! There will be a lot of information given out at this meeting and it is also a great opportunity for veteran members to see everyone again. For our new members, this is a great chance to start making new friends. New parents will have a chance to ask some of the many questions I am sure many of them have about Brigade and what the season will bring. I look forward to seeing a large turnout!

The first camp is Saturday, February 7th (9:00am - 5:00pm) and Sunday, February 8th (1:00pm - 6:00pm). For off-season camps - all members should bring:

- bag lunch for Saturday

- comfortable clothes (we will be marching - sweats/warm-ups and athletic shoes work best)

- water/snacks

- instrument (if you will be playing a Brigade instrument - don't forget your mouthpiece, valve oil, drum sticks, etc.)

- pencil

- binder w/plastic sheet protectors

- positive attitude (we are going to have lots of fun.....and we are going to work really hard!!)

Please check out the Brigade website for more information and schedules. Bring a friend to this camp! Also - if you know in advance you will be unable to be at a camp - PLEASE contact Rex and let him know. This season is going to be amazing! The music is fantastic, the staff is going to be awesome to work with, our MACBDA tour should be very competitive and - best of all - we are going to Disney World!!

- Rex out

Drum Line Camp Report and 2009 First Rehearsal Dates!!

2008-11-08T10:59:00.004-06:00

Greetings from cold Gifford Elementary School and the second of four drum line camps during our off-season! Patrick Coughlin, our percussion caption head, is very excited with the line already and thinks great things will be taking place come June and July. The focus of these camps is to get a head start on the warm-ups and street beat we will use in 2009 as well as getting the correct technique in place EARLY so that when band camp and the season starts - the battery has a strong foundation. Judges have always found Brigade percussionists to have strong playing technique and musicality - and this season will be no different! Our tradition of strong technique is due to many things: the talent level of our members; amazing private teachers like Mark Pulice and Tom Sorensen, and superior staff instruction.

Once again, our terrific Junior Brigade has proven to be an awesome training ground and feeder program for us with four rookies joining the line - all of whom marched in Junior Brigade last year! Patrick tells me that they are all very strong players and should be able to fit right in with the veterans. Of course - the actual line has not been set as far as who will be playing what instrument or how many snares, tenors and basses we may march. But - I would not be surprised to see the entire percussion section looks something like this when we hit band camp:

Snares - 5

Tenors - 3

Bass Drums - 5

Front Ensemble - 8

These numbers would be fantastic and I wouldn't even be surprised if they end up even larger. I can say without a doubt that the Lighthouse Brigade percussion section (battery and pit) will be a strong force to be dealt with all season! Many thanks go out to students and the winter camp percussion staff of:

Patrick Coughlin - Percussion Caption Head

Steve Lange - Percussion Technician

Tony Holm - Percussion Technician

FYI - I have the dates of the first meeting and rehearsals for the 2009 Lighthouse Brigade:

Thursday, February 5th - Recruitment Night and Member/Parent Meeting

Gifford Elementary School - 7:00pm in the auditorium

(All current and prospective members are REQUIRED to attend this meeting!)

First Rehearsals

Saturday, February 7th - 9:00am - 5:00pm at Gifford Elementary School

Sunday, February 8th - 1:00pm - 6:00pm at Gifford Elementary School

I'll post another blog entry next week during the color guard "spin camp" number 2!

- Rex out

A Great Time!

2008-10-29T08:35:00.005-05:00

It was so much fun to see such a great turnout for the DVD party! I really liked having it at Charcoal Grill. No offense to Gifford - but all RUSD schools turn off the heat during the weekends to save money - so in past years the auditorium has always been freezing cold, the sound system is very muddled, and you can't have any food or beverages. I was happy with the food choices and I thought the sound was pretty clear. Maybe the actual screen could be a little bigger - but all in all I thought the night was a whole lot of fun!

I would like to thank Paul Ruffolo for all of the work he did for this project. There are a million little touches he adds to the DVD that most people won't even notice......but take it from someone who was there every step of the way - I notice all of them and I am so lucky to have someone like Paul to help me with this HUGE project. I met Paul when I was a young (right out of drum corps) instructor and he was a senior marching member of the Band of the Black Watch from Kenosha. He "gets" what marching band is all about and I really think that shows up time and time again on the season DVD's.

It was also great to have my big brother, Gene, in attendance. For those of you who may not know - he is the designer and webmaster of our Brigade website. He lives in the L.A. area and usually visits in September so it was a real treat for him to be able to experience the DVD party in person. Gene and I will be updating the Brigade website as well as adding some new features such as the alumni directory. I count my lucky stars that I have Paul and Gene as resources for Lighthouse Brigade. Much like my world class staff who bring the members to such high levels of performance each year, these creative people make the Brigade extra special.

The 2009 Field show production is now up on the member's page and on the latest brigade news page and I will also put it here:

"Legacy - The Music of John Barnes Chance"

Music selections:

Incantation And Dance

Variations On A Korean Folk Song

This show will feature the music of one of the most important composers to ever write for school concert bands. In the mid 1960's he was digging a trench in his back yard when he struck a live wire and was killed, leaving a legacy of some amazing music. I have wanted to do this show for a number of years, now and our 30th anniversary year is a great time to do it. The "Legacy" in the title of the show also references former marching member Matt LaBelle who passed away due to cancer in the 1980's. Mr. Donald Young, band director at Horlick High School, was selected by the Lighthouse Brigade to compose a song dedicated to his memory and Mr. Young entitled it, "Legacy".

Plans are well underway for the 2009 season. I am looking at starting at the end of January. I'll post more information as I go.

- Rex out

DVD Release Party!!!!!

2008-09-23T13:46:00.002-05:00

The wait is almost over! The Release Party for the 2008 Lighthouse Brigade DVD is right around the corner! Put Friday, October 24th on your calendars and be ready for an awesome reunion and viewing of the DVD! I am working with Paul Ruffolo from Southport Digital again and this is, without a doubt, the snazziest project we have ever put out! I think you will all treasure this terrific keepsake and record of our amazing 2008 season! Here is the info on the Release Party:

Friday, October 24th

The Charcoal Grill (8300 Washington Ave. Racine, WI)

6:00pm - 7:30pm - Social for all Brigade members, family, staff, alumni and fans. Ryan Bloom, a former marching member and now manager at The Charcoal Grill is working with me to provide a great place for our reunion. There will be an outstanding array of food for the social - and the price per person is $15.00. Coffee and soda are included in this cost and anything from the bar is on your own.

7:30pm - 9:00pm - First public viewing of the 2008 DVD. If you only wish to come for the DVD viewing - you will need to be at here by 7:30. Food will not be available at this time - but you may still purchase beverages from the bar. After the night is done - you will be able to purchase your very own copy of the DVD for $35.00 each (please make all checks out to: Racine Band Boosters).

If you wish to come to the social - please contact me at: rex_rukavina@lighthousebrigade.org

- Rex out

New Executive Board

2008-09-10T11:48:00.002-05:00

In November the Racine Band Boosters will be starting a new era with a totally "new" executive board of directors. I say "new" because all of these parents have already been involved for the last few years! Just elected at the band booster meeting last night: Jenny Miller - President; Bob and Cheri Harms - Co-Vice Presidents; Michael Ziolecki - Treasurer; Cathy Behling - Secretary; and Faith Christian - Past President. Congrats to all of our new executive board members. I look forward to working with all of you on our continuing mission of keeping the Lighthouse Brigade bands moving forward.

I would like to give out a HUGE thank you to our departing executive board members. They have been in these positions for many years, now and it has been an honor and pleasure to work with all of them: Faith Christian - President; Cheryl Thomas - Vice President; Diane Sluga - Treasurer; Karen Ludwig - Secretary; and Mark Buhler - Past President. They will still be around to help out and I am glad they are more than willing to lend a hand with the new executive board members. It humbles me each year as I see the amount of hours, dedication, commitment and love for this organization our parents give time and time again. Our parents may not be wearing the uniform our marching members perform in - but they are every bit as important to what you see on the field of competition each season!

- Rex Out

- Go Bears!!

2008-08-10T12:17:00.000-05:00

WOW!! Congrats to all of the marching members, staff and support team of the Phantom Regiment - the new 2008 DCI World Champions! I am so proud of my corps (you see, when you have "worn the helmet" of the Phantom Regiment you will ALWAYS be a part of the corps and its traditions and history). They were already champions after hearing the crowd reaction - the ending in first place was just icing on the cake, believe me.

Aside from a very small minority of idiots who only try out for a corps because they think they will have the best chance to win championships with them, most people march in a certain corps because they love the style of music they play or the way they approach performing. ALL of the marching members are champions for all of the hard work they put in this season - it's just that someone has to be crowned the ultimate champion and it sure is great that the Regiment can bask in that glory! Their only other title was a shared championship with the Blue Devils in 1996 - so having one all their own is pretty cool!

Now, I've got to get back to working on the 2009 Brigade music and the 2008 DVD!!

- Rex out

2008-08-08T21:20:00.002-05:00

What a fun evening Thursday night! I was at the Quarterfinals broadcast at the movie theater and it was great to see so many Brigade members also there.

I am very proud of the fact that we saw five former Brigade members on the big screen:

Matt Jacob - Blue Stars

Nick Taylor - Bluecoats

Mike Kowbel, Joe Bauer and Tony Holm - Madison Scouts

Awesome job, guys!! Now - it is obvious that I have a special place in my heart for my former corps, Phantom Regiment and I was thrilled to see that their field show production of "Spartacus" has already become a drum corps legend. They are really throwing it down this year and wether or not they take the championship title - they have my respect and admiration. The picture at the top is from the 1982 version of Spartacus!! SUTA!!

Here is how I would have (HONESTLY) ranked the top twelve corps last night:

1. Phantom Regiment

2. Cavaliers

3. Carolina crown

4. Blue Devils

5. The Cadets

6. Santa Clara Vanguard

7. Blue Coats

8. Blue Knights

9. Boston Crusaders

10. Blue Stars

11. Madison Scouts

12. Glassmen

- Rex out

No More Flutes? Really????

2008-07-28T19:12:00.003-05:00

Greetings from beautiful Winter Park, Colorado! I'm on vacation, but since I have internet access where we are staying - I thought I would add a new post.

Yup - the heading of this post is true. For the 2009 Brigade season there will not be flutes in the horn line. The reason I have decided to do this is not because I hate flutes - but because I love the sound of the flute so much (heck, my wife is a flute player!!). It breaks my heart each season to see our flute players work so hard to learn and memorize their music - and then pretty much not be heard on the field of competition. Yes, you can hear them a few times during the show - but the sound of a flute just CAN'T be heard that well (1) outdoors and (2) in a horn line with much louder instruments.

If you are reading this thinking I only have it out for flutes - please understand that there are many instruments we don't use in our horn line set up. Examples: oboes, alto/bass clarinets, baritone saxophones, french horns and trombones. People may think we are not playing fair when we make trombone players learn baritone - but often Brigade is all about the members learning new instruments to help flesh out our instrumentation. Take the pit, for example. Of the six pit members we had this year, only ONE of them was an actual percussionist! We had woodwind players playing brass instruments, percussion instruments or performing with the guard. We also had actual brass players switch to different brass instruments to help with the balance of our sound.

I can tell you from experience that switching from a woodwind to a brass instrument was a lot of hard work, yes - but it was also a ton of fun and it opened up my eyes to the world of brass warmups and building up my "chops". Flute players will have many opportunities with Brigade in the future. They can switch to louder woodwind instruments such as clarinet or saxophone. They can learn a brass instrument. They can see if the color guard would be something they would want to try. They can join the pit, try out for a battery instrument or even try out for drum major.

In 2006 we won championships with a brass line that was mostly made up of woodwind players who learned a brass instrument that summer. So - here are the "new" opportunities for the Lighthouse Brigade:

Horn Line:

Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
Mellophone
Baritone
Contra

Percussion:

Snare
Tenor
Bass
Pit

and of course, Color Guard or try out for Drum Major.

- Rex out

2008 - another season done!

2008-07-18T18:31:00.003-05:00

Just as fast as the 2008 season started - the uniforms, instruments, equipment, and truck have been put away until the 2009 season gets underway. I was very happy with the field show production of "From The New World" and even though I didn't agree with some of our scores and even our placements - I could not have asked for more from our members, staff and parents. The show we "left on the championship field" in Traverse City was awesome and the crowd loved us. I am so very proud of our marching members and they improved their performances each and every night!

Lighthouse Brigade is a TEAM EFFORT and I would like to thank a number of people:

Racine Band Boosters - what an amazing group of parents who do everything from chaperoning, heading up our bingo games, preparing our awesome "Booster Dinners", organizing the home show, taking care of uniform fittings, fundraising, and a million other jobs. We would not be able to do what we do without your efforts and help! An extra shout-out goes to our executive board - Faith, Cheryl, Diane and Karen.

Brigade Staff - these are some of the most talented, dedicated and funny people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I sometimes wonder if the members realize just how lucky they are to be taught by our staff. You inspire me each year and keep me young at heart!

Scott Musiel - not only is Scott one of the best truck drivers out there, he will do anything and everything for the Brigade and its members. We would be lost without him.

Gifford Elementary School Staff - they work hard to make us feel right at home.

Racine Unified School District - for their continued support.

Our Brigade alumni and fans - we always appreciate your support!

Our Brigade marching members - what you all did day after day and night after night this season was incredible to watch. I am so proud of all of you and I can't wait to see you back at the DVD release party!!

Believe it or not - I have already begun work on the season DVD and the music for 2009. Start making plans now to be a part of the 2009 (30th Anniversary) Brigade Season!!

- Rex out

Traverse City Update

2008-07-12T17:27:00.002-05:00

Greetings from the Horizon Bookstore in downtown Traverse City!!

I would first like to say congrats to the Shadow Armada (Oregon High School) on their 2008 MACBDA Championship! It was a well earned victory and they did everything all season with class and great sportsmanship. Great job!

The Brigade had a thrilling performance last night in Traverse City and the members left everything they had on the field of competition. I am just SOOOO proud of them and how our show improved night after night after night. The large crowd in Traverse City loved us and I hope everyone remembers what it felt like when I gave my last speech to the members. THIS is why we all do Brigade year after year - that very feeling.

We came in third place and, to be honest, I did not agree with most of the scores. I have been telling the members all season that I would be very honest with them and if I thought they should or should not be winning certain captions I would tell them exactly that. I feel like we should have been higher in a few of our captions and other ones I was ok with us scoring what we did. Oh, well - all of this is out of our hands. We can't control how the other bands perform or what 6 judges do as far as giving us a score. If we just focused on that stuff - we would all go crazy. We can only make the commitment to come back to Brigade next year and do everything possible to make this organization stronger and keep moving it forward.

The weather here has really been great. We were worried about rain all weekend - but it has been sunny and not too hot. The members marched in the Cherry Royale Parade today and have the rest of the night off in Traverse City to shop, relax, have dinner, visit the Cherry Festival grounds and stay for fireworks on the beach.

Tomorrow we will clean up our housing site, go to the Grand Traverse Mall to relax and perhaps catch a movie, and then work our way back to Ludington, MI to pick up the SS Badger Car Ferry home.

- Rex out

Traverse City Update

2008-07-10T09:10:00.002-05:00

Greetings from beautiful Traverse City!!

We are staying at Silver Lake Elementary School and the last time Brigade stayed here was 1999. Alums from that year may remember a certain room that became decorated with post-it notes.....well - that room is now housing the staff (Guy Gregg and Matt Koscinski are very excited about staying in this room again - but they are promising not to shoot off any fireworks out the windows this time!!).

We do not travel "down and around" Lake Michigan to get to Traverse City like the old days! We drive a couple of hours to Manitowoc and catch the car ferry - the SS Badger. We are able to load our busses, truck, Durango and Big Jake for the four hour trip across the lake. On board there is a nice restaurant, snack bar, quiet area, movie theater, bingo area, gift shop - or the members might just choose to relax on deck. The trip is really pretty smooth and it is only another couple of hours to Traverse City from Ludington, MI. This sure beats the heck out of those 16-18 hour trips on school busses back in the 1980's and 1990's!!

The weather here is perfect and we will be rehearsing today from 9-5. I'm giving the members free time tonight - they deserve it for all of the hard work they put in this season. For breakfast today we had assorted cereals, pancakes ala Kurt, sausages, juice and assorted Pop Tarts and the like. The annual staff dinner is also tonight and we are all looking forward to that!!

Look for another Traverse City report tomorrow!

- Rex out

2008 Season Update

2008-07-07T13:16:00.002-05:00

Our home show finally had decent weather - maybe a bit chilly - but after some years of rain - we will take it!! The Junior Brigade looked and sounded fantastic and were a terrific way to start off the home show! When it was our turn to perform we were very fired up to march in front of our loyal and loud home crowd! I always expect the members to have shows that get better each time out and our show on the 3rd did just that. Many thanks have to go out to the countless parents who made the home show happen. I felt that everything from start to finish went off without a hitch and I think it is one of the best organized shows in our circuit! Great job Brigade parents!!!!!!!

As a staff we felt that we took a rather large step forward and two nights later, in Sun Prairie, WI we had our best show to date. To be honest - I was not pleased with the scores in Sun Prairie. I felt that they didn't reflect how we should be compared to our competition.....but what can you do, right??!! It can be easy to get down or frustrated about all of this - but in the end you really just make things worse - so we just keep working on the stuff we know is not 100% solid yet and keep adding cool stuff to make our show have that little extra something that makes everyone make sure they don't miss our performance.

Tonight, weather permitting, will be our last show before finals in Traverse City. We haven't performed in Sandwich, IL since 2006 and I hope that we can close the point spreads in all of our captions. I'm not saying I expect to be in first place tonight - but I AM expecting to be very competitive in all captions. I also believe that we should be winning the visual execution (marching) trophy and I also think we have a shot at the percussion trophy. We shall see, I guess. Kudos to the members for not letting the scores affect how they rehearse - I think most if not all of our members have bought into our thought process of working really hard, improving, always moving forward with our performance levels, and finally - not getting caught up in something we can't control (scores and how the other bands rehearse and perform).

Last night in Kenosha we were .01 away from the high percussion trophy! Maggie, our outstanding drum major, took the drum major trophy - so congrats to her - she certainly has earned it!! The Brigade also took the high visual execution trophy as well as the "People's Choice Award". This award is a traveling trophy and is my favorite one of the entire season so far because it sums up what we are all about - we work really hard to put on a great show for ourselves and our audience......and maybe even a little bit for the judges - but in the end - what really matters to us is your crowd response!!

I can't wait to go back to Traverse City!! It is really beautiful there and there are many cool events with the Cherry Festival going on as well as great shopping and miles of beach to explore and enjoy. I will be giving our members plenty of free time to just relax and chill out with their Brigade friends. I realize it is finals week - but I also want them to have some down time in addition to some really serious rehearsals leading up to the 2008 MACBDA Championships. I'll try to find internet access in Traverse to bring you daily updates if at all possible. Until then,

- Rex out

Season Update

2008-07-02T11:03:00.003-05:00

"From The New World" is turning out to be a fantastic production for us! We have completed four field shows and the members have been improving each time out. To be honest - we don't agree with some of the scores (some scores we agree with - but others.....not so much). We have been telling the members that what a judge says or what score they give on any given night or how another band performs is out of our control. The ONLY thing we can control is how the Lighthouse Brigade rehearses and performs - and we are doing an amazing job each day and each show. I am already SOOOOO proud of the members this year and I hope the scores for our next bunch of shows reflect where I think we should be scoring.

I personally think we should be winning the visual execution caption and I feel that our percussion should be right up there with the other bands. It's hard to take the visual general effect caption when you are smaller than the other bands - but with our guard show being close to complete - I think that score can go way up. Musically - it is amazing what our horn line does with less members than our competition. They are asked to do so much with my drill and they are expect to play everything and never "bag out"! The quality of sound from them is really great. Our color guard should be more competitive this week - so I am excited to see where we end up. We don't do this just to "win" or get first place - but it's just more fun when you are in the thick of the competition.

See you at the HOME SHOW!!

- Rex out

2008 Band Camp Update

2008-06-25T11:59:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was the MACBDA social where CYO, Shadow Armada, Sound of Sun Prairie and the Lighthouse Brigade performed their field shows for each other in a relaxed setting. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the performances. All of this was followed by the Racine Band Boosters putting together all you can eat nachos with all of the "fixins"! They really outdid themselves and every marching member also received an official Lighthouse Brigade frisbee to take home as a gift from us (that was a great touch!!). Everyone had a great time socializing and I think lots of friendships of members from other bands were made yesterday. Thanks to all of our awesome booster parents for putting on such a great spread for us!

The show is really coming along and the attitude of the members has been outstanding. They are really working hard to make this show great. We finally have our first competition tomorrow night in Prophetstown, IL and we will be spending the night at the high school. On Friday we will rehearse there before going up to Dakota (for all of you Brigade alumni out there - I will have at least 5 lemonades in your honor!!!!!!).

I'll put up the scores on the "latest brigade news" site as soon as I can.

- Rex out

Band Camp '08 Update

2008-06-18T09:49:00.002-05:00

Greetings from Gifford Elementary School and Band Camp 2008!

Tuesday was a fantastic day for the 2008 Lighthouse Brigade. We are now done learning new drill!!!!! We still have to tweak a few charts here and there and learn how to get on and off the field - but a HUGE hurdle was jumped yesterday. We also did a full run-through (without the "met") and the members got through it all in one piece. Sure - there were some pretty ugly moments right now - but they got that first "performance" under their belts and that is a really big first step as we get ready for real competition next week.

The members enjoyed a terrific lunch of four kinds of pasta from Noodles and Company yesterday! Many thanks to my wife, Karen and Jenny Miller for working to make that happen. The "booster dinners" are once again very yummy and I would like to thank our amazing parents for all of their hard work getting all of us fed. Yesterday the menu was: hot beef sandwiches, baked beans, chips, salad, fresh fruit, and assorted desserts. We always look forward to seeing what they prepare for us each night and our boosters are such an important part of our final product on the field each season!

The weather is PERFECT for band camp these days - sunny and not too hot.

- Rex out

Band Camp Update

2008-06-17T10:50:00.003-05:00

Greetings from Gifford Elementary School and the 2008 Lighthouse Brigade Band Camp!

We have survived some heavy weather conditions, muddy fields and snow days and I am happy to announce that by Noon today the entire show will be taught!! Now comes the fun part - cleaning all of the drill moves and adding cool visual stuff. Our first real performance is this Friday at the "Madisonic" show in Middleton, WI with the Madison Scouts. This is not a competition, but it is a good chance for us to perform our show and get "judges tapes" from the Madison Scouts staff! It will also be a nice chance to see four of our former Brigade marching members who are marching with the boys from Madison - Tony Holm, Joe Bauer, Justin Haman and Mike Kowbel!!

We have about a full week to clean and polish our show before we enter into actual competition and I really look forward to seeing the daily progress of our production.

One new thing we will be doing this year is a MACBDA social next week - but more on that later.

- Rex out

Mud Camp '08

2008-06-10T10:29:00.002-05:00

It's very strange that 10 years ago the Lighthouse Brigade was dealing with the mud at our old field down the street from Park High School. Two of our staff members (Guy Gregg and Matt Koscinski) can relate to all of your muddy legs, shoes and socks because they were marching members themselves that year! 1998 was the "Evita" show and is still one of my favorite Brigade productions. I have a feeling 2008 will join this list at the end of the season!

Things are going great despite having to deal with terrible field conditions and snow days. The rehearsal yesterday was supposed to be the last day of school and the 5-9 rehearsal tonight was originally a 1-9 rehearsal. In spite of all of this - we are already on chart #33! By the end of Thursday we will be through Goin' Home and by Saturday night it is very possible that we will be able to do our first full run-through of the season!! That is awesome! Last night was also the first time I started seeing the LIGHTHOUSE BRIGADE. What I mean by that is something started to click with the members and I am finally starting to see intensity and confidence and style and agression. That is great to see and we are starting to learn what it will take for this year's edition of Brigade to perform and be competitive. Bottom line is that we are on the right track.

I would like to thank the members for juggling their schedules to make this crazy week happen with final exams, graduation and end of the year stuff going on. I really appreciate all of your efforts! Let's try to make every rep. get better and every run-through get better so that by the time we have our first performance (Friday, June 20th in Middleton, WI) let's be proud of the product we have on the field.

- Rex out

Saturday!!

2008-06-04T13:15:00.002-05:00

Yo Members!

I hope everyone is ready to work really hard this Saturday and the next few weeks of band camp! We have lots of charts to re-learn and new ones to start learning. Don't forget your:

- Sunscreen

- hat

- water

- correct clothes for the weather

- proper athletic shoes

- dot book

- drill/music binder

I will be handing out an order form for the official 2008 MACBDA tour shirt. These are due to me by Monday, June 9th. The shirts are only 12 bucks each. I will also be handing out the passwords for the "Member's Only" page which should be up and running by Saturday night. If my brother (the Brigade website webmaster) is still working on this page - you will still be able to get to a "test page".

See you all in a few days!!

Rex

Slight Schedule Change

2008-05-29T11:57:00.002-05:00

I gave the members the first "Turn-out Sheet" of the season at the end of mini-camp - but there will be a slight change. During that crazy last week of school (where I added a bunch of 5 - 9 rehearsals) there will be a day off in the middle. On Wednesday, June 11th - Gifford is having a whole night of stuff for their graduating 5th graders and I have decided to just make that a night off from reheasing. I hope this helps everyone during finals week and all. So - the next few rehearsals look like this:

Saturday, June 7th - 9:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday, June 8th - OFF

Monday, June 9th - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Tuesday, June 10th - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Wednesday, June 11th - OFF

Thursday, June 12th - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday, June 13th - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, June 14th - 9:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday, June 15th - OFF

Monday, June 16th - 1:00pm - 9:00pm

My brother (the web site designer) will be adding the "member's only" page this weekend! Only current marching members and staff will have access which will include personal stuff from me to you; stuff from the staff; things you will need to know this season and when the season is done - sneak peeks at the season dvd and the 2009 production!!

I'll give you your passwords on the June 7th rehearsal!!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the 7th. Let's really get our correct rehearsal behavior going right away and start kicking butt on the drill! The faster we learn it - the faster we can start cleaning it and adding cool stuff!

- Rex out

Mini - Camp Report

2008-05-27T10:29:00.002-05:00

The 2008 Lighthouse brigade took a huge step forward this past weekend during the mini - camp at Gifford Elementary School and I would like to post a report.

But first, I would like to congratulate all of the members for their terrific parent concert and an awesome performance in the Memorial Day parade and veteran's ceremony. I thought this year's edition of Brigade put on one of the stronger performances I have seen in recent years! As always, we all stop by the grave of Matt LaBelle - a former marching member from the early days who died of cancer in 1987. We award the annual Matt LaBelle scholarship award to one senior each year. I don't know if anyone else realized this - but Matt LaBelle's parents were behind us as I was talking to the members about his life. It is truly an honor to keep his memory and legacy alive and I sincerely hope that the words I spoke about him did justice to someone who is a very important part of Brigade history and tradition.

We got a lot accomplished during mini - camp. We are up to drill chart #17 and I pretty much only have to re-write one chart before our next rehearsal (sorry, mellophones!!). I'll be pretty busy the next few weeks finishing up the show. The members worked really hard and we let them know that mini - camp is basically a rehearsal for band camp (which is where the REAL work begins!!). As a staff, we will be turning up the heat a little bit each day and expecting more and more from our members. We want to get the drill taught and finished so that we can start to clean and add cool horn moves, body movement, and other exciting things to our show. Members should remember to bring their thinking caps - because it is going to be intense!

All members were given the first "turn - out" sheet of the season. I will be doing these informational sheets about once a week and they will include all dates, times, and locations of all of our rehearsals and shows. For band camp - all members will need to bring:

* Hat (ALL heads WILL be covered whenever we are outside. NO exceptions)

* "Dot" book

* proper shoes (no bare feet or sandals are allowed)

* Sunscreen (a MUST!!!)

* Aloe vera gel (when the sunscreen doesn't work) :)

* WATER!!!!!

* Drill charts/binder/music

* Positive attitude and work ethic (this means cutting down on the talking, working really hard, memorizing music, and everything else it takes to be a positive member of the Lighthouse Brigade).

That's all for now - everything is looking great in Brigadeland and I am really looking forward to starting band camp and the season - it's gonna be a great one!!

Camp Report

2008-05-12T11:35:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, May 10th, the Lighthouse Brigade began learning the drill charts for their 2008 production of "From The New World"!!

Despite some chilly temperatures and a number of members not able to be there - every chart I had ready for Saturday was learned! I explained to the members that Saturday was a kind of dress rehearsal for what we will be doing during mini-camp and mini-camp will be a dress rehearsal for what we will be doing during band camp. If the speed we learned drill charts on Saturday is an indication of what band camp will be like in June - I think we will be in great shape to finish the show and have enough days of camp left to put in some serious cleaning before we begin our competitive season!

Here are some thing members will need for mini-camp:

- Themselves (I expect EVERYONE to be there unless you have cleared something with me in advance). "I have to work" is NOT a valid excuse. By the end of mini-camp I expect to have charts 1 - 22 learned.

- Hat (no hat = running)

- Water

- Sunscreen (a must!!)

- proper athletic shoes (NO bare feet or sandals are allowed)

- "Dot" book (w/pen or pencil)

- all music memorized

Here is the schedule for Mini-Camp @ Gifford Elementary School:

Friday, May 23rd - 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, May 24th - 9:00am - 9:00pm (bring a bag lunch - Racine Band Boosters will provide dinner!)

Sunday, May 25th - 1:00pm - 6:00pm (parent concert in the auditorium @ 5:00pm - in full uniform!!)

Monday, May 26th - 8:00am - 1:00pm (we will be bussed to the parade and bussed back to Gifford for announcements and clean-up). Parade begins at West Blvd/Washington Ave and goes to the cemetary where the Veteran's Ceremony will take place.

See you all in a few weeks!!

Getting back on schedule!!

2008-05-07T13:46:00.002-05:00

Hello all,

I have been neglecting my blog for a few weeks, now - sorry about that!

I will post a "Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff" next week and before that I will submit a report on the 9-9 rehearsal this Saturday at Mitchell. Remember - this camp is only for horn line and battery.

9-9 at Mitchell Middle School

We will be marching DRILL!!! Yeah, baby!!

Bring:

- lunch (Boosters will provide dinner)
- athletic shoes (no bare feet or sandals)
- hat
- sunblock
- instrument
- "dot book" (Matt and the boyz should have explained this at the last camp)
- whatever the weather - we will be marching outside......be prepared!!

Make sure the Introduction is memorized to perfection - the goal is to learn all charts for the Introduction (about 12 or so) on Saturday......marching AND playing!!

Later,

Rex

been awhile

2008-05-04T09:29:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone,

It has been awhile since anyone posted anything on here, so here goes.

Brigade is cool.

The End

Stay tuned for much more in the exciting blogging world of Rex's Blog.

"special guest blogger"
Guy

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-04-01T20:15:00.002-05:00

Today's spotlight on the staff will be one of our new staff members: Danny Greenberg.

Danny will be one of our visual technicians this season and is currently director of bands at Merrill Middle School in Oshkosh, WI. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and is also a former marching member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. I am looking forward to working with Danny and like the rest of you - I will be getting to know him as the season progresses. Word has it that at least one other band we compete with was also trying to get him on their staff! In just the short time I have worked with Danny, I already know that he will be a great addition to our staff!

So - this is a short entry because I am getting to know Danny like the members will be. Next week: Brian Braatz.

Today's marching member "shout out" goes out to: Amanda (color guard)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-03-25T21:01:00.002-05:00

Today's spotlight on the staff is on one of our percussion technicians: Matt Geisler

Matt first worked with Brigade in 2006, our championship year. Those who were around in 2006 remember Matt as "that staff member who always had his collars up"! Matt is one of the most laid back and mellow people you will ever meet - but just spend a few minutes watching him help a battery member learn a hard percussion "lick" and you will see why he is a terrific person to have on staff.

Matt is a former marching member of the Green Beret (yes - that Green Beret!!) He also marched with the Capital Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. He was not on staff in 2007 because he marched the full DCI season with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. Matt is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and also works part time at the movie theater in Janesville. If you ask him nicely - maybe he can get you a cool movie display or movie poster!

Matt is going to be a huge asset to us this season as he works with two "rookie" quint players (rookie is in quotation marks because we have a three year veteran playing quints for the first time and one rookie member marching his first year). If you get the chance during the season - kick back and drop by to say hi to Matt. If you hang around long enough - you will see why he is a cool cat and all around nice dude!

Next week: our new visual technician - Danny Greenberg

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Ryan (alto saxophone)

2008-03-24T14:01:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all

Just a reminder that you are to have all of your warmups, parade tunes, and first 3 show tunes memorized for this camp.

Remember rule #3: You are only going to get out what you give, so make sure you are doing your job to ensure that this summer is a great experience. We also are going to be learning drill real soon, so there will be significantly less music only time.

No Jeans please, we may go for a nice little jog together if the weather permits (breathing block anyone?)

DRUM MAJOR TRYOUTS-SATURDAY!
Don't forget if you are interested to tryout. You will be asked the following:

Conducting 2,3,and 4/4
A couple questions
Extra credit for a salute

See you real soon!

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-03-17T20:07:00.003-05:00

Today's spotlight on the staff is our new percussion technician: Meghan Christian

Meghan is another former Brigade member and I am very excited to have her join the staff this year! Her main focus will be the bass drum line and I am expecting great things from both her and the guys and gal playing BD's this season! Meghan marched in Brigade from 2002 - 2006. She spent one year on bass drum and moved up to snare in 2003 - the first of two straight years of high percussion titles at MACBDA (most people think we should have had the percussion title for three years in a row.....but, whatever!). In her age-out year of 2006, she was section leader and it was really great to see her graduate with the Brigade's first championship! Meghan could always be counted on to shout out at the audience at the end of shows in an effort to get them "on their feet".

Meghan is currently attending the University of Wisconsin - Eau Clarie and is working towards a degree in graphic design. I had the pleasure of teaching Meghan way back at Mitchell Middle School and I have always been able to count on her leadership abilities and talent. I am very excited to be able to work with her on staff and I am sure the members will, too. The only bad news for Meghan is that because she is a rookie staff member - her job at the end of each Brigade show is to go to the press box and get the staff our judges tapes. Sorry, Meghan....you have to pay your dues!!

Next week: Matt Gesiler - percussion technician

Today's marching member "shout-out goes out to: Hannah (color guard).

Patrick is now a married man!

2008-03-16T18:50:00.002-05:00

Our percussion caption head, Patrick Coughlin, is now a married man! He married Darlayne this past Saturday and it was a really beautiful wedding - complete with a song Patrick wrote for his new wife as she walked down the aisle! I couldn't be more happy for them - they make a great couple!

Representing the Lighthouse Brigade family were myself, Steve Lange, Tony Holm, Mike Clobes, and Matt Koscinski and his awesome wife, Kim. At one point during the reception, Patrick, Darlayne and a bunch of alumni from the University of Wisconsin Marching Band played the traditional cadence around a table using silverware and plates (I was told by Matt - another UW Band alumnus - that this was always done at their annual banquet as well). Needles to say - there were many broken plates when it was finished!

So - congrats to Patrick and Darlayne! I am sure he will have many great stories to tell about their honeymoon in London, Paris and Italy when we all meet again in April for Brigade rehearsals!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Andrew (rookie tenor saxophone).

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-03-12T11:32:00.002-05:00

Today's spotlight is on our co-music caption head: Guy Gregg.

Guy is one of our staff members who is a former member of both the Junior Brigade and the Lighthouse Brigade. He also marched with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and is currently drum major of the Racine Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps. Guy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and he is now one of the band directors at Oak Creek High School.

Guy began instructing Brigade in 2004, the year after he aged out of drum corps. He worked as a marching technician for two seasons and became music caption head in 2006. Of course, in 2006 the Brigade enjoyed its first championship as well as the high music execution trophy - and you can bet that Guy was a huge reason for that!

Guy is one of our favorite staff members and has many unique abilities. He can produce a perfect cricket sound whenever he wants and he is also quite an accomplished french horn player. He has a terrific voice and often will show off his talent in acoustically sound bathrooms. Guy has a weakness for Buckets wings, Dakota lemonade, Chinese fire drills, staff dinners, sushi, and his amazing girlfriend (don't mess that up, Guy!!).

It has been really cool knowing Guy back in the old days when he was a Brigade member and it is a real thrill to see him become a fellow band director and have so much success with the Brigade!

Next week: our new battery technician: Meghan Christian

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Tony (rookie clarinet)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-03-04T12:10:00.002-06:00

Today's spotlight on the staff is on one of our percussion technicians - Steve Lange.

Steve came on board in 2006 and has been a real pleasure to work with. Steve graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in geography. He also marched with the Capital Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. Steve is also a member of the awesome Green Bay Packer Tundra Drum Line (although I bet that every Packer fan, including Steve, is in a bad mood today with the announcement of Brett Favre's retirement). As much as I respect Brett Favre - I will not shed a tear!!

Steve loves any kind of outdoor activity or sport and he has many great stories to tell. What you might not know about Steve is that he is also an Irish dancer - so go ahead and ask him to show off some Riverdance moves!!

Even though his degree is not in music - I am betting that within the next five years, Steve will find his way into a classroom. I know this because I know how much Steve enjoys teaching. He really loves working with the Brigade staff and members and we are glad to have him!

Like many of our staff members - Steve has a weakness for Bucket's wings....but, then - who doesn't??!! He also likes gum, filming staff hi-jinks, collecting champagne bottle holders and Chinese fire drills. So there you have it - our Tuesday spotlight on the staff and one of our most popular staffers - Steve Lange.

Next week: Guy Gregg

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Casey (alto saxophone)

Camp Update!

2008-03-03T11:39:00.002-06:00

This past weekend was another camp for horn line and color guard. All of our goals were accomplished including the horn line playing through the entire show and both the horn line and color guard having an elimination basics block (congrats to Jennifer - the last member standing!).

This weekend will be a camp for battery and front ensemble. Their goal is to get through at least the intro and first movement together. The next full camp for ALL sections will be Saturday and Sunday, April 5th and 6th. I can't wait to hear full music ensemble. At the April camp we will have "Show-And-Tell" again! This will be on Sunday at around 5:20 and parents are encouraged to check it out!! We will also have auditions for drum major. It does not matter if you are a rookie or a veteran or what instrument you play - anyone may try out for drum major. I highly suggest that many of you go through the process of the drum major tryouts. Even if you don't get selected - it will still be a good learning experience. I will be at the tryout as well as a number of staff members. I give each of my staff one vote and I give myself one vote as well. In the case of a tie - I will be the determining vote. At the tryout the staff and I will:

- ask to see you conduct 4/4, 3/4 and 2/4

- ask to see you do a salute

- ask you some questions and let you ask us questions about being drum major

So, great job this weekend! The music book sounds great (rough, but great!!). It is going to be a fun show to march and clean. The marching, for this time of the year, is simply some of the best marching I have seen from a Lighthouse Brigade. I think this will be an area we can expect to be very competitive in show after show!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Cory (trumpet)

This Weekend!!

2008-02-29T12:25:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder that the camp this weekend is for:

Color Guard

and

Horn Line

The camp is Saturday, March 1st (9-5) and Sunday, March 2nd (1-6) at Gifford Elementary School.

Junior Brigade is kicking off their 2008 season this Saturday at Mitchell Middle School (9-5).

I love this time of year!!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Carson (bass drum)

Drill Design 101

2008-02-27T11:38:00.002-06:00

So what exactly are all of those little dots on a drill sheet? Could you put a dot on an exact coordinate on the drill sheet and then find the exact spot on the football field? How do you know how far to move each member between each chart? Do you have ways of cheating?

So many questions...........here come some answers!

If you look at a drill chart you will see a complete football field that is marked off in squares and yardlines. We also use the front and back hash marks. We use an "8 to 5" step which just means that it takes exactly 8 steps (at exactly 22.5 inches each) to march exactly 5 yards. When we practice basics you will often hear an instructor saying, "1, 2, 3, HIT, 5, 6, 7, HIT". What the instructor is pointing out when they are saying "hit" is that the members should be between a yard line on count four and back on a yard line by count eight. We march basics over and over again so that our members can learn what the 8 to 5 step size feels like and so that it can become second nature for them to do.

Ok, back to the drill chart and the boxes. Each box in the drill sheet grid represents 4 steps. I can draw a dot anywhere on the paper and then find out on a real football field exactly where that dot should be by simply counting off steps. A typical drill spot might look like this: Side one, two steps outside of the 40 and 4 steps in front of the back hash. This may sound Greek to you or to rookie members - but they become experts in no time. Once the members remember which side of the field is side one or side two all they have to do is figure out where the hash marks and yard lines are and use a 22.5 inch step size to find their spots.

As far as cheating - I do it all of the time! Even when a form is a curve - I have set points in the form that end up on yard lines and hash marks. The audience will only see a curve - but the members know where the cheater spots are located when they set up the form each time. Anything that I can do to make the drill easier to learn and march......I'm gonna do it and the audience will never be the wiser! I will answer the question about how I know how far to move each member between each drill set next week in the next installment of "Drill Design 101".

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Jamie (flute)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-02-26T11:53:00.002-06:00

Today's spotlight on the staff will be on our color guard technician: Danielle Birkholz.

Danielle is a former marching member of the Lighthouse Brigade color guard and was even rookie of the year in 2002. She survived three different guard instructors in three years and was one of the reasons the guard began its climb into the upper level of MACBDA color guards - ending with the championship in 2006 and the high color guard trophy. Danielle graced the field of competition with some amazing dance work and I would always tell Todd, "If you want to see exactly what you wrote for the guard - just watch Danielle".

As a marching member Danielle NEVER took a break while rehearsing a show segment. Even if a move was only 8 counts, you could be sure that Danielle was PERFORMING for all of those 8 counts. It was pretty much a no brainer to hire her for staff last year and it has been a real joy not only to have another former marching member graduate up into a staff position, but to see someone like Danielle have great success so early on in her instructing career.

You may know that Danielle is a student at UW-Stevens Point but I bet what you don't know is that in addition to her superior dance and color guard abilities - she is a terrific singer. She also LOVES football and even coaches a youth football team! What more could any guy want but a girl who loves football??!! If you are not a color guard member - feel free to get to know Danielle at lunch or on a break. I think you will find her to be one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I am very lucky to have Danielle on staff again this summer and it is my true pleasure to spotlight her today!

Next week: Steve Lange - percussion technician

Today's marching member shout-out" goes out to: Cameron (snare....finally!!)

Junior Brigade is starting!

2008-02-25T19:47:00.002-06:00

The 2008 Junior Lighthouse Brigade is gearing up for another great season!

Recruitment night is this Thursday - February 28th @ 7:00pm in the Mitchell Middle School Cafeteria and Little Theater (enter door "K" off of Mitchell Street).

The first rehearsal is this Saturday - March 1st from 9:00am - 5:00pm at Mitchell Middle School (enter door "F" off of Mitchell Street).

I encourage all students in grades 6 - 8 to join the Junior Brigade and keep our strong feeder program going. The staff from 2007 are all coming back with perhaps even a few additions.

Don't forget that for the Lighthouse Brigade - we have a horn line and color guard camp at Gifford this weekend (Saturday, March 1st from 9-5 and Sunday, March 2nd from 1-6). I am looking forward to hearing Dvorak and seeing all of the members again!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Chelsea (baritone)

Something really cool!

2008-02-24T21:44:00.002-06:00

Here I am watching the Oscars and they have this montage of all of the "best pictures" from 1928 - present. The cool thing was the music they used............music from "Dragon Heart" (Brigade's 2006 show was the music from Dragon Heart!). I just thought that was really cool hearing that awesome music again and I wondered how many Brigade people out there heard it as well?!

We had a great couple of days this weekend with the percussion section. At our next camp in March - the plan is to be able to perform the intro and first movement together. This is outstanding because it will only be MARCH!! It's going to be a good season, let me tell you! The street beat is almost "street ready" and the front ensemble is playing an original composition Patrick wrote just for us. We are all really excited and we almost wish it was June already!

Don't forget that this week we have the Junior Lighthouse Brigade recruitment night (Thursday, February 28th @ Mitchell Middle School - 7:00pm) and two rehearsals this weekend - Junior Brigade (Saturday, March 1st @ Mitchell Middle School - 9-5) and Lighthouse Brigade - horn line and color guard - Saturday, March 1st (9-5) and Sunday, March 2nd (1-6) @ Gifford Elementary School. See you there!!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Nolan (alto saxophone).

Thursday Rookie Tip of the Week

2008-02-21T10:10:00.002-06:00

When we have marching rehearsals - why do we do so much with "basics"?

Don't tell this to anyone.....but back in the day I HATED basics. I am sure if you ask Matt or Guy or Todd or Danny they will admit the same thing - that doing basics is not the most fun thing in the world to do. However, I am sure they will also tell you that during any basics block - they worked super hard and took everything they were doing very seriously. I know I did in Regiment! What we all realized early on is that the real purpose of basics is not just to teach you the marching style our organizations used - but to get so good at doing the basic marching techniques that they became second nature....a habit. With a good basics program - the field show will be better and we will score better. It simply all starts with basics and building good habits right away!

Some directors make the mistake of spending most of the day cleaning drill or working on music. I believe that a large chunk of the day should be spent doing basics, which then carries over into drill cleaning. Who wants to watch a drill that is being marched poorly by the members? When I judge marching bands I am able to tell within a few seconds not only the marching style the group is going for - but also what kind of a basics program (or lack thereof) they use. Brigade has long been known for very strong marching and playing technique and this plays into our hands. It doesn't matter how big or small a group is when judges are looking for good, solid marching technique. If you are ever wondering why Matt and the visual staff keep harping on the same stuff over and over - it is because when we start performing - we want to march and play better than anyone else out there.....and it all begins during the winter when we start teaching....you guessed it: basics!!

I understand that basics can become a drag sometimes (believe me, I have been there!). What I always did when basics started to become a real chore was to just max out my marching style and strive to do everything as perfect as I had ever done before. The cool thing is that when a bunch of people start maxing out their individual marching performance - it spreads throughout the band and before you know it - I have more marching execution trophies to put up in my band room!

Rookies - take basics seriously and practice them at home. You can always practice standing the correct way or holding your instrument up 10 degrees while you memorize your music. You can find some space in a basement and practice moving forwards and backwards as well as those fun slides! The best compliment you can receive is someone telling you that, "you walk funny" because they see you walking with your heel hitting the ground first and your toes pointed up to the sky!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Les (quints)

Rex is writing drill already!!

2008-02-20T17:42:00.002-06:00

Yup - you read it correctly - I am starting the drill writing process and it is not even March, yet! Everyone needs to be extra nice to me from now on because I have the power to make your own personal drill easy or a nightmare - simply by moving my little step size spacer just a little bit when I come to your drill spot! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

My plan is for the Intro of the show to be sketched out so that Todd can get a head start with his color guard writing. I'll be at the percussion camp at Gifford this weekend and I plan on setting up shop in the cafeteria with my trusty drill writing tools and lots and lots of drill paper. If you have ever wondered how I go about designing drill - here is an inside look!

It always begins with the music - everything we do is based off of that. The first thing I will do is create a chart that will break down each movement of the show into musical phrases. Each phrase is usually 16 counts, but there will be times when a drill move may only be 8 counts long or some strange ones that might be 17 counts with a move 16, halt 1 sequence or something like that. My drill chart will also include which instruments have the melody or need to be featured as well as any special considerations such as a soloist. The chart also includes very detailed guard instructions from Todd including what kind of equipment the ladies will be using and where he thinks they should be placed for a guard feature.

Often times in drill writing, the design takes a back seat to me just getting everyone where they are supposed to be. Don't be fooled by trying to find a pretty drill picture - the real job of the drill is to get the members from point A to point B. The movement IN-BETWEEN the drill charts is what I am really going for. Unless the members are halted for a long period of time - the drill charts only last one count. Maybe I'll start a "Wednesday Drill Design 101" post!

So - be nice to the drill writer. Making me mad will have you running from chart to chart while your neighbors are easily marching charts with 8-5 steps and are laughing at you. Also - don't ever be a JDW! If you don't know what that is - come back next Wednesday for my next "Drill Design 101" post!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Marci (battery)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-02-19T12:01:00.003-06:00

Today's spotlight on the staff will be our co-music caption head: Dan Schmidt

We are very lucky to have such an outstanding musician like Dan on our staff. Dan first started teaching the horn line in 2006 and had an immediate impact on the quality of sound and musicianship the horn line was producing. He graduated from UW - Stevens Point (where it seems many of our Brigade staffers are coming from!) and splits his time with Brigade so that he can also serve as assistant director of the Junior Lighthouse Brigade. This is creating a nice link for all of the members who march in Junior Brigade and then come up to the older group. Dan is currently director of bands at Clintonville High School and is turning that program around into a real success.

If you want to start an instant conversation with Dan, just ask him, "So Dan - what do you think of the new Apple computers?". Or - you may want to ask him, "Dan - what are the physics behind working a reed with sand paper?". All kidding aside - if you honestly do ask him questions like these, you will see just how much he knows about all kinds of things. He really is the thinking man's band director!

Dan has a weakness for Bucket's chicken wings, music technology and everything to do with Apple computers. If you ever want to get the latest info on any of these topics - just ask Dan! Like I said at the start - we are very lucky to have such a great musician on staff and it is my true pleasure to spotlight Dan Schmidt!

Next Tuesday: Danielle Birkholz, our color guard technician.

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Curtis (rookie alto saxophone).

Some Questions......

2008-02-18T10:54:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday - although it feels like I never left this building!

Some questions:

Are you sore today?

Did you drink lots of water before/during/after rehearsal?

Do you know what music or warm-ups you need to memorize for next camp?

Are you working on at least one friend to come to the next rehearsal?

Do you love the Dvorak music as much as I do?

Do you think there should be a "shark" drill chart when the horn line comes in during the finale?

Just a few questions for a monday morning!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Melanie (color guard)

Posture!!!!!!!!

2008-02-17T16:41:00.004-06:00

Greetings, again, from Mitchell Middle School and day #2 of our horn line and color guard camp. As you can see in my title for today - we worked on posture! I kinda think this will be a major theme Matt will be preaching all season long. Great posture makes everything better and easier! I am very impressed with the marching. It is only February, but our members are marching like it is mini-camp!!

The attitude of the members is GREAT!! EVERYONE is working hard and I hope they are having as much fun learning the show as I am hearing it live. Finally, after endlessly clicking the notes on my computer or hearing the MIDI version - it is awesome to hear it being played by actual humans!! I think all of the members can hear what great music this is. I hope that many of you go out and get the original recording. It may even open your eyes to classical music. There is classical music out there that will take you to places you have never even dreamed of before - and the New World Symphony is a nice place to start! Classical music is called "Music of the Ages" for a reason!!

This whole season so far feels just like it did in 2006. A bunch of veterans chose not to come back, but the people who did come were amazing to work with. We fought through a bunch of early season problems but ended up with a very strong program. It seems like the same is happening all over again. We have some vets who could come back to march with us - but are absent so far. We are dealing with weather issues - but we are working through them. I can say that the staff is very excited for this year. We learned in 2006 that having huge numbers is not the key to success. What was great that year was the effort of the members and the talents of the staff and design team coming together. Everything just seemed to "click" and I have that vibe right now! We all also know how 2006 ended up - with the first Brigade championship in our history.

Now - if you know me at all, you know that simply ending up in first place is NOT the goal for this organization or myself. If it was - the other 18 seasons I have spent with Brigade were a complete waste of my time. The championship was the frosting on a terrific cake. The true success was seeing the members perform the heck out of our show night after night. We will see what happens this season. I do want to be competitive.....but with ourselves first.

All is good in Brigade land. I would still like to see a few more people join - but right now we have a wonderful group and the possibilities are endless for us in 2008.

A special "shout-out" goes out to the Brigade color guard. Because of bad roads and Danielle having to get back safely to school - they were without an instructor for three hours. What did they do? They worked together on flag technique and got better. Mad props to the guard!!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Jamie (mellophone)

Brigade is not for the weak!

2008-02-16T16:21:00.002-06:00

Greetings from Mitchell Middle School and another horn line and color guard camp! Matt Koscinski just finished a killer session of marching basics with the members and I am so impressed with their attitude and work ethic. The vibe I get this year already is that these members are going to work their tails off and strive to get better and better and better.

What we are asking these students to do IS NOT EASY. We are asking our members to focus on what they are doing while pushing away the pain of keeping their horn up or twisting their body one way while the lower body marches another way. I have been around Brigade long enough to get an idea of how the season will turn out as early as these camps.....and let's just say that I am really looking forward to 2008 and "From The New World"!!

The music still sounds rough, of course, but you can already get a good sense of what the show is going to sound like come summer. When you start with great music - the end result is usually great as well!! I think you will find this music beautiful at times, exciting at times and also dark and passionate at times. It's the whole package this year, baby!!

My hat is off to everyone at camp this weekend - another great job!!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Anna (flute)

Rehearsal Tomorrow

2008-02-15T06:23:00.002-06:00

This is just a reminder that the camp this weekend is for:

Horn Line & Color Guard

Saturday, February 16th (9-5) and Sunday, February 17th (1-6)

The camp will be at:

Mitchell Middle School

2701 Drexel Ave.

(enter door "F" off of Mitchell Street)

If you are not going to be at rehearsal, or if you will be coming late or leaving early - please call or email me!

The next weekend (February 23rd and 24th) is for Battery and Front Ensemble and will be back at Gifford Elementary School.

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Sarah (clarinet)

Thursday Rookie Tip of the Week

2008-02-14T12:12:00.002-06:00

Here is another Thursday rookie tip of the week! Actually - it can be broken down to three words that can make the life of a rookie a pleasure. Here they are:

MEMORIZE YOUR MUSIC!!!!!!!

Everything we do on the field is based on music. I write drill in small segments that are based on musical phrases (usually 16 counts each). Members who are learning drill by numbers only (first chart - 16 counts, second chart - 16 counts, third chart - 12 counts and halt 4) will not retain the drill as well as those members who learn the show by (1) having their music memorized and (2) learning where they are moving based on what phrase in the music they are playing.

The faster members can get their feet and their music together in their head - the faster they will be able to really perform. Here are some tips to do at home:

(1) Bring a blank CD and I will burn you a copy of not only the horn line MIDI recording, but your individual part as well. This way you can play along with the music and learn it faster.

(2) Make the time to practice in your busy schedule. I know we all have a million things going on like home work, jobs, concerts, family, etc. but everyone can find time to practice if they really want to!

(3) Practice standing up - and hold your instrument correctly!

(4) March, while playing, around your basement or outside (when it gets warmer) just to get used to playing and moving at the same time.

(5) Get together with other people in your section and practice the music together. Hey - make it a fun time - order a pizza, watch a movie and practice!!

(6) Last - just get it done and get it memorized!!!!!!! The staff will be asking you to memorize bits and pieces of the show a little at a time. Stay on schedule!!

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Jennifer (rookie front ensemble)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-02-12T11:55:00.001-06:00

Today I will spotlight our color guard caption head - Todd Neuenschwander.

Todd began teaching Brigade in 2004 and his talents and teaching style had an immediate impact not only on the guard, but on the staff and band as well. I have never heard Todd yell at a member - yet he pushes them to levels of performance they never thought they would be able to reach. I can say without a doubt that Todd also writes the most creative and exciting guard work in the MACBDA circuit.

Todd is one of those rare people who has an enormous amount of talent and ability - yet has no trace of an ego to go along with it. You may know that Todd is a former marching member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps - but did you know that during his two years marching with them, not only did they win championships - their color guard was the top guard in the country. Here is an instructor with two (TWO!!) DCI championship rings and who is one of the most down to earth people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He is also a killer tenor saxophone player (even if he doesn't have a Selmer Mark VI like I do!!).

The minute you hear his HUGE laugh you know you are going to have fun working with him. Sometimes I think we forget that whenever we have rehearsals in Racine, Todd has to drive 5 hours or so from Indiana to be with us. The best compliment I have heard from Todd is him telling me of all of the color guards and marching bands he works with during the year - he likes coming to Brigade the best. Todd does have one major addiction, however.....and that is NACHOS! Do not ever challenge him to a nacho eating contest - he will beat you so bad you will want to cry afterwards.

So there you have it - our color guard caption head, Todd Neuenschwander. Next week: one of our music caption heads: Dan Schmidt.

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Nick (contra)

Bring a friend!!

2008-02-11T11:34:00.000-06:00

First off - I am sorry I couldn't be with you on Sunday. I heard everything went fine and I hope you all had good "Show-And-Tell" experiences!

Right now we are - number wise - looking exactly like last year. The battery is set as far as who will be playing which instrument and if we have any new members trying to get into the line - they will have to audition with Patrick. We will still accept new members into the pit. Color guard is pretty set - but we will still accept new members over the next couple of camps.

The section that is easiest to join in the horn line. We will accept additional members right up until Memorial Day mini-camp. If only half of the band brought ONE friend to join the horn line - we would be HUGE and our sound would be HUGE. Talk to your friends and offer them rides - but get them to our next rehearsal!!! The end result will just be us getting better and being more competitive.

Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Brooke (rookie color guard)

First Full Camp!!

2008-02-09T12:17:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Gifford Elementary School and the first full rehearsals of the 2008 season!

These are crazy months with people missing out because of winter formal, swim meets, ACT's , honors band auditions. We have had a good turnout so far despite all of these things and as of right now we are pretty much the same size as 2007. Of course - we can always use more people - so we will be asking everyone to "bring a friend" to the next rehearsals.

I already like what I see as far as the work ethic and attitude of this group and I think this will be one of our stronger years. These first camps are always kind of strange because there is so much snow on the ground and it is cold outside - yet we are starting to teach the concepts the members will be using in June and July! I will be taking a bunch of footage (some will end up in the annual DVD) and I will be editing it and sending it out to my brother who is the web master for our Brigade web site. Look for the winter camp video clips to appear on the site very soon.

Today's marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Justina (front ensemble)

Thursday Rookie Tip of the Week

2008-02-07T08:53:00.000-06:00

Many times rookies are not sure what to bring and what to wear to their first rehearsal. Last week I talked about getting a binder. Here is a list of what you need for your first rehearsal:

Positive Attitude

Rookies who jump right in and get to know their instructors, talk to the director and make new friends have the best experiences. When I went down to Rockford, IL to try out for the Phantom Regiment in the mid-1980's I went by myself and soon was surrounded by people from all over the country and even as far away as England, Canada and Japan. At the first meal I got out of my normal "comfort zone" and sat down next to a bunch of strangers and introduced myself as "Rex from Wisconsin". These people would later become lifelong friends. I also took in everything my instructors taught me and even though the experience was very difficult at times - my positive attitude got me through it. In Brigade - be ready to work really hard, meet some amazing staff members and fellow students, and also be prepared to fall asleep right away when you get home!!

The Right Clothes

Jeans are not the best choice for winter camps. Not only will we be playing our instruments - we will be stretching, moving and marching. Sweats and warm-ups are the better choice. Also - be sure to have sneakers. During the summer, sneakers and socks are required - no bare feet or sandals are ever allowed on the practice field.

Lunch/Snacks/Water

For Saturday rehearsals - first off - eat a good breakfast! You will need your energy. Bring a bag lunch because we ask that you do not leave Gifford during the lunch break. Water is ALWAYS a good idea in the winter or summer and snacks are great to have at break times. However, please do not eat any food in the auditorium!

Binder/Instrument

This one should be self explanatory. Brigade is all about being responsible and making sure you have what you will need to have productive rehearsals.

Payments

Please keep up to date with the payment schedule and make sure all of your required forms are in. If a member does not have the pink emergency card, for example, turned in - they do not travel with us. Mr. Harms will be at rehearsals (usually at the start) to collect all payments and forms.

This is a good start as far as what rookies (and veteran's, too!) should bring to rehearsals. Here is to a great 2008 season......I can't wait to hear the music!!

Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Olivia (guard)

Deja vu........I still hate snow days!!

2008-02-06T16:16:00.000-06:00

Just one week ago I wrote that I hate snow days......and here we go again. At first I wasn't too upset that we had another snow day today because I always thought that after three snow days - you wouldn't have to make up anymore that happen after that. Well, all teachers got an email from the district stating that, yes we will have to make up all days missed. If this is the case - we went from having a Tuesday being the last day of school to a Monday the following week. This would make the next day record's day (which means I still can't start band camp until 1:00pm). The first true 9-9 day of band camp will now be starting an entire week later.

What this means is that everything will simply have to be sped up from now until band camp. We will have to teach drill faster and the members will have to learn drill (and retain it) faster. I do think we are up to the challenge and it should prove to be an exciting next few months before our first show. But.....I still hate snow days!!!!

As soon as I can figure out this mess, I will hand out new schedules and post the new dates/times on the web site.

Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Bennett (snare)

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-02-05T10:53:00.000-06:00

This week the spotlight is on our new visual caption head - Matt Koscinski. Matt is one of the few married staff members (although after this year, we will have a few more!). I have known Matt for 15 years, starting when he was a member of the Junior Brigade and I was the director. From there he moved up to the Lighthouse Brigade where he proved himself as a leader, superior marching member, soloist and even drum major. Anyone who was around Brigade back in the "old days" will remember the terrific flute/baritone duet at the end of the Evita production!

Matt came back to instruct Brigade in 2001 and has been on staff for many years. After taking a year off to get married, Matt came back last year - to the joy of many of our marching members! Matt may have a "gruff" exterior, but he is actually one of the funniest people I have ever met. Just ask the members from last year who were invited to his special "club" at the end of rehearsals!! When I retire I should really write a book and include all of the great one-liners and quotes Matt has said through the years....I would make millions! Just a warning for this year: you may experience Matt doing the "happy feet" dance quite often, but I promise that it will get funnier and funnier the more he does it. Really, it will. Here is some inside scoop on our new marching caption head.....he is very afraid of heights, so you will not see him climb up past the first level of any kind of scaffolding structure.

Matt spent five years marching in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band and finished his college career at UW-Whitewater. Matt now teaches band in Mukwonago, WI where some students are convinced that in real life he is actually the comedian Dane Cook! Matt will expect nothing short of everyone giving him 110% effort at all times and I , for one, think that is awesome. So there you have it - my Tuesday spotlight on the staff and our marching caption head - Matt Koscinski.

Next week: Todd Neuenschwander - color guard caption head

My Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Sarah (baritone)

Parent - FAQ's

2008-02-04T11:12:00.001-06:00

One question I am asked quite often from parents is, "Are parents allowed to watch their student practice at rehearsals"? The answer is - YES. Parents are always welcome to come and check out what we are doing during camps and rehearsals. New parents, especially, enjoy learning how we put together a show from start to finish.

I do have some guidelines and suggestions, however. We ask that parents do not disrupt any rehearsals by talking to their student or the instructors while the members are trying to rehearse. If a bunch of parents are standing together during a rehearsal - we also ask that you don't start up a loud conversation that can be heard by members trying to focus.

When we are out on the practice fields, we ask that you stay off the field and stay on the sidelines. This can become a safety issue with flags flying through the air or members marching fast moves. After dinner, during 9-9 rehearsal days we have what is called "Coordination". This is where all sections come together as a group and work small show segments over and over. Since I am the one who runs coordination - this is pretty much the only time I will not be able to talk with parents who may have questions or concerns.

Most parents come to see "Show-And-Tell" at the end of camp weekends. This usually takes place around 5:20 on Sundays and gives members and parents the opportunity to see each section perform warm-ups or parts of the show in front of an audience. During 9-9 rehearsals parents usually come out to the field by 8:30pm to see the "Run-Through" which is a performance level run-through of everything we have been working on that day. As the entire show is learned - each day ends with a complete run-through of the show.

I hope this not only answers some questions parents may have - but lets our terrific parents know that they are always welcome to see Brigade rehearsals in action!

Today's Brigade marching member "shout-out" goes out to: Mike -aka- "Plow" (baritone)

I Hate Snow Days!

2008-02-01T17:36:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not - I hate snow days! They are like buying and huge flat screen tv using a credit card just so that you can have it for the Super Bowl. It's all good fun for the big game - but then the bill comes in the mail and you have to pay for it. This is just what is going on with all of these snow days. Students might love getting out of school.....but I wonder if they realize that they will all have to be made up - and made up when the weather is going to be nice and warm. Picture some great June weather - nice warm, sunny days with no bugs yet.....and we are all still stuck in school.

I don't know about the rest of you - but by the time June comes rolling around - I am SO ready for school to be done and Brigade to start. I want to get that drill going and I want our band camp to be a positive experience - not a stressed out one.

Well - there is not too much I can do now. I thought the three snow days last year were a fluke and that I would not have to resort to a bunch of 5-9 rehearsals that last week of school. If you look at the "Latest Brigade News" site - you will see that I have had to change the schedule quite a bit since our band camp, and the opportunity for 9-9 days is getting smaller and smaller. Oh, well - we got through it last year and I actually think that as a staff we learned a few things so that this year we should be more prepared to deal with the shortened band camp schedule - so no worries. I will be asking the members, however, to really take to heart what the staff will be telling them. If, for example, they ask you to memorize the opener by the next camp.....then it just needs to be done!! We simply can't play "catch-up" and still expect to be competitive this season. You will be hearing lots more about this from me over the winter and into the spring.

My Brigade marching member "shout-out" of the day goes out to: Allison (trumpet)

Thursday Rookie Tip of the Week

2008-01-31T09:08:00.000-06:00

Each Thursday (until I either run out of ideas or our rookies are doing everything right) I will be giving a weekly tip to help make the life of our rookies just a little bit easier!

The first tip will be about getting your own personal binder ready for the Brigade season. This binder will be very important to you because it will have your warm-ups, parade music, show music, drill charts, and many other papers that will come your way this season. Brigade will not supply a binder for you - so I would suggest getting one for yourself right away. I would also highly recommend getting some of those clear plastic sheet protectors to keep everything clean and undamaged. You can choose any kind of binder you wish and often our members decorate or personalize them to make them their own.

It really helps to get your binder organized right from the start. We as a staff expect you to treat being a member of Brigade in a serious and professional way. Having bits of music and drill sheets floating around in your instrument case or being left in a rehearsal area for the director to pick up is not a step in the right direction! Color guard members may not have music to put in your binder - but you will still need one for all of your drill sheets. I will have a cool cover sheet for your binder that you may only receive from me when you show me you have a binder. To complete your Brigade binder - you will always need a pencil. We often change things in the music or drill and it is essential to write these changes down.......it will be too hard to just try to remember them later. So - get going on your binder right away!

My Brigade marching member "shout-out" of the day goes out to: Brittany (mellophone)

To march or not to march?

2008-01-30T11:37:00.000-06:00

This is the time of the year when some Brigade veterans (especially seniors) start thinking about coming back to march another season, or doing something else instead of Brigade. Time and time again I have seen seniors who have been with Brigade since 8th grade decide not to come back for their last year. This is always very heartbreaking to myself and the staff because these students won't have the chance to be recognized with their parents at our home show, they won't be able to be in the senior chapters on the annual DVD and they will not have the opportunity to be selected to receive the Matt LaBelle Award. They will also not have the chance to be leaders for our younger Brigade members while giving back to the organization that gave them so much in return.

Because I have been doing this for a number of years, I have seen this happen time and time again and I quite often hear from many former marching members who regretted the decisions they made to not march all of their years. High school goes by real quick and the time-line to be in a great organization like the Lighthouse Brigade is really small when compared to working for 30+ years after high school. Sometimes I think our older members should reflect how they felt when people they marched with and looked up to didn't come back. We all understand that sometimes students have other important things that have to take place during the Brigade season. I highly suggest, however, to do everything possible to come back and march with Brigade and to make the most out of every minute. You can never get these years back!

I am very excited for the first full rehearsals to begin in a few weeks - and I hope to see many, many veterans come back to do the thing we all love........Lighthouse Brigade!

Here is my marching member "shout-out" of the day: David (Baritone) - Go Bears!!

Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff

2008-01-29T12:17:00.001-06:00

Each Tuesday (until I run out of staff) I will share some inside information about one of our amazing Brigade staff members. This week:

Patrick Coughlin - Percussion Caption Head

Patrick first started instructing Brigade in 2004 and was the new front ensemble technician. The year before, he was a member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps front ensemble. If you ask him to play some "licks" from the 2003 Scouts show.....he can still do it (incredible!!). He has also marched in the cymbal line of the UW Marching Band and plays numerous gigs in the Madison and Southeastern Wisconsin area. Patrick is in charge of the newly formed Green Bay Packer Tundra Drum Line - and even though it is the Packers - it is still very cool to see Patrick and other Brigade members and staff in the Tundra Drum Line on the "Jumbo-Tron" during Packer telecasts. Patrick has been the Brigade percussion caption head since 2006.

Patrick is getting married to a great girl, Darlayne, on March 15th - so if Patrick looks a little nervous or preoccupied at the next few camps - you will know why! Patrick has been a terrific addition to the Brigade family and staff, despite some of his various "quirks". For example - if you are eating at a steak house with Patrick....chances are he will order something besides STEAK! If you are at a place known for burgers......you guessed it - a grilled cheese will end up in his take out bag! Patrick also has the ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat - and remain sleeping through any kind of noise or disruption.

So there you have it - my first "Tuesday Spotlight on the Staff" and my first staff selection - Patrick. Next Tuesday: Matt Koscinski (also known as Satan and/or Beelzebub)

Last, but not least - I have a marching member "shout - out" going out to:

Maggie (Tenor Saxophone)

Classical Music?

2008-01-28T09:17:00.001-06:00

I have heard comments from various members about the show music this year - everything from why we are playing classical music that was written in the 1800's to how can a marching band play music that was originally written for a symphony orchestra.

One thing I can tell them is what happened in 2006 - the year we won championships. I selected a show based on music from the movie, "Dragon Heart". I had never even seen the movie myself, but my music arranger, Dan Lutz, could not say enough about the musical score. One listen and I, too was hooked. When members started to hear the original score from the movie they heard.....strings!! How could a marching band play a show that has music written for strings?

The answer is that in the hands of amazing music arrangers and percussion designers - great things happen. The music for this year's show - Symphony No. 9 in E Minor (The "New World Symphony") is GREAT music. It has stood the test of time and sounds just as beautiful and exciting as it did when it was first performed many years ago. When you start with great music and add in quality arrangers and designers - awesome things happen.

The music for this year's field show is outstanding and I can't wait to hear it played by our members. I would suggest that you go out and buy a recording of the New World Symphony. Even if you think you don't like classical music (and I didn't really listen to it until college) you may find yourself pleasantly surprised!

First camps of the season!!

2008-01-27T15:07:00.000-06:00

Well - the 2008 season has officially begun!

The recruitment night on the 24th was very well attended - despite frigid temperatures (and an elementary concert going on that I was not told about!!). There were lots of new faces and I think the excitement level for this season is pretty high. There are always tons of veterans who don't show up for this meeting - so I will be looking forward to seeing who is "coming back" and what kind of numbers Brigade will have this year when we have our first full rehearsals February 9th and 10th.

Yesterday and today were percussion only camps. Patrick Coughlin, our percussion caption head, is very pleased with not only the number of people we will have this year in both the battery and the front ensemble - but also with the attitude and work ethic the members have already shown. Although our numbers are large enough already to have a full battery of at least 5 snares, 2 tenors and 5 bass drums - we will not turn people away. The pit currently has 6 members and we would welcome a couple more people! On a personal note: my daughter, Jennifer, is playing in the pit this year. Not only am I the proud director of Brigade - I am also a proud parent!!

I think it is safe to say that both percussion sections will be very strong by the time we start our competitive season! The winter camps really did help because we are seeing strong technique already and we should be able to spend more time working on show music this season earlier than we normally do.

First Post!!

2008-01-27T15:02:00.000-06:00

Welcome to "The Rex Blog"!!!

This blog is designed to give members, families, alumni and fans inside information about the Lighthouse Brigade of Racine Marching Band from Racine, Wisconsin.

I will try to post often during the off-season and when the competitive season begins (and if I have internet access!!) I will publish posts from wherever we may be at the moment to help keep everyone up to date on what is happening each day!