July 28, 2024 – Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
I am in the comfortable embrace of the South in North Carolina. Yesterday, I was picked up at the airport by my drum corps brother, Tim, and a friend for two days of the annual reunion and to attend NightBEAT in Winston-Salem. This is one of the best drum corps shows of the year. I have made the annual pilgrimage to attend for several years now. We are at the stadium at Wake Forest University for the Carolina Crown Hall of Fame ceremony. Tim sponsored James Turner and his family to be members of the Hall for their many continuous service as board members and volunteers.
This type of ceremony plays out all across America in the hundreds of drum corps from east to west. There is no activity more dependent on volunteers than this summertime endeavor. Alumni, parents, fans, and ordinary people step up every year to give of themselves to make the best experience for thousands of kids who join a drum corps each year. I cannot say it better than the speeches made by those present. The stories reminisce about the trials and tribulations of the early days, the logistics, the lack of resources, and the challenges of managing a touring drum corps back in the day, and now in the 21st Century. This is the opportunity to honor those who drive the trucks, cook and serve the food, sew the uniforms, and patch up the kids. The common theme of each speech was the motivating force of working for the thousands of amazing kids who came through their programs over the years and then went on to be the best citizens of the world. Drum Corps equals love and family—time to do some socializing and get ready for the show. I will be too consumed by the show tonight and will catch up with you tomorrow.
July 29, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina
Yesterday was arguably the best drum corps show on the planet. I have been coming to NightBEAT for several years now. The late-season show is organized and managed by the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. The venerable world-class DCI corps has fostered lifelong excellence in young people for over 35 years. Carolina Crown’s For the Common Good was a huge lure that hooked me back into the drum corps activity back in 2012 (I loved that Copland). It was great to see so many of the folks behind the scenes who make it all happen, who I have gotten to know over the years. These people, the venue, the lineup, and the weather once again collaborated to earn praise and ranking in my book, scoring a perfect 10 in all captions. I attend a dozen shows in nine states on my summertime lark each year to compare.
It was a perfect afternoon in Winston-Salem, NC. A perfect dozen World Class units came to play. And, yes they did. Fresh from the regional show in Atlanta the night before, the kids performed with confidence, precision, and panache. The stadium at Wake Forest is the most accommodating, comfortable, and convenient. Access is easy in and out of the stands and stadium. I never felt that it was crowded even though they set a record of over 10,000 attendees. What makes it special for drum corps is the high and early aspect of the stands in relation to the field. With no running track around the field, the stands are close and rise up steeply for the best overlook, even in the lower rows. I found the sweet spot at section 5, row HH.
Before taking that seat, I spent the early part of the show before intermission with my friends in the Clubhouse higher above. This afforded great networking and socializing with ardent fans and supporters of the activity that I have come to know. It was great to see my friend Charles again. At a previous NightBEAT a few years ago, Charles looked me in the eyes and, with a resolute tone, said, “And Kevin, you need to keep writing.” Thank you, Charles. Last year, factors conspired for me to miss NightBEAT. I will not miss another one as long as I am able to continue making my DCI summer tours.
As the sun basked the field, the US Marine Corps started us off with the Silent Drill Platoon demonstration and the National Anthem by the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps. The westside stands were comfortably in the shade and best for viewing the brightly lit performers on the field. MC Steve Rondenaro worked vocal magic throughout the evening by introducing each corps and connecting with his audience in his special, knowing way. Once I took my seat in section 5, I was in the midst of a drum corps family. My extra seat provided the opportunity to have a drum corps aunt join her sister (drum corps mom) and mother (drum corps grandmother) seated just below. Before she arrived, another interloper took the seat. It was a drum corps mom who volunteered for Seattle Cascades. She stayed through two performances before she had to catch the bus to their next housing along the tour. What a treat for me to be with them, as we were all enthralled together by the performances of the kids on the field.
In this post, I will not dwell on the show’s themes and the meaning behind them. It was great to see some corps for the first time this season. Starting off the night of drum corps, Jersey Surf with a fun and colorful show titled Getting Funky. Following them, Seattle Cascades performed Sky Above, turning a large lighthouse prop magically into a telescope at the closer. It was also my first viewing of the Blue Knights’ Busk, and Pacific Crest’s The Broken Column. I look forward to seeing these shows again in Allentown and Indy.
I took my seat in the stands following intermission, just in time for the performance of the evening. In the elevator, I asked a kid how he was enjoying the show. He said he was looking forward to the Troopers who were coming on next. He and everyone around me, who were on their feet whooping and hollering at the closer, witnessed the best performance of the evening. I was blown away and proclaimed loudly to everyone, “Now that was Drum Corps!” The consensus among the throng surrounding me and those who I spoke with post-show was that the Troopers injected that special magic into us, tripping our triggers and overwhelming that special part in our brain, defeating the Devil.
The rest of the evening had many similar moments with the corps that I have seen now, including Mandarins, The Cavaliers, Blue Devils, and Bluecoats (not blue). I appreciate the level of performance quality continuing to improve, still tweaking the shows, extending the closers, and improving the sound and visuals. Each corps stepped up to show the drum corps world what to expect in the coming days as they continue to clean, clean clean. Carolina Crown delighted the locals by revealing the crown. A fitting end, you might say, the crowning achievement of the best show on earth. There are so many more stories to tell, but alas, it’s time to clam it up for now and pack for the airport. I am heading back along the Mill Brook for two days before I embark on my auto tour, beginning with Boston. Peace out for now.
