On Sunday, November 22, the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps launched their 2016 season with one of the biggest Open House events of the past five years.
Open House is the annual introduction to the Bushwackers for anyone who might be interested in becoming a performer with the drum corps. The day-long event presents the membership experience, giving musicians and color guard performers a commitment-free opportunity to see what a rehearsal with the Bushwackers is like, or to begin a commitment to the drum corps for the year.
This past weekend’s Open House was held at Montgomery Township Lower Middle School in Skillman, New Jersey, right outside of Princeton. Future Bushwackers rehearsal camps throughout the winter will take place at the same location. “Montgomery’s first-class rehearsal location is our secret weapon. The space we have gives the staff and performers every opportunity to rehearse and learn effectively,” said corps co-executive director, Jay Morlot.
One highlight from the weekend was the live announcement of the 2016 program, Piano Forte, during the opening meeting. At this time, the prospective members of the 2016 Bushwackers were also introduced to the administrative team and educational staff.
“Our Bushwackers design team has assembled a wonderful concept for the 2016 production, and it’s clear from their cheers during the announcement that the performers will enjoy the music,” noted interim corps director, Harlan Landes. “The educational staff, some new and some returning, are eager to take the corps’ performance to the next level this coming year, and even the new performers are already feeling the sense of family and what it means to be a Bushwacker. I was happy to see many Bush alumni throughout the day supporting the next generation of Bushwackers.”
The day continued with sectional rehearsals, where the brass learned the music to first piece in the 2016 production. Open House concluded later that day with a “show and tell” performance, where the brass, percussion, and color guard entertained each other as well as any parents, volunteers, and friends in the audience.
Bob Gupta, co-executive director, said, “The turn-out for the color guard was much better than we had imagined it would be. Lauryn [Heller, color guard caption manager] is bringing a new energy to the program.”
This first meeting of the 2016 Bushwackers was a resounding success! As we left the building at the end of the Open House, you could feel everyone’s excitement — from the performers, staff, audience, and administration alike.
If you missed Open House, there’s still time to join us. Our next rehearsal camp will be at the same location on the weekend of December 12 (brass) and December 13 (brass and percussion). Get more information by signing up now and RSVP on Facebook.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Bushwackers!