This past weekend, the Bushwackers brass and percussion met in Princeton, New Jersey, for the first rehearsal camp of the 2016 season.
On December 12 and 13, the Bushwackers returned to Princeton for our first rehearsal following Open House. Brass arrived Saturday to learn new music for the second movement of the 2016 production, Piano Forte, based on Billy Joel’s Angry Young Man. Spending the night in our corps-sponsored housing facility, the corps was ready to begin early the next day.
On Sunday morning, the percussion section joined the brass at our world-class rehearsal site. The highlight of the day was the motivational visual rehearsal block led by Bushwackers visual consultant Joe Roche. Joe gave the corps valuable training and insight on the physical approach to movement and marching that will help the members build a good foundation for later in the season. Hours later, after rehearsal, the corps was still talking about the profound effect of Joe’s leadership.
Lunch for the camp attendees was provided by the corps.
Most of the time on Sunday was spent with the corps in sectional rehearsals, with brass working on the new piece and percussion learning new music to the production’s opener Piano Man. Before the end of rehearsal, the sections came together in a full ensemble to rehearse and play through the opener together for the first time.
Ensemble rehearsal also provided an opportunity for five of our veteran members to conduct the corps and audition for the role of drum major. The prospective drum majors in attendance were Giulia Delle-Femine, Anthony Joseph, Doug Leonard, Tyler Miller, and Magdalen Sheffield. Alumni drum majors Andrea Kelley and Alex Siwa were present to observe. When asked about his goals for the year for a newsletter, prospective drum major Anthony said he’d strive “to be a prime example of a Bushwacker, and to represent the corps in the highest light.”
Interim corps director Harlan Landes noted, “The 2016 Bushwackers are in a great position as we prepare for the new year. I love the momentum I’m seeing, and the work ethic is a great improvement. This is a corps that is ready to put together an entertaining and competitive production, and they will rise to the challenge placed in front of them by the designers and staff.”
The corps will return for the second winter rehearsal camp on January 9 (brass) and 10 (brass and percussion), again at our established winter rehearsal facilities. Registration is now open for this next rehearsal.
The 2016 Bushwackers have openings in all sections. If you are interested in learning more before registering, sign up today and join the 2016 interest group on Facebook.