The Rocketeers recruit, encourage rehearsal for upcoming auditions
Members of The Rocketeers Drum & Bugle Corps took time for sightseeing at Niagara Falls during a Drum Corps Associates competition. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – The Rocketeers Drum & Bugle Corps is encouraging brass and percussion musicians to start practicing now for auditions in about two months.
“Dust off your horns, whip out the sticks and get the chops in shape,” spokesperson Bill Gullatt said. “So you haven’t played in years, now is the chance.”
The Rocketeers will host auditions and an open house on Dec. 7 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 980 Hughes Road. “Take the next two months to get back in the groove. Don’t worry if you don’t think you are ready,” Gullatt said.
The Rocketeers group is organized as a standing ‘mini’ drum and bugle corps. Members must be at least 18 years old. The Madison-based group has competed in Drum Corps International (DCI) Sound Sport divisor and achieved a silver rating in Huntsville and Atlanta.
The musicians also participated in Drum Corps Associates (DCA) and Brass Choir meets.
“You have the opportunity to join us as we continue to move up the ranks,” Gullatt said. A good attitude and commitment are the main factors for new members. “The corps places greater emphasis on dedication, attendance and hard work over talent.”
The brass section plays “‘G’ bugles,” 3-valve, bell-front instruments, consisting of soprano, mellophone, baritone and contrabass all in the key of G. The percussion section consists of snare, tenor, bass drums, cymbals and drum set.
During the 2013 competition season, The Rocketeers won first place in DCA’s Brass Choir Individual & Ensemble (I&E) division in Annapolis, Md. In 2014 DCA championships in Rochester, N.Y., the Rocketeers advanced from Brass Choir to Mini Corps class and placed sixth out of 11.
Also in Rochester, Mark Bailey took second place with a score of 95 in soprano/trumpet category in I&E.
Thomas Peterson serves as music director and arranger.
For more information, email to rocketeersdbc@earthlink.net or visit therocketeers.org or Facebook/The Rocketeers Drum & Bugle Corps.
