Madison, News, RSS Facebook, RSS General, RSS Twitter
 By  GreggParker Published 
12:10 pm Tuesday, October 7, 2014

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)

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.

 

 

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *