The spirit of competition
From across the country, five drum & bugle corps had gathered for the Spirit of America competition on the stadium’s new turf. Competitors included Milwaukee’s Pioneers, Fort Mill’s Carolina Crown, Boston’s Crusaders, Rockford’s Phantom Regiment and Jacksonville’s Spirit from JSU. Atlanta’s CorpsVets performed an exhibition piece. Pioneer corps members warmed up to Outkast before the show, anticipating the performance they have been putting together since last November. After many long months of tryouts, choreography, and endless rehearsal hours through pouring rain or heavy summer heat, the members looked excited but serious. “We finally see (the show) come together in early June,” said saber coach Nicole Andrew, watching her team confidently. The scene behind the stadium was a picture of deep, long traditions, strong enough to flex with the times. Military-like discipline meshed with fun and camaraderie. Men with muscular stomachs and elegant women all twirled rifles, pounded out snare-drum rhythms and hauled heavy equipment and props. Inside the stadium, the place was buzzing. A few thousand spectators packed the north side of the stadium. Old and new friends, family and teachers, locals and visitors gathered. The frozen lemonade truck couldn’t keep up with demand. In one corner of the stadium, the Gordon Lee High School Marching Trojans from Chickamauga, Ga., gathered to watch. They were visiting JSU for their summer marching-band camp. Will Crawford, a low brass instructor for the group, sat among them chatting with his students. “(Marching) is fun because you have good teachers, and you also learn a lot of discipline,” said Donnie Owens, a member of the Marching Trojans. “It’s good to participate with a large group of people.” In another corner, the family of Corey Parker settled into their portable stadium chairs after a long drive from Atlanta. Mom and Dad Parker, both grandmas, Corey’s godmother, aunt and several friends all made the trip to support Illinois’ Phantom Regiment. Corey’s parents explained that each band has its own style, and Corey was hooked on Phantom Regiment’s style after he was introduced to their performance by his high school marching band teachers. “This summer he can expect to hit 21 states, and average four to five performances each week,” the Parkers explained. Likewise, JSU’s Spirit captured Adam Kindler when he heard their performance in the 2002 Finals. Many young performers would sleep on buses later Tuesday night, en route to other competitions in other states. After crashing for a few hours on gym floors, they will practice all day today, perform at night, and travel on. Rather than deter young performers, the demands of the drum and bugle life are so much loved by many that they don’t want to leave when they turn 21. Kindler, now the Spirit’s marimba player, can’t get enough. “I love this,” he said. “This is my fourth year. I’ve got one more left. Then I hope to teach.” |
||
|
|
