Posted on: 2008-06-17 The Rochester Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps – a 61 year old Rochester institution will host a free preview of their 2008 Competitive show - this Saturday, June 21st -7:30pm - at Pineway Ponds Park – North Union Street- Spencerport, New York.

Family, friends, and the general public are invited to attend the unveiling of this Rochester Crusaders show:

THE 2008 PRODUCTION
 
Russian Christmas Music - Cathedral Chorus
Gliding Dance of the Maidens
Hut of Baba Yaga
Great Gate of Kiev

“The Russian idiom was so successful for us last year,” program coordinator Gene O’Brien states. “The members and audience just loved this music and we figured we still have much to say on the subject.”

“This music has a great visceral impact and is wonderful educationally. It gives us an opportunity to entertain – which is paramount for us – and to educate both audiences and performers,” O’Brien states.

Crusaders open with “Cathedral Chorus” from Alfred Reed’s 1944 band masterwork “Russian Christmas Music.” Reed wrote this piece on commission for a concert in Denver, CO intended to improve American-Soviet relations.

The “Russian piece” in this concert was intended to be Prokofiev’s “March, Op. 99” but it was discovered that the work had already been performed in the United States. Reed, an experienced studio composer and arranger, was quickly summoned to fill the gap. He had a mere 16 days to compose what would become one of the most popular and frequently performed pieces of band literature.

Crusaders’ quiet moment is  “Gliding Dance of the Maidens” from Alexander Borodin’s 1909 ballet “Prince Igor.” “Gliding Dance” is one of the so-called “Polovetsian Dances,” which are the best-known selections from that ballet.

The material that the Crusaders are performing was incorporated into the 1953 Broadway musical “Kismet” as “Stranger in Paradise.” “We loved this piece as our ballad moment because it gives the program a populist, just plain beautiful moment,” O’Brien explains.

The third segment of Rochester’s show is music from Modest Mussorgsky’s 1874 piano suite “Pictures at an Exhibition.”
 “This production gives brass arranger Jim Prime the chance to utilize some material that we didn’t have the opportunity to use last year. It will also be a great chance for the percussion to stretch. ‘Pictures’ was one of our strongest percussion moments in 2007.”

The closer starts with the chorale from “Great Gate of Kiev,” then “Hut of Baba Yaga” and a finale of the main “Great Gate” theme.

“We are very excited about this music and concept,” O’Brien states.
 

“The Rochester Crusaders”  The history rich  Rochester Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps is a non-profit musical, visual and educational organization, that provides quality instruction that focuses on a musical and visual program that is both artistically and technically challenging. While being a competitive unit which travels all over the Northeast, we strive to bring the Rochester community closer to the unique activity of Drum and Bugle Corps, which we perceive as an art form. The Crusaders also strive to keep the spirit of competition and the camaraderie throughout the Drum Corps community.  The Rochester Crusaders give back to the community annually with food, toy drives, concerts, and many other outreach programs.

Posted on: 2008-06-10 “RHYTHM & BRASS”

This Saturday – June 14th – 7:30pm – Albion High School Auditorium-

302 East Avenue –Albion, NY 14411

The Rochester Crusaders in its continuing efforts to give back to the community will co-host this FREE concert with the Albion High School Music Department. The event will feature the Albion High School Winter Percussion, the Ghost Riders Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Rochester Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps. Your Master of Ceremonies for this event will be Bob Scott.

The Rochester Crusaders will hold rehearsal at the High School on Saturday starting at 9:30am-5:00pm, then will be in the concert that evening. The Corps return to the field for rehearsal on Sunday at 9:00am. All are welcome to attend rehearsals on both days.
The Corps has several members from Albion – Justin Barleben, Dave Hollebeck, Joe Callicut, Alexa Hess, Joe, Robin and Bill Stork.

Please join us this Saturday for a fine evening of drum corps!

“Albion High School Winter Percussion” This Albion High School Winter Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Bill Stork will be performing “Rhapsody in Purple.” This year was the first competitive year for the fifteen member group which placed 4th at the New York State Championships.

“The Ghost Riders” The Ghost Riders were originally formed in 1996 to compete in the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) “Mini Corps” competition. Since then, this group of dedicated members has been entertaining audiences with their own distinct blend of Drum Corps Music. 2008 will be the 13 consecutive championships appearance for the Ghost Riders, a record that may never be broken. The Ghost Riders won the New York State American Legion Crown, they have also won the prestigious DCA Mini Corps World Championship.

“The Rochester Crusaders” The history rich Rochester Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps is a non-profit musical, visual and educational organization, that provides quality instruction that focuses on a musical and visual program that is both artistically and technically challenging. While being a competitive unit which travels all over the Northeast, we strive to bring the Rochester community closer to the unique activity of Drum and Bugle Corps, which we perceive as an art form. The Crusaders also strive to keep the spirit of competition and the camaraderie throughout the Drum Corps community. The Rochester Crusaders give back to the community annually with food, toy drives, concerts, and many other outreach programs.

David Hobart

Public Relations

Rochester Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps