Troopers News & Updates

2010 Awards Banquet

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:34:27 -0400

The Troopers held their annual awards banquet on Sunday following the DCI World Championships at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. Members, staff, family, friends and alumni were on hand to celebrate a successful 2010 summer season. Awards from each caption were awarded to the following members;

Brass Caption:
Most Improved: Jared Bowen
Rookie of the Year: Jennings Barnes
MVP: Aidan Richie

Percussion Caption:
Rookies of the Year: Shane Holmquist and Leslie Swanson
Most Improved: tenor section (Chris Dorst, Brad Thompson and Wil Brewer)
Outstanding: Wes Hernandez
Zildjan Cymbal Award: David Zamora

Color Guard:
Most Improved: Zoe Kunkel
Rookies of the Year: Sam Poulin and Phillip "Fez" Franklin
Member of the Year: Hannah Bowden

Visual:
Outstanding: Jacob Motl, Aidan Ritchie
Rookie of the Year: Jennings Barnes
Most Improved: John Arambula

Jim Jones Leadership Award - Wes Hernandez
Trooper of the Year: Corey Moore

At the event, corps director Fred Morris instituted a new tradition, a "passing of the saber," so that the Troopers were literally not without drum major leadership for even a minute.

"Josh Jensen, an avid wrestler, is our drum major," Morris said. "This will be his age-out year. He came to us in 2007 after seven years of drum instruction, but did not make our cut for percussion. So he took up the tuba, nailed the audition, and has played tuba ever since."

Also instituted this year, the 2011 backfield commander Kyle Whatley of Pocatello, Idaho, will step into the drum major role for 2012.

The Troopers are already working on the 2011 season and summer program. Audition materials and camps dates will be posted on the corps website in the coming weeks. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply now at http://members.troopersdrumcorps.org.

2010 Color Guard Captain Announced

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:00:21 -0400

Troopers director Fred Morris is pleased to announce that Melissa Luell will serve as the color guard captain for the Troopers 2010 season.

Melissa Luell is an Elementary Education and History major at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, and will graduate in May 2011. Her color guard career began in 2002 as a freshman in the Friendswood High School
marching band. In 2007 and 2008 she was a member of an Independent Open/World Class winterguard, Code Black from Houston, Texas. In 2007 she received a WGI gold medal when Code Black placed first in Open class. The
following year Melissa performed in WGI world class finals. In 2008 she taught middle school and high school colorguard in Friendswood, Texas.

She was also a performing member of the Troopers colorguard during the 2007 and 2009 seasons. Melissa is looking forward to leading the colorguard as Captain this summer during her final year with Troopers.

Hell Bent for Victory movie premier

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:59:17 -0400

Hell Bent for Victory movie premier - May 15th - Parkway Plaza's "Old Town" All Alumni and fans are invited to attend a free party for the launch of Hell Bent for Victory (and link to www.hellbentforvictory.com)
Doors open at 4:00 pm
Pre-show talk begins at 5:30 pm
Movie shows at 7:00 pm

The event is free and open to the public. Food provided by the Parkway Plaza Hotel & Convention Center. Cash Bar.

Hell Bent for Victory to Air on Wyoming PBS

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:56:52 -0400

MDG Films is pleased to announce that Hell Bent For Victory, a feature length documentary showcasing the epic journey of the 2009 Casper, Wyoming Troopers Drum and Bugle will air statewide on Wyoming PBS on Thursday, May 13th at 7:00pm.

The Troopers have long been credited as the marching organization that revolutionized the drum corps and marching band activities in the 1960’s and 70’s. In fact, the 1965 Wyoming State Legislature designated them as “Wyoming’s Musical Ambassadors. Since given that title, the corps has performed before six United States Presidents and countless dignitaries throughout it’s long history.

In 2006, after several years of financial difficulties and competitive malice, the corps corps shut down to re-organize it’s structure. They returned to competition in 2007, made history in 2008, making it to DCI’s semi finals for the first time since 1995, and in 2009 they returned to finals for the first time since 1986. The film, produced by corps alumni, Michael D. Gough and Dieter Wiselogel is set for International DVD release on May 15th on the movie’s website,
www.hellbentforvictory.com.

What: Hell Bent For Victory broadcasting statewide on Wyoming PBS.
When: Thursday, May 13th at 7:00pm Mtn
Where:  Wyoming PBS


Also, just released today is a an article about the film on www.marching.com. Click the following link to read all about it.... CLICK HERE!

Hell Bent For Victory captures Troopers' comeback
New drum corps documentary is timely, timeless film

By Ken Martinson, Marching.com Founder

Troopers 2010

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 20:32:53 -0500

"Wanted"

================================

Join the Troopers at upcoming audition camps:

December 5, 2009 (ONE DAY ONLY)*
9:00am-5:00pm
Brass & Guard Audition Camp
Rouse High School
1501 CR 271
Leander, TX

December 12, 2009 (ONE DAY ONY)*
9:00am-5:00pm
Brass Audition Camp
Boise State University
Boise, ID

Dec 18-20, 2009
Laramie Jr High School
1355 N 22nd St
Laramie, WY
2nd Audition Camp
Registration begins at 6pm on Friday 12/18
FULL CORPS

Troopers Congratulate the Avon H.S. Marching Band 2009 Bands of America Grand National Champions

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:47:04 -0500

The entire Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps Organization would like to congratulate the Avon High School Marching Band from Avon, Indiana on winning their second consecutive Bands of America Grand National Championship this past Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Avon became the first band since 1991 to win back to back National Championships.

The Avon High School design and instructional team consists of several Troopers staff members including Visual Coordinator Daniel Wiles, Program Coordinator and Brass Arranger Dean Westman, Brass Consultant Matthew Harloff and Percussion Consultant Jeff Queen.

As Troopers Corps Director Fred Morris stated "The Troopers are so proud of the Avon Band and this incredible accomplishment. In one calendar year, this team of designers and educators has won a Bands of America Grand National Championship, won a WGI Scholastic World Guard Championship, landed America’s Corps back in the DCI Finals for the first time in 23 years and has now just won another Bands of America Grand National Championship. I would say that the Troopers are in good hands."

The Troopers are gearing up for the 2010 season with audition camps in Laramie, Boise and Austin, Texas. Don’t miss this opportunity to work with a World-Class staff and be a part of America’s Corps!

Troopers Hotel Block in Indy!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:49:45 -0500

A room block has been established for the Troopers at the Hilton Indianapolis in downtown Indianapolis for the 2010 DCI World Championships.

Hilton Indianapolis
120 West Market Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 972-0600

To book your rooms, please go to www.dci.org/indyhotels.

Enter the special Troopers access code to receive your special room rate. The Troopers access code is: DCITRO0809VLZ . Please utilize that code in order to secure reservations in the Troopers block of rooms!
Dates available are:

8/11/2010
8/12/2010
8/13/2010
8/14/2010

* Corps blocks should be filled up by May 1st. Starting in early May, if Trooper rooms have not been reservedp, the hotel will start releasing them back to the general public to sell.

* Final deadline to book your rooms online is Tuesday, July 13,2010.

* Rooming lists for reservations of 5 or more rooms are due Thursday, July 1, 2010.

* A $25 cancellation fee will be charged for rooms cancelled after Monday, July 5, 2010.

* Reservations cancelled after Thursday, July 29, 2010 or no-show rooms will be charged at the hotel's discretion directly.

* The new tax rate in Indianapolis is now 17% (compared to 16% in 2009).

November and December Audition camps

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:32:51 -0500

November and December Audition camps
Laramie, Wyoming for all sections
November 20-22 and December 18-20
Friday 4:00 pm – Sunday Noon

December 5, 2009 (ONE DAY ONLY)*
9:00am-5:00pm
Brass & Guard Audition Camp
Rouse High School
1501 CR 271
Leander, TX

December 12, 2009 (ONE DAY ONY)*
9:00am-5:00pm
Brass Audition Camp
Boise State University
Boise, ID

Please send completed and/or revised RSVPs ASAP to give us accurate numbers for buses and meal planning.

Welcome to the 2010 Troopers!  Here are just a few reminders and updates regarding the audition camps in November and December.  There will be audition camps in Laramie, WY, November 20-22 and December 18-20 at Laramie Junior High School as well as two satellite audition brass camps.  Registration will begin at 4:30ish in the LJHS cafeteria. For audition materials please check the web-site and for questions regarding auditioning if you are unable to attend any of these camps please contact the respective caption head:  Brass: troopersbrass@yahoo.com (Kyle Thompson); Guard: yourjeffrey@gmail.com (Jeff Cash); Percussion: scvmagnum@aol.com  (Kevin Welborn).  For questions regarding transportation, arrival times and locations and finances please contact the office 307-472-2141 or t.gilbert@troopersdrumcorps.org.

Flights: All flights for Laramie camps should be into the Denver airport!!!  Please plan to arrive no later than 12:00pm.  The bus leaving the airport for camp will be leaving no later than 1:00 pm, so plan to arrive early if driving to the airport. Flights on Sunday should be scheduled after 4:00pm.

Anyone flying in to satellite camps needs to indicate this on the RSVPs to enable us to notify someone in the area to pick you up and transport you to the camp site.

Pickup sites: DIA (Denver): gather at the water feature on the arrival level.  Airport contact person name and phone # will be emailed to those arriving at the airport prior to camp.  Please report no later than 12:30 pm.  Northglenn:  Parking lot next to the Ramada Inn off of the 120th street exit on the east side of Interstate 25.  Pickup time: 1:30 pm. Longmont: Exit 240, parking lot of the Phillips 66 station on the East side of the Interstate 25.  Pickup time: 2:15 pm. Anyone needing pickup along I25 other than these locations please contact the office.  The bus can stop elsewhere as long as we are aware of the need. Please plan to be at pick-up site at least 15 minutes early.  Casper:  Anyone traveling to the camp with the office personnel from Casper need to be at the Trooper Center (1801 E. ‘E’ Street) by 12 noon. To reach the Trooper Center take the McKinley Street exit either traveling east or west on Interstate 25, follow the eastbound frontage road (E Street) until you see the Trooper Center sign.

Those driving into Laramie from the west on I-80 take Exit 310 onto West Curtis Street, (changes to Reynolds Street at 3rd street light) and follow it to 22nd street. The school is on the corner of 22nd and Reynolds.  Those coming from the East (Cheyenne) take the first Laramie exit and follow it to 30th St.  Drive north to Reynolds and turn left.  Those coming from the south (Ft. Collins follow 3rd street as you come into Laramie to Reynolds and turn right and drive to 22nd  street.  We will enter through the gym doors on the east side of the Reynolds street side of the building.

Members should plan to pick up something to eat prior to registration as no evening meal will be served until the snack following the evening block of rehearsal.

Prior to coming to camp: All persons attending a camp please download from our site the (1) Student Info form, (2) Student Medical Form as well as the (3) Boy Scout Form.  (If you pay your camp fee on line you will automatically receive by email the necessary forms. Bring them to camp completely filled out and with the requested signatures.) The Boy Scout (Venturer) form is necessary as it provides the Corps with a supplemental accident insurance policy for all enrolled participants.  These forms are required prior to participation and we encourage you to mail or fax (307-235-6236) them in ahead of time.  The Troopers pay all application fees.  Note: Participants 21 years of age or older will be required to fill out an adult form at camp.  Also posted is the tuition & fees schedule. Check out this information so you can begin to gather the funds you will need to march with the Troopers in 2010 once you have made the cut for the line.

All participants will need to bring rehearsal clothes (shorts or sweats—blue jeans do not work), toiletries, towel, a sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow.  Although we will be rehearsing indoors, you’ll want to bring warm clothes for travel.

Fees:
Laramie camp: For all auditioning an audition fee of $75, a $50 camp fee and a $40 bus fee (for those riding the bus), and you’ll need to have cash for meals while traveling to and from camp.  Meals during camp will be provided at the school.
Satellite camps:  $75 audition fee     (only for 1st audition camp). You need to provide your own meals. Please note that all fees can now be paid on line with a credit card.  Our web-master has provided a direct link to this area.  If you pay your camp fee online you will automatically receive the necessary forms which you have to bring to camp only one time.

The Troopers will not be held responsible for any personal items lost or misplaced by the participants, i.e. phone jacks, iPods, CD players, watches, jewelry etc.  We suggest these items be left at home or packed in your luggage to be used only while on the bus ride and not be left lying around in the school.

Participating at an audition camp is only your first step upon an incredible journey.  You need to be at camp in order to maximize your experience and to best prepare you for the exciting summer that lies ahead.  Returning vets need to audition and attend rehearsal camps to retain their spots.  No one can assume that merely attending an audition camp assures them of a position.

We’ll help coordinate travelers from other areas as much as we can, but we need the assistance and involvement of parents and family to help us to reach the highest level of success.  We welcome and encourage all volunteer support, especially through driving participants to and from camp, as well as helping prepare meals and other tasks throughout the weekend.  Everyone, members and parents alike, need to ask questions and seek assistance if you are having any difficulties in turning this dream into a reality.  Remember: We cannot help if we are unaware of the need.  Please contact the office by phone 1-886-998-7667 (1-886-WYTROOP) or email to t.gilbert@troopersdrumcorps.org for assistance.

Troopers Announce 2010 Guard Audition Information

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:34:51 -0400

Thank you for your interest in the 2010 Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps Color Guard! This page will provide you with a lot of information on how to audition for the color guard and what to expect at auditions. Please read carefully and make sure to check back for updates.

AUDITION DATES Those wishing to audition for a spot in the 2010 Troopers Color Guard are highly encouraged to attend a at least one winter audition camp as well as the final audition at the end of April. The reason for this is so that potential members can learn the technique program and have all winter long to work on it. This will offer you a much better experience and help us evaluate your skill level prior to move-ins. No matter what, however, ALL individuals interested in being a part of the Troopers Color Guard MUST attend the April camp! Audition

Dates and Locations:
November 20-22, 2009 -- Laramie, WY
December 5, 2009 -- Leander, TX
December 18-20, 2009 -- Laramie, WY
April 2010 -- TBA -- ALL GUARD AUDITIONEES MUST ATTEND!

** We are currently working on having an Indianapolis, IN area audition for Saturday, December 12. Check back for updates. ** Please make sure you fill out an interest form as well as a RSVP form for which camps you will be attending. If you are unable to attend a camp and want to audition, please contact Jeffrey Cash, Color Guard Caption Head, via email – j.cash@troopersdrumcorps.org. Alternative arrangements can be discussed at that time.

THE AUDITION PROCESS
A routine does not need to be prepared for your audition. Your skills will be evaluated while learning the technique program throughout the camp. Your training will involve learning technique in both movement and equipment and will be supplemented with choreography so that you may demonstrate how well you perform those skills combined. It is important that ALL members have a strong base of movement and flag technique. If you spin flag only, that is ok, although you may be asked to spin a weapon just so the staff can get an idea of your range of skills. If you spin rifle or sabre, you will be asked to audition on those. Flags will be provided for everyone to spin. We spin 6 ft. flag poles with thirds. Rifles and sabres will be provided as well, although you may bring your own if you would like. If your weapons do not match the ones we spin, you may be asked to spin with ours. We spin 37” King rifles and 39” King sabres.

Please remember to bring:
spinning gloves
tennis shoes
form fitting clothes/dancewear (we need to be able to see your body, especially your feet/ankles -- no baggy clothes)
a POSITIVE ATTITUDE!!!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jeffrey Cash via email -- j.cash@troopersdrumcorps.org.

Troopers Welcome Rod Owens to Administrative Team

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:32:22 -0400

The Troopers are proud to announce the addition of Rod Owens to the administrative team. Rod will join the corps as tour director for the 2010 season. "Rod Owens comes to the Troopers with a wealth of experience in logistics planning, administrative experience and tour management," said Troopers Director Fred Morris. "I am thrilled to have Rod on board; he will be a huge asset in continuing the further success of the entire Troopers organization. I have known Rod for many years and admire his management capabilities and his passion for the drum corps activity." Rod has been involved in the drum corps activity since the 1990's. He has worked with corps such as the Crossmen, Magic of Orlando and most recently the Glassmen as tour director. We are excited to welcome him into the Trooper family.

Troopers Audition Camps - UPDATED!

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:25:31 -0400

Nov 20-22, 2009 - Friday 7:00pm - Sunday 11:00am
Laramie Jr High School
1355 N 22nd St
Laramie, WY
(Full corps)

Dec 5, 2009 - 9:00am-5:00pm
Rouse High School
1501 Cr 271
Leander, TX 78641
(Satellite Audition Camp)

Dec 12, 2009 - 9:00am-5:00pm
Boise State University Band Room
1910 University Dr # 1320
Boise, ID 83725
(Satellite Audition Camp)

Dec 18-20 2009 - Friday 7:00pm - Sunday 11:00am
Laramie Jr High School
1355 N 22nd St
Laramie, WY
(Full corps)

Visit http://members.troopersdrumcorps.org for complete membership and audition information.

Troopers Announce 2010 Brass Team

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:48:19 -0400

The Troopers are proud to introduce the brass instructional staff for the 2010 season. Program Coordinator and Brass Arranger Dean Westman stated "I could not be happier with the brass staff that we have assembled for America’s Corps.Kyle has put together a diverse group of educators who all share a vision for providing our members with a life changing experience. Each new brass staff member is a former student of either Matt Harloff or myself.We are so proud to work with all of them again!"

Troopers 2010 Brass Staff
Kyle Thompson, Brass Caption Head
Jeff Mitchell
Holly Maldonado
Michael Terry
Trevor Bailey
Stephen Mason

Visit the Troopers web site to learn more about the 2010 brass staff and membership in the 2010 corps.

Troopers to Host UW Marching Band Invitational

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:21:03 -0400

The Troopers are pleased to host the UW Marching Band Invitational in 2009!. The event will be held Saturday, October 3, in War Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Wyoming.

The UW Marching Band Invitational is designed to help prepare bands for the State Marching Band Festival held later in the month. In addition to the marching competition, each band will also receive a free clinic session with a member of the UW Band Faculty. THERE IS NO ADMISSION FEE FOR THIS EVENT!

Bands will be divided into classes for this Invitational. Overall awards, as well as caption awards, will be given for each class.

For more information, please contact:

UW Marching Band Invitational
Attn. Brad Williamson
Dept. 3037
1000 East University Ave
Laramie, WY 82071

Troopers Announce 2010 Brass Leadership Team

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:29:31 -0400

The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps are pleased to introduce the Brass Leadership Team for the 2010 season. Veteran staff member Kyle Thompson will assume the role of Brass Caption Head and will be surrounded by a world class team of consultants, mentors and staff.

"Ralph Hardimon, Dean Westman and Gordon Henderson have been raving about Kyle for two years now' commented Troopers Corps Director Fred Morris. "Kyle is a dynamic teacher that brings an incredibly well rounded understanding of what we are working to achieve with our members.” Thompson is a former marching member of the Blue Devils and has served on the Troopers instructional staff in 2008 and 2009.

Program Coordinator and Brass Arranger Dean Westman said “In this free agency era of drum corps, we tend to always look for who the next big name hire is going to be. Our philosophy is fairly straight forward. The goal is to hire world class music educators that share our vision for creating positively life-changing musical experiences for the members of our corps. We have found just that in Kyle Thompson. The Troopers are certainly on the right track and the key to future success is providing consistency for our members. Jeff Fiedler gave me this same opportunity with the Cavaliers when I was Kyle’s age and it forever changed the trajectory of my life. I am so excited to “pass it on” and be a part of Kyle’s career as a Brass Caption Head.”

The Troopers are also thrilled to announce that Matt and Ben Harloff will join the Troopers as Brass Consultants. “We are ecstatic to welcome back some old friends in new roles for 2010” said Westman. “Both Matt and Ben have served as camp clinicians for the corps and we are honored to have each of them take more of an active consulting role as we continue to develop our brass program. Matt and Ben give so much time and effort to Carolina Crown. The Troopers are really blessed to have teachers of this caliber giving up their precious free time to work with our organization. Working with these master teachers will be the experience of a lifetime for members and staff alike!” “It was so rewarding to be just a small part of the Troopers family in 2009 and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to work with the corps in 2010” said Matt Harloff. “Ben and I both have an appreciation for everything that the Troopers mean to this activity and look forward to a very bright future with America’s Corps.”

The entire Troopers organization would like to thank Scott Atchison for his work with the corps and wish him the best of luck in his new position with the Cavaliers.

Fred Morris named DCI Director of the Year

Sat, 8 Aug 2009 17:39:12 -0400

The Troopers are pleased to announce that Fred Morris has been named Drum Corps International's Director of the Year.

This award is given by his peers and is in recognition of his leadership and achievements returning the Troopers to competitive field after a 1-year hiatus.

Tonight, the Troopers perform at the DCI World Finals for the first time since 1986.

Troopers return to DCI elite following Semifinals competition

Sat, 8 Aug 2009 08:52:23 -0400

By Justin Herberger | jherberger@dci.org
Saturday, August 8, 2009 - 2:07 AM

Troopers
Three days into the 2009 Drum Corps International World Championships, a familiar face will finally return to the coveted top 12 of drum corps elite. After a 23 year absence from those ranks, the Troopers of Casper, Wyo. overtook the Colts (13th, 85.60) by a slim margin of .30 points taking 12th place in the Semifinals competition with a score of 85.90.

Troopers Drum Major Corey Moore said before the corps' momentous score was announced, "If we do get into Finals tomorrow night, everybody is going to be proud. The alumni are going to be so proud. We just all came together as a family more this year and we all wanted it together enough to get us to where we are now."

Moore said Friday evening's show was, "all about emotion. We gave it to the crowd and the crowd gave it back to us. It was an unbelievable feeling."

Blue Stars
Blue Stars fans will remember last year's World Championships when the corps broke back into the top 12 after nearly 30 years. The Blue Stars utilized their popular 2008 show, "Le Tour," as a vehicle to the corps upward in rankings. The corps has experienced a similar pattern of success during the 2009 season, returning to the Finals competition again. They took ninth place at the Semifinals with a score of 90.4.

"After we got over the awkwardness of not knowing if our Semifinals performance was our last or not, hearing the announcement that we were going to the Finals was a good feeling," said Blue Stars euphonium player Briana Engelbert about the corps’ 2008 season.

"And now this year, to keep going on is just amazing," she said. "I don’t even have to think about not making Finals, just about having the best performance I can.”

At the apex of the World Class competitive heap, the top three corps still held their ground keeping their respective positions. The Blue Devils glided into first place with a 98.4 while second ranked Carolina Crown clenched onto their current silver medal status with a 97.55. The Holy Name Cadets will enter Saturday's Finals competition in third place overall with a 97.20.

The Cavaliers
Cavaliers color guard member Brian Olson said he was pleased with the corps' Semifinals performance, which earned fourth place with a score of 96.05. “Everyone had incredible energy. We just went out there with the mentality that we had to fight for it. Tonight’s got to be the night and tomorrow we have to fight for it even more. It’s been a progression all summer, step-by-step, show-by-show. Tonight was just full of energy and everyone was having a blast.”

Going into the Finals will be an emotional journey for Olson and many other 2009 drum corps “age-outs.” After the countless challenges overcome, friends made and stunning shows performed, drum corps members will have much to miss from their summertime adventure.

"It’s a little sad, leaving the Cavaliers after four summers. It’s been a blast being here, it’s been a crazy road. Right now it’s time to fight for that show tomorrow and after that it’s time to celebrate and enjoy the time I have left with my brothers in the Cavaliers," Olson said.
Santa Clara Vanguard (5th, 95.90) and Bluecoats (6th, 93.55) remained locked in the same relative positions, while the Boston Crusaders (7th, 91.20) overcame the Phantom Regiment (8th, 90.65).

Colts
The two corps have traded the seventh and eighth position back and forth this summer, but the Crusaders will move into the Finals competition over Phantom with a comfortable point between their
scores.
Three-tenths of a point separated the Glassmen (10th, 87.95) and 11th ranked Blue Knights, earning a 87.55. The corps remain closely matched across all captions to keep the bottom section of the World Class excitingly competitive.

Performing their last show of the season, the 2009 Colts fought hard in the midst of stiff competition. “As the summer went on, we kept going strong, but we would get in these little run-ins with other corps competing for one spot, which is what we had to do tonight,” said third-year color guard member Lauren Austin. “Normally we have this or that solid spot, but this season we had to fight and put everything we had out on that field every time to be successful.”

The Academy
“Everyone knows that we put our best effort into tonight’s performance and that’s all we really could ask for. We had the crowd on their feet before we were even done, so that’s the only memory I will take with me. We were successful,” she said.
The Academy took 14th place with a score of 83.75. Drum Major Andrew Hrynyshyn said the 2009 season was the best of his four with the corps. “This year has been about taking this journey and climbing as high as we possibly could together. No matter how hard things got or the struggles we had, we always stuck together and pushed ahead. My experience in 2009 has been that the effort is the prize. No matter what happens this weekend, the journey has been what’s most important. 'The Ascent' has been what’s most truly valued.”

A score of 82.40 earned the Madison Scouts 15th place. Scouts baritone player for the past three years Tony Manion said his biggest accomplishment with the corps didn’t happen on the field, but with friends he made during his time with the corps.

Crossmen
“Our biggest accomplishment was the closeness we have with each other as a brotherhood and the bonds we share, that we know we'll always be there for each other, no matter what. I know 20 years from now if I have any trouble, I can call any of these guys, and they'd be there for me. I think that’s just awesome.”

Crossmen color guard captain Nichole Naselrod said that over the course of the 2009 season, she faced unexpected challenges, but overall had a great time during her fourth year marching as a member of the Crossmen. The corps took 16th place with a score of 81.65 on Friday.

"I think this has been my hardest season of drum corps. Being captain of the color guard has definitely brought a lot of responsibility and stress that I didn't realize went with the job, but overall I would say it was an enjoyable summer and one I'm going to miss," she said, explaining that it hadn't sunk in yet that she had just completed her last performance.

Spirit
"I'm not ready to be done with drum corps," she said.
Christian James, a contra player in his last year with Spirit (17th, 80.45), said standing ovations became a tradition during the season in response to the corps' popular show, "Live... In Concert!", which featured the classic rock music of Kansas.

“Every show that we went to we had a very good crowd response. I loved it. It made my season to see that many people love our show that much.”

Troopers Return to DCI Elite Top-12

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 19:40:45 -0400

Semi-finals Line-up announced

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 11:40:24 -0400

The Troopers will perform tonight at 6:25pm (EST) to stake their claim to the DCI World finals.

View the Line-up!

12th Spot Owned by Troopers After DCI Quarter-finals Contest

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 11:39:52 -0400

The Troopers opened a larger lead over the Colts in Thursday's quarterfinal contest. Check the scores!

Gear up for DCI week!

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:18:39 -0400

The Troopers have added more new designs to the on Line sheep wagon!

Included are limited edition Ralph Hardimon signature t-shirts, West Side Story ladies t-shirt, hooded sweatshirt & logo cap!

Shop NOW!

Inspiration Wall 2009

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:28:09 -0400

Q: What is "Inspiration Wall"?
A: Its really just an ordinary wall located at near the sleeping facilities at the corps housing site during finals week.

Q: What is so special about the "wall"?
A: Inspiration Wall is covered with cards, letters, notes, pictures, posters - whatever you can think of to support and encourage the 2009 Troopers in the final week on tour. In years past, parents have printed out images from the photo gallery to display. Hand made banners were hung on the wall. Let your imagination run a little wild - be creative!

Q: How did this all begin?
A: Trooper legend traces this back to the early 60's when the corps would receive telegrams from home (the governor and other Wyoming dignitaries) wishing them well for major national contests. We still have all those telegrams in our archives in Casper! Over the years, telegrams became postal letters, then faxes and finally emails. We've expanded the wall to include images, posters and the like in the past few years.

Q: Who puts up all the items?
A: Generally a local volunteer or parent on tour.

Q: Who can contribute things for inspiration wall?
A: Anybody who has a child in the corps, grandchild, cousin, niece, nephew, friend, neighbor or student. You don't even have to know anyone marching so submit something for the wall display. Alumni are encouraged to send items for the wall, too!

Q: Where can I send things for the wall to?
A: Please send cards, letters, posters, images, and well wishes to:
Troopers Inspiration Wall
Andrea Harmon
2561 Tower Ridge
Corinth, TX 76210

Please make sure your item(s) arrive at this address NO LATER than August 4th.

Troopers take 12th at DCI Southwest

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:29:12 -0400

Troopers (12th, 79.60) haven’t placed as high as 12th in a show with all other World Class corps since the DCI World Championship Finals in 1986, when the corps finished 11th. The corps stayed above Colts (0.50 behind in total score) mostly due to small spreads in every caption. The corps was 0.05 under Colts in Visual Effect, 0.15 over in Music Effect, 0.25 over in total Visual (but 0.80 over in Visual Performance;remember to divide that in half), and 0.15 over in total Music.

Read the complete recap analysis on DCI.org

Birdies for Food & Fuel

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 07:34:22 -0400

Are you ready to play golf, help kids learn to read and support the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corp at the same time?

Here is your chance!

The 2009 Wyoming Cavalry Pepsi/Budweiser Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 17th at 1:00 at the Three Crowns Golf Club in Casper. Monies raised at this tournament will help support the "Reading for Success" program at Casper Jr. High and Elementary schools. It will also raise monies for "Food & Fuel" for the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps for their 2009 tour!

Along with a chance to meet Coach Majic and the Wyoming Cavalry players, there will be plenty of prizes, hole contests, great food and beverages.

Can't be in Denver?

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 16:46:38 -0400

Join the Troopers Fan Network and stream the ultimate Troopers performance on your computer!

On Demand ’09 & On the Field (subscription based)
• Live Webcasts from select 2009 DCI Tour events tentatively scheduled for Annapolis, MD; Stanford, CA; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA and Indianapolis, IN … subject to change with the addition of more events
• Post-show replay available for on-demand viewing of complete corps performances from select locations – including all Webcast events and more
• Unlimited access to the entire Drum Corps International audio/video vault – including all of the Top 12 World Championship performances since 1974
• Audio and Video downloads of your all-time favorite performances – from “the classics” to the current day
• A streamlined browsing experience to access and switch between your favorite corps channels with ease
• Improved video filtering and search functionality
• BIGGER and better video quality

Now available in two affordable subscription options…

The $39 Fan Network Subscription will give you access to Video on Demand of corps performances from select 2009 events, access to all current-year and historical video archives, discounts on audio and video downloads, in addition to all of the free content provided by your favorite corps.
The $59 Fan Network Plus Subscription will give you all of the great features of a regular subscription, PLUS access to all live Webcasts of some of Drum Corps International’s biggest events, and more!

Subscribe today!

The new Troopers Fan Network gives you complete access to this impressive display of media content for 365 days a year. Can't get enough drum corps action? Well, NOW is the time to join!

Troopers launch Adopt-A-Trooper Program

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:20:51 -0400

1957 saw the beginning of a legacy in Drum Corps. When the Troopers began no one knew that it would become what it is today; A Corps of musicians from all over the world, who come together
every summer to represent Wyoming on the national stage.

This summer the Troopers will travel 14,000 miles, spend 79 days together, and compete on 28 fields. They will rehearse 12 hours a day, and become tomorrow’s leaders whose core values of Honor, Loyalty, and Dedication, will carry them off the field and into the real world. An endeavor such as this is not a simple task. While the Troopers are 50% self funded, their need is still great. New uniforms, instruments, upgrades, food, fuel, staff, and insurance will total a bill of $250,000 by summer’s end.

We invite you to 'Adopt A Trooper'. With your support, this summer will be a huge success! And in return, the Trooper member you’re supporting will send you postcard updates from the road!

Troopers add Special Performance to July Schedule

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:20:17 -0400

Join the 2009 Troopers for a special "Thank You" performance for the City of Cheyenne, the State of Wyoming, and all our incredible supporters.

6:00 pm, Sunday July 12th.
Okie Blanchard Stadium at East High School, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Troopers Add New '09 Tour Items to Sheep Wagon

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:18:02 -0400

Check out the newest additions to the Troopers on line shopping portal, the Sheep Wagon!

‘Thunder in Oregon’ Wyoming’s only competitive drum and bugle corps brings high energy

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:18:42 -0400

By Larry Hurrle - Independent-Enterprise
Thursday, June 18, 2009 8:41 AM CDT

The Troopers drum and bugle corps out of Casper, Wyo., perform one of their routines during a recent Drum Corps International competition.

Editor’s note: This is the third of a five-part series featuring the drum and bugle corps which will perform at “Thunder in Oregon” July 7 at Ontario High School. This week’s drum and bugle corps: The Troopers.

Drum Corps International will hold an event featuring five drum and bugle corps teams in Ontario July 7.

The event, “Thunder in Oregon,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Ontario High School football field and will feature the Oregon Crusaders out of Portland, Ore., The Cascades of Woodinville, Wash., The Troopers from Casper, Wyo., the Blue Knights out of Denver, Colo., and the Santa Clara Vanguard from Santa Clara, Calif.

The Crusaders will take the field for competition at 7:40 p.m., followed in succession by The Cascades, Troopers, Blue Knight and Vanguard. Following the competition, the Blue Knights will perform an encore presentation while judges are tallying up the results. Following the awards ceremony, the Troopers will also perform an encore presentation.

General admission seating is available for $13 per person in advance or $15 at the door. Reserved seating is available for $18.50 in advance or $20.50 at the door. Tickets are available on the Internet at www.dci.org or through the Ontario High School and Fruitland High School band programs. Tickets will also be available at local outlets including Greif’s Music in Ontario.

The Troopers are the only competitive junior drum and bugle corps in the state of Wyoming.

The corps, founded in 1957 by Casper businessman James E. Jones, represents the state of Wyoming in numerous performances and events during the year. The group has won 11 national titles and has made DCI World Championship finals nine times. The Division I corps is known for their long and storied history, and is often called America's Corps.

The Troopers' distinctive Cavalry uniforms, straight out of the West of more than 100 years ago, identify the young men and women from the Casper, Wyo., troop on sight. Being one of the first junior drum corps' to ever win a national title, comprised of both boys and girls, the Troopers have earned a name for fine music, outstanding marching and maneuvering, friendliness, discipline, and espirit de corps. The romantic appeal of the West, the patriotic tradition of the U. S. Cavalry, the excellent military bearing, precision marching, stirring music, sweeping drill patterns-all combine to create a unique emotional impact. Since 1965, the Troopers have won the World Open twice, in 1965 and 1969; the V.F.W. National title in 1966; the CYO Nationals in 1968 and 1969; and North American Invitationals in 1968 and 1969. Their schedule this summer includes the National V.F.W., World Open, CYO National and the North American Invitational (Toronto) contests, plus many other competitions in the East and Midwest. The corps was organized in 1957 and made their first public appearance in 1958. Since that time over 1,000 Casper boys and girls have participated in this fine group.

This year’s repertoire is entitles Western Side Story and includes Cave, Adelina De Maya Movement 2, One Hand, One Heart/John Dunbar Theme, Spaghetti Western, Movement 3, Gun Battle from Billy the Kid and Pentium. Executive director for the Troopers is Mike Ottoes.

Troopers Leave for Summer Tour

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:03:23 -0400

The Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps will pull out of town on June 20th at 9:00 am to leave on their summer tour. The public is invited to join us in bidding farewell and good luck to the Corps.

The 130 Troopers, plus staff and volunteers, will be traveling in Royal Charter busses, with two semis pulling the equipment trailer and portable kitchen, and suburban and their world famous sheep wagon.

Over the course of the next 7 weeks the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps will travel nearly 14,000 miles, do 28 shows and go through 26 states. Their ultimate destination is Drum Corps Internationals World Finals in Indianapolis, Indiana, where they will compete for the title of World Champions!

You can join us at NCHS Stadium this Saturday as they depart to wish them well and escore them out of town.

Please call Jamie Purcell, Development Director, with questions at (307) 267-2421.

Troopers Summer Update #1

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:52:16 -0400

TROOPERS SUMMER UPDATE #1

Welcome to the first summer update of 2009! Here is the latest news from your Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps.

Fred Morris, Corps Director, is doing a fantastic job with the staff and Corps. The weather has been less than great, with rain most every day, and a tornado warning on the 13th. But the corps is working hard and this year's show is sure to be one of the best in recent memory.

Troopers Week A Huge Success!
June 9th through the 15th was Troopers Week in Casper. The corps performed at the Wyoming Cavalry Game on the 5th, the Night With the Stars on the 6th, the Shrine Bowl Parade on the 13th, and then gave a Thank You Casper Performance at NCHS Stadium on the 14th.

Reviews of the Thank You Casper performance have been very good. Here's what Sally Ann Shurmur, from the Casper Star Tribune, had to say on our message boards:

"OK, so the Thank You! The Thank You Casper show was so cool...Know that I'm a "traditionalist" who thinks they should still play all Western music all the time, but the music in this year's show is really beautiful, and yes, does have a Western sound to it.

They got a standing ovation after the show and then played their encores of Ghost Riders and Battle Hymn Chorale, and then I started bawling as usual."

The Star Tribune has published numerous excellent stories about the Troopers already this year. You can read all of them on the TroopBlogs at http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org/blog.

Troopers in Denver on June 20
The Troopers will be performing at Englewood High School on June 20 at the Blue Knights' Rocky Mountain Rendezvous. It features the Blue Knights, the Troopers and the High Country Brass senior corps. There are many Troopers alumni involved in all three corps, so chances are you'll recognize someone from "back in the day."

Tickets are as follows: Family, friends, and alumni - $10.00 for meal AND performance; $5.00 for performance. Call the Drums Along the Rockies Office at 303.424.6396 to make reservations.

Picnic: The event will begin with a picnic on Englewood High School grounds.
5:00 PM - High Country Brass and family members
5:30 PM - Troopers and supporters
6:00 PM - Blue Knights and supporters

Come and eat with your favorite corps member and send the Blue Knights and Troopers off with a rousing CHEER as they leave for tour!

Performance: All three corps will perform and present information about their corps.
7:35 PM - High Country Brass
8:00 PM - Troopers
8:25 PM - Blue Knights

Any Troopers fans able to bring a dessert, either cookies or brownies, to feed 36 people, please contact the DATR office at the number above ASAP!

Bring a lawn chair!

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:31:16 -0400

Family, friends, alumni, and fans: Join us on Saturday, June 20th for a kick-off to the 2009 drum corps season! The Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is a preview show featuring the Blue Knights, Troopers, and High Country Brass. This event is sponsored by the Blue Knights and will be held at Englewood High School, 3800 S Logan, Englewood, CO 80113.

The festivities will begin with a hamburger and hot dog picnic from 5 to 7 PM, followed by performances from each corps starting at 7:30 PM. The cost of the picnic is $5.00 (all corps members and traveling staff eat free) and $5.00 for admission to the performance.

Feeding the Troopers: 'Mom' does it all for drum and bugle corps members

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:38:20 -0400

By SALLY ANN SHURMUR
Star-Tribune staff writer
Friday, June 5, 2009 10:44 AM MDT

If she preps dinner before lunch, sometimes -- only sometimes -- she can squeeze in a little time for herself before dinner. If and when that occurs, she rewraps sprained ankles, gives medical advice to a quivering-lipped young woman, sews practice flags, works on the books, or figures out her grocery list.

Traute (pronounced Trout-ee) Gilbert is just referred to as Mom -- by her husband of 47 years, Ted; her own five kids; this year's 130 Troopers and 20-some staff members; and by those who find themselves in her "kitchen" on wheels.

On Wednesday in her kitchen in the parking lot at Douglas Middle School, she was rolling lunchmeat (ham, turkey and roast beef) onto large cookie sheets preparing for lunch. On the raw, chilly day, chicken noodle and creamy potato soup were heating in huge pans in the double oven, new-used and donated last year and a tremendous improvement over her previous single oven.

She begged for on-demand hot water and has it this year, and the ceiling leaks were fixed, allowing her to actually use the top row of storage space without ruining things. And she has absolutely no desire to have a commercial dishwasher, although a few more hands would be nice.

"A dishwasher takes up too much water and time," she said. "We have to plug in to schools, and we throw too many switches as it is."

There is talk of a longer, larger kitchen, but Gilbert has been closely involved with the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps since the first of her kids, Kurt, joined the B Corps in 1979. And so she won't get excited about the larger kitchen until she steps foot in it for the first time.

A trained registered nurse, Mom Gilbert first went on the road in 1983, and since 1994, has toured all season long.

She rides the bus -- any bus -- while capable professional truck drivers drive her kitchen from place to place in the middle of the night.

After 18-hour days that begin at 5 a.m., and end after 11 p.m., every day of the week for the four weeks of pre-tour rehearsal, she looks forward to "a nice, long bus ride."

"I can sleep on any bus, even the drummers', and they are constantly drumming," she says.

She works part time from fall to spring as the Troopers' administrative assistant and jokes that she still receives her part-time checks while working 18 hour days in the kitchen.

Although she knows it's necessary, she'd much rather leave actual grocery shopping to a capable volunteer. She's much happier in her skinny functional kitchen, preparing breakfast to be served at 7 a.m.; lunch at noon; dinner at 5 p.m.; and snack at 10 p.m.

Four meals, seven days a week, for 130 starving kids ages 14 to 22. And because these are kids, there's some homesickness, and Mom deals with that as well.

"You just try to get them through it," she says. "There are stomach aches and twisted this or thats, lots of hospital events in the beginning, then things tend to improve."

Shamrock delivers to the kitchen on wheels in Douglas and Casper, and Sysco makes scheduled deliveries on the road, invariably during the serving of lunch, but sometimes in the middle of the night.

Preordered food bills run $3,000 to $4,000 a week. And someone goes shopping locally nearly daily for fresh items, such as milk, bread, veggies and fruit. Those daily trips add up to another $1,000 to $2,000 a week.

"Sometimes it gets a little scary near the end of tour, but we do just fine," she says. "It's nice to have leftovers for snack, but this crew is eating too much."

This day, she watches the clock as it nears noon. The lunchmeat and cheese trays are out, condiments are as well, and the soup is too. And there are multiple loaves of bread -- whole wheat and white -- on each of the two serving tables.

"It helps to take the twists off the bread," she tells her helpers. "Otherwise, they just rip them open."

She asks how much bread is on the tables, and thinks they should add more while they have a chance.

"Once the vultures get here, you can't reach through," she says.

The clock strikes 12, the sun comes out for the first time all day, and they arrive -- four buffet lines on two tables. Within 20 minutes, it's over.

This year, there are a couple of kids who don't eat red meat; four "real" vegetarians; some who don't eat pork; a gluten-free and a lactose intolerant.

She tells two who ask that there is probably chicken broth in the potato soup, and they microwave a can of organic black bean soup in the kitchen. On this day, they have hummus, cheese and peanut butter for their sandwich makings.

They drink lemonade, fruit punch and water out of industrial-sized jugs. And all day along, they all have access to creamy and crunchy peanut butter, strawberry jam, grape jelly and bread.

"We use a three-pound bucket of crunchy peanut butter and half that much creamy a day," she said, "and half a No. 10 can of each kind of jam and jelly."

Both during Trooper Week activities and on tour, husband Ted drives his personal vehicle pulling the beloved and legendary "sheep wagon," full of Troopers souvenirs such as sweatshirts, hats, posters, DVDs, CDs and T-shirts. It's also the place to get on the official Troopers mailing list. For more than 50 years, the Troopers' Western flair has made it a fan favorite nationwide, and Ted does a booming business.

Mom wishes someone would volunteer to go along on the first half of the tour with him, beginning June 20.

"We all would be much more comfortable if he had someone to go with him," Mom says. "He has someone from Houston to the end, but not at the beginning."

As for her kitchen volunteers, Mom says she'll have a good crew once she gets to Ogden, Utah, but it's a bit skimpy before that.

"I can do it myself, it just takes a little longer," she says.

Troopers 'Week' stretches 10 days

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:40:40 -0400

By SALLY ANN SHURMUR
Star-Tribune staff writer
Thursday, June 4, 2009 7:39 PM MDT

Indoor football, a donors' only private show, christening a highway bridge and a free stadium performance, a concert in the park, a parade, another standstill performance in another park, the National Anthem at outdoor football and -- all too soon -- a final, free, full performance in another stadium.

That is Troopers "Week" 2009, which stretches gloriously from this evening through June 14 in Casper and south to Douglas.

It's certainly not the first time the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps has played for its hometown fans.

In the book, "Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps -- Casper, Wyoming," brass member Rick Rice (1967-1970) recalls similar public appearances:

"Mr. Jones made seasoned veterans out of 15-year-olds with his 'dog and pony shows.' We would perform just about anywhere, for anyone for whatever reason. ... We performed for John Wayne and the cast of 'The Hellfighters' at the Holiday Inn. And there were countless shows where we marched in, played three or four songs and marched out."

Now, in its 51st season, Troopers director Fred Morris and his staff have a similar philosophy.

"The community has given us so much over the past 51 years, and we want to give back," said development director Jamie Purcell. "We want the community to be part of the Troopers again, and we want to honor everyone who has been part of the Troopers for the past 51 years."

Although all Troopers outdoor rehearsals are always open to the public (8 a.m. to noon; 1 to 5 p.m., and 6 to 10 p.m.), this specific lineup of performances offers a variety of options to see the work in progress that is the Troopers before the competitive tour season begins on June 23 in Rio Rancho, N.M.

Because they hail from 25 states, Troopers will disperse from Indianapolis this August at the conclusion of the Drum Corps International World Championships.

Thus, while it's only June, this 10 days full of performances is the final chance fans will have to see them in Wyoming, although there are two Colorado shows (Windsor on July 10 and Denver on July 11) on the competitive schedule.

Tonight, the full drum line performs prior to kickoff of the Wyoming Cavalry game at 7:05 at the Casper Events Center. At halftime, the full drum line and full horn line will do a standstill performance. Cavs game tickets are required to see the Troopers.

On Saturday, the third annual "Night of the Stars" fundraiser begins at 6 p.m., at the Trooper Center, 1801 E. "E" Street.

There is no live auction, no silent auction -- just all of the Troopers, lots of music and lots of fun. It's the first time the full corps in uniform performs its 2009 competitive music, "Western Side Story."

Tickets are $75 each or $125 for two. A buffet provided by the Parkway Plaza Hotel and wine tasting are included in the ticket price. Beer will be available for purchase.

Tables for eight are available for $2,500 and include a bottle of wine, a banner, and a Trooper who will communicate while he or she is on the road.

"We made $ 106,000 last year and it was amazing," Purcell said. "All kinds of people said it was the best fundraiser they'd been to. Our goal this year is $150,000. We promise, it is the best show in town -- ever."

In addition to lots of Troopers and their music, patrons will play celebrity bingo and learn about new opportunities to Adopt a Trooper.

On Sunday, the Troopers will be the first musicians to march across the new Yellowstone Highway bridge in Douglas at 6 p.m., and then perform their show free in the Douglas High School Stadium at 7 p.m., as the final event of the town's annual Jackalope Days celebration.

On Thursday, the Troopers will perform at intermission (approximately 7:55 p.m.,) of the first Casper Municipal Band concert of the season, which begins at 7:30 p.m., in Washington Park. Admission is free -- bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.

The Troopers will march in the Shrine Bowl parade in the morning on June 13 and play a standstill in City Park at the parade's conclusion. A Troopers ensemble will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to kickoff at Natrona County High School's Cheney Alumni Field. Game tickets are $5 each.

The "Thank You, Casper" free performance is at 7 p.m. on June 14, also at Cheney Alumni Field. A tailgate party from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., prior to the show will feature barbecue meals for $5 each. Trooper alumni from any of the previous 50 years will gather at a Troop Whoop at the tailgate and then will be part of the emotional close of the show on the field, singing the traditional Corps song with the 2009 Troopers.

Following the close of Troopers Week, there is one more week of grueling 12-hour day rehearsals on the fields at Frontier Middle School. The Troopers begin their 2009 tour as they depart from Casper on the morning of June 20.

"As a Trooper, we were able to bring our fans back in time, and remind them of what it means to be an American. For me, I feel that I have served my country through music. We are all patriots, and we are all Troopers," said Michael D. Gough, a member of the brass from 2000-02 and drum major from 2003-04), in the book, "Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps -- Casper, Wyoming."

Reach community news editor Sally Ann Shurmur at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com. Read Sal's blog at tribtown.trib.com/Sal/blog

Troopers Week 2009

* Tonight: Pregame and halftime, Wyoming Cavalry indoor football game, 7:05 p.m., Casper Events Center, game ticket required.

* Saturday: "Night with the Stars," 6 p.m., Trooper Center, 1801 E. "E" St.; family-friendly, tickets at door, $75 each/$125 for two; tables of 8, $2,500.

* Sunday: Yellowstone Highway bridge dedication, Douglas, 6 p.m.; full performance, Douglas High School Stadium, 7 p.m., free.

* Monday through Wednesday, June 8-10 and Friday, June 12: Rehearsals, 8 a.m.-noon; 1-5 p.m., 6-10 p.m., Frontier Middle School, Casper, free.

* Thursday: Intermission, inaugural Casper Municipal Band concert, 7:30 p.m., Washington Park, free.

* June 13: Shrine Bowl parade, downtown Casper, 10 a.m., followed by standstill performance in City Park, free; "Star-Spangled Banner," prior to Shrine Bowl, NCHS Stadium, $5 per person game ticket.

* June 14: Tailgate party, 4:30-6:30 p.m., outside NCHS Stadium, $5 per plate; "Thank You, Casper," concert, 7 p.m., NCHS Stadium, free.

For more information on any of these events, call the Troopers at 472-2141.

Tour Manager Joins Troopers

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 07:26:18 -0400

A new addition to the Troopers Administrative team is Veronica H. Castro; originally from San Antonio, Veronica is finishing her Bachelors in Political Science from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.

In San Antonio, Veronica participated in her high school music program as a percussionist, conductor, drum major, and also performed with an award winning independent indoor percussion ensemble. Since high school, Veronica has worked for several successful central Texas band programs including the prestigious James Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble from Austin. In 2005, the program was awarded the Sudler Shield National Award for Highest Standards of Performance and Musical Excellence.

Veronica’s drum corps experience started in 2006 when she performed as a member of the Oregon Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps. The following summer, Veronica aged out as a Drum Major with the Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps.

Veronica will serve as this summer’s Tour Coordinator/ Manager.
To reach Veronica or the Troopers this summer, email tourmanager@troopersdrumcorps.org

Once upon a time

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 14:16:01 -0400

Sunday, May 31, 2009 1:59 AM MDT

SALLY ANN SHURMUR
Star-Tribune staff writer

So I'm addicted to the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps from Casper, Wyoming.

To me, they are a childhood memory, along with Indian dancers on Prexy's Pasture, the Shrine Circus in the Fieldhouse and those wonderful barbecue sandwiches after the Jubilee Days parade.

When Troopers director Fred Morris and I met, he asked, "Did you march?" and I responded, "No, I'm just a groupie from way back."

Well, I never marched with the Troopers, but once upon a time, Fritz the Dad and Peggy Jane the Mom were able to afford to send me on a three-week high school band adventure to Europe. The trouble is, as much as a private, persecuted instructor tried on Saturday mornings, I just could not play the snare drum and march at the same time. Heck, I could barely hold the drumsticks and really couldn't count and "march" at the same time.

So band director Jay Dee Schaefer thought I could do the least amount of harm the farthest away from real musicians, and he bestowed upon me the privilege of carrying the American flag all throughout Europe. And it was spectacular. And whoever still has photos of that Bozo-haired, pale-skinned girl in the lime green and white polka dot bathing suit needs to get rid of them -- now.

My band adventure occurred just about the time the Troopers were winning everything there was to win, and so they became like rock stars to me.

This is how a former Trooper described her experience on trib.com:

"With the Troopers, it's not just about winning. It's about history, tradition, honor, loyalty and dedication ... I came to the Troopers in 1985 after my home corps in Houston folded. It was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I for one am grateful to the state of Wyoming, the city of Casper and the Troopers for having given me the opportunity to be a member of one of the most respected drum corps in the country. I aged out in 1988 and what I learned as a Trooper shapes so much of what I do every day."

Even when words are how you make your living, it's impossible for me to describe what the Troopers music does to a person -- how it creates a lump in your throat, tears in your eyes, goose bumps on your arms, an accelerated heart beat and feet tapping in rhythm all at once.

And to someone who can't count and walk, that's a lot goin' on.

How -- short of "The Star-Spangled Banner" -- there is nearly nothing in the musical world that is more exciting than hearing the public address announcer intone, "And now on the starting line, from Casper, Wyoming, the Troopers."

Back then, I remember not even remotely understanding how those girls in their blue skirts and boots could toss those rifles and catch them -- every single time.

Now, as a mom, I cannot comprehend sending a child a thousand or more miles from home as a teenager or young adult for an entire summer. I cannot comprehend them sleeping on a different gymnasium floor every night from late May to early August, the rookies with just thin, thin pieces of foam for a mattress.

I cannot comprehend the dedication it takes to be a Trooper, or one of the nearly two dozen adult instructional staff that spend their summer riding in a bus from Rio Rancho to Dallas and Portland to Pittsburgh.

I cannot comprehend, but I am grateful.

And whether or not "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is included in their 10-minute, 30-second competitive show, they are still -- and always will be -- from Casper, Wyoming, the Troopers.

Memories of No. 12: Color Guard leads life's path

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:14:28 -0400

By SALLY ANN SHURMUR
Star-Tribune staff writer
Monday, May 25, 2009 8:20 AM MDT

Renee Penton-Jones was tall as a teenager -- very tall.

"Mr. Jones loved tall girls, especially for flag lines, so the corps could use us as a gauge for straight lines and circles," she recalled. "It was scary for me that first year (in A corps). He put me in a key position right away because I was tall. There is video of us at a (Denver) Broncos game, and one lone flag girl steps off two counts early. That was me," she said with a giggle.

In 1968, Penton-Jones, a Casper native, finally achieved her goal of getting into the Troopers B Corps Color Guard.

"There were so many girls interested in Color Guard, we had drill down every Saturday. Col. Jake Putnam and Mr. Jones taught you military marching," Penton-Jones said.

"For B Corps, 150 girls tried out and they took 12. I was No. 12. My dad (Bruce Penton) cried," she said, tearing up at the memory. "He was just so proud. Making it into B was such a huge step. There were very, very few kids who weren't from Casper. It made it a lot more locally popular for the kids."

As a sophomore at Kelly Walsh, Penton-Jones made her first trip with the Color Guard, which also traveled separately from the corps to its own competitions.
In Chicago, the big thrill for the girls was to watch the legendary all-male corps, The Cavaliers, rehearse.

"At that practice, I saw my first husband in the bugle line," she said. "I wanted to meet him so badly, I went up to him and asked if he knew what time it was. He pointed to a clock on the wall the size of First Interstate Bank and walked away."

They met again -- and actually had a conversation -- later that trip, and six years later, were married at First United Methodist Church in downtown Casper with the Troopers performing at the wedding. Her favorite wedding photo shows her brushing her veil from her eyes in the breeze, which makes it appear as though she is saluting.

She was married to Cavalier Jim Stress for 15 years, and they have two "beautiful" children, T.J., 29, and Mikla, 23.

Now the general manager of the Parkway Plaza Hotel, Penton-Jones is married to Central Wyoming Fairgrounds manager Tom Jones. She has been back in Casper since 1991 and is a passionate, supportive Trooper alumnus, as are most of the more than 2,000 since 1957.

In a curiously circuitous way, Penton-Jones credits her romance with Stress for at least partially expanding the Troopers' magnetism to young people beyond Casper.

"He would come visit and bring friends with him, and they fell in love with Wyoming and the wide-open spaces and they wanted to be Troopers," she said. "They loved how beloved the corps was here. In Chicago, there's obviously not such a loyal fan base."

As a member of the A Corps after 1-1/2 years in B, Penton-Jones was "adopted" by A Corps member Mitzi Hede (Coupens), who let her ride in the front of the Red Bus, prime seats for teen girls with long legs.

"She took me under her wing," she said of her beloved deceased friend. "She taught me the words to all of the songs. We would sing 'How the West was Won' right before we went on. The way the crowds embraced us and our uniforms -- look, I'm getting goose bumps.

"It was so hard not to look at anybody. We looked through them, not at them, but the rush is so addictive. I imagine it would be like scoring a touchdown, and in 1970, we scored every touchdown there was."

In 1970, the Casper Troopers won five world championships and were officially dubbed "Wyoming's Musical Ambassadors."

Throngs of fans would surround their buses, wanting autographs and their pictures taken with members of the corps, wherever they went. Back home, Gov. Stan Hathaway greeted the corps upon its return from a win in Miami and personally hung medals around the necks of each member.

"What a year to go to the A Corps," she said.

When Penton-Jones returned to Casper in 1991, the Trooper numbers and popularity had begun to decline, unable to keep up with million-dollar big business corps in other parts of the country.

She continued to visit with and learn from Mr. Jones, whom she considers a lifelong mentor. When he died in June 1994, she said, "For me, it was the corps can't die just because Mr. Jones died."

Now, Penton-Jones is at peace.

"What is exciting is Fred (Morris) reminds me so much of Jim Jones. He has that power that kids respect. They're almost there -- well, they are there, aren't they? I'm very proud that people like the McMurrys have put their arms around them and allowed them to go in the direction they are going."

Penton-Jones likes that Morris and his staff have recaptured the Trooper discipline. "The passion has always been within the kids. They want to get better," she said.

And No. 12, a five-year veteran, should know about that.

Troopers 2009 Show

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:07:33 -0400

THE 2009 SHOW
Here is a brief summary of the 2009 Troopers' competitive show, "Western Side Story." Director Fred Morris and his staff have projected this with 66 horns, nine snare drums, five bass drums, five tenor drums, 12 in the stationary percussion pit, two drum majors and 30-36 Color Guard members.

"We've crafted a contemporary Western-themed show with music from 'West Side Story.' The thing (DCI competition) has gotten so contemporary. You have to be theatrical, you have to dance. 'Hang 'em High' just doesn't cut it anymore," Morris said. "This definitely has a Western flair. We are not leaving our roots."

1. "The Cave," with trumpet solo, "Maria," and baritone solo, "Somewhere."

2. "Adelina de Maya," written by Joseph Curiale, who spends a lot of time in Wyoming's Wind River Mountains for his musical inspiration -- also composed a piece for the Troopers' 2007 "comeback" season -- with "America."

3. "Spaghetti Western," percussion feature with horn accompaniment.

4. "One Hand, One Heart," with John Dunbar theme from "Dances with Wolves."

5. "Pentium," with "West Side Story" reprises.

Encores:

Battle Hymn Chorale, Ghost Riders.

Troopers director combines passion, business

Tue, 26 May 2009 10:48:14 -0400

By SALLY ANN SHURMUR
Star-Tribune staff writer
Monday, May 25, 2009 8:12 AM MDT

This morning, representatives from half of the 50 states plus Japan will gather in the parking lot behind the grandstands at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds.

They'll eat breakfast at 7 a.m., and then put in a 12-hour work day, with breaks for lunch, dinner and evening snack. Lights out won't come until 11 p.m.

Welcome to the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps "All-Days."

Meet Fred Morris. Raised outside of Youngstown, Ohio, he's part owner of an international steel bar company in Green Bay, Wis. His house in Hermitage, Pa., has been on the market for three years. He'll be happy to tell you about it if you're interested in relocating.

Since May 23, 2006, he's been the full-time, year-round director of the Troopers -- and livin' his dream.

"In 1966, the Troopers were the first drum corps I ever witnessed in my life," he said last week. Clad in khaki shorts and sandals, he looks nothing like a business executive. Yet he's running a mutimillion-dollar business in the Troopers
"I was in a competitive marching band out of Warren, Ohio, sponsored by the VFW. We were in Detroit, and the band show was before the drum corps show. After we performed, I literally ran back to the sidelines, a 15-year-old kid, and watched the Troopers. I just fell in love with them. I always wanted to march here, but my parents said, 'You're not going to Wyoming.' From that day on, I followed them. Every single season from then until now, I have watched them perform at least once, and usually more."

Morris took the Troopers' job knowing that the corps would not march during the 2006 season as it tried, successfully it turned out, to resolve serious financial irregularities.

When he arrived in early May 2006, he spent two weeks talking to people from board members to small creditors and residents, trying to figure out if the Troopers' issues were solvable. Then he accepted the job, and the real work began.

For a number of years, he was on staff with the Bluecoats drum corps of North Canton, Ohio. Through those years, he'd see Troopers founder and director Jim Jones.

In one brief but impressionable encounter, Jones put his hand on Morris' shoulder and said, "Just keep her going, kid!"

As Morris worked to pay the bills and rebuild the Troopers, 117 marched in 2007, the season he dubs "comeback."

"The comeback kids from 2007 are still here if they haven't aged out, and I am very, very happy for that," Morris said.

In August, 120 marched and made it to the semifinals of Drum Corps International in Bloomington, Ind.

"It was beyond my wildest expectations," he said of last year's achievement. "I had no idea this thing would ramp us as fast as it did." And that's just on the field.

"We had a five- and seven-year business plan. We blew through the five years in the first year. We are on track. We are living within our means. Our bills are all paid. Things are good. We live on cash," Morris said.

With a solid recruiting plan in place and a nationwide staff of 22 from primarily high school and collegiate music and marching programs, 406 students ages 14 to 21 called to inquire about becoming Troopers this season.

"First, we look at the attitude -- are they trainable? From where they are now, where will they be in August? Can they take direction? Can they grow from criticism? Are they mature enough to handle 71 days on the road? Then, way down the list, we audition for musical talent," Morris said.

Through monthly audition camps beginning in January, the staff issued invitations to some 130 to spend this summer as Troopers.

If Morris' mom wouldn't let him come to Wyoming at 15, why should someone else's mom let her kid come?

"We take care of their kids. We feed them four solid meals a day. We schedule every minute of their day. It is a life-altering experience. It is a life-learning experience. We teach them life skills -- time management, money management, personal hygiene. They have to wash their own clothes. They have to be where they are expected to be when they are expected to be there. But we take care of them," Morris said.

Morris admits that a summer of 14-hour rehearsals and 71 days in a bus is not for everyone.

"It's not for every kid. They have to have this interest at heart. This is a hate-love thing. Life can be pretty tedious," he said.

But when the uniform is pressed and the horn is shining and the flag is rippling in the breeze, and the stadium is full and the announcer says, "Now on the starting line, from Casper, Wyoming, the Troopers," then those 14-hour days will be quickly forgotten.

And for Morris?

"This is a childhood dream come true for me. It is a wonderful experience. At last season's banquet, I told them, 'Thank you for letting me live my dream so you can live yours.'"

Trooper Week in Casper

Sat, 23 May 2009 09:49:16 -0400

June 5th through June 14th is Troopers Week in Casper

There will be many opportunities to see and hear the Troopers and their 2009 show before they leave for the Drum Corps International competition circuit. The schedule is as follows:

June 5th - Halftime at the Wyoming Cavalry Indoor Football Game, Casper Events Center
June 6th -  A Night With the Stars, Troopers Center, 1801 East E Street. All
Alumni should have received an invitation! Please call (307) 472-2141 if you have not.
June 7th  Jackalope Days performance at Douglas High School Stadium, Douglas, WY
June 11th  Concert in the Park, Washington Park, Casper (around 7:00 pm)
June 13th  Shrine Bowl Parade with stand-still performance afterwards in City Park, Casper
June 14th  Public Thank You Casper! Show, NCHS Stadium, Casper, 7:00 p.m. Tailgate party with the Corps, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
June 20th  Send off from Casper

Troopers Alumni Kick-Off Summer '09

Sat, 23 May 2009 09:47:00 -0400

It's hard to believe, but summer is almost upon us, and that means the Troopers are coming to a city or town near you! If you have been reading any of the message boards and Trooper sites as of late, you know that the Corps has continued to build momentum from one of the most successful seasons in recent Trooper history. Read on to see how you can be a part of it. GO TROOP!!!

Check out the 2009 Troop Whoop Schedule

Your Troopers Alumni Association continues to build momentum as well. Thank you for your continued support and involvement! As in recent years, the TAA will be sponsoring Troop Whoop alumni gatherings across the country to support our Corps at show sites. It's our chance to renew the friendships forged through our Troopers experience, and in general have a great time with friends and family. In all but one location alumni are invited to attend events at no charge. There is a suggested donation to help cover costs associated with each venue.

All events are in conjunction with that evening's local DCI show, so you can enjoy the gathering and see some of the incredible performances this summer.

Please be sure to register for all events in the alumni section of the online store at www.troopersdrumcorps.org to assure an accurate head count

2009 TROOP WHOOPS

HILLSBORO, OR July 3, 4 - 6 p.m.
Cornelius Pass Roadhouse
4045 N.W. Cornelius Pass Rd.
Non-hosted; order off the menu
Suggested TAA donation of $5/individual, $15/family
Contact Rick Rice, 206-499-8664, rickrice24@hotmail.com

ONTARIO, OR July 7, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Ontario High School
1115 W. Idaho Ave
BBQ and Beverages
Suggested TAA donation of $5/individual, $15/family
Contact Joel Williams, 208-890-3526, alumni@troopersdrumcorps.org

DENVER, CO July 11, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Invesco Field
1701 Bryant Street
Tailgate snacks, shade and social at grassy area in front of Invesco Field
Suggested TAA donation of $5/individual, $15/family
Contact Jessie Gonzales, 303-945-6121, gonzales.jesse@gmail.com

SAN ANTONIO, TX July 18, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Iron Cactus Riverwalk
200 Riverwalk, Suite 200
Food provided
$13/individual, $8 under 10 years
Contact Terri Everett, 512-423-8090, territroop88@gmail.com

INDIANAPOLIS, IN August 7, 2:30 - 4:30
Old Spaghetti Factory
210 S Meridian St.
Non-hosted; order off the menu
FREE!
Contact Jon Beerman, 614-578-1215, beerman71@gmail.com

Night With the Stars

If you can’t make it to the Troopers' 3rd Annual “A Night With the Stars” on June 6th, please consider making a donation for this annual Corps fund-raiser. This event is the single largest source of support for the summer tour. All donations can be sent to the Troopers Center, and of course are tax deductible. Thank you in advance for your continued financial support of your Corps!

Drums Along the Rockies Denver Ticket Block

The Drums Along the Rockies Committee and Blue Knights are graciously holding a block of seats for the July 11 contest in Denver for the Trooper family. The seats are at the top of section 106, and are $35. You can order these tickets by calling the DATR ticket line before June 1 at 303 424 6396 and requesting a seat in the "Troopers Block". Tickets in the block cannot be ordered online, only over the phone. The DATR Committee will hold the block for us as long as they can, but sales are already brisk and they may be gone before June 1, so order early.

Back in the Saddle

Do you still pine for those glorious days spent in years past with the Corps? Well, you can make that happen again! Volunteers are always needed and appreciated by the Corps. We know you are busy, so if you can't spend the whole summer, then how about 2 weeks? Or one week? Or even All Days at the end of May? The Corps really needs some volunteers, especially to assist Mom in the food truck! To learn how you can assist the Corps in this way, or to learn more information about the events listed above, check out the Corps’ website at www.troopersdrumcorps.org, and the Troopers Alumni pages at http://alumni.troopersdrumcorps.org.

Thank you for being part of the Long Blue Line!

Please contact us if you know of any alumni with whom we may not be in touch. We want to share all of this excitement with them, and get them on the Alumni “roll call!'

Open Spots - Wanna March?!?!?!

Wed, 13 May 2009 20:40:37 -0400

The Troopers need to fill the following positions for the 2009 season.

1 high brass
1 low brass
5 color guard

Anyone interested in filling these only remaining spots in the 2009 corps should contact Corps Director Fred Morris at f.morris@troopersdrumcorps.org

Troopers Fan Network 2009!

Sun, 10 May 2009 20:33:23 -0400

The Troopers Fan Network, NEW for 2009!

The World Class ensembles of Drum Corps International have come together to bring new options, new features and new digital content directly to fans, adding to the largest collection of online drum corps media anywhere!

Drum Corps International and the Troopers are incredibly pleased to announce the return and expansion of one of the most ambitious Web-based undertakings since DCI's founding some 37 years ago. The Troopers, along with the other DCI World Class corps have come together in a collaborative effort to take the wraps off of the totally redesigned and wildly expanded “Fan Network,” which now gives fans of drum corps across the world the chance to enjoy a spectacular, dizzying array of media options unlike anything ever offered before. Featuring unlimited and exclusive access to ALL of the action from the Troopers and ALL of the World Class corps on the 2009 Drum Corps International Tour, great new features will help you catch every note of the excitement. But that's just the beginning!

Giving you ultimate access to the Troopers and the other World Class corps of DCI…At your fingertips… 24 hours a day…

Organized into several different content sections, the Fan Network is set up for easy viewing and direct access to all available digital assets from the Troopers and the other participating corps.

Spotlight ’09 & Off the Field (FREE viral videos)
• Daily features, with up-to-the-minute exclusive drum corps news and entertaining glimpses from the 2009 DCI Tour
• Exclusive backstage features posted from “embedded” corps video crews crisscrossing the country as they take to the road with the Troopers and other corps. Now offered absolutely FREE to all drum corps fans for 2009!

On Demand ’09 & On the Field (subscription based)
• Live Webcasts from select 2009 DCI Tour events tentatively scheduled for Annapolis, MD; Stanford, CA; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA and Indianapolis, IN … subject to change with the addition of more events
• Post-show replay available for on-demand viewing of complete corps performances from select locations – including all Webcast events and more
• Unlimited access to the entire Drum Corps International audio/video vault – including all of the Top 12 World Championship performances since 1974
• Audio and Video downloads of your all-time favorite performances – from “the classics” to the current day

Your favorite Fan Network features in a new user-friendly interface…

Fan Network programmers have been hard at work during the off-season developing a new user-interface to give fans the ultimate online drum corps experience. Among some of the new features you'll see:

• A streamlined browsing experience to access and switch between your favorite corps channels with ease
• Improved video filtering and search functionality
• BIGGER and better video quality

Now available in two affordable subscription options…

The $39 Fan Network Subscription will give you access to Video on Demand of corps performances from select 2009 events, access to all current-year and historical video archives, discounts on audio and video downloads, in addition to all of the free content provided by your favorite corps.
The $59 Fan Network Plus Subscription will give you all of the great features of a regular subscription, PLUS access to all live Webcasts of some of Drum Corps International’s biggest events, and more!

Subscribe today!

The new Troopers Fan Network gives you complete access to this impressive display of media content for 365 days a year. Can't get enough drum corps action? Well, NOW is the time to join!

A Night With the Stars

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:03:49 -0400

The Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, Wyoming’s Musical Ambassadors, invite you to attend the 3rd Annual A Night With the Stars. This year’s event takes place June 6th, 6:00 pm, at the Trooper’s Center, 1801 East E Street.

Tickets to the event are $75 per person, and corporate sponsorships are available.

The event will highlight the stars of the Troopers, the 130 youth who march with the Troopers and compete to be known as the best Drum & Bugle Corps at Drum Corps Internationals in Indianapolis, Indiana.

We are happy to announce that June 5th through June 14th will be Troopers Week! There will be many opportunities to see and hear the Troopers and their 2009 show before they leave for the Drum Corps International competitive show circuit.

As the summer draws closer, and the 70 day tour begins, we are ever grateful for the support from the fans and alumni in Wyoming and across the country.

For more information about A Night With the Stars, contact the Troopers office in Casper at (307) 472-2141.

Troopers Need Volunteers - URGENT REQUEST

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:02:28 -0400

As the beginning of their 2009 season rapidly approaches, Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps has an urgent need for your time and talents as a member of their Volunteer Support Staff.

The assistance offered by our Support Staff is vital to the well-being and success of our corps as we embark on this summer journey called drum corps tour. Whatever your time commitment, be it a few days or weeks at a time, your efforts
as a volunteer will help provide a satisfying tour experience for all involved.

Our current needs for Support Staff involve help in these areas:

Cook Truck: General kitchen help with preparation of four meals per day and clean- up. No cooking expertise needed, just a willingness to “pitch in and help”. Ideally 4 or 5 volunteers needed at all times to keep the cook truck
running smoothly.

Sewing: General uniform maintenance including mending, alterations, washing and organization of uniform parts. Some basic sewing skills preferable. Ideally 1 or 2 volunteers needed at all times.

Medical: To maintain our medical protocol in handling injuries and illnesses while on the road. Medical background necessary. We also welcome the help of community medical resources when we are in your home area. Any medical
assistance is a valuable and much needed asset to the safety and well-being of all persons on tour. One volunteer needed at all times.

Souvie Sales: To assist with souvenir sales and driving the souvenir vehicle from show to show. One volunteer needed needed at all times.

When we are in your home area, even just a few hours of your time to help with hospital runs, uniforms to the laundro-mat, airport pick-ups or food shopping can make a world of difference for us on a hectic, fast-paced day on tour.

Please seriously consider sharing your time and talents with us. We need you!

We aim to give each Trooper member the best possible drum corps experience. By volunteering, you can contribute to that experience and in the process become part of a matchless and singular event - that of being a Trooper Volunteer.

Contact Director Fred Morris at f.morris@troopersdrumcorps.org

Troopers Congratulate Avon World Guard

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 19:22:29 -0400

The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps proudly congratulates Troopers Visual Coordinator Daniel Wiles and the Avon High School World Guard for capturing the 2009 WGI Scholastic World Class Championship this past weekend in Dayton, Ohio. As Troopers corps director Fred Morris stated, "Between the Bands of America Grand National Championship and now the WGI Scholastic World Class Championship, it has certainly been a banner year for Avon High School. The Troopers are truly blessed to have Daniel working with the corps and could not be more proud of his accomplishments with the Avon World Guard."

"Avon's success comes as no surprise to me after spending the last two years working on the Troopers visual program with Daniel Wiles. His creativity, attention to detail, and accessible programming concepts are evident to me in every interaction. Congratulations to Daniel and the Avon Guard!", added Troopers Visual Designer, Mitch Rogers.

Troopers Program Coordinator and Brass Arranger Dean Westman commented, "Working with Daniel both at Avon and with the Troopers has been an exhilarating experience. I'm so happy for my dear friend and the members of the Avon World Guard. Bravo!"

Daniel Wiles will be leading the final Color Guard auditions for the Troopers 2009 summer season April 17-19, Denver, CO at Montbello High School; April 25-26, Belton, TX at Belton High School and wrapping up on May 2, Indianapolis, IN at Lawrence North High School. For complete information about auditions, visit http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

Troopers Announce DCI Week Plans

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 19:37:35 -0500

The Troopers will headquarter at the Indianapolis Hilton – 3 blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium - for the 2009 Drum Corps International World Championships. Save the trouble of renting a car and fighting traffic – spend your DCI week at the Troopers headquarters hotel and be within walking distance of the best seats in the house, and the hottest corps on turf!

Make your plans NOW to join all Troopers family, alumni, friends and fans at the biggest Troopers event of the season. Room rates are set at $144 per night. Book online today at www.dci.org/indyhotels and enter promo code DCITRO0809 before May 15th. Visit www.hilton.com for a complete description of this magnificent hotel.

Join the Troopers for Hang ‘em High Beef and Company Front Fries – sit back and enjoy Mag-7 Margaritas and reminisce with friends old and new about Troopers days of legend and lore.

Troopers alumni should also plan to spend one extra day in Indy to join the corps at the 2009 year end banquet – this year held at the Indianapolis Hilton on Sunday August 9, 2009 starting at 11am with a special Troopers brunch.

Troopers 2009 Summer Program Announced

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:13:49 -0500

The Troopers are pleased to announce their 2009 summer production.

"WESTERN SIDE STORY"

Troopers Seek 2009 Summer Volunteers

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 19:59:25 -0500

Many non-profit groups depend on the generosity of friends and fans to keep the corps rolling down the road each summer. The Troopers are no different. We depend on the support of our community, friends and fans to help us through each year.

Volunteering with a competitive drum corps is hard work - the hours are long and the pay is little (well, none at all) - but the rewards are endless and priceless.

Thank you for your willingness to help the Troopers succeed. Your gift of time and talent is precious and we are grateful that you offer it to America's Corps. If you would like to volunteer your time or talent to the Troopers, please review the jobs listed below and then complete our volunteer interest form on the corps website.

TRUCK DRIVERS

CDL required, all DOT screening. driving twin screw leased sleeper tractors-pulling 40 ft mobile kitchen or 45 ft equiptment trailer.

NUTRITIONIST

Set up of daily meal program, one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner, and one snack per day-79 total day meal plan. Serving appox 165 people per meal.

COOKS

full or part time. SERV-PRO CERTIFIED or be able to get qualified. Able to prepare all meals during move in and while on tour. Working in close quarters 40 ft mobile kitchen trailer. Appox 165 people per meal. 4 meals per day. Duties include food prep, drink prep, grocery store runs, clean up, truck cleaning.

SEAMSTRESS / TAILOR

full or part time. Able to organize and repair, sew buttons, zippers, alter jackets, pants, mend flags, maintain hats, scarves, belts, buttons and cross sabers, for 130 member corps. Launder uniforms appox every 2 weeks, dependent on schedule. Close of season inventory of all said uniform parts when turned in after finals.

NURSE

full or part time. MUST HAVE CURRENT REGISTRATION LPN, RN, PA. Working with our medical person in organizing and maintaining all medical records, medications and general health and welfare of all persons on tour with the corps.

SOUVIE HELP

full or part time. Job includes working with our souvie manager, organize and managing inventory- both road and back up stock, setting up displays, driving from show to show, selling to the public.

GENERAL HELP

full or part time. This includes, help in serving, meal prep, clean up, drink prep, grocery store and pharmacy runs, doctor, dentist, hospital, airport runs and a million other things that come up on tour. We can never have enough hands to help.

All positions are subject to background check through the boy scout or DOT background process. No boy friend or girl friend of corps members are accepted. All volunteers will need to fill out the volunteer, medical,and boy scout forms, and have medical insurance cards available. Necessary forms can be accessed on line at www.troopersdrumcorps.org. Any questions please e-mail Fred Morris, corps director at f.morris@troopersdrumcorps.org

Troopers Welcome New Development Director

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:34:45 -0500

Fred Morris, Director of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps is very pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Purcell as Development Director for the Troopers.

Jamie comes to the Troopers with 5 years experience in fundraising, grant writing, and community development.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity to further enhance the involvement of the community with the Troopers,” said Purcell.

We look forward to Jamie’s appointment as it will increase the engagement of Wyoming’s Musical Ambassadors in the city of Casper, and the state of Wyoming.

For more information about the exciting ways you can become involved with the Troopers call (307) 472-2141, or visit www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

1972 Drum Corps International Championships now available on DVD

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:22:34 -0500

Through a special arrangement with the Troopers -- and with the permission of Drum Corps International -- Drum Corps World is pleased to bring you performances of eight of the 12 finalists from the 1972 DCI title evening in Whitewater, WI, and a performance of the Troopers from the 1971 World Open in Lynn, MA, plus a short documentary on how these tapes have been restored. The original reel-to-reel videotapes were filmed by Troopers Director Jim Jones, in part as a teaching tool for his members. These tapes have been in storage since the 1970s and have now been transferred and restored by Scott Gordon, a drum corps fan and video/film technician from California. The total Jones collection includes material between the 1970 and 1978 seasons, including performances that no one has seen in decades.

* The picture and sound quality of these nine performances is excellent.

* Please allow up to six weeks for delivery. These sets are made up one at a time.

1972 DCI Championships $6.00 shipping/handling $106.00 to a U.S. address

1972 DCI Championships $10.00 shipping/handling $110.00 to a Canadian address

1972 DCI Championships $14.00 shipping/handling $114.00 to a foreign address

This two-DVD set of nine performances from the 1972 Drum Corps International Championships has not been seen in nearly 37 years and never before available to the public. The original reel-to-reel Sony videotapes have been preserved and re-mastered to produce this unique remembrance of a great season in junior corps history at one of the greatest shows that summer.

Here is what the two discs include . . .

Full black and white performances of the following corps:
* Anaheim Kingsmen -- Anaheim, CA -- The 1972 DCI Champion
* First Federal Blue Stars -- La Crosse, WI -- Second place
* Santa Clara Vanguard -- Santa Clara, CA -- Third place
* 27th Lancers -- Revere, MA -- Fourth place
* Argonne Rebels -- Great Bend, KS -- Fifth place
* Kilties -- Racine, WI -- Eighth place
* St. Andrew’s Bridgemen -- Bayonne, NJ -- Eleventh place
* Bleu Raeders -- New Orleans, LA -- Twelfth place
* Plus a bonus track of the 1971 Troopers at the World Open
* A short documentary titled "Preparing and Restoring the Troopers Historic Video Library"

Visit Drum Corps World on line to order this DVD today!

Jeff Queen Joins Troopers Staff

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 18:32:18 -0500

Troopers corps director Fred Morris is pleased to announce that Jeff Queen has joined the Troopers 2009 staff.

Jeff Queen has been involved with percussion since the age of 10. At the age of 15, Jeff began his drum corps career with the Canton Bluecoats and continued on to march with the Velvet Knights, Santa Clara Vanguard, Blue Knights and the University of North Texas. Jeff was the Drum Corps International Individual and Ensemble Snare Drum Champion in 1994 and 1995 as well as the Percussive Arts Society Individual Snare Drum Champion in 1994 and 1995. Jeff has taught in the drum corps activity for many years, including being the caption head for the Carolina Crown drum and bugle corps from 2003-2004 and percussion arranger for the Colts Drum and Bugle corps since 2006.

Jeff is an original cast member of the Tony and Emmy award winning Broadway Show "BLAST" where he was a solo performer and battery instructor from 1999 - 2003. Jeff has performed on stages across the country and in Europe, including Broadway and London. In addition Jeff has appeared on numerous Television shows including: The Late Show with David Letterman, The Kennedy Center Honors 2000, NBA All-Star Game 2001, CFL’s Grey Cup 2007, “BLAST”, and “The Making of Blast” on PBS DVD and Video.

Queen is the author of “The Next Level: Rudimental Snare Drum Techniques” available through Mark Wessels Publications and “Playing With Sticks”, a more than 3-hour instructional DVD through Hudson Music. More of Jeff’s compositions are available through Drop6 media Inc. and TapSpace Publications. Jeff is a signature artist for Vic Firth Drumsticks and Mallets, and proudly endorses Pearl Drums, Evans Drumheads and Zildjian Cymbals.

Currently, Jeff lives in Indianapolis, Indiana where he recently graduated from Butler University with his B.M. in music theory and composition and is working on his Masters Degree in percussion performance. In addition, Jeff teaches / arranges locally with the world champion Avon High School Drum line, is an active member of the Global Rhythms World Music Ensemble and also travels the world as an active composer, arranger, judge, clinician, and performer.

Troopers Announce 2009 Drum Majors

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:01:50 -0400

Troopers director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the drum majors for the 2009 Troopers. Mr. Corey Moore and Ms. Beth Haley will share the drum major duties for the Troopers this upcoming season.

Beth Haley is in her first year as a student at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. She is currently double majoring in Biology (Pre-med) and Music (Composition). Prior to her acceptance to UNC, Beth attended Mount Pleasant High School in Mount Pleasant, NC, where her primary instrument was the alto saxophone. During high school, she was invited to play with the Pfeiffer University Wind Ensemble, under Mr. Ed Kiefer. She also participated in numerous honor bands including all-district, all-county, Collision Percussion Ensemble, and the Pfeiffer University Jazz Band. She marched for four years at Mount Pleasant, was an active part of the leadership for three years, and graduated with music honors. Beth has marched with the Troopers for two seasons and will age out in 2011. She joined the Troopers late in the 2007 season playing baritone. In 2008, she returned as a member of the euphonium section.

Corey Moore is a two year veteran of the Troopers playing mellophone in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He will age out in 2010.

"I am very excited about being a drum major for the Troopers. I think this corps has many great things to come this season. I am looking forward to taking the intensity of this corps to a new level and help guide the corps to the coveted top twelve at DCI", he states.

Troopers Announce 2009 Brass Staff

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 11:16:56 -0400

Troopers corps director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the 2009 Brass staff.
Leading the Brass Caption in 2009 is Scott-Lee Atchison. Scott is returning to the corps for his third year on The Troopers staff as Brass Caption Head. Jayme Taylor (High Brass Coordinator) & Fuller Lyon (Low Brass Coordinator) will return to the corps along with Trevor Bailey (Euphonium Tech & Recruiting Coordinator), all of which are entering their third year with The Troopers.

New to the corps this year is James Nufer (Trumpet Tech), Angie Medford (Mellophone Tech), Lisa Tatum (Baritone Tech), and Taylor Smith (Tuba Tech).

Complete brass staff biographies are available at http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org

Troopers Announce 2009 Visual Staff

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:13:02 -0400

Troopers corps director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the 2009 visual and color guard staff.

Leading the visual caption in 2009 is Nick Benson. Nick previously served the Cascades and Oregon Crusaders in the visual caption and is starting his 2nd season with the Troopers. Nick is also in demand nationally as a marching/movement consultant and designer, working with competitive Bands of America groups from Texas and designing winter percussion drills for Marching Show Concepts.

Joining Nick on the visual staff this season are Adam Oswald, Dylan Thompson, Mark LeGault, Grant McWilliams and Kyle Thompson. Complete visual staff biographies are available on troopersdrumcorps.org.
Leading the Troopers color guard caption in 2009 is Jeffrey Cash. This will be Jeffery’s 2nd year as the Troopers guard caption head. Jeffrey currently resides in Indianapolis, IN where he is co-director of the New Palestine High School color guard. During the winter of 2009, Jeffrey will travel to Japan to become one of 6 male performers in the WGI crowd favorite, Aimachi winter guard, from Handa City, Japan.

Joining Jeffrey this year is William Martin. William began his color guard career in 2004 with the World Championship Drum and Bugle Corps, The Cavaliers, of Rosemont, Illinois. He marched five years with the corps, aging out in 2008 as one of the guard captains. He also marched winter guard with the 2007 Independent World Champion, Pride of Cincinnati Winter Guard, from Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Troopers will be announcing their full compliment of educational staff in the coming days. Watch www.troopersdrumcops.org for these exciting announcements.

About the Troopers: The Troopers are the only competitive drum and bugle corps in the state of Wyoming. In 2008, the corps celebrated its 50th anniversary and finished the summer competitive season in 16th place at the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships in Bloomington, IN. The corps is open to students aged 16-21 in the disciplines of brass, percussion and color guard pageantry. Auditions are held each year for the 150-person roster. For complete information about the corps or membership, please visit http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

Troopers Recruit at BOA

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:06:11 -0400

Look for the Troopers recruiting booth at the BOA Grand Nationals Championship event in Indianapolis, IND November 13-15, 2008.

The Troopers will also be recruiting new members at the Wyoming State Marching Band Festival, October 18 and wrap up the 2009 recruiting efforts at the Wyoming Music Educators Conference on January 19 & 20, 2009.

Troopers Announce 2009 Percussion Staff

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:20:25 -0400

October 17, 2008 – CASPER, WY-- Troopers corps director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the 2009 percussion staff.

Kevin Welborn is returning to the Troopers for his 3rd season and will serve as the percussion caption head in 2009. He has performed with various ensembles including the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (1999) and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2001), where he played snare drum for both organizations.

As a percussion instructor, Kevin has taught and consulted with organizations including the Memphis Sound Drum and Bugle Corps, The University of Southern Mississippi Marching Band, Jones County Junior College Marching Band, Eminence Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Petal High School and many other high school marching bands and percussion ensembles in the Southeast.

Joining Kevin on the percussion staff this season are Mike Dow, Derek Fields, Chris Lennox, Tricia Tedford & Matt Little.

Mike Dow is also entering his 3rd season with the Troopers. He started marching drum corps with the Crossmen (2001-2004), then aging out with the Madison Scouts (2006). Derek Fields started his drum corps career with the Madison Scouts in 2005 and 2006 under Colin McNutt, and from there went on to march at the Cadets for the 2007 and 2008 seasons under Tom Aungst. Chris Lennox performed with numerous world class drum and bugle corps including The Jersey Surf (2002;2003), The Crossmen (2004;2005), The Phantom Regiment(2006), The Blue Devils(2007), and The Cavaliers (2008). Tricia Tedford is currently touring throughout Japan as a percussionist with the new theatrical stage production Brass Odyssey. She recently graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. Matt Little returns to the Troopers in 2009 as a percussion consultant, a role he served in 2008.

The Troopers complete staff biographies are available on line at www.troopersdrumcorps.org. The corps will be announcing their full compliment of educational staff in the coming days. Watch www.troopersdrumcops.org for these exciting announcements.

About the Troopers: The Troopers are the only competitive drum and bugle corps in the state of Wyoming. In 2008, the corps celebrated its 50th anniversary and finished the summer competitive season in 16th place at the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships in Bloomington, IN. The corps is open to students aged 16-21 in the disciplines of brass, percussion and color guard pageantry. Auditions are held each year for the 150-person roster. For complete information about the corps or membership, please visit http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

America's Core First Runner-up at IIFF

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:39:18 -0400

StellaTrek Motion Pictures and MDG Documentaries are pleased to announce that Michael D. Gough's "America's Core," the documentary about the revival of the Casper Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps was selected as 1st runner up for Best Documentary at the Idaho International Film Festival last week.

The film competed alongside 49 other films and was voted in amongst the top six of the festival.

America's Core is currently on sale at www.troopersdrumcorps.org. Purchase your copy today!

Troopers Annual Awards Banquet

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:53:14 -0400

Troopers Executive Director Mike Ottoes today announced the Troopers Annual Awards Banquet will be held on November 29th, 2008. All 2008 members are invited! New Troopers auditioning at the November camp are also invited to attend this annual event. The banquet will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2229 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY starting at 6:30pm. Cost per person is $25.00. RSVP for this event by emailing the corps offices: office@troopersdrumcorps.org

Troopers Announce 2009 Design Team

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:43:52 -0400

Fred Morris, Director of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps of Casper, Wyoming is pleased to announce the design team for the 2009 Troopers summer season.

Joining the Troopers 2009 team as the percussion arranger is David Reeves. He is a former marching member of the Star of Indiana (1991-1993) and has worked with championship-caliber organizations including the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (Rosemont, IL) and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps (Santa Clara, CA). David currently works as the percussion arranger for Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana. He studied composition at the Indiana University School of Music and received a degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Washington. He currently resides in Seattle, WA.

"I am extremely pleased that David will combine his talents with our design team. I expect great things from our percussion section this summer," commented Morris.

Returning to the design team is Ralph Hardimon, who will play a larger role with the Troopers this year as the music director. Scott Koter and Gordon Henderson will serve the corps as program consultants. Completing the design team are Dean Westman, program coordinator and brass arranger; Mitch Rogers, visual designer; Daniel Wiles, visual coordinator and color guard designer.

"The wealth of knowledge and experience this team brought to the organization in 2007 catapulted our return to the competitive arena. With this same core team in place, we experienced greater educational success last season; and now we look forward to providing another outstanding educational and musical experience for the students of the corps and an exciting, accessible program for our fans,' Morris said.

The Troopers will be announcing their full compliment of educational staff and the 2009 program in the coming days and weeks. Watch www.troopersdrumcops.org for these exciting announcements.

About the Troopers: The Troopers are the only competitive drum and bugle corps in the state of Wyoming. In 2008, the corps celebrated its 50th anniversary and finished the summer competitive season in 16th place at the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships in Bloomington, IN. The corps is open to students aged 16-21 in the disciplines of brass, percussion and color guard pageantry. Auditions are held each year for the 150-person roster. For complete information about the corps or membership, please visit http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

America's Core to show at IFF

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 17:31:11 -0400

The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, StellaTrek Motion Picture Entertainment Group and MDG Documentaries are pleased to announce that “America’s Core,” a feature length documentary on the 2007 Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps has been accepted into the Idaho International Film Festival.

The film will be premiere at the Historic Egyptian Theater in downtown Boise on Sunday, September 28th beginning at 2:15pm followed by a Q&A with Idaho Filmmaker and documentary director, Michael D. Gough.

For ticket information please visit http://www.idahofilmfestival.com/2008festival/tickets.htm

Troopers First Audition Camp for 2009 Season Set

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 17:29:24 -0400

The Troopers will host the first audition camp for the 2009 season on November 28-30 at Laramie Jr, HS in Laramie, WY. All 150 spots in the 2009 corps will be auditioned. Interested students should begin preparations now to attend this important camp.

Interested students should complete the Troopers online interest form to make sure they receive all the corps mailings for the upcoming season. Visit http://members.troopersdrumcorps.org/interest.htm to complete the 2009 on line application.

For more information about the Troopers 51st anniversary season, membership and more, visit the corps online at http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

Troopers Alumni - SUMMER IS HERE!

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 19:37:55 -0400

Hello, Troopers Alumni

We are very excited to announce the following Casper activities during our historic 50th Anniversary summer! If you are still in Casper, or would like to come back to see us and all your old friends, we'd love to see you and trade stories. The celebration is real, but the stories only have to be as real as any of us can recall!

June 6 - Catch the Troopers Drum Line at the Wyoming Cavalry professional indoor football game. For information about the Cavalry or to order game tickets, go to http://www.wyomingcavalry.com/.

June 8 - Be among the first to see the full 2008 field show when the corps holds it's open dress rehearsal in Douglas, WY, at Douglas Middle School. The show begins at 7 p.m. According to the postal service this isn't technically going to be in Casper, but in Wyoming terms it might was well be! It'll be worth the gas, we promise.

June 12 - The Troopers and the Casper Community Band keep our long tradition of Washington Park performances with a joint concert at Washington Park. This will be sure to bring back memories, since this is one of the longest standing series of performances for the Troopers.

June 13 - Our Second Annual Night with the Stars fund-raiser will feature performances by our own Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps at the corps hall, 1801 East E St. Come out and have fun supporting the Troopers, beginning at 7 p.m. The night features dinner, auctions and special bingo games called by our celebrity guests. Last year was a smash, and it will only get better this summer! You can sponsor the event or purchase tickets in advance by calling the corps at 307 235 6236. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

June 14 - The big weekend continues with the world premier of America's Core, a full-length documentary produced by former Drum Major Mike Gough. It's an exciting and emotional insider account of our beloved Troopers' return to the field in 2007. The show is at 7 p.m. in Dunham Hall at Casper College. You can get goose bumps by watching the trailers and learn all about the movie at http://www.americascoremovie.com/.

June 15 - We reach the climax of our June celebrations on June 15, at 7 p.m. when the Troopers present their 2008 Thank You Casper performance at Natrona County High School. Send the Troopers off on their summer tour in style. They'll be sure to make you jump out of your seat with their full field show.

July 8 - The Troopers will be back in town in July to perform in one of their old favorite places! First, catch them as they march in our footsteps, in the parade where so many of us have marched before: the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. Then we return to the scene of the iconic Trooper postcard photos, with a 3 p.m. performance at Natrona County Fairgrounds during the afternoon rodeo. There are tentative plans to hold an alumni barbecue get-together before the rodeo performance. Please stay tuned to http://alumni.troopersdrumcorps.org/taa_news.htm for the latest updates.

You've already heard about our July 11th alumni performance and barbecue in Cheyenne, and the July 12th Denver Drums Along the Rockies Troop Whoop in Denver, haven't you? Go to http://alumni.troopersdrumcorps.org/taa_news.htm to get all the details!

You can see the entire summer competition and performance schedule at www.troopersdrumcorps.org. And while you're there, order a copy of the 50th Anniversary History Book (http://troopersdrumcorps.org/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=58).

We look forward to catching up with all of you this summer! Drop us a note some time.

Joel Williams
President, Troopers Alumni Association Committee

Troopers Add Pre-season Performances to Schedule

Sun, 18 May 2008 10:52:22 -0400

The Troopers have added several pre-season concert and other performances to their 2008 summer calendar. They include:

June 6 Casper, WY Wyoming Calvary Arena Football Game Casper Events Center - 7pm

June 8 Douglas, WY Dress Rehearsal / Performance Douglas Middle School - 7pm

June 12 Casper, WY Community Band Concert Washington Park - 7pm

June 13 Casper, WY Night With the Stars Performance Troopers Center- 7pm

June 14 Casper, WY Downtown Association Interstate Bank Park - 12 noon
America's Core Movie Premier Casper College - Dunham Hall - 7pm

To view the Troopers complete performance schedule for the summer of '08, visit the corps website.

The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps set to release 50th Anniversary Documentary

Thu, 15 May 2008 19:58:30 -0400

The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps and former Drum Major Michael D. Gough proudly present 'America’s Core' a non-profit documentary that followed the rebirth of one of the worlds most popular Drum and Bugle Corps. Wyoming’s own...Troopers.
The film produced by Idaho country music legend, Pinto Bennett and Troopers Alumni Michael D. Gough has been in editing since August of 2007. Earlier this month Gough traveled to San Diego to have the film professionally mixed at Sony Computer Entertainment America: San Diego by sound engineers Chris Canning and Craig Zarkos whose credits include the voice recording of Jeff Bridges, Pamela Anderson and the legendary Marlon Brando for commercial use. Chris’s credits also include the sound design of countless video games for the Sony Playstation.
This film features young people, ages fourteen to twenty-one from all over the nation and Japan as they proudly showcase their competitive program entitled, 'Awakening'. The tour took these teens and the Idaho based filmmakers to over twenty one states performing in front of nearly five hundred thousand loyal fans. A large amount of the film was shot on location in Casper and Cheyenne.
Narration services have been provided by Allen Scofield whose credits include hundreds of Hollywood film trailers including the more recent James Bond movies.
Two popular and very talented northwestern bands will also be attached to this film featuring Illusion 33 and solo artist Jason Webley.
The film premieres June 14th at Casper College starting at 7:00pm. A Q&A will follow. The film will then travel to Utah, Texas, Kansas, Cheyenne, Pennsylvania and Idaho.

Troopers Launch Fan Network with DCI

Tue, 13 May 2008 20:46:01 -0400

Introducing the NEW Troopers Fan Network
DCI World Class corps team up to bring the largest collection of online drum corps media ever assembled direct to fans

Drum Corps International and the Troopers are incredibly pleased to announce one of the most ambitious Web-based undertakings since DCI's founding some 36 years ago. The Troopers, with the other DCI World Class corps have come together to take the wraps off of the totally redesigned and wildly expanded Fan Network which now gives fans of drum corps across the world the chance to enjoy a spectacular, dizzying array of media options unlike anything ever offered before. Featuring unlimited and exclusive access to ALL of the action from the Troopers and ALL of the World Class corps on the 2008 DCI Summer Tour, incredible new features will help you catch every note of the excitement. But that's just the beginning!

Giving You Ultimate Access to the Troopers and the other World Class corps of DCI at your fingertips 24 Hours a Day

The new Fan Network represents an unprecedented cooperative effort between the Troopers and all World Class DCI corps, who have combined all of their digital assets into one tremendous network interface. Not only can fans access the new Fan Network directly from DCI.org, they can subscribe to, enter and live on the site directly from within TroopersDrumCorps.org. Fans can now have access to the world’s greatest collection of drum corps media, with exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.

More of everything you want, when you want it

Organized into several different content sections, the new Troopers Fan Network is set up for easy viewing and direct access to all available digital assets from the Troopers and the other participating corps.

Spotlight
-Daily features, with up-to-the-minute exclusive drum corps news and entertaining glimpses from the 2008 DCI Summer Tour
-Exclusive backstage features posted from embedded corps video crews crisscrossing the country as they take to the road with the Troopers and other corps

On the Field
-Live streaming video from select 2008 DCI Summer Tour events tentatively scheduled for Madison, WI; Stanford, CA; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA and Bloomington, IN
-Post-show replay available for on-demand viewing of corps performances from select events, tentatively scheduled to include: Madison, WI; Stanford, CA; Kalamazoo, MI; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA; and Bloomington, IN.
-Unlimited access to the entire Drum Corps International audio/video vault - with some performances and complete programs available for the first time ever -- including all of the Top 12 World Championship performances since 1974
-Audio and Video downloads of your all-time favorite performances from the classics to the current day

Off the Field
-Watch exclusive multimedia content combining the historical audio/visual vault of the Troopers and all of DCI's World Class corps, many pieces digitized for the first time ever to deliver through this exciting platform

Podcasts
-Watch and listen to a unique variety of drum corps-related podcast subscriptions, bringing even more enhanced content to your inbox or personal mobile device
-Experience a variety of programs produced by the Troopers and other top DCI corps, featuring outstanding instructional media from DCI's most respected music education professionals
-Exclusive in-depth interviews, exciting features, and more

Now available for only $69/year!

With a new low subscription price of $69, the new Troopers Fan Network gives you complete access to this impressive display of media content for 365 days a year. Can't get enough drum corps action? Well, NOW is the time to join the all-new Troopers Fan Network.

Subscribe NOW through TroopersDrumCorps.org.

Troopers Celebrate 50 with Alumni Performance

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:44:26 -0400

The Troopers are coming! and all Troopers alumni are invited to join us for a fun weekend of drum corps in the Rocky Mountains! Make plans today to join the Trooper Alumni Association July 11th and 12th for official 50th Anniversary celebrations in Cheyenne, WY and Denver CO.

Friday the 11th of July the Troopers are in Cheyenne, WY for a special "Thank you, Wyoming" performance and alumni are gathering from across this great land to join together for a great time reliving their Trooper experience.

We will have a BBQ in the early afternoon and then get ready for a performance with the A Corps! We will be playing bell-tone Battle Hymn (1981) and Ghost Riders in the Sky!

The cost for the event will be $50 per person or $45 each for couples. Since there will be only ONE 50th anniversary season for the Troopers this is a once in a life time chance for to be a part of the festivities. Each participant will enjoy a beautifully catered BBQ meal and receive their embroidered mock tee "uniform" for the evening's performance.

The goal of the Alumni Association is to provide social outlets for Trooper Alumni. Gathering together for this 50th Anniversary Celebration will be a great experience and reconnecting with the Long Blue Line will be priceless.

Register today online at http://alumni.troopersdrumcorps.org/08registration.htm.

Saturday July 12th the focus turns to Denver, CO for Troop Whoop 2008! This event saw nearly 350 attendees last year. You are once again, invited to join us before the Drum Along the Rockies Show for a social time together! The Blue Knights are holding a special ticket block open for Denver DATR, especially for the Trooper family. The seats are in section 106, which is at the top of the bottom level, between the 30 and 40 on side 1. You can order the tickets by calling the DATR ticket line at (888) 306-DRUM, and ask for a seat in the "Trooper Block." You can only get a seat in the block by calling, not by ordering on-line. Orders must be placed by May 15.

Troopers Alumni Launch Scholarship Drive

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:54:08 -0500

The Troopers Alumni Association is pleased to kick-off the 2008 Scholarship Fund Drive! Our goal is to raise $5000 dollars by the end of May, 2008. These funds will be directly dispersed to members in need of financial aide in the form of tuition scholarships in the amount of approximately $500 each.

In 2008, the the Troopers will welcome members from Wyoming, surrounding Rocky Mountain and Plains states and all across our country. In addition, the Troopers are pleased to welcome students from Japan and Armenia in 2008 as well. Every one of these Troopers is dedicated to the corps; has sacrified plenty to proudly wear the crossed-sabers of the 11th Ohio and rely on the generosity of those who marched before them, their families, friends and neighbors to keep the dreams of the Troopers alive. Please pledge your support to the 2008 Troopers Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Visit the Troopers on line Sheep Wagon to make your contribution today!

Troopers Seek Summer Drivers

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:32:56 -0500

The Troopers are looking for 2 truck drivers for the 2008 summer tour. Class 1 licensing is required. Current licensing and all tests need to be complete and up to date. For more information, contact Fred Morris, corps director at f.morris@troopersdrumcorps.org or call (307) 472-2141

Troopers 2008 Guard Auditions

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:35:54 -0500

The Troopers are pleased to announce two audition locations for the 2008 color guard. Register today to audition for the Troopers 50th anniversary season. Spots will fill quickly.

Camps will be held in Avon, Indiana and Cheyenne, WY. Register today for either camp by completing the CAMP RSVP form on the Troopers web site.

Troopers Release 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book

Mon, 4 Feb 2008 19:05:54 -0500

Founded in late fall, 1957, the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps rapidly grew from a local band of Casper teenagers to a national powerhouse competitive drum corps that set the activity ablaze. Based in the central plains of Wyoming, the corps, out of necessity, took its new style of marching pageantry to the far west coast, Midwest and eastern shores. They set the standard for corps travel, music and visual composition and audience appeal; they elevated the drum corps idiom to the national audience via broadcast television with regular appearances at collegiate and professional sporting events. The corps stood in concert before US Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Mayors and other international dignitaries. They stood side by side, sharing the spotlight with Hollywood celebrities, more often than not, stealing the show. Over the course of fifty years, the Troopers achieved a greatness that is rarely matched and have maintained a special place in the hearts of drum corps fans far and wide. Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps: Celebrating 50 Years of Honor, Loyalty & Dedication is a pictorial history of one of the most beloved drum and bugle corps in the world. One hundred and sixty pages are filled with over 500 color and black & white photographs, news articles, letters and more dating all the way back to the very first breath of the organization in 1957. Complete repertoire listings, awards, accomplishments and honors, listing of drum majors, color guard commanders, timeline of Troopers milestones and personal recollections from former marching members complete this first volume of the Troopers storied past. Foreword by Troopers Executive Director Mike Ottoes and dedication by John Masterson, this book is a must have for every die-hard drum corps and Trooper fan. Hardcover with full color dust cover - Standard Portrait, 8x10 inches (20x25 cm). 160 pages SPECIAL PRE-ORDER DEAL! Visit the Troopers on line Sheep Wagon and place your order for this commemorative book before April 1st and receive a special 50th anniversary poster print with your order. *Anticipated delivery for orders placed prior to March 1st is March 20th. Orders placed after March 1st but before April 1st have an anticipated delivery date of April 20th.

50 for the 50th

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:13:52 -0500

The Troopers are celebrating fifty years of Honor, Loyalty & Dedication in 2008. The first major campaign of this anniversary season is the 50 for 50th fund drive. For your one-time contribution of $50.00, we’ll send you a special commemorative 50th anniversary cloisonné lapel pin. A collectable jewelry quality pin measuring approximately 1" high by ¾" wide. Finished in gold, of course! Wear your Troopers 50th anniversary commemorative pin at DCI Summer Music Games tour events and shows during the 2008 season, stop by our famous souvenir sheep wagon and receive 10% off your entire purchase- it’s our way of saying thanks for your contribution and support of the Troopers!

Troopers Announce 2008 Program

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:16:17 -0500

The Troopers are pleased to announce their 2008 production titled, "THE IRONHORSE EXPRESS" featuring the music of Eric Whitacre, Sean O`Loughlin, John Mackey, Richard Saucedo, and William Gordon.

Troopers Open New Sheep Wagon

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:22:40 -0500

After nearly three months of development, the Troopers have launched their new on line Sheep wagon. Trooper Promotions, founded in 1969, has been on line selling Trooper t-shirts, hats, CD's and more since 1999. This new e-commerce portal represents the first time that the Sheep Wagon has been hosted on the troopersdrumcorps.org web server. Since going on line in 1999, TPI has relied upon a third party vendors to provide store front capabilities. The new store is secured by RapidSSL 128-bit encryption security so visitors can shop with confidence their transactions are safe. The wagon is also open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week with the newest and most popular Troopers souvenirs. Marching members may utilize the store to make camp and tuition payments; alumni are encouraged to visit and renew memberships or become a member of the Troopers Alumni Association. Future development and enhancements for the Sheep Wagon are to include digital media downloads and an expanded product line. Visit the new Troopers on line Sheep Wagon at http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org/store.

Troopers Percussion Camps

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 21:25:41 -0500

The Troopers percussion line will host all 2008 winter camps at Steven F. Austin HS in Houston Texas.

Camp Dates are:

January 18-20
February 8-10
March 7-9

All Percussion members must RSVP for camps in advance. The complete winter camp schedule can be found on the corps website: http://members.troopersdrumcorps.org/schedule.htm

Troopers Annual Awards Banquet

Sat, 8 Dec 2007 17:57:54 -0500

The Troopers annual awards banquet celebrating the 2007 season will be held the evening of Saturday December 29th, at the Historic Plains Hotel in downtown Cheyenne, WY. 1600 Central Ave. The cost will be $30.00 per person. All are welcome - even new students trying out for the 2008 season. RSVP right away and reserve your seat! See you there!

Remember the Troopers this holiday season

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 15:59:09 -0500

Shop on line this holiday season and contribute to the Troopers at the same time. Friends and fans of the corps are encouraged to shop at the on line mall, iGive.com. Every purchase supports the Troopers! Visit iGive.com for more details.
Shop the Troopers on line sheep wagon this holiday season, too! Troopers hats and t-shirts make great gifts.
Visit the corps home page to see how you can support the Troopers during your holidays!

G Brass Inventory for sale

Sat, 1 Dec 2007 08:35:01 -0500

The Troopers have a limited inventory of G bugles left in storage that must be sold.

Troopers Turn 50

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:09:02 -0500

Exactly fifty years ago today, the very first auditions for a new junior drum and bugle corps in Wyoming took place. The Troopers were born. Watch the official Troopers web site for news and updates about the corps 50th anniversary celebration in 2008!

Troopers Brass Staff Remains Strong for 2008

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 19:30:52 -0500

The Troopers are pleased to announce the brass staff for the 2008 season. The brass staff will once again be lead by caption head Scott-Lee Atchison. Returning to the Troopers staff are technician Fuller Lyon, Jayme Taylor, Ashley Waller, Mike Lundquist, Trevor Bailey and Taylor Wright.

Dan Wiles Joins Powerhouse Trooper Staff

Sat, 3 Nov 2007 17:15:48 -0500

Fred Morris is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Dan Wiles to the Troopers 2008 design team.

Troopers Release New Recruiting Video Series (October 2, 2007)

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:54:54 -0500

The Troopers are pleased to announce the release of their 2008 recruiting video series. Shot by independent film-maker and Trooper alumnus Michael Gough over a span of two years, the 2008 recruiting video series is being released via the corps web site in a 4-part series.

Troopers Add Gordon Henderson to Staff (October 25, 2007)

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:54:55 -0500

Troopers Corps Director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Gordon Henderson to the Troopers 2008 Educational staff.

Troopers Bring Westman to Casper (October 26, 2007)

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:54:56 -0500

Troopers Corps Director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Dean Westman to the Troopers 2008 staff as the brass arranger.