August 1 – 4 brought us to the end of our workshop schedule for summer 2007. Over 470 students were enrolled in the Drum Major Academy! This was the 2nd largest workshop of the summer–outstanding!
This week was jammed with special events including a concert by the Capital Bones. The following is taken from their website:
From the nation’s capitol comes a new voice. The Capitol Bones, Washington, DC’s premiere jazz trombone ensemble, offers something exciting and new for jazz lovers everywhere, with an added treat for those treasured listeners who appreciate and seek out great trombone playing.
Group founder and leader Matt Niess brought together the best jazz trombonists in DC, an area known for the depth of its trombone bench, to participate in a group dedicated to promoting not only great ensemble playing but the expansion of the repetoire of this unique medium.
To put it simply, they were fantastic!
Another evening included a working rehearsal / exhibition by the World Champion Reading Buccaneers. All of DMA wishes them the best as the corps heads into the home stretch of the season in search of their 3rd back to back championships. (Many of the DMA Staff are former members of the Buccaneers including Mr. Parks of course!)
A very unique thing happened at the final performance during the last march off for the parents and friends of all the students. The winner also won the final march off last year (2006)! This has NEVER happened before in the 30+ year history of DMA!! So, congratulations to: