Interview: Greg Small from the Blue Barons Mini Corps

The Blue Barons Mini Corps will not only participate in the Indoor Music Games/SoundSport competition next year, they also run an IMG event themselves. Drum Corps Europe asked Greg Small from the Blue Barons about the vision and future of the group.

The Blue Barons will not only participate in the Indoor Music Games/SoundSport competition next year, they also run an IMG event themselves. Drum Corps Europe asked Greg Small from the Blue Barons about the vision and future of the group.

Hi Greg, can you tell us a little bit about the history of the Blue Barons?
The Blue Barons Drum and Bugle Corps founded in 1979 by a group which broke away from the band of the 3rd Glasgow Boys Brigade. Two brothers Derek and Colin Dobbins were highly influential in directing the new corps towards the DCI style of performance. Legend has it that the corps was to be called the Red Barons but for the lower cost and availability of blue material for uniforms. The corps visual emblem of a yellow chevron on a blue shield originates from a stained-glass window design which was common in the windows of homes in the area where corps was formed.

The new corps quickly established a competitive drive and joined the fledgling DCUK in 1982, finishing a credible thirteenth out of almost thirty competing corps. In 1983 the Barons jumped nine places to finish 4th at the DCUK Championships and featured on the ‘Bands of Gold’ television programme. The Blue Barons travelled extensively throughout the UK and in 1984 visited Belgium for a 2 week camp which was subtly disguised as a holiday, but was driven by our US instructional staff. . That season firmly established the corps amongst the top echelon in the UK and built the foundation for even greater success.

Then came the 1985 season. Since its formation the corps had worked hard and spent a huge amount of time and effort in learning the rehearsal fundamentals needed to reach the top. Practicing long hours in inclement Scottish weather, the corps took to the competition field in June of 1985 and quite simply blew the opposition away. The rest of that year is a bit of blur but the statistics are worth mentioning: being undefeated all season; winning every caption award; and achieving the highest points score to that date at the DCUK Championships. On a personal note I still receive positive comments surrounding our 1985 show and believe there were few more memorable moments than "the wall" of sound in McDuffy’s March where our powerful brass section excelled.

Why did you decide to bring the Blue Barons back to life?
Myself and a good friend Iain MacMillan have stayed abreast with the drum corps scene over the years and have tried on a few occasions to light the flame of interest in the activity in Scotland. Drum corps has changed a lot since the heady days of the 1980s and we saw this new format as a good vehicle to spark up the alumni and re-establish drum corps in Scotland.

What do you think of SoundSport and the Indoor Music Games?
I am truly excited about this format. The only way I can see any chance of a future "field corps" being established in Scotland is to reach out to younger people and successfully deal with the wet Scottish weather. I think we would struggle to grow the corps if we insisted on a full field corps operational model at this time.

Can you share some details about the IMG/SoundSport show in Glasgow?
After last year’s successful rebirth, the corps members wanted to step up a gear and are working hard to energise the drum corps spirit amongst our alumni. We are determined to produce a great event in Glasgow as a fitting finale to the season. We intend to follow the IMG/SS approach and have various classes of ensembles entertaining us.

What plans do you have with the Barons in the future?
One of the reasons drums corps diminished in Scotland was the increase in travel costs. I wish to grow the activity and assist other units to form and participate in a Scottish competitive circuit, with opportunities for other nations’ corps to compete here and enjoy our famous Scottish hospitality.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would like to extend an invitation to all marching and musical units to come to Glasgow on the 21st of May 2016 and enjoy ‘A Night Out With The Barons’.

Drum Corps Europe would like to thank Greg Small for this interview. More information about the Blue Barons Mini Corps can be found on their Facebook page.