Western Beat gets DCUK off to a stomping start

"The weather looked good as I left home for the first DCUK show of 2007, the organisations 28th consecutive season of competitions. The past winter had seen the DCUK undergo some radical changes, streamlining itself and doing away with much of the bureaucracy and 'red tape' that had hindered its growth in recent years, so today's show really felt like the start of a new era." A report by Andy Hewlett.

"A last minute problem with Bath's Twerton Park meant that today's venue was the Prince of Wales Stadium, Cheltenham, the scene of many successful drum corps and BYBA (British Youth Band Association) shows over the years, and to my mind a better venue than the original location. As I took my seat in the stand it was great to see amongst the crowd a number of ex-members of the various West Country Corps who are sadly no longer active, but good to see that these 'old stagers' still following the activity.

Five corps in new classes of competition today saw, Staffordshire Knights and Concord in National Open Class, with Black Knights, Senators and Kidsgrove Scouts in International Open Class.

Staffordshire Knights set up on the field in their traditional black uniforms with pink trim. This is a young Corps in the process of rebuilding, who have taken the bold step of moving up from last years Junior Class. Conducted by a familiar looking Drum Major, and presenting a show of James Bond music, the Knights hit a strong opening statement, which lead into a mallet section before the horns rejoined with the familiar tones of 'Live and Let Die'.

It soon became clear that these young members were handling the step up very well, whilst a clearly experienced staff had resisted the temptation to push them too far too fast, with a show that will challenge the corps without being unobtainable. The scenery of the famous James Bond tunnel was a nice touch, and I particularly enjoyed the Guards use of double purple and mauve flags in 'For your Eyes Only'. At the end of the show the corps left field to the strains of 'Nobody Does it Better' from the pit, which brought it to a fine conclusion.

As Concord entered the field I was struck by how well this stalwart DCUK corps carried themselves, impressing me before they had played a single note. A catchy drum intro lead into a good arrangement of 'Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend', which featured a well balanced brass line and a guard who looked as if they had come straight from the Moulin Rougue. A Soprano solo opened the classic 'Autumn Leaves', starting with a slow section before a Contra link took us into the faster section. Now I must confess to not being a particular fan of Concord contras, ever since one beat me in individuals in 1988, but this young performer did a great job, adding much to the overall brass ensemble.

Another classic 'Land of Make Believe' began with a subtle baritone and flugel duet, and featured some tricky timings and counter melodies, with a strong drum line that didn't over power the horns. Then, before I realised, the show was over and I was left wondering if there is another tune to go on the end? Only time will tell, but I look forward to seeing the corps again later in the season.

Reigning DCUK Champions Black Knights set up to great applause, getting the new International Open Class off to a fitting start. The show began with a well controlled soprano feature with the line facing back field, before turning and creating an effective hit. The guard performed with sabres as well as flags, and I suspect that this top class line has more to add in during the season. As the music changed to 'New York, New York', the guard changed to rifles and unusual cheque and red flags, which I found quite effective. The horns finished with a back field soprano solo and a well controlled long sustained note, taking us nicely into the shows slow section that was complimented greatly by a strong Pit section.

The Knights' final piece was the wonderful 'Rhapsody in Blue' which went down well with the audience, and for my money this was probably the most entertaining performance of the day. This show has awesome potential and with the talented staff line the Knights have, they will be a force to be reckoned with by finals.

Resplendent in their familiar cream and black uniforms with purple trim, the Senators opened in an interesting formation with all the sections integrated, and a black screen behind the pit. A pulsing brass opening lead into a well balanced horn hit with lovely running bass drum passages leading into the first section of a show entitled 'Shuffle Up and Deal'. The low brass opened the 2nd piece with all the guard on rifles, then changing to orange and brown flags.

Smooth mallet work lead nicely into the third section, featuring a baritone solo whilst the corps demonstrated their marching talents, performing at different timings and tempos. A large drum line cut through well and added to another strong section to a show that will have European Champions Jubal and Beatrix worrying all the way to finals. A superb hold, hit and release was the best moment of the day as the sound bounced of the stand to great effect. The final section saw the guard disappear, and again I think the Senators will be adding much more to this show before finals in September.

Kidsgrove Scouts entered the field with the look of a corps who know they are on their way up. Bigger and stronger than I have ever seen them before, and marching 5 contras, the scouts looked like they meant business. Looking sharp in their red and white uniforms, the horns warmed up facing front field and their quality shone through.

The show began with a brass quintet that were gradually joined by the ensemble whilst the guard performed in unusual brown and yellow uniforms with multi colour flags in 'Red Pony'. The western feeling was enhanced by a solid percussion and the company front at the end of the second section worked well. The third and fourth sections featured some difficult horn runs that were well executed, whilst the guard kept me in mind of a rodeo with bandanas and barn style dancing. Kidsgrove performance concluded with an exciting formation with the horns right up on the front line. Another show that has a long way to go and the Scouts have every chance of taking both DCUK and DCE crowns.

Before the retreat the judges were introduced to the crowd, including the legendary Ivan Balchin who has made a welcome return to judging. The Senators played the borps back onto the field and the results were given.

Personally I agreed with the placings, but was slightly surprised at the spread of the scores. However with a long hard season ahead this really could be anyone's year. I look forward to seeing these corps progress, and seeing how they compare with the Dutch and German units, as well as their BYBA counterparts. Congratulations to DCUK, especially Alan Thompson and Joe Fitzpatrick who worked so hard on the day, and over the last 6 difficult months. They have successfully jumped some serious hurdles and taken Drum Corps in Britain into a new phase, where it can now begin to grow again and look forward to a brighter future."

Andy Hewlett

Results International Open Class
1 â?¢ 67.05 â?¢ Senators
2 â?¢ 64.20 â?¢ Kidsgrove Scouts
3 â?¢ 52.70 â?¢ Black Knights

Results National Open Class
1 â?¢ 57.90 â?¢ Concord
2 â?¢ 55.50 â?¢ Staffordshire Knights