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November 21, 2005

Grand Nationals Picture Redux

I'm not going to give a blow-by-blow of each band because frankly, I didn't get to see too many. It was just the way our schedule worked out (or didn't). So instead, I'm going to show you what I saw, through the pictures I took. Yes, it's probably not what you would normally see unless you've been in a band at Grand Nationals. It kind of gives you an inside look at Finals from the field. So without further ado, I give you the Grand Nationals Picture Redux...

The Owasso Drumline warming up for their QuarterFinals performance. I think it's about 8AM Friday morning.

The Owasso snareline

Extreme close-up during music warm-up

In the RCA Dome airlock waiting to go onto the field

The factory outside the airlock after the performance. Does anyone know what they do there? I've always wondered...

While walking outside the conference side of the facility, a police-escorted file of tanks came rumbling through downtown. They gave out peace signs and saluted as they went by.

When they say you're at a "hotel by the airport" they're not kidding! This is the view out our window.

We had some downtime in our "borrowed" room (more on that later) and got a chance to really clean the drums and polish the cymbals.

Going back over the cymbal logos after three coats of polish

Owasso in Physical Warm-up before Finals

Backfield shot of Owasso marching onto the field for their Finals performance. Man, what a crowd!

Backfield shot of Finals Retreat. RCC's drumline is playing to my right and throwing down some nice licks.

The drumline at the front of the band for Retreat

Again....man, look at that crowd!!!

The drum majors during the awards ceremony

We happen to be standing next to the Carmel staff at the front of the field and I took a picture when they announced them as the winners. Notice Mike McIntosh (Bluecoats Percussion Caption Head) with his head against the wall. I know this was a long time coming for them and a lot of pent up emotions were finally able to come out. Congrats to them and their students.

The Owasso Drumline after Retreat; what a stellar group of young people. I couldn't ask to work with a finer ensemble.

After announcing that the field was Carmel's, the bass drums headed for the airlock.

Loading up the buses outside the conference hall. A little unexpected rain was coming down, but it didn't dampen our spirits.

A close-up of the Grand National Finalist medal. That thing is heavy for its size!

Again, I am proud of the Owasso kids and all of their hard effort this season. They worked efficiently at every practice and never took their eyes off the goal. Congrats to them and every other band member that participated in the 2005 BOA Grand Nationals.

As a side note, I would like to thank some people and companies for their support and kindness: special thanks to Yamaha for their support, extra tickets, and listening to us concerning hardware and offering solutions, and thanks goes to Mark Wessels and the Vic Firth team for the coverage and product support (sticks and mallets). I would also like to thank our new friends at Jackson Academy HS who let us borrow their gigantic room at the conference center. This thing was a massive exhibit hall about a football field wide and three football fields long, plus it had a loading dock and direct access to the warm-up locations. They were kind enough to let us use their space as a staging area before Semis and through Finals - we really appreciate your kindness!

Posted by Ryan on 09:53 PM | Comments (0)

November 13, 2005

WE MADE IT!!!

Mass hysteria ensued as Owasso HS was announced as the last Finalist band. Seeing as some stiff competition remained for that last spot, we expected the worst, but were stunned when they called out our name in the last spot. 2005 Grand National Finalist, unbelievable!!!

Posted by Ryan on 01:35 AM | Comments (3)

November 12, 2005

BOA Grand National Semi-Finals

So it's down to this. They take the Top 30 from two days - which is the top 11 from each day and then the top 8 scores from either day after that to make up the thirty. Owasso made the top 22 (top 11 for our day) and made the fortunate draw of going on number 26. What does that mean? Well, that last eight gets to draw the first four spots and the last four spots. Everyone knows this so if you take away the last four slots from the 30, the last spot for the top 22 is number 26. We couldn't be in a better spot!

The kids are excited and while I would normally like to go early just to get my nerves out of the way, I would make an exception on this one. I am sure I can take the knots in the stomach for 6 hours to give these kids the optimum spot to give them the best opportunity possible to make Finals. We shall see.

Posted by Ryan on 08:14 AM | Comments (0)

November 11, 2005

LIVE from Grand Nationals

Live from Indianapolis!!! We fortunately have wireless access at the hotel, so I will be updating the blog everyday with info and pictures when possible. We (Owasso HS) play at 8:45 AM Friday morning so we have to get out of the hotel and on the road early so this post will be short. From what I have read so far, some great bands played today. There will be even more Friday and I am looking forward to our block which includes Richland, Etiwanda, and LD Bell. Good Luck to everyone!

Posted by Ryan on 01:32 AM | Comments (0)

Pictures from Previous BOA Events

So it's been a wild marching band season so far. We have traveled from Arlington, Texas to St. Louis and a few places in between, during the trips I have managed to snap a few pictures and I thought I would share some of the better ones.

Owasso band unloading at Arlington

Walking onto the field at Arlington

Owasso warm-up

Owasso cymbal line

Retreat at the BOA St. Louis Regional

Awards at BOA St. Louis

Posted by Ryan on 01:16 AM | Comments (1)

November 01, 2005

Colts Welcome Nick Angelis as New Percussion Caption Head

As previously reported on drumlineblog.com, the Colts organization recently named Nick Angelis as the new Percussion Caption Head. He has an extensive resume of marching percussion ensemble esxperience as well as personal achievements at the highest levels. He has asked a good share of the percussion staff back to the Colts and is excited to get started.

The first camp for the Colts is slated for December 16th through the 18th in Dubuque, Iowa. Please see colts.org for more information.

Posted by Ryan on 04:42 PM | Comments (3)