4th of July in the Rose Bowl

The 4th of July was spent in Pasadena. Upon arrival at Pasadena High School in the early morning we encountered a bit of difficulty as the janitor (new to the job) had a key ring with dozens of keys, but none that would open the main gate to the campus. As a result, we loaded in the gym through the locker rooms until the day janitor arrived at about 9 a.m.

The pit spent the day with Tony Nunez who is with us the entire weekend. Tony has extensive drum corps, marching band, and house band experience with electronics and front ensembles. Since electronics are new to drum corps, having an expert work with the corps over the weekend will enable us to insure that we are making the most out of this new aspect of the drum corps idiom.

After the morning block, it was off to the Rose Bowl. This event is a drum corps exhibition show, capped by a fireworks display. The corps' performance was much improved over the previous evening. Tempos were more under control, guard enhancements added during the week came across well, and the entire performance was more solid.

As an encore, the brass and battery performed American Salute for the vast audience in the end zone. Why do they sit in the end zone? - for a better view of the fireworks! After the last corps performed, all of the brass lines combined for a rendition of America the Beautiful. Then, the fireworks display - it was impressive, dazzling, awe inspiring and more. The fact that the Rose Bowl sits in a valley and that the display was centered on the Rose Bowl made the fireworks quite spectacular.

After the show, it's off to John North High School in Riverside.