| David A. Lafond Program Coordinator Brass Caption Head  "I'm looking forward to 2008 and hope fans will enjoy our show and that the members have fun performing it and that we make new fans in 2008 and we see more new members join our ranks." David Lafond | David is primarily responsible for pulling all components of our show program together and making sure the corps is ready to perform it in the spring. David works with all the captions and the corps director to make sure the program is going to be exciting and entertaining and a challenging and educational experience for the performing members. David is also responsible for the brass component of the corps, which means; arranging the music, putting the educational program together for the horn line and making sure they are ready to go when they hit the street and/or the field. Drum & Bugle Corps is a very unique experience. There are several reasons why someone should join the corps, and any one alone is good enough.
I hope that Manchester gets recognition on the drum & bugle corps landscape. We have a good program here with some great people in a wonderful activity. I hope we continue to see success and growth in the corps and we see a strong Muchachos as a result. I hope that fans will be excited to hear that the Muchachos will be performing and that the corps gets recognized as an entertaining and fun corps to watch. |
| Tony recently joined the Muchachos as a Horn Line Instructor, specializing in the Low Brass section. Tony's observation since being around the Muchachos is that there is a "Good atmosphere, all the Corps members take their job/part seriously and still have fun". Tony is assisting David Lafond with the instruction of the hornline and adding a second set of ears when rehearsing. "Sometimes I'll work one-on-one with a Horn line member if it's needed. |  Tony Gocha, Instructor |
Jen Raiche - Horn Line Rep. |
Q - What kind of music do you play?
A - We typically play music with a Latin/Spanish style or flair. We try to appeal to all generations and the public so we have a mix of music from popular to standard brass band to jazz. We will also play some patriotic music. We are always considering new musical choices. This is our current repertoire.
Land of Make Believe
La Copa De La Vida
Amparita Roca
Brazil
Espana Cani
Fanfare from "Man of La Mancha"
The Lonely Bull
Theme from the Movie "Z"
Q - What's the difference between a bugle and a trumpet? I play a trumpet/French horn/Trombone/Tuba is playing a bugle any different.
A - The bugles the Muchachos use are all three valve instruments, and basically are related and play just like their concert/marching band cousins except they are all pitched in the key of G. Most brass players will adapt pretty quickly, the biggest difference most people find is adjusting to the key of the instrument. If you've only played a slide trombone you'll need to adjust to using valves but that's not a very difficult transition.
Here's a list of our bugles and who their concert instrument cousins are:
Soprano Bugle - Soprano voice of the brass choir. Most closely related to the trumpet/cornet & uses the same mouthpiece as a trumpet.
Alto/Flugelhorn Bugle - This is part of the Alto voice of the brass choir. It's most related to the flugelhorn and/or the alto or peck horn. These horns typically play like a soprano but have a darker, richer sound.
Mellophone Bugle - This is also part of the Alto voice of the brass choir. It's very closely related to the mellophones used in many marching bands. Typically it's a substitute for the French horn as it uses a mouthpiece similar to a trumpet but with a deeper V-style cup/bowl. It too has a darker sound than the soprano and the large bell gives it a big sound.
French Horn Bugle - This is also part of the Alto voice of the brass choir. It's very closely related to a concert French horn and uses a French horn mouthpiece, and sounds very similar to a concert French horn. These are not used too much as the thin rim can make it difficult to march and play at the same time. Over time these have been replaced by Mellophones in many Drum & Bugle Corps
Baritone Bugle - This is the tenor voice of the brass choir. Its closest relative would be a concert baritone horn. It uses the same mouthpiece as most baritone horns or trombones.
Euphonium Bugle - This is also part of the tenor voice of the brass choir. It's different from a baritone bugle in that it has a larger conical bore and larger bell. It produces a nice dark, rich, deep sound.
Contrabass Bugle - This instrument provides the Bass or Baritone voice in the brass choir. It's closely related to the concert Tuba but is placed on the players shoulder with the bell facing front while being played.
All the bugles use the same fingerings as a trumpet or treble clef baritone horn. Music is usually all written in treble clef; however our arrangements are created in software that could easily transpose for musicians who have learned to read in bass clef.
Q - What's a typical rehearsal day like?
A - We typically have 3 hour rehearsals and will spend about 2 hours of it playing either with just the horn line or in ensemble with the whole corps. About the first 30-45 minutes are spent going over M&M, and then we break into sections. We spend the first 30-60 minutes warming up as a group and working on basic techniques of playing a brass instrument. We'll work on the same types of exercises most other Drum & Bugle Corps do, these are not specific to Drum & Bugle Corps and you are very likely to play the same or similar exercises with your private teacher (if you have one). We'll spend the rest of sectional time learning new music or perfecting the music we've already learned. The last 30-45 minutes of rehearsal is spent putting everything together with all the sections of the Drum & Bugle Corps and adding movement if we have any.
Q - Will playing a bugle improve or ruin my indoor sound?
A - It is unlikely participating in Drum & Bugle Corps will hurt your concert playing. You should be able to use the same mouthpiece as your concert instrument. Although we focus on techniques to play outdoors, this should still translate into becoming a better player indoors. You should find that you will end up with more endurance and play with a stronger, more supported and darker sound. Also because we have to play outdoors musical interpretations need to be exaggerated so you should be able to play louder with quality, softer with quality and have more precise articulations.
Q - What if I don't play a brass instrument?
A - We'll teach you. If you can read music the transition is relatively easy from another instrument. Woodwind players typically do pretty well switching to a bugle. If you've never played an instrument before don't fret, you may be the next undiscovered Wynton Marsalis.
Q - What other benefits can I get from participating in Drum & Bugle Corps?
A - If you are still in school band, you'll have another program to learn and will become a better musician. Since Drum & Bugle Corps originated from the military you'll learn to become a better leader, and hopefully become more disciplined as well. If you've played an instrument when you were younger, you'll get to experience what it's like to play wonderful music with others and hopefully learn to play as well (or better) as you did when you were younger. Of course you'll get the opportunity to perform in front of some of the greatest fans available.
Q - What kind of commitment is necessary?
A - Our saying is "We don't expect you to be here 100% of the time, but give us 100% when you are". Generally should be able to make at least ½ of our rehearsals and performances. You should also be able to practice at home so you are prepared for rehearsal. Depending upon your experience level you may require more or less than others. Generally we suggest at least 30 min of practice, 3 days a week.
Q - If I want to join what do I need?
A - Bring yourself, a good attitude, your mouthpiece, a folding music stand, and a three ring binder (for your music). You may also want to bring cotton practice gloves (if you have any), valve oil & some water to quench your thirst.