Internship

Today I started my internship at the Studebaker National Museum. I was so anxious to finally start my internship. It took a while to figure out where I was going to be, but now that everything is settled, I am glad I am  decided to go with Studebaker.

When I got to the museum I was nervous. For what reasons, I do not know. Luckily my advisor at the museum, Mrs. Soderberg, is the easiest person to talk to. We sat down and talked for about 45 minutes about what she had planned for me this week. From there I went to my desk and work area. (Yes, I have my own desk and everything!) Today I was working on publicity for the museums new exhibit, Viva Italia! They brought in a bunch of Italian sports cars and they are sweet!

My job today was creating an ad for the newspaper. Mrs. Soderberg was amazed how I cranked out a pretty amazing ad in an hour. (It took a while uploading and finding the stuff I needed) There were some edits made from the first design after a few people looked over my work, but it now is currently is being sent to the South Bend Tribune and will be in there until the exhibit closes in October. This first experience of having my work being public is exhilarating!

At the museum there are only a handful of employees. So having an intern that can design, as well as write and do everything else, was a blessing for them. So since I got that done in a timely manner, I was handed my next assignment. Again, another ad. This one was for the museum in general and it will be going inside the Irish Sports Report. A magazine that goes all over to Notre Dame fans. The goal is to attract people into the museum during home football games. I also got this one done before I left today. Just seeing Mrs. Soderberg's and other employees smile over my work made me felt great and I can't wait to go back tomorrow and get back to work.

Getting My Drum Corps Body Without Drum Corps

So we all know that I am not marching corps this summer... (ya, you are probably getting tired of me talking about it)

There are a many things people enjoy about marching corps. You have the traveling and seeing new places, performing every day (shows or practice), getting that drum corps tan from being outside all day, but probably the most talked about part of corps is how your body transforms into this captivating and stunning body. It all starts at the first camp from just the little things. Once move ins start/spring training starts, the body is kicked into top gear and the body really starts to transform. Well, hopefully your body was already in shape before the season started. There is even a Facebook group dedicated to showing off what corps can do to your body. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Body-by-Drum-Corps/120855854602427

But back to reality... Since I am not marching this summer, I have set myself up a work out regiment from now til I move in to school. That gives me roughly two and a half months to get what I would of had if I marched this summer.

So far I started mt work out today at 9 a.m. and I got done around 11:30ish. I just wish that it will stop storming out so I can go for a run or bike... But that can come later.

Anyways, but the time summer ends and school picks up again I will have my corps body back, but without the drum corps.

Lasting Impressions

So I was working on some stuff and I had my iTunes playing. Spring Valley's 2009 show, Lasting Impressions, came on. I let it play, but I enjoy their voice over they had. (Ya, me enjoy voice over. It's a rare liking.) However, here is the words that were used in the show and I wanted to share it with you everyone.

In our lives there are those special people who teach, motivate, love and inspire us. These individuals leave lasting impressions on our lives and our character.  Their influence guides us on our own search for success.

Armed with their example, and motivated by their guidance, we find our own way. We adopt the best aspects of their lives and make them our own. We learn, to laugh often and much and win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of people.

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty and find the best in others.  

To leave the world a better place. Whether by a healthy child, a perfect poem or a rescued soul. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived….. THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED!

And through our lives, we act as an echo to their memory. An echo that never fades. We are the lasting impression, of their true success.

Lasting Impressions

So I was working on some stuff and I had my iTunes playing. Spring Valley's 2009 show, Lasting Impressions, came on. I let it play, but I enjoy their voice over they had. (Ya, me enjoy voice over. It's a rare liking.) However, here is the words that were used in the show and I wanted to share it with you everyone.

In our lives there are those special people who teach, motivate, love and inspire us. These individuals leave lasting impressions on our lives and our character.  Their influence guides us on our own search for success.

Armed with their example, and motivated by their guidance, we find our own way. We adopt the best aspects of their lives and make them our own. We learn, to laugh often and much and win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of people.

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty and find the best in others.  

To leave the world a better place. Whether by a healthy child, a perfect poem or a rescued soul. To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived….. THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED!

And through our lives, we act as an echo to their memory. An echo that never fades. We are the lasting impression, of their true success.

Shout out!

It has been a while since I wrote anything on here. However, this one is going to be a quick and sweet one.

I want to give a shout out to my good friend Olivia Horton! She is currently right now in Liverpool, England having an experience. She will be over there for 8 weeks and I hope she was a wonderful time. I can't wait for her to get back so she can tell some great stories and of course we can finally go out together. (She turns 21 while over there)

If anyone would like to follow Olivia and her trip, here is her blog. http://ohorton.blogspot.com/

GPA

Well it is the end of the school year and people are now starting to get their grades back. One thing I hate the most though is when people post their GPA's on Facebook or when they ask you what did you get. Sometimes I wish I can get better grades and I try my hardest to achieve them, but it does not come easy for me. For some, school, test, papers, etc. come easy for them. For me, I have to set myself down and work diligently on each one. I know I learn differently from others and it is just slower than everyone else.

Back to people posting their GPA's on Facebook and what not. Congrats, you probably had some easy courses or got lucky in a class. Yes, you may of worked your butt off, but so did I. However, there have been a few people I have been seeing on Facebook that are constantly changing and updating their status saying how they are so surprised on how they did do well. Really, really now?




First off, if you are so surprised, you don;t deserve they grades you did because you did not do anything during the semester. Secondly, why do you have to constantly update your status? People will see if it if they want to see it. People... my gosh.


However, I want to leave you with this. A list of names of people who did horrible in school and became successful in life. Some of them didn't even graduate high school.

• Albert Einstein
• Bill Gates
• Abraham Lincoln 
• Sir Issac Newton
• Thomas Edison
• Steven Spielberg
• Dave Thomas
• Walt Disney
• Winston Churchill

What I see with these people and I are that they were all motivated to do something in life. They did not want to be average or the same as everyone else. They wanted to go out and make a difference. They had something that drove them. I fit all of those categories. I may not become as famous or well-known as the names on the list, but I do see myself going out and making a difference. So just because I do not get good grades doesn't mean I am going to fail at life. I have these role models to look up to because they were like me when they were in school.

My thoughts on the 2011 DCI show (Part II: Non-Finalists corps)

Last year the Colts once again almost made Finals, but they ended up finishing their season in13th place. I am surprised that they have not announced their show yet or any music at least. I will like to see the RED TEAM make it into Finals once again, but it is getting harder and harder to do so. I think they can do it and by pass someone, but I just want to know what they are doing this year.

One corps that I truly enjoyed last season was The Academy. Their show for the 2011 season is titled (RE) for every action there is a reaction. I am real excited for this show because I feel that it will be able to make Finals. They have been so close and I feel if they get everything lined up right, they can make it. They play music phenomenally, but it is going to be their GE and guard that has to rise. Good luck Academy!

The Troopers 2011 shows is called. The Road Home. I am interested to see where they go after last season. They had a good show, but it seems a little too hard for them. Being able to see them over the summer a bunch, since we were at almost ever show, I got to see them progress. However, when I saw their Semi-Final performance I was surprised much didn't change. I am pumped to see them because someone I marched with this past summer is marching bass their. Get it Troop!




It looks like the Spirit of Atlanta will be going back to its roots this summer. Their show, Film Noir is going to be old school Spirit. As their directors said, it is going to be "sultry". Besides knowing the title, I know nothing about the corps this season. I have been keeping updated via the Fan Network with the videos they are releasing, but that's it. Lets see what SoA does this summer...








One show I automatically like just because of the show banner is Crossmen with their show Renweal. The music they are playing seems like Crossmes and I am excited for them to come on the field. Not only will the top 12 be a tough pack, but the middle pack will be fighting for positioning all season.

Pacific Crest will be performing their 2011 show, Push, Pull, Twist, Turn. Can you say Bop-it? I am guessing this is what they are going with this show. I am excited to hear how they play some of their pieces. They will be playing Push, which I am excited to hear since Avon played it a few years back.They are also going to be playing Serenada Schizophrana, which is an amazing piece! Will Pacific Crest break new ground this summer... maybe. 

Ok, I will admit it, I have a soft spot for the Mandarins. Last seasons show just got me hooked and I loved it even though they placed low. It was a great show, just not executed well. Their show for the 2011 season is called The Forty Thieves: An Ancient Tale of Spices, Toxins, and Perfumes. Whoo, that is a mouth full to say. I bet the announced are going to have fun saying that every show. Good luck Mandarins!

Can Teal Sound make a move this summer? Their show programming is getting better and better. Their 2011 production is called Sinvitation 7. I do not knowing anything about this show and I am intrigued to see what they do with it. 

One group I want to see do better is Jersey Surf. Their 2011 show is called Pedal Tones. This show should be interesting because I can see them use this show as a play on words. I can see them playing "petal" tones, but also doing something with flowers and the "pedals". They have no music announced yet, but I am sure they will announce soon or we will find out when they perform on their first show. 

Ready for another dark show? The Cascades will be performing their 2011 show, Pandora, A Dark Gift. Whoo, look at that, dark in the title. They announce where they are getting their music from, but no music titles. They are playing Hanz Zimmer, Thomas Newmen, etc. Could be some good music this summer. Good luck to all of my Thunder family now marching there!

Pioneer will be performing their 2011 show, Celebrate. Looks like they are going back to their Irish/Celtic music, but then again they are "celebrating" their 50th anniversary. I have some friends marching here this summer and I wish them the best and have fun! 

My thoughts on the 2011 DCI show (Part I: Top 12 corps)

We all have our own opinions on drum corps shows and everyone does not view the same way. Here is a look on what I think this season is going to pan out. You may agree or disagree with what I have to say, but these are my thoughts on this upcoming season.

First, we start off with the Blue Devils. They are coming off an undefeated season and two straight World Titles. Could they possibly pull off a 3-peat? There 2011 show is called, The Beat My Heart Skipped. When I heard this I was like, wow am I going to like this. However, I then saw the logo/poster for the show.Y a... not what I expected. I am interested to see what comes about this. It is going to be good or it is going to be like past shows and no one is going to get it. Of course they are going to be one of the best, again, with their amazing guard, percussion and brass, but will the fans enjoy it.

Next we have the Cavaliers. Their show is called XtraordinarY and I heard it is going to be about chromosomes... I do not know what exactly they are going here, but it is the Cavaliers and will pull it off. I am interested to find out what music they will be playing and more details on the show. As of now I am skeptic.

Last years bronze medalists, the Bluecoats, actually just announced their show yesterday. They will be presenting, Brave New World. I looked at some of their music and I like it a lot, but the concept is a little wide range for me. I can see them doing so cool stuff, but I just hope they don't go to crazy and create a mess. One thing I can see either being tragic or amazing will be them playing one point in quadraphonic. This is extremely risky and I will like to see them early on and compare them to Finals night. Seeing what they have changed to the show.

One show I am dying to see, as well as a bunch of other people is Carolina Crown. Their shows have become fan favorites over the year and this year it seems like they are caring less about placement and more about pleasing the crowd and having fun. Their 2011 show is called RachStar and they will be playing stuff from Queen, The Rolling Stone, Black Sabbath and of course RACHmaninoff.  

This came right off of Crown's site. "From stage diving to piano concertos and lighting truss to drum sets, Carolina Crown shifts gears and takes drum corps entertainment in a new direction.  With musical selections from Queen, Rolling Stones, Rachmaninoff, and ELP, and iconic quotes from Jimi Hendrix, Guns & Roses, Deep Purple, Rihanna, and Ben Folds, the talented young men and women of Crown 2011 will explore the look, lifestyle, experience, and showmanship of being a “Rach Star." I can't wait to see this show!

Next we have the Cadets. Yes, I will admit it... I am a sucker for dark show and it is one reason I am excited to see the Cadets perform their 2011 show, Between Angles and Demons. I love some of the music they are play, i.e. "Angels in the Architecture" and plenty of music from the movie Angels and Demons. It should be a good show, but as I said before how I like dark shows, it seems as if most groups are trying to do them. So the style of show is starting to wear off on me. We will see what happens with this show.

Coming off a resurgent year, Phantom Regiment will present their show Juliet. I want to see this show, but it will be one of those shows that I will either like or just have to sit through and find something to enjoy. I have not heard much about their show so far, but knowing Phantom, they will have a decent show. I am most interested in following their percussion this year since Paul Rennick left PR to go to SCV. Should be interesting.

Next we have my all time favorite corps, the Santa Clara Vanguard, presenting their 2011 show: The Devil's Staircase. I am super stoked for this show because they are playing some great music, such as stuff from Barber, Jenkins, Dorman and of course Etude #13 aka the Devil's Staircase. I know many people saw last seasons show as a flop and they lost hope in SCV, but this show seems like it is going to reel people back into the SCV brand. Having Paul Rennick over to lead the percussion is only going to make the corps stronger and hopefully they will rise in the ranks this year. I am also interested in seeing what they do with the uniform this year.

Last year, in 8th place, was the Blue Stars. They have not announced their show yet and I am surprised they haven't done so. They are one of two corps that have not announced yet. However, through the grapevine I heard that they are doing some sort of Borune/Spy type show. We will see what they put out though. I would not be surprised if they did this as a show for two reasons. One, Sullivan wrote a similiar show for his high  school, Tarpon Springs, back in 2009. Second, it seems as if Blue Stars are becoming the new Blue Knights with the dark shows. However, this is all speculation and we all have to wait to they announce it.

Next we have the Boston Crusaders presenting their 2011 show, Revolution.I'm excited because they are playing music from the hit musical Les Miserables as well as the "1812 Overture". It should be an fun and entertaining show, but I do not know what they are going to with it. I can see them take a few avenues with the show concepts, but what they actually do... we will see. 

THEY ARE BACK!!! The Madison Scouts surged into last year with a great show and this year I see them  rising when they present their 2011 show, New York Morning. This show is going to be a classic Scouts show, but with a big difference. They are playing "New York, New York" as well as "Oh What a Beautiful Morning". However, I do know some of their other pieces they are playing and the concepts of the show. (You gotta love inside sources) All I can say is that you better not leave your seat this summer when they come on or you will be missing pure drum corps!

Next in my countdown is the Blue Knights. (Insert knew pop here, ok even if they didn't do it last year still do it) Officially they do not have a show title yet, just music. I know two people marching there that I marched with last season and I am so proud and excited for them. On youtube I found some clips of them from camp and I am intrigued to see what is going to be put in the field. They have so beautiful music and they are playing it well, but will it translate to a great show on the field?

And finally we have the Glassmen presenting their 2011 show, My Mortal Beloved. I know nothing about this show, absolutely nothing. From what I can see, it looks like it is going to be a dark show... maybe? O dang, I guess I am going to have to go to a show now. =)

So far there are some interesting shows. Certain one I for sure I want to see and others I will watch and will have to be persuaded to like it. In years past there have been a bunch of shows I did not like right off the bat when they announced it. Heck, last year I did not like the Cavaliers show at first and it is one of my favorites from last year.

Stay posted and check back soon as I will post my thoughts on corps 13-23!