Troopers set to release 50th Anniversary Documentary (May 15, 2008)

The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps and former Drum Major Michael D. Gough proudly present “America’s Core,” a non-profit documentary that followed the rebirth of one of the worlds most popular Drum and Bugle Corps. Wyoming’s own...Troopers.

The film produced by Idaho country music legend, Pinto Bennett and Troopers Alumni Michael D. Gough has been in editing since August of 2007. Earlier this month Gough traveled to San Diego to have the film professionally mixed at Sony Computer Entertainment America: San Diego by sound engineers Chris Canning and Craig Zarkos whose credits include the voice recording of Jeff Bridges, Pamela Anderson and the legendary Marlon Brando for commercial use. Chris’s credits also include the sound design of countless video games for the Sony Playstation.

This film features young people, ages fourteen to twenty-one from all over the nation and Japan as they proudly showcase their competitive program entitled, “Awakening.”  The tour took these teens and the Idaho based filmmakers to over twenty one states performing in front of nearly five hundred thousand loyal fans. A large amount of the film was shot on location in Casper and Cheyenne.

Narration services have been provided by Allen Scofield whose credits include hundreds of Hollywood film trailers including the more recent James Bond movies.

Two popular and very talented northwestern bands will also be attached to this film featuring Illusion 33 and solo artist Jason Webley.

The film premieres June 14th at Casper College starting at 7:00pm. A Q&A will follow. The film will then travel to Utah, Texas, Kansas, Cheyenne, Pennsylvania and Idaho.

Troopers Launch Fan Network with DCI (May 14, 2008)

Drum Corps International and the Troopers are incredibly pleased to announce one of the most ambitious Web-based undertakings since DCI's founding some 36 years ago. The Troopers, with the other DCI World Class corps have come together to take the wraps off of the totally redesigned and wildly expanded “Fan Network” which now gives fans of drum corps across the world the chance to enjoy a spectacular, dizzying array of media options unlike anything ever offered before. Featuring unlimited and exclusive access to ALL of the action from the Troopers and ALL of the World Class corps on the 2008 DCI Summer Tour, incredible new features will help you catch every note of the excitement. But that's just the beginning!

Giving You Ultimate Access to the Troopers and the other World Class corps of DCI…At your fingertips… 24 Hours a Day…

The new Fan Network represents an unprecedented cooperative effort between the Troopers and all World Class DCI corps, who have combined all of their digital assets into one tremendous network interface. Not only can fans access the new Fan Network directly from DCI.org, they can subscribe to, enter and “live” on the site directly from within TroopersDrumCorps.org. Fans can now have access to the world’s greatest collection of drum corps media, with exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.

More of everything you want, when you want it…

Organized into several different content sections, the new Troopers Fan Network is set up for easy viewing and direct access to all available digital assets from the Troopers and the other participating corps.

Spotlight

• Daily features, with up-to-the-minute exclusive drum corps news and entertaining glimpses from the 2008 DCI Summer Tour
• Exclusive backstage features posted from “embedded” corps video crews crisscrossing the country as they take to the road with the Troopers and other corps

On the Field

• Live streaming video from select 2008 DCI Summer Tour events tentatively scheduled for Madison, WI; Stanford, CA; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA and Bloomington, IN
• Post-show replay available for on-demand viewing of corps performances from select events, tentatively scheduled to include: Madison, WI; Stanford, CA; Kalamazoo, MI; Denver, CO; San Antonio, TX; Atlanta, GA; and Bloomington, IN.
• Unlimited access to the entire Drum Corps International audio/video vault - with some performances and complete programs available for the first time ever --  including all of the Top 12 World Championship performances since 1974
• Audio and Video downloads of your all-time favorite performances… from “the classics” to the current day.

Off the Field

• Watch exclusive multimedia content combining the historical audio/visual vault of the Troopers and all of DCI's World Class corps, many pieces digitized for the first time ever to deliver through this exciting platform

Podcasts

• Watch and listen to a unique variety of drum corps-related podcast subscriptions, bringing even more enhanced content to your inbox or personal mobile device
• Experience a variety of programs produced by the Troopers and other top DCI corps, featuring outstanding instructional media from DCI's most respected music education professionals
• Exclusive in-depth interviews, exciting features, and more

Now available for only $69/year!

With a new low subscription price of $69, the new Troopers Fan Network gives you complete access to this impressive display of media content for 365 days a year. Can't get enough drum corps action? Well, NOW is the time to join the all-new Troopers Fan Network.

Subscribe NOW through TroopersDrumCorps.org.

Troopers Seek Summer Drivers (March 27, 2008)

The Troopers are looking for 2-truck drivers for the 2008 summer tour. Class 1 licensing is required. Current licensing and all tests need to be complete.

For more information, contact Fred Morris, corps director at f.morris@troopersdrumcorps.org or call (307) 472-2141

Troopers Release 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book (February 4, 2008)

Founded in late fall, 1957, the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps rapidly grew from a local band of Casper teenagers to a national powerhouse competitive drum corps that set the activity ablaze. Based in the central plains of Wyoming, the corps, out of necessity, took its new style of marching pageantry to the far west coast, Midwest and eastern shores. They set the standard for corps travel, music and visual composition and audience appeal; they elevated the drum corps idiom to the national audience via broadcast television with regular appearances at collegiate and professional sporting events.

The corps stood in concert before US Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Mayors and other international dignitaries. They stood side by side, sharing the spotlight with Hollywood celebrities, more often than not, stealing the show. Over the course of fifty years, the Troopers achieved a greatness that is rarely matched and have maintained a special place in the hearts of drum corps fans far and wide.

Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps: Celebrating 50 Years of Honor, Loyalty & Dedication is a pictorial history of one of the most beloved drum and bugle corps in the world. One hundred and sixty pages are filled with over 500 color and black & white photographs, news articles, letters and more dating all the way back to the very first breath of the organization in 1957. Complete repertoire listings, awards, accomplishments and honors, listing of drum majors, color guard commanders, timeline of Troopers milestones and personal recollections from former marching members complete this first volume of the Troopers storied past.

Foreword by Troopers Executive Director Mike Ottoes and dedication by John Masterson, this book is a must have for every die-hard drum corps and Trooper fan. Hardcover with full color dust cover - Standard Portrait, 8x10 inches (20x25 cm). 160 pages.

SPECIAL PRE-ORDER DEAL!

Place your order for this commemorative book before April 1st and receive a special 50th anniversary poster print with your order. Visit the Troopers new on line Sheep Wagon shopping portal to reserve your copy TODAY!

*Anticipated delivery for book orders placed prior to March 1st is March 20th. Orders placed after March 1st but before April 1st have an anticipated delivery date of April 20th.

50 for the 50th (January 22, 2008)

The Troopers are celebrating fifty years of Honor, Loyalty & Dedication in 2008. The first major campaign of this anniversary season is the 50 for 50th fund drive.

For your one-time contribution of $50.00, we’ll send you a special commemorative 50th anniversary cloisonné lapel pin. A collectable jewelry quality pin measuring approximately 1” high by ¾” wide. Finished in gold, of course!

Wear your Troopers 50th anniversary commemorative pin at DCI Summer Music Games tour events and shows during the 2008 season, stop by our famous souvenir sheep wagon and receive 10% off your entire purchase…it’s our way of saying thanks for your contribution and support of the Troopers!

Visit the Troopers new on line Sheep Wagon shopping portal to join the 50 for the 50th campaign!

Troopers Launch Updated On Line Shopping (January 12, 2008)

After nearly three months of development, the Troopers have launched their new on line Sheep wagon. Trooper Promotions, founded in 1969, has been on line selling Trooper t-shirts, hats, CD's and more since 1999. This new e-commerce portal represents the first time that the Sheep Wagon has been hosted on the troopersdrumcorps.org web server. Since going on line in 1999, TPI has relied upon a third party vendors to provide store front capabilities.

The new store is secured by RapidSSL 128-bit encryption security so visitors can shop with confidence their transactions are safe. The wagon is also open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week with the newest and most popular Troopers souvenirs. Marching members may utilize the store to make camp and tuition payments; alumni are encouraged to visit and renew memberships or become a member of the Troopers Alumni Association.

Future development and enhancements for the Sheep Wagon are to include digital media downloads and an expanded product line. Visit the new Troopers on line Sheep Wagon at http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org/store.

Troopers Percussion Camps (January 2, 2008)

The Troopers percussion line will host all 2008 winter camps at Steven F. Austin HS in Houston Texas.

Camp Dates are:

January 18-20
February 8-10
March 7-9


All Percussion members must RSVP for camps in advance. The complete winter camp schedule can be found on the corps website: http://members.troopersdrumcorps.org/schedule.htm.

Troopers Annual Awards Banquet (December 8, 2007)

The Troopers annual awards banquet celebrating the 2007 season will be held the evening of Saturday December 29th, at the Historic Plains Hotel in downtown Cheyenne, WY. 1600 Central Ave. The cost will be $30.00 per person. All are welcome - even new students trying out for the 2008 season.

RSVP right away and reserve your seat! Click HERE to RSVP fopr the banquet. See you there!

Troopers Turn 50 (November 26, 2007)

Exactly fifty years ago today, the very first auditions for a new junior drum and bugle corps in Wyoming took place. The Troopers were born. Watch this web site for news and updates about the Troopers 50th anniversary celebration in 2008!

Troopers Brass Staff Remains Strong for 2008 (November 7, 2007)

The Troopers are pleased to announce the brass staff for the 2008 season.

The brass staff will once again be lead by caption head Scott-Lee Atchison. Returning to the Troopers staff are technician Fuller Lyon, Jayme Taylor, Ashley Waller, Mike Lundquist, Trevor Bailey and Taylor Wright.

Joining the Troopers brass team this year is arranger Dean Westman, consultants Matt Harloff, Dustin Winson and vocal consultant Aaron Mosley.

The corps looks to fill the 72 member brass roster at upcoming audition camps in Knoxville, Houston, Boise and Laramie, WY. For complete brass audition information, visit the Troopers membership web site at http://members.troopersdrumcorps.org/brass.htm.

Dan Wiles Joins Powerhouse Troopers Staff (November 3, 2007)

Troopers Director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Dan Wiles to the Troopers 2008 design team. Dan will head up the color guard design for the corps 50th anniversary season.

Currently residing in Avon, Indiana. Daniel lives his wife Sarah and their two beautiful children, Olivia and Aidan. Daniel holds an English degree in Secondary education from Indiana University. He has been teaching for over 20 years in the world of Pageantry. For the past 9 years, Daniel has been working with Avon HS. Avon is the 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 WGI Scholastic World Silver Medalist and 7-time consecutive A Class marching band Champion, BOA National Finalist for the past 6 years.

Dan has been the Visual coordinator for Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps for the last five years. Daniel also served as a member of the WGI instructor task force from 2002- 2004.

Troopers Bring Westman to Casper (October 26, 2007)

Troopers Corps Director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Dean Westman to the Troopers 2008 staff as the brass arranger.

Dean has been an active instructor and arranger in the drum corps activity for 16 years. Westman served as Brass Caption Head for the nine-time Drum Corps International World Champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2003 and 2004. He spent 7 years as a brass arranger and instructor for the six-time Drum Corps International World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. Dean taught on the brass staff for the seven-time Drum Corps International World Champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, and was the Brass Caption Head during the Cavaliers 1995 DCI World Championship season. Dean is honored to begin working as the brass arranger for The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2008 season and looks forward to becoming part of an organization with such a rich history.

For the up-to-the-minute staff listing and other Troopers new, please visit http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

Troopers Add Gordon Henderson to Staff (October 25, 2007)

Troopers Corps Director Fred Morris is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Gordon Henderson to the Troopers 2008 Educational staff.

Gordon is a veteran music educator and adjudicator. He is the Associate Director of Bands and Department of Music Vice Chair at UCLA. Professor Henderson directs the 250-member Bruin Marching Band, and the Varsity Band.

Henderson has served as Head Horn Instructor and/or Brass Arranger for three Drum Corps International Champions: the Santa Clara Vanguard in 1989 and 1999, and the 1992 Cavaliers. In 2003 and 2004, he was a member of the brass staff for the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, and since 1990, he has been the Arranger for the Tenrikyo Aimachi Marching Band in Nagoya, Japan, the six-time All-Japan National Champions.

For the up-to-the-minute staff listing and other Troopers new, please visit http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

Troopers Release New Recruiting Video Series (October 2, 2007)

The Troopers are pleased to announce the release of their 2008 recruiting video series. Shot by independent film-maker and Trooper alumnus Michael Gough over a span of two years, the 2008 recruiting video series is being released via the corps web site in a 4-part series.

This video will be featured by the Troopers at the Colorado Bandmasters State Marching Championships and the Wyoming State Marching Band Festival events this fall.

"We're looking forward to our audition camps coming up in November", commented Troopers executive director Mike Ottoes. "We expect a high return rate in all sections from the 2007 corps. The competition for spots in our 50th anniversary corps should be intense."

The Troopers will hold audition camps in four different cities over the November 30th weekend. Locations are Laramie, WY, Boise, ID, Houston, TX, and Knoxville, TN. Auditions will conclude in the same cities the weekend of December 27th. Students interested in auditioning for the Troopers should visit the corps membership information pages and complete the on line application found at http://members.troopersdrumcorps.org.

To view the video series or to obtain information about the Troopers, visit the corps official website at http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.

Troopers Announce Drum Major for 2008 Season (August 17, 2007)

On August 9, 2007 following the Troopers DCI Quarterfinals performance in Pasadena, CA, Troopers Executive Director Mike Ottoes and Corps Director Fred Morris announced that Mr. Kyle M. Trader would stand atop the podium as the corps 22nd drum major for the 2008 season.

Kyle is a three year veteran of the Troopers starting in 2004 on soprano bugle. He continued in the soprano section in 2005 and in 2006, while the Troopers were reorganizing, Kyle participated in DCI as a member of the LaCrosse, WI Blue Stars on trumpet. Kyle returned to the Troopers in 2007 on trumpet and served the corps as the horn sergeant.

The Troopers web team caught up with Kyle and asked his thoughts on the 2007 season and the year ahead.

TW: Sum up the 2007 season for the Troopers.
Kyle Trader: The 2007 season was the first statement of the rebirth of the Troopers organization. It was the culmination of a years worth of preparation to set us up for the future. 2007 was the beginning of a great thing to happen to the Troopers and it was an honor to be a part of the corps for this exciting comeback to DCI. Not only did we prove that we could get our act together and comeback, but we almost had a 135 member full corps. The hornline was full, the percussion section was full, and the color guard was comfortable with how many members they had.

On top of the members we had new instruments to play on, new uniforms to perform in, a new equipment truck to store those items, and charter buses to get us safely to our destinations. The staff that was hired couldn’t have been any better. They had a deep knowledge in their respective field of teaching and really pushed us to be our best and by the end of the season we had a very strong drum corps. 2007 was great and it set up 2008 to be an even better season.

TW: What are your thoughts on being named the 22nd drum major for the Troopers?
KT: Being chosen to be the 22nd drum major in Troopers history is an honor to me. For the organization and staff to consider me for this elite title proves to me that my dedication to the corps and leadership skills as horn sergeant were what the corps needed and what would be needed for drum major. I am grateful for this opportunity to lead this corps in the 2008 season, which is also the corps 50th anniversary.

TW: What do you look forward to the most as DM for the 2008 season?
KT: I look forward to standing in front of a full corps next year at our first day of move ins and starting the beginning of another great season with the Troopers. With the momentum that was started this season it is very exciting to see what we will accomplish next year when we have members coming back and the new members that are wanting to be a part of something special.

TW: What is your goal for the Troopers in 2008?
KT: My goal for the 2008 season is to ensure that every single member has an experience that can’t be matched. Something so special that they go home and are better people, and will come back year after year to really re-establish the greatness that this corps once had and keep it there for another 50 years.

TW: What would you like to say to members of the Long Blue Line and all the Troopers fans across the globe?
KT: Without your support through the last 2 years this last season wouldn’t have gone as well as it did. I don’t remember how many times throughout the 2007 season when we’d show up to a show and the stadium would erupt with cheers because they see us walking on to the field. After a great show was performed they would want to see us more and some would follow us for the rest of the season to track our progress. So thank you for all of the support. It meant the world to all of the members to know that we are part of a very special thing to so many people in the drum corps activity and it helped us through out our first season back.

TW: Thank you Kyle for your time. We look forward to seeing you and the Troopers in 2008. Best wishes!

Troopers Announce 2008 Audition & Camp Dates (August 7, 2007)

Troopers Director Fred Morris today released the 2007/2008 Audition and Training camp schedule for the corps 50th anniversary season.

The first audition weekend will be held on November 16-18, 2007 in four different locations: Cheyenne, WY, Boise, ID, Houston, TX and Knoxville, TN. Auditions will continue at the same locations in December over the weekend of the 14th. The complete winter camp schedule can be found on the Troopers official website.

Interested students should complete the Troopers online interest form to make sure they receive all the corps mailings for the upcoming season. For more information about the Troopers 50th anniversary season, membership and more, visit the corps online at http://www.troopersdrumcorps.org.