Brandywine Heights Indoor Classic

In my column “Meck’s Music Mix” which appeared in last week’s Kutztown Patriot, I wrote about the phenomenon of Indoor shows. Basically, these shows are competitions between various schools and private organizations involving drum lines, color guard units, dance teams, and twirlers. While there are many groups who compete and many shows, I have more interaction with the Brandywine group.

This year is special, not only because my children are all involved in the drum line and my daughters are part of the color guard group, but this is the first year for a home show at Brandywine’s new high school. It has been several years since a show was hosted by Brandywine and held at Kutztown University. It was a few years before that when the show was held at what was then the high school. This year also marks the return of the color guard unit. This particular event is billed as the Brandywine Heights Indoor Classic and is already causing quite a buzz in the community as there is a lot of effort being made to make people aware of this terrific program.

The drum line’s performance is based on music from The Who including two songs which are signature tunes for this classic rock band. As the battery (those who provide movement around the floor a la field show) provides much of the rhythmic and interpretive elements, the pit (stationary instruments such as keyboard percussion and drum set) add melody and additional rhythms to the show. The music is live and not pre-recorded so each performer has to learn their instrument well. Many of this year’s group have not participated in drum line before, but they are doing extremely well.

The color guard is using the Guns and Roses version of “Live and Let Die” for their routine. This is accomplished by employing several items such as flags, rifles, and sabers as they move to the recording of this song. Not only is the ability to spin and throw the objects important, but so is the overall effect of the show. Uniforms/costumes as well as make-up and the unbelievable BIG 80’s hair play an important role in the scoring of this competition.

The Brandywine Indoor Classic will be held this Saturday, March 21st beginning at noon in the high school gym. The high school is located near Topton PA. Please visit www.biggetybop.com for more details about the show. There will be food available as well as opportunities to buy items for the individual performers as a momento of the historic show.

The Brandywine Heights Drum Line and Color Guard are proud to host this event and hope you will be able to attend and support the performing arts. There will be many groups performing that afternoon including your hosts. The Brandywine Twirlers will also take the floor in competition during the Majorette portion of the show.

Thanks to all the parents and students involved in the planning and work which make this event possible. Special thanks goes to Bill and Amy Snook for their tireless and selfless dedication to see that the indoor program continues to be successful and grow.

See you there!

Jim

Jim is appearing this week at Conway’s BBQ on Saturday, March 21 (after the Indoor Classic) beginning at 8PM. Check www.jimmeck.com for more info.