Did you hear about it? The RCC “Marching Tigers” hosted their annual RCC Band “Open House” last Wednesday night and it was a huge success!

Even with spring concerts in the Southland, class conflicts, rehearsals, work, etc. it was one of the largest turnouts EVER with nearly 180 people crammed in to the little HG101 band room! There were even 6 to 8 people who stood outside the back door, straining to see and hear what was going on inside. There were kids sitting in the aisle, huddled around the desk area – literally no place to walk left unclaimed!

Director Gary Locke introduced the complete RCC pageantry program to one and all – through commentary and a new DVD that included a sampling of the fall marching band, Fantasia, winter drums and the Rose Parade – AND two of the band’s more famous TV commercials. As Locke said, “I covered the registration process, explained our fall rehearsal schedule and talked about some of our key performances that are set for the fall. There were lots of oohs and aaahs, some questions – but mostly a very quiet and ‘respectful’ audience that barely moved a muscle for two hours!”

Obviously, there is/was a LOT of excitement centered around RCC’s upcoming unprecedented 7th appearance as the guest exhibition group for the Bands of America “Grand National Championships” in Indianapolis this coming November! And after talking about the potential staff, the evening ended with the announcement of our fall field show theme.

After much discussion and consideration of all elements / issues / ingredients / requirements involved, it was decided to do “Les Miserables!” For those not familiar with this hit Broadway show, just go to You Tube and type in RCC Georgia Dome or something similar and you’ll find a rehearsal run-through of the show.

It’s great music, opens up a ton of visual possibilities, allows the guard lots of options costuming-wise and includes a variety of tempos. It does not rely on one soloist or any one person but is more of an ‘ensemble’ approach musically. So no horn band, more ensemble. It’s a show that was arranged to be played in a Dome, so it will work in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Where Are You Marching This Fall?

Monday, May 17th, 2010 | 2:43 am