Chetek/Rice lake, WI

While most of Texas is still under a drought and praying for rain, we have been praying for it to stop. While we did enjoy the cooler weather and outstanding facilities, it was hard to get very much done as the rain kept interrupting our progress. The rain even delayed the show and after we started the program began to rain during the performance. While the show was a bit cautious the changes we made are starting to really take shape and add a lot to the program. Just have to continue to grind away at the stone and see it through!

Dekalb x 4

We arrived in Dekalb in time to have the drumline perform for their "clinic" at the park. We have very difficult arrangements to work with as the local schools are in flux and the campus where we stayed at was hosting a religious conference but we found a way to make it all work. Working around other corps and rainstorms we still found a way to make some more last minute changes to strengthen the show down the stretch. While we know these will not be clean right away, we are confident the long term gains will be great! THe corps had a great run to an empty stadium and the lack of crowd did not help the musical impact of the show but it was a very strong showing none the less.

Arlington - Seymore

Due to limited connectivity, Dates will be merged to provide a quick view.

We spent our last day in Arlington and Texas sent us off with a bang as the temp fully cooked us before we departed. We then headed to Lonoke, AR and the heat and humidity followed us up. It was a unique situation as we stayed in a very active community center. Then it was off to Seymore, MO and that town welcomed us with open arms. It was on of the better housing sites of the season other than having a shortened field. Defiantly a place to return too. Now we are off to Dekalb and the beginning of the end for the 2011 season.

San Antonio Homecomings!

The corps enjoyed it's strongest hometown performance tonight at the Alamodome and topped all open class competition from around the state. Even with the new members 1st show jitters or the many show alteration flubs, the performance was a strong statement of what too look forward to as we continue to clean and refine this show. The members got to spend the rest of their time with family and friends before loading up and heading out to our final Texas rehearsal in Arlington.

On the road again!

The community at Hardin came out in numbers to send us off on the second half of tour. With a little over 150 in attendance the stands looked as packed as some Midwest drum corps shows and they were very receptive to the Ride! Program and the instant encore we performed. Many thanks to all those that made our stay enjoyable and productive. We now are in New Braunfels doing a clinic and preparing for the San Antonio regional this weekend! Please make sure this weekend (our last in Texas before championships) we settle up all outstanding balances!

Much progress / Cabin Fever!

The corps has gotten a lot done and are chomping at the bit to get back on the road. From laundry trips to Liberty and reworking major sections of the show we have accomplished so much and are nearly ready for our SA homecoming re-debut! Our housing is set at Canyon High School in New Braunfels! More details will be released tomorrow on Facebook! (changed location)

Movie Night!

The corps took a break from rehearsing and enjoyed some great burgers provided by the Hardin High Band and also some banana splits. Then went into the cafeteria and enjoyed our very first movie night. The horror movie was complete with fresh popped popcorn, assorted candy and sour pickles. We also welcomed three new members to the hornline to get to capacity! 5 more days until we head back to SA!

Hot hot hot in Hardin!

Things have been progressing nicely and the staff here at Hardin High School have truly bent over backwards to accommodate the corps. This is by far the best facility, now if we can only get the temperature turned down we would never want to leave. Special thanks to Mr Smith for working so closely with all the arrangements, to the Siebeneich's and Glenn's for providing some great meals, and the Shackleford's for cooking and helping out around campus. We are very grateful for your help!

Texas Tweek Day 1

It is gonna take some time for us to get re-acclimated to this Texas heat but it sure is nice to have air to breathe. We will start the cleaning process and add in some new faces during our stay here and will put on a Fundraiser/Show before we depart to San Antonio to re-join the DCI tour. Special thanks to the Hardin High School Administration and Band for your hospitality. It has been AMAZING! Thank you very much Mr. Smith!

Back in Texas

The corps arrived for its pass-through stop in Lubbock, Texas and got some rehearsal in before heading for a Walmart run. We will drive straight on thru until we hit Hardin High School for our Texas Tweek! Great to be back in Texas but can someone turn down the heat?

Rocky Mountain High!

The corps closed out thier West Coast tour with a solid performance at Mile High Stadium and for all the fans on the DCI Fan Network. This tour has been great and many thanks to all that helped make things run smoothly. Now back to Houston, TX for some cleaning and changes to make this show stronger.

Much Love in Loveland, CO

Our second day in this picturesque place called Colorado had the corps perform in the view of the rocky mountains and made some more fans. This production has legs and even though we need much improvement, the show is still coming across and hitting positive notes all the way around. One more night in Colorado, then the big show in MILE HIGH! Catch us on the DCI Fan Network Live!

Hello Colorado!

Today the corps rolled into a full rehearsal day in Greeley Colorado to prepare for the last two shows in the west coast tour. We enjoyed some great weather until the afternoon blocks got rained out. We will enjoy staying pad for the next two days before rolling back into Texas!

Utah Beauty!

This tour has really opened our eyes to this country's awe and spender. Ogden and Salt Lake City was breathtaking and nestled in the foothills really puts things into perspective. The hornline, while having trouble breathing in this higher altitude is really starting to mature and open up their sound. Once we come down from these mountains our lungs will be beast and this show will truly sing! Our score went back up and we opened up competition with a SoCal favorite, Gold!

Nampa or Boise?

Today we added the final audio clip announcing we have landing in the show city and while there was some confusion as to weather we should have Nampa (the show site) or the host city (Boise) as the city in the audio and flag, we went with what was on the DCI site and stayed with Boise. The show was a first read for a few judges and others just may not be a fan of our production. We had a good show and will not let the score drop affect our motivation to continue to push and self improve this show.

4th Fun!

The corps arrived in Boise and went back to work for 4 hours before stopping early to clean some clothes and head to a massive 4th of July Festival in downtown Boise with sidewalk art, live music and tons of fair food. The night was capped with an outstanding fireworks show that smoked out the whole city. This was a celebration like none we have ever seen.

Spokane - Show site wierdness

The corps has toured many locations and performed in many great venues and while Joe Albi stadium in Spokane was nice the lot was very different. No pavement and all wilderness and pine cones. Despite the lot and the audio challenges of the venue the corps closed the 3rd show strong and judges are awarding our efforts. Onto a new panel in Boise!

Mt Rainer - Volcano Alley

The scenery in Washington was truly awesome as almost every shot had the snow capped top of Mt Rainer. The show site while in Sumner (not Seattle) was breathtaking and the corps put on another good show. The crowds are really digging the show and many people are stopping by the souvie stand to make it known. We were on the Volcano evacuation route which we all found to be pretty cool.

Hillsboro Show

Today was our last day in the great town of Sherwood, Oregon and we made our way up to the Crusaders home town show in Hillsboro. This is the start of our last 3 back shows and we intend to maximize the most of the new changes to the show. The flow has improved and the stamina needed to really drive home the show is getting there.

Sherwood Forest Village!

So far our trip into Oregon has been truly magical. From wierd weather changes to lush green surroundings and neat little hosting towns, most have really enjoyed our stay but we look forward to pushing on. The corps solidified the first sweep of changes to the ballad and the closer and we continue to tweek the program before the show tonight in Hillsboro. The guard will debut their new aviator hats and goggles for the show. The support staff found a fresh produce stand right by the school and the kids enjoyed farm fresh veggies and fruits into the menu.

Medford Exhibition Groove

The corps enjoyed a picture perfect day which was a welcome relief after the wet weather the day before. The landscape here in Talent is truly breathtaking. We drove up the road into Medford and opened the exhibition show with a bang. The crowd really got into our instant encore tunes and really lit up with Forget you and Exitlude by the killers. Two more glorious day in Oregon before we continue to up to Washington State!

OREGON - Cold and wet!

This is the farthest north this corps has ever gone and has the landscape truly changed. It was a cold wet day but the corps pushed through the weather and accomplished some great show modifications. Now that the show is behind our belts we can begin the cleaning process and start coloring in the nuances that make our production truly sing. We will be posting up pictures via our face book link very soon. We have had internet connectivity issues so sorry for the weak updates.

Revo invades San Francisco!

The weather in San Francisco was COLD! it was a great sunny (for the most part) day of San Francisco goodness as the corps enjoyed exploring the great city. We were one of three other corps spending the last day of this west coast tour in California with a bit a rest and I do believe everyone had a good time.

Stockton, CA

This was the last of our 3 back shows and it was also the last California show. While the energy was greater than the night before it was a little more messy, but as the members get more seasoned we can hopefully bridge that gap and become greater performers. We will be heading back to our Stockton housing site for some much needed rest and then tomorrow is a San Francisco treat!

Sunnyvale, CA - Temp Drop!

The corps arrived in a much different climate than we left and it was quite a shocker. after spending the summer in high temperatures it was nice to get into some cooler climate. We once again stayed at Kings Academy but had to adjust our schedules to accommodate the SCV Drum Corps as they were also being housed at the facility. The show at Stanford is always a delight and it is such a great venue. Hope everyone got to catch it on the DCI Fan Network!

Fresno California!

The corps arrived at it's housing site which turned out to be one of the oldest schools we have ever stayed in. The day went smooth and we had our Revolution Concert Percussion members re-join the corps from their Australian trip. This will be the first show of a 3 show stint and we look to continue to make progress at our show stamina and continue to build the RIDE!

California Heat Wave!

The high temps have followed us here but it feels much better due to the nicer climate. We housed at the Fellowship in the Pass Church and had a nice surprise as the grounds had some ripe plum trees that we enjoyed. The corps rehearsed at the Noble Creek Baseball Fields and got to catch some little league summer action. Once again, a nice start to our west coast journey!

Hot in ARIDzona!

The corps once again used the adverse weather conditions in their favor and had it energize their second show of the season. There were marked improvements across the board and the faces in the circle after the performance said they have finally come to the dance! While the score did a modest jump to 65.7, we know we have much to add and so much farther to grow. ONTO CALIFORNIA!

Albuquerque debut!

We had our first DCI Contest of the season at the University of New Mexico and the corps performed admirable considering the shock of entering DCI competition. While not the best performance we have had, there were many great moments and the audience seemed to "get" the RIDE! Score starts at a 63.6 but will only get better as the season progresses! This will truly be a RIDE of ups and downs as we continue to grow this program for CHampionship week.

Los Lunas Return!

The corps has returned to a familiar housing site and enjoyed some really great weather and had our first night practice under the lights. We also got to debut our digital flags and they look great. Guard uniforms are expected tomorrow but not in time for the 1st show. Everyone is in good spirits and really are glad to be on the road.

El Paso Sandstorms

The corps arrived at their housing site in El Paso (Montwood High School) and officially got on the road for the 2011 tour. We had the Band Boosters at MHS provide lunch and survived the forceful winds and sandstorms. We also got a Walmart run and Laundry done! Whew! This was a busy first day!

The RIDE! begins!

The corps is in Austin today enjoying some free time at the capital before the performance tonight. We will roll out after the show to head to a rehearsal/laundry stop in El Paso, TX. Daily posting will begin and we will try to add some new items to hopefully help keep you connected to the tour!

Final Day!

Today is our last full day here in Pleasanton. Uniforms are done! Show is done (now we need to clean)! Truck has been cleaned, and we are set with driver and rig. Tomorrow we set the season in motion and Saturday will begin the daily updates (when connection available). This season is just flying by and pretty soon we will be in the lot in Indy wondering where the summer went. This is an incredible group with an incredible program and this will be a summer to remember! See everyone tommorrow for the Community Performance here at the stadium.

Closer, Uni's and Final Prep!

The closer has begun to take shape and the corps is still working through the heat and powering through the show. While we have placed a solid 7:30min on the field it will take a lot more effort to clean this fantastic show but we have 2:15min left to teach and should be complete by Wens. Our final load out in Pleasanton will be a difficult one as we have come to really love this place and are very thankful for the hospitality we have been shown. Uniform fittings are going well and more and more items are coming in daily to complete the picture.

Day 6 - First week almost complete!

The week has come and gone very quickly and the corps has gotten a lot done! We are marching thru 5:15 of the show and have 4:30 left to go! While we are struggling with the heat and knee and ankle injuries the corps spirits are really high and we are sitting in great shape. Could still use a mello and contra to join the ranks and now a trumpet hole has become available. Contact the corps if you can help!

THe corps will be doing a "dress run" Performance for Family, Friends and Alumni on Friday June 17th at 7:30pm at the Pleasanton ISD Sports Complex. This is also our community Thank you performance for allowing us to be guest in their great city! MAKE YOUR PLANS TODAY!

Day 2 Spring Training

The Corps has moved into it's Spring Training location at Pleasanton Sports Complex where we are battling the Texas Heat. Focus in on Hydration and finishing the opener today. Ensemble will take place in the Stadium. Also, on a social note the Corps is eating better than its ever have. Thanks in part to the Canned Drive fundraiser that was a HUGE success!! Due to limited Internet access we will try to post whenever possible. We're still needing assistance for the second part of tour. History night and Project work groups will be coming in the next few days.

New Season - 2011 Summer almost here.

The 2011 summer season is finally upon us and soon this blogger will be active with the corps information on the road!
We will kick off with postings during all days, then move to daily postings while we are on the road! Check back often for updates and announcements! Lets get this RIDE going!