|
A PIT PERSPECTIVE by MAV
“December: Mission Accomplished.”
 Though ears rang, bones ached, and eyes squinted in weariness, Lee’s words held a sweetness that seemed to wash fatigue away. His simple Calgon-esque words put a cap on one long, but productive weekend.
Did we luck out with the weather? The first view of T.I. was spectacular. At the Site X compound, our pit Wonder Woman Johanna was busy at the front desk making sure member applications were filled out. The horns began stretches. Staffers congregated with coffee clutched in hand. The guard locate to a remote spot.
New pitsters were getting to know the latest keyboardist, Keirsten who by day works as a teacher. Her presence replaced Calvin, who moved into a coveted DM spot. On Sunday, we said ‘hello’ to Angie (keyboard) who flew out from Phoenix, AZ for just ONE day of rehearsal. Her marching band whooped it up in Palm Springs Saturday night. We greeted Kelli sporting a new pixie haircut, toting mega-blocks, and hauling a Lego-rack created by a good friend. (Note: Got Duplos? Bring ‘em on in!)
Our only interruption was Lee making his anticipated “crunchy” hello and Salim, an original bass player known as “2 of 4,” who was checking us out. As “Original Stu” noted, with Salim’s presence, all original 2000 basses were in attendance. Speaking of reunions, it was great to see our original Corps Director Brandon Wilson making the rounds. You will be missed this year, sir!
For breaks, many flee the island to eat. For me, it is a chance to meet new people. With our corps overflowing with humanity, there are many new names to learn. At our potluck – sans mayo!! – I met two new guard guys, Cavies John and Paul. During Sunday lunch, Todd, Rich and a few others gathered for “Sunday in the Hall with Frank” – a concert of impromptu opera arias on horn. Truly a sweet treat. Chatted with Phil, a contra previously from RCR who marched with us this past summer, and Joseph, who marched with Blue Stars and taught Trumansburg HS winter guard.
Back from lunch, we discovered our pit was finally set at nine members with the welcome addition of VK Garry. Garry and his wife are making the long commute and commitment from Las Vegas, NV each camp. Now nicknamed “Rackman,” he will be in his own personal toy-pit, jammin’ on toms, congas, and cyms. Some pit members became acquainted with the Rack intimately, especially Kimela. Multi-talented Kimela is 2-0 for camp injuries and we wish her well, plus stock in Ace bandages.
Dinner break was the first rehearsal for the Renegades Cover Choir, where 10 diverse members gathered to make beautiful music. It is a promising start on an adventuresome road. Clint Matsen is already working on the “O Fortuna” arrangement, the roster stands at 26 and growing, and the excitement continues to be palpable. Our first song was ‘Happy Birthday’ to Clint and guest contra Spencer. Many thanks to Ashley and Laura for playing piano plus Matt and Rich, our bass section with the huge sound. Note: At the next rehearsal – always during Saturday dinner at camp – we welcome everyone to join us in learning the first song.
Our Pit's goal, pronounced by percussive guru’s Rudnicki and Teleky, is to be “the best pit at DCA.” We eagerly embraced the objective, however, Saturday night during ensemble run-through, we were critically aware of the long road ahead. Weary and achy from relearning pit posture, doctoring blistered fingers swathed in band-aids, and brains-fried with notes spilling from our pores, our pit feature “Appalachian Morning” sounded just as fatigued.
Back from break on Sunday, we combined forces with the battery for our first ‘real’ music ensemble rehearsal. Precious few moments later, it was a chance for Pit redemption during the full corps soiree. From the section nicknamed “Nokia,” for its cell phone compatibility, to the jazzy “A.M.” we pulled together, all nine of us, for the first rush of the season; the 2004 Premier Run-thru. From searing sops to complex contras, it truly is the loudest show on Earth.
Finally, one could hardly forget Murray Gusseck, materializing as a marching tenor then creating a new Crunchy Frog secret weapon: animating a plush frog to play the tough as nails tenor feature. Shhhhhh!
You had to be there.
Until next time…Happy Holiday!!
Mav
mav@renegades.org |
|
