Godley High School: Small School, Big Drumline!
The Godley High School Wildcat Band had three percussionists for the
2006-2007 school year. This year, the field line exploded to 11 and five others filled in the pit.

"We had no seniors this year and only three juniors," said Percussion Instructor Taylor Cathey. "I new we needed a quality product that the students would be proud of. We also needed something soon that would last for a long time. These students made the commitment to play, and we wanted them to have the best."

Dynasty was the answer. The new equipment arrived on a Friday before a football game. The dynasty tenors and snares come fully assembled and ready to tune. The bass drums only require lining up the logos and tightening the lugs. Carriers are fully adjustable and go together quickly. Once assembled, the carriers are tight and do not flop around like other brands.
"We were able to get everything ready in a couple hours. The crowd had no idea what they were in for," said Mr. Cathey.

The Dynasty Marching Percussion line offers great volume control. According to Mr. Cathey, "We are a 2A band with 11 percussionists on the field and less than 50 winds. We new the judges at contest would say we were too loud from the moment we stepped on the field. Fortunately, we were able to play where we needed to for cleanliness, without worrying about being to loud. At no point in the show did any judge mention that we were too loud."

The GHS band directors are overly happy with the service that comes along with the Dynasty product. "We had an accident in the stands and broke one of the snare mechanisms," said Mr. Cathey. "I contacted Mr. Allan Murray at Dynasty about purchasing the part, but instead they quickly replaced the part at no cost. Dynasty puts out a superior product and has excellent customer support. It is nice when the vice president of the company wants to help out the little guy."

This fall, the WildCat Drumline will enter the Crowley Drumline Contest. Mr.
Cathey is arranging a piece involving several members of the band performing in a rock band setting. Members of the line have high hopes as this will be their first contest. They will enter the Division II Standstill portion for lines with 11 members and under.

The Godley High School WildCat Drumline is under the direction of Jeff Henry, Head Band Director, Taylor Cathey, Percussion Instructor/Associate Band Director, and Carly Simpson, Associate Band Director. The WildCat Drumline uses Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Mike Balter Mallets.

Dynasty USA Welcomes Scott Herring!

Dynasty USA is pleased to welcome Scott Herring, assistant Professor of Percussion at the University of South Carolina, to the Dynasty USA family. Scott is an accomplished musician, teacher and clinician and he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Dynasty USA's growing concert percussion family. Scott joins a list of Dynasty USA concert artists that include Mark Ford, She-e Wu, Brian Zator, Blake Tyson,Paul and Sandi Rennick, JIm Carey, Tim and Tom Ouderits, Evert Van Eynde and the group Pulse.

Check back frequently to see an ever expanding list of Dynasty USA concert artists as once again Dynasty USA welcomes Mr. Scott Herring!

Archbishop Wood HS Wins with Dynasty!
It has been quite a year for Warminster Pennsylvania’s Archbishop Wood Percussion program. Starting with this past falls outdoor marching band season and the recently completed Cavalcade Indoor Association’s indoor season, Wood successfully defended the Cavalcade of Bands High Percussion Awards they garnered in the fall of 2006 and the winter of 2007.

Their 2008 indoor percussion season came to an exciting conclusion during the weekend of May 1-4 in Wildwood New Jersey for the recently completed Tournament of Bands Indoor season, when Wood came from 5 tenths down after preliminary competition to win the Open class division by two tenths with a score of 93.9. With that win Archbishop Wood Percussion Program capped of an undefeated 2007-2008 school year. Loosing just 2 seniors to graduation this year, the unit looks to duplicate their success in 2008-09.

Wood has used Dynasty USA drums exclusively for over 10 years and has racked up an impressive record during that time winning 2 TOB Atlantic Coast All-Chapter Championships; 6 TOB Chapter 3 Championships; 1 USSBA All-States Championship; 2 USSBA PA State Championships; 3 USSBA Regional Championships; 2 Cavalcade of Bands Championships and 2 Cavalcade Indoor Association Championships.

Archbishop Wood is under the direction of Caption Head and Arranger Scott Wolfinger and is assisted by Mr. Chad Kilhefner, Nick Geoffries, Ian Carr, Matt Kuhner and Miss Chelsea Bolerno.

University Of North Texas Summer Marimba Workshop!

The University of North Texas is hosting our second annual Summer Marimba Workshop on June 23rd-27th. This workshop will feature high school and college/professional tracks with experienced faculty such as She-e Wu, Christopher Deane, Brian Zator and myself. To down load an application form go to

http://www.music.unt.edu/percussion/summer.html.

This will be a great week of marimba!
Private lessons and master classes
Ensembles based on experience and ability
Technique classes
Student solo and ensemble performances throughout the week
Faculty recital

Mark Ford
UNT Coordinator Percussion
PAS Past-President
www.music.unt.edu/percussion
940-565-4124

Dynasty USA at the WGI Championships, Dayton, OH!

Dynasty USA would like to congratulate Rx, Tyler Jr. College and Pioneer Indoor for their championships this last weekend in Dayton, OH at the WGI Indoor Percussion Championships. The performances of all the groups were exciting and it was evident that everyone had a fun time during a spectacular three days of competition. Competing in the championships were as follows.............   check back soon for the WGI Event Gallery with all the pictures and video from the championships!

Independent World

Rhythm X 1st Place
Riverside Com. College 2nd Place
Aimachi, Japan 3rd Place
North Coast Academy 5th Place
Freelancers 7th Place
Matrix 9th Place
Redline 10th Place
Pariah 16th Place

Independent Open

Tyler Jr. College 1st Place
Stryke Percussion 3rd Place
Palmetto Percussion 5th Place
Valley Independent 6th Place
Elements Indoor 8th Place
MN Brass Indoor 9th Place

Independent A

Pioneer Indoor 1st Place

Scholastic World

Choctawhatchee High School 4th Place

Centerville HS 5th place
Hilliard Darby High School 7th Place
Father Ryan High School 14th Place
Fred J. Page High School 17th Place

Scholastic Open

Stamford High School 6th Place
Franklin Central High School 12th Place
Kings High School 17th Place
Clovis East High School 19th Place
Plainfield High School
Destrehan High School
Powhatan High School
Houston High School

Scholastic A

Greenfield Central High School 2nd Place
Milton High School 3rd Place
Long Beach High School
Springstowne Middle School
Olentangy Liberty High School
Harrison Central High School
Centerville High School
Lebanon High School
Rochester Lourdes High School

Scholastic Concert World

Goshen High School 2nd Place
Tunstall High School 3rd Place

Again congratulations to all the groups and schools, the staff's and supporting casts and good luck for the rest of 2008.

Matrix in Europe!
Check out the link below for an article and pictures on Matrix's trip to Europe.

Top Secret Drumline from Basel, Switzerland Joins Dynasty USA Family!
Dynasty USA and Muremo Music are pleased to announce a new relationship effective immediately with Top Secret Drum Corps and Erik Julliard, from Basel, Switzerland. Top Secret is famous throughout the world for their spirited performances of precision and excitement. On March 29th Top Secret will debut with Dynasty USA and Muremo Music at the Indoor Percussion Europe Championships that will be attended by Top Secret Drum Corps, Matrix Indoor Percussion Ensemble and Father Ryan High School Percussion Ensemble.
"We are pleased to announce this relationship with Top Secret Drum Corps" said Allan Murray, vice president of Dynasty USA. "Top Secret Drum Corps is the leader in marching percussion for drum lines in all of Europe and possibly the world. As you can see by their YOU TUBE exposure Top Secret Drum Corps has a huge following not only in Europe but worldwide!"

About Top Secret Drum Corps http://www.topsecretbasel.ch

About Muremo http://www.muremo.be/

About Dynasty USA/ DEG

Dynasty USA is a division of DEG Music Products, Inc. DEG Music Products is the manufacturer of Dynasty USA Brasswind & Dynasty USA Percussion Instruments and Schafer band instruments; North American distributor of Willson professional brass instruments and offers a complete range of DEG accessories for wind instruments.

Dynasty USA Brass
Dynasty manufactures a complete choir of marching brass voices. They are endorsed by championship marching bands and drum corps.

Dynasty USA Percussion
Dynasty manufactures Concert Percussion, Marching Percussion and Mallet Percussion. Dynasty percussion Instruments are the choice of leading artists and ensembles.

Schafer Brass Instruments
Schafer brass instruments are an outstanding student line of upright tubas and baritone horns.

DEG Accessories
DEG offers dealers a complete line of accessory products for wind instruments and percussion.

Contact Information
P.O. Box 968, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147
PH: (262) 248-8314  FX: (262) 248-7953.
E-mail: info@dynastybi.net

Matrix and Father Ryan land back in America

Dynasty USA and Muremo Music was proud to have two of the most exciting indoor ensembles perform at the IPE ( Indoor Percussion Europe) Championships on Sunday March 30th. The Independent World group Matrix and the Scholastic World group Father Ryan High School performed their shows for a crowd of 1400 people. The performances took place at the end of finals and Father Ryan was greeted with a chant of " USA. . .USA" before they performed. When the Father Ryan Ensemble finished their show they were rewarded with a complete standing ovation and again the crowd chanting " One more Time. .. One more time !" After a short break to catch their breath they set up and ran the show one more time for the sold out crowd. Some members of the Father Ryan Ensemble were blown away at the reaction. Derrick Schletzer ( director of the Indoor Ensemble) said " This will probably be the only time the kids will perform in front of a crowd where every single person is pulling for them ."

Pioneer Indoor and Dog the Bounty Hunter!
On April 11, 2008 the Pioneer Indoor will be filming with #1 A&E show Dog the Bounty hunter in Mooseheart, Illinois. The show will be aired during season five of the series. Duane Chapman, AKA DOG the Bounty Hunter from A&E's #1 Reality TV Show, will be in concert with bands Echoing Angels, Inhabited, Flatfoot 56, and Will Duvall for two very different concert nights. He'll speak for 45 minutes from his heart about his life, tragedies, triumphs, and faith. This is an extremely rare personal appearance. The Pioneer Indoor Ensemble from Romeoville IL, will open the festivities with their 2008 production “On a Roll”. “This is going to be a great experience for our members and a wonderful publicity tool for our growing ensemble. We are very lucky to have this experience and we hope this will open up more opportunities for other WGI lines” Says director Adam Hill. Please check back with WGI for airing times and dates.
Pioneer will be performing at 6pm on Thursday night of WGI.
Pioneer Indoor
2007 WGI PIA Champions
Dynasty, Promark, Zildjian, Evans

2008 WGI Nashville Regional Championship!
This past weekend in Nashville there were several Dynasty USA family members competing in the regional. At this time Dynasty USA would like to congratulate Rx for winning Independent World, Centerville High School for winning Scholastic World, ED White and Kings High Schools for placing first and second respectively in Scholastic Open! Others playing over the weekend were Greenfield Central Indiana High School, Destrehan LA High School, Long Beach MS High School, Harrison Central MS High School, Fort Walton Beach FL High School, Houston TN High School, Fred J. Page TN High School, Tyler Jr. College Percussion Ensemble, Palmetto Percussion, Elements Indoor Performing Ensemble and Pariah Percussion.

Despite the rainy weekend it was a fun time. it was nice to get to see all the groups and we spent time out at several rehearsal sites on Friday and Saturday including taking pictures and videos in the lot. Again congratulations to all the competing groups and we will see you all in Dayton in 3 weeks for the championships.

Dynasty USA Congratulates Boom Boom's Mike Nessen!
Recently Mike Nessen of Boom Boom Percussion completed 13.1 miles of a charity marathon in 2 hours and 31 minutes! Wow congratulations Mike from all of us here at Dynasty USA/ DEG Music Products, Inc.

So Cal Dream Plays Dynasty USA Percussion.
These pictures are from the most recent So Cal Dream camp where they debuted their new Dynasty USA percussion. Chris Rodriquez, percusion caption head, is excited and loves the drums sound and look. And they do look "sweet" as Chris proclaimed. Thank So Cal Dream......................

Mark Ford at University of Virginia Clinic.
Renowned educator and performer Mark Ford presented a masterclass at the University of Virginia on Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 2008. In addition to Ford's inspirational performance, the clinic focused on four-mallet techniques and exercises, effective practicing, and musicianship. The masterclass was co-sponsored by Dynasty, Innovative Percussion, Evans, Latin Percussion and the McIntire Department of Music at the University of Virginia, and was hosted by I-Jen Fang (Director of Percussion Studies).

Introducing Blake Tyson
Dynasty USA is proud to announce new artist Blake Tyson.

Bill Bachman Clinic in Boise, ID for PAS Day of Percussion

Bill Bachman recently did a clinic for the Idaho PAS Day of Percussion. If you haven't had a chance to see one of Bill's clinics you need to check his schedule here or on his web site and try to get to one soon. His clinic is fantastic and he is quite the performer as well. Bill's next clinic will be at the Florida Day of Percussion on April 12, 2008 in Orlando, FL.

For a list of Bill's clinics check the Dynasty website here...   http://dynastyband.com/clinic/

 

 

Destrehan High School, LA/ Synergy Indoor Percussion Perform at Keith Urban Concert!

These shots were sent to us from Byron Toups, Director of Bands, at Destrehan High School in LA. The kids had the opportunity to play on stage with Keith Urban so here the pictures are..............what a great time!

Phantom Regiment and Dynasty USA!
This past Phantom Regiment camp I spent the weekend with the administration, staff and kids. It was a fun time and it is obvious from listening to what they are putting together and playing that this will be a special year for the Regiment! Thanks to Rick, Dan and Paul for making me and Dynasty USA feel welcome..................

Allan Murray
Vice President, Dynasty USA

Longwood University hosted a visit by renowned educator Mark Ford!
Longwood University hosted a visit by renowned educator Mark Ford on February 26th. In addition to performing, Mark gave a masterclass featuring Longwood University percussion majors John Hogge, Katie Hancock, as well as junior Natalia Halsey performing one of her original compositions. The clinic focused on a variety of issues related to effective practicing, giving musically inspired performances, and planning for careers in music. Dynasty, Innovative Percussion, Evans, Zildjian, Latin Percussion and Longwood University co-sponsored this event, which was hosted by Michael Schutz (Director of Percussion Studies). For more information on this or other events in central Virginia, please see www.mschutz.net/about_events.html

Pupuk Kaltim Wins Drum Battle in Jakarta, Indonesia!
Last week Rene Conway and his drum line Pupuk Kaltim from Kalimantan did a clinic for Wijaya Music at the Darunnajah Marching Band Competition (DMC). There was a "Drum Battle" after the competition and we are happy to say that Rene and PK were victorious!

In these pictures, Pupuk Kaltim is warming up with "The Beaters", the 2nd place winner. Enjoy...................

2008 WGI Indy Regional Pictures Online Now!

This past weekend was the 2008 WGI Indy Regional. There were many Dynasty USA groups there and a good time was had by all. Take the time to let the 100 or so pictures from the weekend load and then enjoy looking at them all. We had fun taking them and hopefully it shows! Congratulations to all.

South Mississippi Percussion Clinic and Paul Rennick!
Paul Rennick recently did a clinic at the South Mississippi Percussion Clinic and had a great time. The clinic was well attended and Dynasty USA would like to thank Paul and Curt Smith the Director of Percussion of the Natchez-Adams School District there. Please take the time to look at the flyer attached from the clinic.

Valley Independent Plays Dynasty USA!
Valley Independent will be appearing at the Rancho Mirage WGI Regional in a few weeks and also they will be in Dayton, OH for the WGI Championships in April. Here are a few pictures from a recent rehearsal.

Glassmen and the Toledo Symphony!

NorthCoast Academy is proud to present their 2008 production entitled “Unsquare.”

Written by familiar veteran staff members Martin Hotte, Nick Pourcho and Scott Allen, “Unsquare” takes everything NorthCoast fans have come to expect from the group (“Lots of notes and high octane drill!” – WGI Focus), and puts a spin on it. Please enjoy the show as NCA takes you through their version of “square” dancing while playing an “unsquare” interpretation of some of Dave Brubeck’s and Steven Bryant’s classic tunes!

NorthCoast Academy Launches Video Podcast

An inside look at NCA's 2008 production

On Feb. 3rd, NorthCoast Academy launched the first of their 2008 Video Podcast Series. The podcasts are presented as 2 to 10 minute documentary clips featuring an inside look at NCA's 2008 production, "Unsquare," as well as an update on how the season is progressing. The NCA Video Podcast Series will be updated every two weeks and is available either as streaming videos from their website, or free high-quality downloads through iTunes for viewing on an iPod or Apple TV.

Watch the NCA Podcast Series exclusively at www.northcoastacademy.org.

PASIC Marching Percussion Festival 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY’S MARCHING PERCUSSION FESTIVAL PACKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PASIC 2008 IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – February 1, 2008 – The Percussive Arts Society will host their annual indoor Marching Percussion Festival November 6 and 7, 2008 at the Austin Convention Center, in Austin, Texas. The festival takes place in conjunction with the 33rd Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), the largest annual gathering of drummers and percussionists from around the world. PASIC consists of over 115 events on 13 stages and includes clinics, concerts and master classes in all areas of percussion.

The Marching Percussion Festival is known as one of the premiere marching festivals for presenting some of the most cutting-edge, contemporary marching percussion performances by high school and college marching individuals and percussion ensembles from across the country. The competition includes high school and college divisions in individual solo competition (snare, tenor, timpani and keyboard) and small ensemble (3-9 members), standstill and drum line.

The number of participants is limited and performance slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are asked to submit materials quickly, as the last time the Marching Percussion Festival was held in Austin, Texas, festival capacity was reached months before the printed application deadline. Applications are currently available at www.pasic.org and will be accepted through September 14.

For rules, regulations and registration information go to www.pasic.org, e-mail percarts@pas.org, or phone PAS at (317) 974-4488.
Link to the PASIC Marching Percussion Festival Information Page:

http://www.pasic.org/ThisYear/Marching.cfm

About PAS
The Percussive Arts Society was established in 1961 as a non-profit music service organization. Its mission is to promote percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world. PAS is the world’s largest percussion organization with more than 7,000 members representing over 50 countries and serves as the central source for information and networking for drummers and percussionists of all ages.

For more information about the Percussive Arts Society visit www.pas.org or call (317) 974-4488.

Contact:
Jon Feustel
Director of Marketing and Communications
317.974.4488
jfeustel@pas.org