25 Feb 2010

Jessi was invited to join the corps staff by Brass Caption Head Terry Pritchard.  This is her first experience with drum corps, but is not a stranger at all to brass playing.  She holds a Masters Degree in French Horn performance and has been involved in bands throughout high school and college.  She was a member of the USC marching band and was a member of the 2003 Disney All-American College Band (Anaheim, CA).

Currently Jessi teaches private Horn classes and master classes.  “In the fall I tech for high school marching bands.  I am a member of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra under Eugene Corporon, and the Arlington Community Band.  I've had a part time job for WBAP and KSCS for the past couple of years that I fit in when I can.  I loooooooooove my dog and you can frequently find me hanging out with him at the park or on the couch in my spare time.”

While she has not marched a drum corps, she has a fondness for both the Cavaliers and Madison Scouts, but admits that lately the Bluecoats have captured her heart.

Jessi is a fine addition to our staff and performing membership.  Be sure to ask her about her caffeine addiction or the story behind the accompanying picture.  Welcome to Vigilantes Jessi!

18 Jan 2010

If you are in the brass line and a dress command is given, it’s likely you will either see his head (if you are at the end of the line) or directly into his shoulder (if you are closer).  That is because at 6’7” Robert Stucker stands taller than the rest of the corps.

Robert is a first year member with Vigilantes this season marching mellophone.  This season he is looking forward to sharing it with his family.  According to Robert, the key to successfully recruiting him was partly Kay Braswell’s charm, but mostly his daughter’s:  “My wife and I went to one of the contests at HEB so that we could watch Rachel and the Martin High School band perform.  Kay had a table set up there with information.  Ariel, our oldest daughter, had been having marching withdrawals since graduating in May and I thought this would be good for her.  When she realized this was an all ages corps, her first statement was, 'Daddy, I want to march with you.'  Somehow that was all it took.”

Robert has never marched in a drum corps, but credits his days in the UTA marching band for giving him a love of marching and music.  He claims his favorite drum corps to include the Bridgemen of old and currently the big California corps of Santa Clara Vanguard and the Blue Devils.

During the week, Robert works as Information Analyst and settles down with science fiction and fantasy books.  He also has further hobbies to keep him busy.  “My other hobbies are photography and billiards.  Just to round out all that free time, I belong to three Masonic Lodges, am currently Worshipful Master of one, and am on the advisory board for Arlington Assembly #96, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls where both daughters are members.”

Be sure you take the time to get to know Robert - at least he will be easy to find!