Q u a r t e r No t e s

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1 Minnesota Brass, Inc. Quarter Notes Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 1 April 6, 2011 Contents: Benefit & Silent Auction MN Season 1 Member Spotlight 2 Sideliners UTL Contributors 4 Winter Unit Reviews 4 Not Just a Drum Corps 5 DCW Goes Online Schedule 6 Quarter Notes Staff: Eric Molho Paul Skinny Mordorski Becki Whitaker Dave Whitaker Contact Quarter Notes: Submit advertising or story ideas to: Qnotes@mnbrass.org Contact MBI: Snail Mail: Minnesota Brass, Inc. PO Box 7341 St. Paul, MN info@mnbrassinc.org Q u a r t e r No t e s MBI benefit & silent auction: Honoring our Veterans by Matt Verkuilen Join us April 30th as we honor our local veterans with a benefit dinner and silent auction! The benefit will be held at Rosetown American Legion (700 W. County Road C, Roseville) with proceeds to benefit Minnesota Brass and the Minnesota Warriors Disabled Veterans Hockey Team. Our featured speaker for the night will be CW3 Trygve Skaar, Commander of the 34th Infantry Red Bull Band from the Minnesota National Guard. Recently returned from Iraq, Trygve will be sharing his experiences as well as sharing how the band s mission fits within the war zone in bringing not only a morale boost and connection to home, but an entertainment factor to our deployed troops as well as the community. Music for the evening will be provided by our very own Classic Brass. Tickets are available by calling (651) For more information, please visit our website at You can help make this event special by donating to our silent auction! We ll put together the baskets and are asking you to donate the various items (items should be new). Here s what we re looking for: Gift Certificate promoting your business Sports tickets, autographed items or collectables Services such as Oil Changes, Manicures Items for a luxurious spa basket Items for a baby basket Movie Night basket tickets, popcorn, etc. Gift Certificates for restaurants, hotels or rental cars Vacation packages Golf packages If you have something to donate, contact Sherry Duggan at sherryduggan@juno.com or Cindy Bach at BachDsgn@gmail.com and we ll make arrangements to pick up the items. Donated items for the auction will be available to preview on the internet, and businesses donating will be recognized at the dinner Minnesota Drum corps Season By Paul Skinny Mordorski A new Minnesota Drum and Bugle Corps Show, River City Rhapsody, is being established with the inaugural show Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at the new East Ridge High School in Woodbury, MN. River City Rhapsody is an established show sponsor overseen by the Blue Stars for many years, and will also host July shows in LaCrosse, WI, and Metamora, Il. The Show is co-sponsored by Minnesota Brass Inc. and the Blue Stars. For ticket information, log on at: rivercityrhapsody.com. After surviving some weather delays last year, DCI Minnesota is back and better than ever! Minnesota s premiere mid-season drum corps show is scheduled for July 16, 2011 at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. The show features a gigantic lineup of 25 corps! Tickets are $60, $55, $50, $40 and $30. Scheduled for July 16, 2011 at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota Campus, this regional competition will feature 24 top corps from coast to coast. Tickets are $60, $55, $50, $40 and $30 reserved by ordering tickets online. MBI and MBI Sideliners have a limited number of seats available in the $50 and $40 range. Contact Paul Skinny Mordorski at skinnypaulm@yahoo. com or Gavin Burnham at gburnham@otcpas.com to reserve tickets. To order tickets from DCI, log on to dci.org, and click on tickets. A handling fee will be charged. Minnesota s premiere All-Age Corps weekend will kick off on Saturday, August 20, 2011 with MBI s own Sounds of Minnesota. This end of season spectacular will again take place at Ettinger Field, South Saint Paul High School. Sponsored by Minnesota Brass and SSP Band Backers, this DCA Central finale to Twin Cities drum and bugle corps is a great way for area corps to prepare for DCA Finals in Rochester, NY. Tickets are $15, or $12. For more information, log on at com. MBI Sideliners offer $15 tickets as part of a Silver and Gold Patron Membership. Refer to the MBI Sideliner page to participate and qualify to sit in this section of reserved seats. 1

2 by The member spotlight shines on Reilly Tillman, a talented mellophone player who has been with Minnesota Brass for the last decade. While we most often see Reilly smiling broadly or playing his horn, this is a man of many musical and artistic interests who has made music an important aspect of his life from his earliest days as a child. Member Feature: Reilly Tillman Reilly started his love for music with the French horn and piano in 4th grade. Shortly thereafter he received a trap set for his 10th birthday which he put to good use when he and a friend would perform to Partridge Family records in his basement. Over the years, he proved to be most dedicated to the horn and his own voice. He was a member of the junior high symphonic and jazz bands and went on in high school to participate in marching band, symphonic band, orchestra, master singers and show choir in his hometown of Glenview, Illinois. His marching band consistently placed in the top 3 at regional competitions and marched in prominent events like the Tournament of Roses, Cotton and Orange Bowl parades as well as Bears half-time shows. In college at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, he played horn in a symphonic band and sang with the Choral Union avoiding the marching band with its reputation for drinking and dancing on the field to the Budweiser Song. During his time in Madison, he became a fan of the Madison Scouts and drum corps. photographers. Ten years after his first experience with the Madison Scouts, he began shooting a documentary about the corps, Madison on Tour, which will be released this summer on DVD. He also was a volunteer driver for several years and in 2001, he rode with Joel Matuzak to Indianapolis to meet the corps for the final two weeks of the season. Fortunately, Joel told him all about Brass along the way and encouraged him to give it a try. In 2002, he did give Brass a try and he became hooked. Reilly has marched mellophone almost every year since 02 and has also expanded his association with Brass by playing with Minne-Brass from What does Reilly love about Brass that keeps him coming back? From a performance standpoint, I love that the corps continues to improve and evolve. I will never not be challenged participating in Brass, that s for sure! Additionally, he loves to be reunited with old friends each season as well as make new ones tripling his Facebook friends just because of the corps. He also has a special dumpster bond with Jackie Bechtold, a fellow mellophone player. Whenever they are on tour, they love to pose in front a dumpster for their special photographic portraits. Like everyone involved with Brass, Reilly is constantly juggling the demands of the corps, of his job and his own personal project of completing a documentary on Laurel Masse, formerly of Manhattan Transfer. Minnesota Brass is fortunate to have such talented, dedicated and friendly members like Reilly. After leaving college and moving to the Twin Cities, Reilly sang with the Warland Symphonic Chorus for a year and the Minnesota Chorale for six years. In his professional career, Reilly is the Education Director for IFP Minnesota, a nonprofit media arts organization that serves independent filmmakers and MBI Credit Card Help MBI earn $50 and it doesn t cost you anything! By Judy Glewwe Here is a free and easy way to raise $50 for Minnesota Brass. Just start using the new Minnesota Brass, Inc. Drum & Bugle Corps Visa Platinum Rewards card for your everyday purchases. The first time you use it, the bank will donate $50 to Minnesota Brass, Inc. Drum & Bugle Corps, and MBI will continue to receive a percentage of all future purchases. Support MBI by requesting your credit card at: MBI Sideliners Fund Raising and Social Event Thursday, May 26, :30 9:00 p.m. Summit Brewery Ratskeller 910 Montreal Circle - Saint Paul, MN Directions: 35E to West 7th/Fort Road exit East one block to Montreal Way (Burger King) Right Left at Montreal Circle 2

3 MBI Sideliners continue social presence By Paul Skinny Mordorski The bigger and better MBI Sideliners have been meeting monthly in preparation of being a social presence at Wednesday rehearsals. MBI Sideliners mission is to promote alumni and fan involvement through activities that support Minnesota Brass Inc. Drum and Bugle Corps. Our contribution to the Wednesday evening environment will be to continue sponsoring the outdoor portable rest room at Sears that will be available May through early June. It is a necessary service that we are happy to provide as financial support of Minnesota Brass. First Wednesday Gatherings MBI Sideliners will continue to have social gatherings at MN Brass rehearsals. For 2011, we will be meeting on the first Wednesday of the month as follows: May 4 June 1 July 6 August 3 August 24 (last Weds rehearsal of the year) Various featured activities, such as Classic Car night and Vintage Brass Beer evening will be publicized at a later date. Attend any first Wednesday rehearsal, and be surprised of what MBI Sideliners has to offer to fans, supporters, membership and staff. Tickets for DCI Minnesota MBI Sideliners and Minnesota Brass have a limited number of seats available in the $50 and $40 range for this premiere regional competition scheduled for Saturday, July 16, 2011 at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. Contact Paul Skinny Mordorski at or him at skinnypaulm@yahoo.com to reserve tickets. Social Fund Raising Event Due to the fact that Summit Brewery requires that only fund raising events be conducted at their Ratskeller, MBI Sideliners Thursday, May 26, 2011 annual event will be a Fund Raising Social affair. Three different types of Summit beers, 1910 Root Beer, plus appetizers will be available at no cost. MBI Sideliners will casually solicit donations for the Porta-Potty fund, which is our annual expense to provide outdoor rest room facilities at MBI Wednesday rehearsals at Sears in Minneapolis. We also will have an MBI truck fund donation receptacle to solicit funds to purchase a new equipment truck. Any type of donation will be appreciated, but is not required to attend. Please refer to information on this page for time and directions to MBI Sideliners Fund Raising Social Event at Summit Brewery s Ratskeller. Hope to see all fans and supporters of MBI Sideliners and Minnesota Brass. 65th Anniversary Reunion Info A Reunion Committee has been formed to organize a social event in honor of 2011 as Minnesota Brass 65th year Anniversary. Ideas regarding type of venue, refreshments, music and what date works best will be discussed. If you are interested in participating in planning and organizing, or know of a venue that may be ideal, contact Bobbi Hackett at irshrz@yahoo.com, or give her a call at MBI Sideliner Organizational Committee: 2011 Sideliner Patronage Form Sherry Duggan Judy Glewwe Bobbi Hackett Paul Skinny Mordorski Marcia Reiter Membership Type: Includes: $25 Patron membership Special Communications & Discounts $37 Silver membership Same as above, plus 2 SOM tickets $55 Gold Membership Same as above plus MBI t-shirt of choice $100 Platinum Membership Same as Gold plus $50 tax deductible donation $ Porta Potty Fund $ Tax deductible donation 2011 Sideliners Patrons Platinum Fredric Joseph Art Paulson Rick Stephenson Gold Jim and Sherry Duggan Paul Heymans Dick Maki Eric Molho Brad & Sharron Nelson Robert & Jean Schiebel Roger Swanson & Peg Johnson Silver Bob and Cindy Bach Sam and Bea Jaeger Scott Passmore Sharon Simi (Satnik) Bob Skogquist Benny Thompson Regular Roger Broderson DonaLene Caligiuri Bobbi Hackett Al and Louise Nieters Dolores Schumi Recycling Patrons Gavin Burnham Jeff Burnham Sue Cosley Jim & Sherry Duggan Roger Grupp & Tina Cavitt Dave and Roxanne Hyde Al Jensen Paul Skinny Mordorski Al and Louise Nieters Olsen Thielen Co. Marcia Reiter Dolores Schumi Kurt Flash Schiebel Sue Cosley Pat Byrne Cindy Bach Bill Klein Tom Nicosia Name: Mail to: Address: Paul Mordorski Telephone: Sideliners City: State Zip: 2046 Marion St. Roseville MN For the latest MBI news, log on at

4 2010 Under The Lights Contributors: MBI would like to thank the following people who made a contribution to last year s Under The Lights drive. Director s Circle - $1500 Gavin & Kathy Burnham Pat & Gwynne Byrne Ed Eishen Mike & Judi Palmquist Todd & Patti Tanji Dave & Becki Whitaker Curt & Peggy Zoerhof Board of Director s Level - $800 Cindy Holst Greg Weyer Caption Head Level - $500 Eric Molho Art Paulson Drum Major Level - $250 Ed & Carol Bender in honor of Sue Cosley Mike & Amanda Cambronne Bill and Dawn Tunison Field Show Supporter - $100 David Anderson Bob and Cindy Bach Gary Bechtold Sheryl Beck Scott Benson Jeff and Zora Burnham Jayne Cambronne Cathy Cooley Derek Bovay Stan & Barb Goldberg Kevin Hassan William Horst Judi Larson Tony & Lindsay Luciano Rob & Heather Muller Dick & Bonnie Neumann Scott Palmer Stephen Pilz Rachele Romansky Bob & Jean Schiebel Rick & Reva Stephenson Jeffrey Stout Paul & Nancy Terry Matt & Jamie Verkuilen John Weissgarber Scotty & Beth Wild Thomas Wild Nick & Anne Young Parade Corps Supporter - $50 Lyman Anderson Mary Ann Aslakson Sean & Jennifer Benton in honor of Dave & Roxanne Hyde Fredric & Gail Joseph Louise Mordorski Paul & Delores Mordorski Pat & Penny O Kane George & Polly Petroff Kurt & Andrea Schiebel Ned & Amy Smith MBI Family and Friends - $25 Andrew Abel Mike Amundson Alison Bents Beverly Dean Grant & Ruthanne Eldred MBI Winterguard by Wil Furnstahl Winter Ensembles Update MBI Winter Guard, comprised of 18 members (age 22 and under) have quickly risen to national attention. They competed at their first ever WGI Power Regional in the Independent A Class of competition earning second place, just tenths behind first place Artistry In Blue of the Bluecoats. The achievement of 2nd place amongst 13 other colorguards in their class was quite the accomplishment but the accolades didn t end there. One week later, the staff of MBI WG received notification from WGI that they had been reviewed by a national panel and selected for promotion to Open class. Promotions are rarely handed out in-season and MBI was one of six among 117 independent colorguards competing this season. The members have met the challenge head on. While their goal of making finals (top 15) in A class have now been met with a greater challenge, focus and push, in and out of rehearsals, has also increased. MBI Winter Guard is under the direction of Wil Furnstahl, Emily Merriman and Ronley Aviles. They will compete at WGI World Championships April 7-9 in Dayton, OH. MBI Indoor Drumline by Nick Moreno MN Brass Indoor (MBI s winter drumline) has had a great 2011 season! Exceeding expectations both on and off the performance floor, this group has experienced many successes. The ensemble is comprised of percussionists ages 22 and under. This year s performing members have a great deal of talent and maturity. This past February, their maturity earned a 1st place finish at the WGI Indianapolis Regional, propelling the ensemble into national recognition. Most recently, MN Brass Indoor was awarded 1st place at the Minnesota Percussion Association s State Championships, proving to be the elite ensemble in the Minnesota region. The staff, administration, and performers are excited for the next chapter as they head to Dayton, OH to compete in the WGI World Championships. Thank you to all of the alumni and supporters; MN Brass Indoor s success is directly related to your involvement. Minne-Brass at the Mall of America Minne-Brass By Todd Tanji Minne-Brass is off to a blazing start this year. Our 2011 show, entitled Information Age, is comprised entirely of original compositions. The opener and show s namesake is Information Age, composed by Todd Tanji, is a techno-funk tune that harkens the onset the digital age. The second number, also composed by Todd, is called In a Relationship: and it s Complicated and reflects relationships formed on modern social networks. The closer is an up-tempo blues tune called Count on the Blues and was composed by Andy Classen. This years show features the many individual talents of the members in solos and small ensembles including a tuba duet that will knock your socks off! Visual staging, designed by John Horst and Brent Turner, is well underway so we are light years ahead of any previous years show development. And we soon will have a brand new look thanks to costume designers, John, Brent, and Jackie Bechtold. We already have three successful performances under our belt. We performed 30 minute productions at both the St. Paul Winter Carnival and the Mall of America Rotunda for very large crowds. We also performed for a packed house at MBI s Winter Drum Line show at Totino- Grace High School. All three performances have received excellent audience response. We continue to get many requests for performances, more than even we can handle. This year looks to be a banner year for Minne-Brass and the entire MBI organization! UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS Are you reading this over someone else s shoulder? Want your own copy? MBI would like all alumni and fans to send your current contact information. You can send it to us either through the web site, or membership@mnbrassinc.org. 4

5 Not just a Drum Corps By Eric Molho Several weeks ago, I was collecting and preparing information to share on our website ( org). Specifically, I wanted to update our calendar of events, which lists every performance by each of the Minnesota Brass ensembles. When I finished, I realized I had listed over 52 different events and there were still more to come! Our organization has grown to the point where we now average over one performance every single week of the year. Remarkable, isn t it? During the past few years, the Board of Directors and I have continued to get used the idea that we are more than just a world class drum corps (as if that wasn t hard enough!) Minnesota Brass has now grown to include four outstanding ensembles. We perform every month of the year and reach thousands of fans with our music and pageantry. Each of the Minnesota Brass ensembles seeks to perform at the highest levels and entertain our audiences. Perhaps even more important, we seek to make sure our members have a fantastic experience. Our mission statement reminds us, The Corps strives to create a membership experience that develops lifelong memories and lasting friendships. By supporting Minnesota Brass with your gift to the Under the Lights annual fund, you re not just keeping drum corps in Minnesota. You re not just helping to teach music and learn drill. Your gift to Minnesota Brass helps our members meet new challenges and reach their performing potential. If, like me, you ve made a lifelong memory or lasting friendship because of Minnesota Brass, then you understand the unique experiences that shape our members time together. Your gift makes music, memories and friendships grow. Drum Corps World is going on-line! from wire The electronic age has arrived for Drum Corps World newspaper! After 39 years as a print publication, the Madison, WI-based newspaper will begin a new era on May 2. The decision was not an easy one according to Publisher Steve Vickers. I ve looked into transitioning over the years, but it wasn t viable until recently. It has become increasingly difficult recently, given postage, printing and related costs continuing to escalate. We ll release our brand-new, on-line magazine in six weeks and it will have all the same features we ve offered in the past, plus much more. And no longer will we be charging for a subscription, Vickers explained. Readers can have it delivered through their computer, phone or tablet. The final printed edition, mailed to subscribers on March 17, details the process Vickers went through to make the change. Revenue from current subscribers has made this possible, along with encouraging support from advertisers. Through an agreement with High Velocity Media, monthly issues will feature page-flip technology, the ability to visit Web site hot spots easily and more varied content. The writing staff is being expanded and new graphics will update the look, along with an increase in the number of photographs. To sign up for a free subscription, go to and fill in your name, address, country and how you would like to receive Drum Corps World. HONORING OUR VETERANS MBI Family and Friends - $25 (continued) Ann Hillman Debrorah Kettelhut Patricia Kondrat Rick Kruse Carol Mordorski Brandon Paplow Kevin Quick Geraldyn Running Delores Schumi Ron Wiebrecht Carol Zaagsma Other Kelton & Judy Glewwe Roger Grupp and Tina Cavitt Sam & Bea Jaeger Ellen Krachmer Scott Swenson Reilly Tillman Jason Vinetas Did we miss you? If your records differ from the listing above, please info@mnbrassinc.org right away so we can rectify this error. BENEFIT DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION SATURDAY, APRIL 30, :00 p.m. Dinner (Doors open at 5:00 p.m.) MBI PRODUCTIONS presents... For Reservations Call: (651) or for more information visit With Proceeds to Benefit Minnesota Brass Drum & Bugle Corps Minnesota Warriors Disabled Veterans Hockey Team Rosetown American Legion 700 W. County Road C, Roseville Featured Speaker: Trygve Skaar, Commander 34th Infantry Red Bull Band Rosemount, Minnesota 5

6 PO Box 7341 St. Paul, MN Honoring Our Veterans: Benefit & Silent Auction April 30, 2011 Rosetown American Legion Post Roseville, MN, doors open at 5:00 p.m. See pages 1 and 5 for details 2011 MBI Schedule Thur-Sat, April 7-9 WGI World Championships (WG) Dayton, OH Thur-Sat, April WGI World Championships (WDL) Dayton, OH Saturday, April 16 SDCA Menominee Show (MB) Menominee, MI Sunday, April 17 SDCA Ishpeming Show (MB) Ishpeming, MI Wednesday, April 27 Open Rehearsal (D&BC) St. Paul, MN Saturday, April 30 Honoring Our Veterans Roseville, MN Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction Rosetown American Legion Thursday, May 26 Sideliners Brewery Event St. Paul, MN Details on page 3 Friday, June 3 Morristown Parade (D&BC) Morristown, MN Saturday, June 11 SDCA Appleton Show (MB) Appleton, WI Sunday, June 12 SDCA Milwaukee Show (MB) Milwaukee, WI Thursday, June 23 Fridley Parade (D&BC) Fridley, MN Tuesday, June 28 River City Rhapsody (DCI) Woodbury, MN East Ridge HS Wednesday, June 29 Thunder of Drums (DCI) Mankato, MN Monday, July 4 Independence Day Parades (MB & D&BC) TBA Saturday, July 16 DCI Minnesota (DCI) Minneapolis, MN TCF Bank Stadium Saturday, July 30 Cavalcade of Champions (DCA) Bucknell, PA Saturday, August 6 Kiltie Klassic (DCA) Racine, WI Sunday, August 7 Exhibition TBA, WI Saturday, August 20 Sounds of Minnesota (MB & DCA) South St. Paul, MN South St. Paul HS Sunday, August 21 St. Peter Show (DCA) St. Peter, MN Monday, August 22 Lake Harriet Band Shell (MB) Minneapolis, MN Saturday, August 27 District 11 Preview TBA, MN Sunday, August 28 Open Rehearsal/Last Camp TBA, MN Thur-Sun, Sept 1-4 DCA Championships (MB & DCA) Rochester, NY Saturday, October 22 Youth In Music (MB) Minneapolis, MN Visit for more information and the most recent updates. D&BC: Drum & Bugle Corps MB: Minne-Brass WG: Winterguard WDL: Winter Drumline