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Ventura County DMs?

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:42 pm
by mikekimchi
Hola everyone.

Well, I've been in the VC area now for a couple of years, but have not yet heard of a local DM program that presently does solo comps. Is anyone here from a VC school and compete in L-Patterns?

The reason why I ask is I find myself having a bit of free time now, and it's been a while since I've instructed, let alone competed. These boards just bring back the good memories of competitions and the horrific experiences of...well...competitions. ;)

If anyone in the area would like some pointers (serious-minded spinners, please), let me know. I specialized in military baton. As for payment, don't worry about it. As long as you take it seriously and respect both our times, it's all good.

-Mike

coaching/competing

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 9:23 pm
by dmcoach
There's some competitions in LA and OC that host "Open" divisions. Granted, it doesn't qualify towards State, but you get to compete on the L against other alumnis from varying years and against current HS students.
As for coaching, were you looking to have a lesson for yourself?

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 10:40 pm
by mikekimchi
Not looking to compete (those days are over for me). Just wondering if there was anyone in the area who wanted a lesson or two here and there. I really don't want the number of competing drum majors to dwindle down, as I hear it is.

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:12 pm
by dmcoach
That's cool. Thanks for the reply. :-) Well, the numbers were dwindling for a while there, and the camaraderie was declining between the drum majors.
This year's going to be different though. There were a lot of active drum major coaches, and you could tell from the band reviews that the level of the drum majors went back up.
A friend and I have discussed about this coming season for L Pattern. This year should have a nice turn-out compared to other years, and we're both really excited. He's going to be coaching and bringing in South El Monte HS, Savanna HS, and he's also assisting two other high schools on top of that. I will be assisting Kennedy HS, and I'm introducing a new middle school to the circuit, and they will be bringing approximately 5 seventh graders, one eighth grader, and two head drum majors. Then there's Mai Vo who coaches Esperanza and Loara HS. Miriam Liu has a few school that she's also coaching, I'm not sure who she'll be bringing. Drew Gonzales is going to be coaching Chino HS, and they should be coming. Jennifer Tran's assisting Montebello, and if things go well my friend and I "might" be hired to assist with the Independent drum majors from that same school.
What city in Ventura County are you in? I'll keep my ears open for whomever's interested in taking lessons up there, and I'll be more than happy to refer them to you.
For the record, before Jennifer Tran went to State this last year, I gave her a history lesson and showed her inspiring videos from great drum majors from her school. She had told me that she wanted to go to State, and she wanted to be unique. So I told her to embrace her roots because no one really spins like her school drum majors did back then. From there, Mr. Covalloni spliced her music together as she practiced in the band room some of the style that you had back then. Thanks. :-) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYBI3mnlMHE

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:20 pm
by dmcoach
mikekimchi, you're invited to please join www.myspace.com/dmstuie

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:53 pm
by cup_o_noodles007
PLEASE PEOPLE -- fill up these conducting divisions as well!!!

there are PLENTY of people out there who can coach conducting. some people specialize in it.

also do spinning. cuz its awesome.

but do conducting too!!!

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 12:24 am
by dmcoach
Nothing wrong with conducting. I know some of my students would love to do that also. :-)

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:42 am
by cup_o_noodles007
hey bryan, are you coaching conducting too?

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 1:14 pm
by dmcoach
Yes I am. Good call, what gave it away? Also, who's this? :-p

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 10:32 am
by cup_o_noodles007
your instant messenger name as the tag at the bottom... lol. plus, nobody lives in laguna nigel but YOU! :-D

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 2:36 am
by dmcoach
Good call. You got me :D I can't wait for this season to start!

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 10:48 am
by cup_o_noodles007
hey, do you know any ways i can encourage kids to compete??

ive got a couple hopefuls right now, but theyre like "ehhhh ill THINK about it...." theyre great students who would enjoy and do really well in the circuit. i just need that final motivating push. i just dont know what to say to them for that. lol.

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 10:33 pm
by dmcoach
Well, you can always encourage kids to compete, but you can't force them. The best way to having more kids participate is by letting them know that the experience they get through competing, along with the constructive comments will help prepare them for try-outs. :-)

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 12:24 am
by cup_o_noodles007
yeah.

im trying to get them to do it just for fun as well. outside of being a school drum major. hopefully theyll understand that too.