Whose bright idea was it that we commemorate March 4 with something about marching forth? In the interest of job security, we’re keeping our mouths shut. But what we can be completely open about is that there is an unusually robust band culture here, and plenty of chances for you join in the parade.
March forth from winter doldrums into the heart-pumping rhythms of pomp and percussion. Not just drums, but cymbals, piccolos, brass, even woodwinds: They’re all part of America’s passion for marching percussion, from the legendary John Philip Sousa to the 2002 movie “Drumline.” Here’s what Colorado has to offer in the upcoming months, when baton-pumping drum majors lead the way into a world of high-stepping festivities:
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
March 17, 10 a.m., starts at 27th and Blake streets in Denver
Don’t confuse marching bands with drum and bugle corps. Sure, both have horns and drums. But marching bands are high school and university groups that typically perform in the fall season during football games. They also enliven annual civic events, like the Parade of Lights, and the Martin Luther King Jr. march/parade.
This year, at the 45th annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade, you can see the Miners Marching Band from Colorado School of Mines, one of the more unusual university bands in the country, thanks to its distinctive uniforms: red-and-black plaid shirts, hiking boots, jeans, and hard hats. You can also catch the Sonora High School Golden Regiment Band, a 200-member group that will travel here from California.
DRUMS ALONG THE ROCKIES
July 28, Invesco Field, Denver
Unlike marching bands, drum and bugle corps – which often have woodwinds – are freestanding organizations active in summer months. To see modern competitive drum and bugle corps at their finest, catch Drums Along the Rockies this summer. The most spectacular corps from around the world will display their artistry and excellence, just two weeks before they compete at the 2007 world championships at the Rose Bowl in California. Watch for the Blue Knights, Denver’s own corps that’s considered one of the most innovative, particularly for their symphonic programming and intricate body movement. For more information on time and tickets, visit the Blue Knights’ Drums Along the Rockies site at www.drumsalongtherockies.com.
YAMAHA SOUNDS OF SUMMER PERCUSSION CAMP
Information: 303-433-8891
Thousands of percussion students perfect their art each summer at these camps, held around the country from New Jersey to Colorado. Last year in Denver, the instructor was Dennis DeLucia, one of the most respected marching percussionists in the United States, a Hall of Fame member with Drum Corps International. Flesher-Hinton Music Co., which co-sponsors the camp each year, is still finalizing details for this summer’s workshop.
CAÑON CITY MUSIC AND BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE
May 5, 1 p.m., downtown Cañon City
Cañon City has had a thing for festivals since approximately 1860, and, for the past 68 years, a thing for festivals that combine bands and blossoms. This year’s Music and Blossom Festival Parade steps off for a 1 1/4 mile march through downtown Cañon City, to the cheers of 25,000-30,000 spectators. The parade is judged and will include marching bands from junior and senior highs all over Colorado, including the Denver Citywide Marching Band (some members, also with the Montbello High School drumline, are shown above). Stick around for the whole weekend, which has an arts fair, foot race, concert and jazz band, and orchestra concerts, plus performances by local rock, blues and jazz bands wrapped around the parade. The details are still shaping up, so visit ccblossomfestival.com closer to parade day.
COLORADO WEST MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL
Oct. 6, 10 a.m., downtown Grand Junction
Military marching bands generally move in straight lines, forward only. But field show bands, like those at this event, create curves, designs, and eye-popping formations. The 30th annual Colorado West Marching Band Festival will be held in Grand Junction on Oct. 6. First, the parade winds around downtown Grand Junction. Then the field show begins at 12:30 p.m. at Stocker Stadium. Get the details at www.mesa.k12.co.us/2003/Departments/Music.
