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All Posts By

Justin Foell

Aug 15 2022
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Minnesota Brass takes top honors at 2022 DCI SoundSport

By | Drum & Bugle Corps | One Comment

Saturday morning started very ominously. As we went to board the bus to Lucas Oil stadium, the bus driver was there with the hood open, staring at the engine (which wasn’t running). The driver informed us that it wouldn’t start, and that we needed to call a tow truck. The driver said it just likely needed a jump-start, but we didn’t want to make any assumptions.

We had planned for a short warm-up Saturday, to give members 30 more minutes of sleep, and that abridged warm-up was quickly being erased into a show up, unload, perform sort of situation.

Chris Judd called our SoundSport contact to let them know of the situation, and they offered a solution to go on later, when intermission was supposed to start. This act of logistical kindness saved our hide! The bus was jump-started and got on our way.

SoundSport Finals

Once the bus was started, we were able to catch our breath and get ready to perform. This group has had a can-do attitude from day one and a hunger to perform and produce a quality show centered around excellence and entertainment.

Across from Lucas Oil Stadium, Minnesota Brass lit the crowd up with their 2022 program Route 66. We encountered several MBI alumni at the show and they were not only elated to see us back, they had great things to say about the show.

The members’ hard work paid off with Minnesota Brass being named Best Of Show at the 2022 DCI SoundSport contest – the top overall award for units competing. After some celebrating, we sang the corps song, For All We Know.

Members and staff capped off the weekend by attending DCI finals before heading back home overnight on the bus, in true drum corps fashion.

Thanks to the team

Of course this season wouldn’t be possible without each and every member. Also, the creative team & instructional staff deserve special recognition, as they helped dial the show in, making MBI into a well oiled machine. If you see these folks at Marching Band, Drumline, or Color Guard shows, tell them thanks for helping get MBI back on the road:

  • Chris Judd
  • Rebekah Salas
  • Kaitlyn Hepp
  • Chris O’Connell
  • Alex St. Clair
  • Joe Jaeger
  • Vlad Boz
  • Connor Wiotte
  • Tyler Shipe
Jun 20 2022
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2022 Show Announcement

By | Drum & Bugle Corps | One Comment

After a successful interest camp in May, everyone was committed to get Minnesota Brass back on the field and on the street this summer. We set out to do 4 parades and 4 shows, but the buzz around Minnesota Brass fielding a corps brought some extra opportunities. You’ll be able to catch Minnesota Brass at these 5 parades and 5 field shows:

A key tenet of our season is Good Vibes Only. We wanted a show that is accessible for everyone: audience, judges, and performers. Something that embodies getting back out into the world. Our 2022 summer program is entitled Route 66.

Ward Miller is arranging the brass book, with selections that include:

  • Driver’s License by Olivia Rodrigo
  • Drive My Car by The Beatles
  • (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 by Nat King Cole
  • Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd

It’s already off to a great start! Hope to see you out there in 2022…

Apr 22 2022
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Summer 2022 Interest Camp May 14th

By | Drum & Bugle Corps | 2 Comments

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? COVID took away multiple winter and summer seasons, but it’s time we get back outside and we need you!

To gauge interest among members new and old, we’ll be holding an interest camp on Saturday, May 14th from 10AM to 2PM.

Westwood Intermediate and Middle School
711 91st Ave NE
Blaine, MN 55434

*Lunch is not provided, so eat before-hand or bring a snack.

We want to know who is interested in being part of of the 2022 summer corps, so we can put together an appropriate program for our members. We need you to make it happen.

Let’s get the band back together

Yes it’s short notice, but we can do this! We’re committed to putting together a drum & bugle corps that is accessible to a wide range of people. All-age, part-time drum & bugle corps that is fun but doesn’t require you to give up all of your free time.

Achievable Schedule

The schedule is easy: we’ll get together on Friday night and Saturdays every other weekend. No matter what, you’ll always have a day leftover on your weekends to enjoy the Minnesota summers as you wish.

Four Performances, Four Parades

The season will center around 4 field performances. Three local DCI shows with the season culminating at SoundSport finals in Indianapolis on August 13. Members will receive tickets to DCI Semis and Finals as part of their dues.

Parades are also an important part of our season. They’re fun and it’s a great way to show Minnesotans of all walks of life who we are… without anyone having to buy a ticket. We’ll do 3 local parades before DCI Finals and the State Fair on Labor Day with those who can attend.

We’ll also have an open parade policy where any alumni can join us on a given parade day. But to do that, we need you to come to the interest camp so you can get the music, learn the work, and get fitted for a uniform.

All New Staff

We’ve put together an instructional team with an emphasis on positive member experience. Staff includes:

  • Chris Judd – Executive Director
  • Tyler Shipe – Visual
  • Chris O’Connell – Brass
  • Joe Jaeger – Battery
  • Alex St. Clair – Front Ensemble
  • Rebekah Salas – Color Guard
  • Justin Foell – Director/Coordinator

Join Us!

Take the next step and sign up.

Join Today

We’ll see you on Saturday, May 14th at Westwood Intermediate and Middle School from 10AM to 2PM.

Aug 11 2017
2

MBI salutes 2017 DCI participants

By | Drum & Bugle Corps, Indoor Drumline, MBI Winterguard | No Comments

As Drum Corps International moves into the final weekend of its 45th anniversary, Minnesota Brass salutes and congratulates past members who are participating in this year’s World Championships. You all are champions to us.

Past (and we hope future) members of MBI performing with DCI corps this year include:

  • Jon Karels, Kyle Tsuchiya and Zach Fitzgibbon (Bluecoats)
  • Will Selby and Jack Johnson (Pacific Crest)
  • Joanna Stubbins, Ben Linser, Tristan McGlaughlin and Steven Clark (Oregon Crusaders)
  • Zach Steffen (Madison Scouts)
  • Carter Schunk (Colts)
  • Jordan Widas and Savannah Kearns (Phantom Regiment)
  • Phil Snyder and Jake Esterberg (both staff, Colt Cadets)
  • Sierra Pattin, Colin Gilmore, Eric Dunnigan and staff members: Tiffany Kostuch, Brian Schutta, Bryan Jaeckel, Kirsten Bergstrom, Matthew Gullickson, Matt Haar, Andrew Dussl, Bryan Borg, Jim Jacobson, Lisa Rodenkirchen, Lauren Hipsag, Evan Pufpaff, Reggie Salas, Alex Cary, Jordayn Spike, Josh Sayler, Patrick Lyons, Chris Richman, Tanner Bergersen, Cole Hanton, Mike Olsen, Eric Elker, Ryan Schmidt, Jesse Talbot, Taylor Eliason (River City Rhythm)
  • RJ Bailey and staff members Rebecca Compton-Allen, Thomas Burton Reimer (Shadow)
  • Scott Palmer (staff, Blue Stars)
  • Mack Steinberg, Nick Soden, and staff member Scott Palmer (Blue Devils).

Best wishes for your continued success, and we hope to see you on the field again soon!

Jun 06 2017
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Friends & Family Preview Sunday, June 11th

By | Drum & Bugle Corps | No Comments

Minnesota Brass invites you to preview our 2017 program Pins & Needles this Sunday, June 11th at Brooklyn Center High School.

Friends and family of Minnesota Brass and its members, staff and volunteers are all welcome. Arrive at 1PM for a spaghetti lunch served by our fabulous volunteer crew. A $5 donation helps pay for our meals and facility costs – kids under 10 eat free!

At 2PM we’ll venture outside to coordinate our show a little before giving a preview of the first iteration of our 2017 field show. This is a great opportunity to see what we do all these weekends that your friends or relatives are with us.