A portion of the Jersey Surf hornline works through high mark-time during basics.

The Jersey Surf held its final winter rehearsal camp during the weekend of April 25-27, 2008.  The corps spent much of the weekend working through the first two minutes of the opening production of its 2008 repertoire entitled, “The Jersey Surf: So Far”.

The instructional team is obviously excited about the talent and drive displayed by the corps members at this early point in the season. “We try to avoid the pre-season hype that seems to be generated at the start of every Summer Tour,” said brass program coordinator Harrison Horowitz. “This year, with the largest brass section the corps has ever fielded and a brand new set of instruments, it’s difficult to not look forward to getting outside and working hard each weekend.”

The percussion staff is also upbeat about the progress to date. “This time of year is always difficult for drum lines and color guards as the indoor season winds down and members return their focus to the outdoor arena,” stated Chad Wyman, associate director of percussion education. “Coming off of a tremendous year like we had last year, and one in which we captured our first percussion championship title, there will surely be an additional commitment among the members to maintain the level of excellence that was established by the 2007 Surf drum line. Every member of the percussion ensemble, from the field percussionists to the cymbal section to the front ensemble, will be performing on new instruments this summer. It is a great thrill for the entire organization to have this kind of momentum going into a fresh season.”

DCI Executive Director and CEO Dan Acheson speaks to members of the corps about their involvement in the Jersey Surf.

On Saturday of the camp weekend, the corps was visited at their rehearsal field by Mr. Dan Acheson, the Executive Director and CEO of Drum Corps International. Mr. Acheson spent the morning meeting with enthusiastic corps members, along with members of the instructional team and some of the more than 30 volunteers and alumni participating in a “Getting Ready to Roll” weekend, sharing thoughts about their involvement with the Surf program and with Drum Corps International. “It was great having the head of DCI at our camp this weekend,” said Drum Major Chris Garten. “Mr. Acheson was interested to understand how we perceive our corps and what motivates us to be a part of it, and he gave us the opportunity to ask him questions on a number of topics.” Assistant Drum Major Alison Baier added, “It was an honor to have Dan here with us, and a lot of fun getting to ‘hang out’ with the top guy at DCI.”     

With plans continuing toward the achievement of World Class status for 2009, the members, staff, and volunteers were excited to welcome Mr. Acheson to southern New Jersey and to give him a backstage look at the Jersey Surf operation.

The corps will be holding its next rehearsal camp over the weekend of May 2-4, 2008, at the Camden County Technical School and Winslow Township High School complexes. On Sunday May 4th, the corps will be rehearsing at its summer home in Wildwood, NJ and will be performing in its first public outing of the year: a standstill preview of the 2008 show just prior to the retreat ceremonies at the NJA/TIA Indoor Championships. Performance time is slated for 3:30 PM at the Wildwood convention center. If you would like more information about the TIA Indoor event please visit the TOB website at http://www.tob.org.  For directions to the Wildwood convention center, please click here.