The Jersey Surf successfully kicked off its first season as a World Class Drum & Bugle Corps and its 19th season overall with its first audition camp of the 2009 season, held over the recent Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  More than 375 new and returning brass players, percussionists, color guard members, instructional staff and support team members traveled to the Camden County Technical School for a world class learning experience and to be a part of the next generation of the Jersey Surf. 

The camp buzzed with excitement all weekend long.  Four-year veteran Alison Baier, stepping into the role of head Drum Major after serving the corps as an Assistant DM last season, was visibly excited to be back for another year. "I'm really excited by the great turnout, great talent, and especially the great attitudes being displayed by everyone here,”  Baier commented. "I'm excited to get the corps on the field and to have the opportunity to perform before larger audiences. We're all looking forward to achieving great things as a member of DCI's World Class.” 

First-year baritone player Craig Perkins, a junior at Morristown (NJ) High School, shared the excitement. “There's a lot of hard work involved, and my first camp has already made me a better player.  I can tell that I've definitely learned a lot this weekend, and I'm hoping to have the chance to march this summer with the Jersey Surf."

Aaron Cregar, a sophomore at the Virginia Military Institute, auditioned on snare this weekend. “The camp was really smoothly run, not a lot of 'hurry up and wait'," Cregar commented.

Allison Richard, a freshman at West Chester University, auditioned for a spot in the color guard.  “I loved the camp, it was so much fun and I learned a lot. It feels good to be sore again!”  

Christopher Hardgrove, a freshman at the University of Miami, also auditioned for a spot in the color guard this weekend.  “The camp was a lot of work, but I learned a lot.  It was definitely a good experience.  It is awesome that Surf is now in World Class. Surf has come a long way in 19 years. Watching it grow has been awesome and I want to be part of that,” Hardgrove commented.

Julie Hill is three year veteran of the Jersey Surf color guard. “The camp was a lot of fun. It was neat to have such a great turnout and to see friends again. I’m really excited for the new challenges that will undoubtedly be a part of World Class competition. I know we will have a great year.”

Jersey Surf Alumnus and first-year color guard technician Danielle Dilks was glad to be back in the familiar environment of the Camden County Technical School. “I am very impressed with this year’s turnout. Its very exciting to see the new and returning members really pushing themselves from the very start of the first camp of the season. I think it's going to be a great year for the entire organization.”

The Jersey Surf will continue the audition process with its December camp weekend, held at the Camden County Technical School, December 19-21.