A full house of returning and prospective marching members, staff members, parents, visiting alumni and friends of the Jersey Surf packed the gym at the Camden County Technical School yesterday to observe as the corps unveiled the first glimpses of its 20th Anniversary Edition.


"The November camp is always one of my favorite weekends of the year," said Executive Director Bob Jacobs. "Not only is it fun to welcome back the returning members of the corps who performed so magnificently during the summer, but it's great to welcome all of the new people to the Jersey Surf organization. With the level of energy apparent from the first minute of the weekend, for the twentieth straight year, I can say with confidence that it's going to be a great year for the Jersey Surf."

New staff members were introduced to the performers on Friday evening during an orientation session, which preceded the first sectional rehearsal blocks of the new year. In addition to learning various exercises and receiving insight into the techniques which will form the basis of the 2010 educational program, corps members began working on parade music, the corps song and additional material which will be performed throughout the year.

"Besides the musical and performance instruction they receive at this camp, corps members also learn a lot about the drum corps lifestyle, and specifically about the manner in which we operate here at the Jersey Surf," said Director of Operations Brian Prato. "We try to get everyone acclimated to our culture as quickly as possible and we want to explain our expectations as well. With a great percentage of returning members, the learning curve is actually quite short, and I don't remember a first camp that has run more smoothly than this one. More than any other year, this felt like we were just picking up where we left off in August."

Prato's thoughts were echoed by returning marching members and staff members alike. "A great weekend! I'm really excited for this season… I can't wait to see where we can take this, we're already off to a great start!" said Alex Ayala, a member of the brass section.

The next camp and second audition weekend for the corps will again be held at the Camden County Technical School on Cross Keys Road in Sicklerville, NJ during the weekend of December 18-20. Camp begins on Friday evening at 8PM. Registration opens at 6PM. Contact us for additional information: info@jerseysurf.org.