Here’s a nice feature about some Webster musicians who recently earned some recognition at the International Drum Corps Competition, held earlier this month in Indianapolis. A thousand thanks to Kathy Taddeo, who wrote the following article for me, and her daughter Tracy Dennis, who was at the event watching her son, William Small, compete, who gathered all the details and took the photos.
WEBSTER STUDENTS TAKE HONORS IN INTERNATIONAL DRUM CORPS COMPETITIONS
This year’s World Championships of International Drum Corps included several students and
alumnae from Webster.
Thomas graduate and Clarkson University student William Small and Schroeder graduate and Fredonia University student Dylan Hickey returned last weekend from World Championship Drum Corps International finals in Indiana. Their Spartans corps, organized out of New Hampshire, has been touring the eastern United States for the last seven weeks. Spartans’ beautifully written and choreographed pageant of music and movement, daily grueling training and fierce competitive spirit led them to victory. They are now 2024 DCI World Champions, Open Class; that’s William and Dylan and some 160 other young people ages 14-22.
Watch for the Spartans next Thanksgiving; in recognition of their achievement, they’ve been invited to march in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Here are some details about the Webster students who participated:
The Spartans Drum Corps, is based in New Hampshire. In winning the distinction of Open Class World Champions, they won by only .5 point, beating out nine other bands. Its members include William Small (Aerospace major from Clarkson) and Dylan Hickey (Music Performance, SUNY Fredonia).
The Bluecoats Drum Corps, based in Ohio, was named Champions in the World Class. They beat 11 other bands by more than a full point. Performing with this band is Miguel Ovando (Music Education SUNY Fredonia).
Jersey Surf Drum Corps, based in New Jersey, also completed in the World Class. They didn’t make it past the semi-final round, but put on an outstanding show nonetheless. Band members include Rafael Ovando and Natalia Lopez.
The White Sabers Drum Corps, based in Rochester, came in 7th place in the All Ages Class. Webster students who perform with this band include Aaron Albert, Jason Auld, Molly Jaeger, Alex Munsuy, David Nilmeier and Bella Olschweski.
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(posted 8/22/2024)
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