7RYPAO Newsletter, May 2016

7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps

NewsletterVol. 2.2 | May 2016

Table of

Contents

2

NEWSLETTER STAFF

Jamil Jorge

Erick Mancebo

Send us an email and ask

to join our mailing list, ask

questions, give feedback,

or to get more involved!

We send regular emails

that include 7RAA news,

events, newsletters, events,

volunteering opportunities,

and more!

For more information, check

out 7thregiment.org! There,

you can fi nd recent news

and rehearsal schedules,

staff biographies, member

information, and make

donations to the corps.

7th Regiment Youth

Performing Arts Association

P.O. Box 64

New London, CT 06320

[email protected]

@7thRegiment

/7thRegiment

7thregiment.org

Letter from the Editors........2

Kitchen Equipment

Fundraiser..........................3

Drum Major

Announcement..................4

7th Members Join Patriot’s

Drumline...........................5

Drum Major’s Update .......6

Jordan Kaiser Profi le..........6

Joey Gaudet Profi le............7

Andrew Gerke Annual

Fundraiser..........................7

2015 Age-Out

Spotlights.......................8-9

Alumni News..................10

Arminder Singh

Christina Nadeau

Kerry Valley

Daisy Johnson

Tim Rall

Jim O’Neil

Erick Mancebo

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Corps Director

Assistant Corps Director

Member at Large

7TH REGIMENT YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS

ASSOCIATION 2016 EXECUTIVE BOARD

@7thRegiment

Letter from the

EditorsTo our 7th Regiment community, We hope you enjoy this current newsletter!

It’s full of updated information, alumni news, and recent age-out profi les, among many other things. We also apologize for being late. Some of this material comes from the newsletter that was supposed to be out at the end of last year, but school and life overwhelmed us. Hopefully, we haven’t kept you waiting for too long.

In our next newsletter, we hope to tell you

more about 7th Regiment’s show, members, and provide the full summer schedule. If anyone in our community feels inspired to contribute news, write an article or column, contribute ideas for our future newsletters, or just wants to help, feel free to send an email to [email protected]. It would be an honor to hear more from our community.

Rise as one,Jamil JorgeErick Mancebo

Do you have something to share? If you are a member of the 7th Regiment or Surfers alumni

community, let us know! We love to keep our community updated on engagements, marriages,

kids, new jobs, internships, awards, education, graduation, big moves, photos, stories, or whatever

you might think of! Email [email protected].

Copyright 2016

7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Newsletter | May 2016

Kitchen Equipment Fundraiser7th Regiment is growing at an exciting pace —

unfortunately, that means some of our old methods

of operating are no longer feasible. Currently we

function with the use of a five-foot griddle while on tour, and two portable gas burners. In order to feed

all of our members on the road and during camps,

we need to purchase a convection oven alongside a griddle to make meal prep feasible for a growing

corps. That means we need to raise $10,000 in order

to reach our goals.

7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Organization

is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, making your contribution a tax-deductible donation! Help us keep pace with the growth of our membership!

Thank you,

7th Regiment

3

Visit 7thregiment.org to donate

4

2016 Drum Major Announcement

New London, CT – 7th Regiment

Drum & Bugle Corps has announced

its 2016 Drum Major with the selection

of three-year veteran Leslie Prunier.

Leslie entered the world of the

marching arts through the marching

band at Putnam High School in

Putnam, CT, where she spun in the

colorguard in 2009 and 2010, before

moving to the brass section to play

the baritone in 2011 and 2012.

Leslie joined 7th Regiment in 2013,

completing three successful seasons

playing baritone, and is excited to

spend her 4th season as Drum Major:

“I keep coming back to 7th Regiment

because I love the excellence that

drum corps makes you strive for,” she

declared, adding, “Drum corps has

taught me to attack challenges, push

my own limits, fi x my mistakes without

being told twice, and persevere

though the toughest situations.

Beyond that, 7th Regiment is like

family to me, and I wouldn’t trade the

time I’ve spent here for anything in the

world.”

Outside of drum corps, Leslie is

a junior attending the University

of Connecticut where she studies

Mechanical Engineering. During the

off-season, Leslie has held fast to

her marching roots, marching one

season with the UConn Marching

Band, one season with the University

of New Haven Marching Band, and

one season playing cymbals in the

UConn Winter Drumline. Leslie is also

a member of the University Scholar

research program at the University of

Connecticut, where she is creating a

plastic baritone through 3D-printing.

Mark Maguire, staff coordinator,

expressed excitement at the decision,

remarking, “Leslie has been the model

corps member for the past three years

and we’re confi dent Leslie will lead

the corps to success in 2016!”


5

Four members of the 2015 7th Regiment have been hired by Gallant Entertainment Inc. (GEI) who in turn have been hired by the New England Patriots to provide drumline entertainment! Dalton Gyorda (Drum Major ‘14-’15) plays cymbals, Peter Oliver (Battery ‘12-’13, ‘15) plays bass, Matt Randall (Front Ensemble ‘15-’16) is on Snare, and Aaron Saraiva (Battery ‘11) plays the quads.

Dalton explains, “Our primary gigs are Patriot’s games, but the company also provides additional opportunities to perform. For example, Matt has already performed at two additional gigs including a performance at Fashion Week in New York City.

We were hired by

7th Regiment Members

Join Patriots Drumline

the company after attending two audition dates, and then had three rehearsals and now “as professionals” it is our responsibility to come to our assigned games and other performances. We have a large book that includes 23 regular charts plus any other additional music assigned

for performances with the Patriot’s cheerleaders. The most important thing we do happens before the game when we spend a couple of hours playing for tailgaters. Leading up to the game, we sometimes have the opportunity to play for the players or cheerleaders tunnel entrance (the drumline is mic’d so we can

be heard throughout the entire stadium).

Throughout the game, we play several times during timeouts or quarter breaks, either by ourselves or to a track with the cheerleaders. In between performances, we watch the game from the comfort of the Patriot’s executive conference room.”

6

Drum Major’s UpdateOur March camp was my first time being in the

Drum Major role at 7th Regiment. Something new for me personally was getting to spend most of the camp with the drumline. As is expected during the early season, members trickled in from their winter percussion shows as the weekend went on. There is a lot of new talent in the battery section, with some great returning members to lay the foundation of how

we do things at 7th. That foundation includes working hard in rehearsal, but getting to know each other during breaks and developing bonds that will carry us through the season.

Considering how early in the season we are, the hornline is sounding great. It was incredible to be in front of the group, hearing a glimmer of what’s to come once we get further into the season. Our hornline has been very loud for its size in the past few years, and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition.

Our next camp is May 13th, and I can’t wait. All the members have been practicing hard and submitting video assignments, and the camps are when we get to see everybody’s individual work come together. We’re going to keep refining our musical and visual technique, delve further into the show material, and continue to get to know each other in preparation for our journey as a corps this summer.

Leslie Prunier

“

”Leadership Profile: Guard captain Jordan Kaiser

Jordan discovered color guard

in 2010 with her Plymouth High

School’s Marching Band from

Plymouth, MA. Ever since then

she has been in love with the

activity. Since then she has spun

with her high school’s marching

band, winter guard, Blessed

Sacrament Open, and, of course,

7th Regiment. She has been with

7th since 2012 and has loved

every second of it! With this

being her fifth season with 7th,

Jordan is beyond excited to get

out on the field again and tear

it up!

“I keep coming back to

7th, because it’s an amazing

community and a family. I have

made life long friends from

this activity and I could not be

anymore grateful. Every year this

corps amazes me. It’s different

every year and grows in new

ways with each season. Each

season presents new challenges,

new faces, and holds a different

place in my heart. This season

holds so much potential for us. I

can see this being one of the best

seasons for the color guard. I am

beyond honored to be leading

the color guard that helped shape

who I have become as a human.”

Outside of 7th Jordan is a

sophomore Printmaking major

at the Hartford Art School in

the University of Hartford in

Hartford, CT. She then plans

on getting her degree in Art

Education. On top of her

schooling, Jordan also instructs

color guards at both Newington

and Wethersfield high schools.

While home from university she

also installs flooring at local home

improvement store in Plymouth,

MA.


7

Andrew Gerke Annual Fundraiser

The family of 7th Regiment

alumnus Andrew Gerke

is hosting their 7th

annual fundraiser for the

Andrew Gerke Memorial

Scholarship, which helps

provide scholarships

for South Portland High

School and 7th Regiment.

The event will take

place on May 19, 2016

at Easy Day Restaurant

and Bowling Alley in

South Portland, Maine,

beginning at 5 pm. There

will be a silent auction,

raffl es, and food.

Leadership Profi le: Guard captain Joey Gaudet Joey Gaudet will serve as one of

the captains of the 2016 Colorguard. A

junior at Wethersfi eld High School in

Wethersfi eld, Connecticut, this will be

his third year with 7th Regiment. After

joining 7th in 2014, Joey says he “gained

so much valuable information; much of

which pertained to how i could better

manipulate my equipment.”

After the season, Joey joined his high

school’s marching band, completing two

marching seasons as well as a season of

winter guard spinning with Brookfi eld

Independent. This winterguard

season, Joey marched with Alter Ego

Independent World out of Trumbull,

Connecticut.

Joey writes, “with all the obvious

technique/ equipment improvement aside,

7th has taught me many valuable lessons

that have shaped me into the person I

am today; specifi cally, my ability to push

through adversities and keep sight on

your ultimate goal. Over the summer,

what’s so special about the members’

connection is our mutual desire for

greatness. Each member works with and

beside one another, constantly verbalizing

encouraging reminders of our goal. With

this teamwork, we walk away from this

experience with new information, new

experiences, and new friends. I am

more than excited to be a member and

a captain of the 2016 color guard, and

i am anxiously awaiting these positive

experiences again.”

8

2015 Age-Out Spotlights

Drum Corps has changed my life in more

ways than I can count. It has made me a better

person to others and to myself. It has allowed

me to see places I’ve never seen and probably

won’t see again. It has given me memories to

last me 4 lifetimes.

It has given me friends that, despite being

hundreds or thousands of miles away, will

always share the bond of blue and black. I was

lucky enough to have the honor of leading

7th Regiment’s inaugural cymbal line, creating

new traditions and more opportunities for the

years to come. As an alumnus, I can’t wait to

see what 7th brings to the table next year, as

well as where the cymbal line will go. I chose

to march 7th because of one simple Facebook

message, and I’m proud to leave a lasting

impression in the history of this very young

corps.

Even though I only marched one season,

there are many things that I will miss dearly.

But the most important part of the drum

corps experience to me is the people, and the

people that are a part of this organization are

like no other. If you have any affiliation with 7th

Regiment or the Surfers Alumni Association

(now 7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts

Association), I would like to express my thanks

in allowing myself and 109 other people to

have this opportunity. I’m excited to start the

next chapter in my life, and I can’t wait to see

what the drum corps world will bring.

Name: Bianca DooneHometown: Billerica, MASchool: University of Massachusetts, AmherstYears: 2015Sections: Cymbals

Drum corps taught me that no matter how difficult life

may get, there is always a way to push through. Adversity is

something that we all face and through my summers spent

with the Regiment I learned how to conquer the adversity and

become a stronger person through it. I made the decision

to come back to 7th for my age out year because of the

relationships that I made during the 2014 season. I was proud

to be a part of a percussion section that didn’t settle and

especially proud to be a part of a bassline that was setting a

new precedent for the drum corps. My age out season was

full of challenges and through it all the people I now call my

family stuck by me and encouraged me to leave it all on the

Name: Neil MurrayHometown: Fernandina Beach, FLSchool: University of North Florida, Major: Transportation and LogisticsYears: 2014-2015Section: Bassline

Marching in a drum corps helped me live a

childhood dream. Being a part of 7th Regiment for

two years means so much more to me than that,

though. The Regiment gave me a sense of family

and something to be proud of.

Growing up, I could only dream of marching

alongside some of the best young musicians in the

world on a drum line. In 2013, I had the chance

to be a part of 7th and was put on trumpet. Even

though I had been playing trumpet for just a short

Name: Derek SextonHometown: Rome, NYSchool: Oswego State UniversityMajor: Journalism; Minor: MusicYears: 2013, 2015Section: Trumpet (‘13), Baritone (‘15)

field. I am so thankful to be able to call The 7th

Regiment my home and I look forward to seeing

what this wonderful organization will put on the

field in the future! Also as an alumni I look forward

to seeing the bassline continue to grow and set

new precedents for excellence. 7RB for life!

time, I was surprised that the staff wanted me to play.

As many times as I thought I would not make it to

the end of the season, I remembered the words of my

high school band director: “It’s not going to be easy, but

it wouldn’t be worth it if it was.” That phrase alone was

what helped me get through my first year and I was able

to become a stronger musician and individual as a result.

My age-out year meant the most to me. After all the

personal struggles I had been battling with in the months

leading up to the summer, the staff and performers

helped me fight back and I was able to feel like I could

conquer anything. I gained a stronger sense of family in

2015 and I cannot imagine marching with anybody else

than with my family and a corps that made my dream a

reality. I cannot thank 7th enough for all they have done

for me as a musician and as a person.

9

2015 Age-Out Spotlights

My journey to drum corps was rather unique. My high school

doesn’t have a marching band, so I didn’t discover 7th Regiment (or

the whole drum corps activity) until college. I’ll never forget the day a

friend showed me some drum corps videos after classes. My reaction

was along the lines of, “What is that and where do I sign up?” I was

mesmerized.

7th Regiment has opened up an entirely new world for me. It has

been nothing short of life changing. I have met (and lived with) some

of the best people you could ever meet, performed in some amazing

places with great audiences, and I had the three best summers of my

life. Adjusting back to the “real world” after days upon days upon days

of rehearsals and shows is never easy, especially as an age out. I can

no longer have the plan of marching next summer, and that’s just plain

weird.

Drum corps life is far and away simpler than “real life.” Someone

wakes you up, someone else makes your schedule for you, and you only

have to worry about what’s going to happen during the next rep. Even

though those days are now in the past for us age-outs, we can think of

Name: Adam TwomblyHometown: Middlefield, CTSchool: Central Connecticut State UniversityYears: 2013-2015

all the memories we made and the great friendships we have with our

fellow members. It will be great to watch the corps continue to grow and

thrive in the coming years. Rise as one, 7th Regiment.

Name: Alexis WallerOccupation: Colorguard Caption Head, Rockville High School; Insomnia CookiesYears: 2009-2012, 2014-2015Section: Colorguard

Drum corps is the most challenging and

rewarding activity I’ve participated in . I’ve

learned to preserve through obstacles

while keeping a positive attitude. Marching

has helped me become a leader and a role

model allowing me to pass on advice and

knowledge to newer members.

What I love most about drum corps

is that it’s comprised of so many diverse

individuals and while each member is

tasked to improve themselves, we are

all working toward perfecting one single

production. It’s a humbling experience in

a way that one person could not pull this

off alone. It takes 100% effort from every

member for a corps to be successful.

Looking back, I know these are the years

I will remember forever. Every moment

is precious and I hold each of them dear

to my heart.If I had to give one piece

of advice it would be to seize every

opportunity and give it everything you’ve

got because one day it will be your last

chance.

Every drum corps is a family and I’m so

glad to have been welcomed into 7ths. To

have such a strong bond between. So many

individuals is amazing and to know you

have such a vast support group brings so

much comfort. The friendships I’ve made

through drum corps will last a lifetime.

10Alumni NewsAdam Twombly (Baritone ‘13-’15) will be joining

the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps staff this summer

as a baritone technician.

Caitlin Kenney (Colorguard ‘08-’12) was recently promoted to

Zoological Manager at the Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) in

Myakka City, FL. Caitlin started as an Animal Husbandry Intern at LCF

in February 2014 and was hired as a Primate Keeper at the end of her

internship in September 2014. As manager, Caitlin is responsible for

coordinating the daily care of 50+ lemurs, including feeding, cleaning,

enrichment, training, and veterinary treatment.

Andrew Dressler (Battery ‘08, Front Ensemble

‘09-‘10) passed the Florida Bar Exam in September

and was sworn in as Assistant State Attorney in

Miami-Dade County, FL. His fi rst jury trial was in

November.

Bianca Doone (Cymbals ‘15) is teaching 7th

Regiment’s Cymbal Line this year after aging out last

season.

Brandon Chapter (Front Ensemble ‘14-’15)

spent the last year operating a DYI record label

called Santapogue Media, putting out cassette tapes

and CDs for small bands. His fi rst vinyl release is

now available for pre-order at http://santapogue.

storenvy.com. Brandon hopes to attend college for

record label management in the near future.

Jamil Jorge (Tuba

‘10-’11, Drum Major ‘12)

and Rachel Timmons

(Colorguard ‘05-’11) were

engaged in October of

2015. They started dating

in July of 2010, and are 7th

Regiment’s fi rst engaged

couple!

Erica Dozier (Colorguard ‘04-’11) graduated

from the United States Army Army Logistics

University in Fort Lee, VA in the Basic Offi cer

Leaders Course (BOLC). The BOLC “is

approximately 16 weeks long and divided into the

areas of Professional Development, General Supply,

and Quartermaster Sustainment Operations, as

well as operational and technical training with an

emphasis on ensuring the combat readiness of

today’s Quartermaster Offi cer in the fi eld.”

Erick Mancebo (Front Ensemble ‘12) began a new

role as a Legal Assistant at a law fi rm in New York, NY.

Erick also currently serves as the Communications

Director and Tour Manager for 7th Regiment, and as

of last August, serves on the Board of Directors for

the organization.

Chris O’Neil (Front Ensemble ‘05-’06, ‘09-’11)

recently earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre at

Central Connecticut State University and is now

working at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT.

Emily Milner (Assistant Drum Major ‘10-’11, Front Ensemble ‘13)

currently has an internship with Middle Way House in Bloomington, IN.

She’s managed to turn the internship into a full-time position, and will

work as the Donor Relations Manager and the Head of Fundraising.

Gage Brown (Baritone ‘09-’12) started school at the New England

Institute of Technology to become a surgery technologist.

Jani Springer (Colorguard ‘06-’08) will be touring with Santa Clara

Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps this summer as their athletic trainer.

Kellie Clancy (Colorguard ‘09-’10) was invited to join the Phi Theta

Kappa Honor Society at Middlesex Community College. She’s also been

accepted to nursing programs at Capitol Community College and Central

Connecticut State University.

Kyle Conrad (Trumpet ‘12-’14) is adjusting well to his new job as a

Software Engineer at Greenway Health in Georgia.

Pamela Wasko (Battery ‘10-’11, Front Ensemble ‘12) graduated in

December from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s Degree

in percussion performance. She was also accepted into master’s programs

for percussion performance at the University of Kentucky and Boston

University.

Maddy Ventresca (Colorguard ‘11-’14 ) is

studying fashion design in Paris this summer at the

Paris Fashion Institute Summer Seminar.

Michael Vita (Trumpet ‘09-’14 ) graduated from Central Connecticut

State University in December with a Bachelor’s degree in music education,

along with earning Magna Cum Laude. He will also be joining 7th

Regiment’s staff this summer as a visual technician.

Victoria Smolenski (Colorguard ‘09-’12) will attend Quinnipiac

University in the fall to begin her Master’s degree in medical laboratory

services.

Documents

7RYPAO Newsletter, May 2016