Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps - 2008

Tokes · Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 26 Location: Gravesend

'Young Musicians Guide to Rock' is the name of the 2008 production that Black Knights Senior Corps are proud to announce.

As you are aware, the conceptual theme of the show is Rock. The musical choices are a reflection of the different styles this huge genre has to offer.
The introduction to the show is an excerpt from The Call Of Ktulu by Metallica, taken from their 1984 album S&M, the version I am using is from their live performance with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and really sets the scene well and is exactly
What I was looking for.

Following the intro I intend for a seamless link into Kashmir by the mighty Led Zepellin This will be much faster than the original being at 180bpm and much of the vocal, lyrical content has been removed creating a modern, quick, fast paced and percussive piece and of classic rock.
Next up is some classic 80's rock to get your teeth into in the form of Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns 'n' Roses. As a production number and half way through the show this is for members and audience alike to enjoy and have fun with.

The ballad once again is taken from the live S&M album by Metallica and features the song Nothing Else Matters I think this will very much be a highlight of BK 2008 as the piece is finished and I am very pleased in the way it has turned out.

In the closer I have gone for a more modern aspect of rock and a piece that develops, grows and builds like a closer should. This is Knights Of Cydonia by Muse, which I believe fits the bill perfectly.

All of us here at Black Knights hope you enjoy our show.

Simon Hastings
Black Knights Musical Director/Arranger (2006-Present)
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2008 looks to be a very exciting year for the corps with old and new faces returning to work alongside recently appointed Corps Director Ken Mansfield. Emma Weir continues her role as Senior Corps Coordinator. Simon Hasting has taken the role of Musical Director/Arranger and is very excited to be finally putting Rock music onto the Drum Corps field. Vicky Richards (Pit Caption Head) and Rus Rogers are Co-writing the tuned percussion scores and Dave Haw will be writing the visual programme with David “Fletch” Fletcher staying on as Visual Caption Head. Steven Blakeley has taken the role of Brass caption head. Tracy Trafford continues to work with BK’s guard with the return of Gavin Woodhead to help with the colourguard design for 2008. This season also sees the return of former Corps Director, Steven Muzio, to help with Brass and help to move the Corps forwards.

Black Knights schedule until Easter has been released and the reduced schedule has already seen Alumni return to “Rock the house” and an increase in of membership in all sections, including the recent promotion of 3 cadet members.