‘Drums Across Smokies’ back at FHS July 12
Drum Corps International is bringing nine teams from around the nation to Farragut High School to compete in “Drums Across the Smokies” beginning at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 12, at Bill Clabo Field/Bill Parker Track.
The event is just one of more than 100 competitive events making up annual Drum Corps International Tour, according to the organization’s web site.
Nashville’s Music City Drum Corps team is among the competitors, and actually isthe team hosting the event.
Other participating teams are: Guardians of Seguin, Texas; Spirit of Atlanta from Atlanta; The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania; Southwind from Mobile, Alabama; Louisiana Stars from LaFayette, Louisiana; Jersey Surf from Camden County, New Jersey; Boston Crusaders from Boston; and Blue Coats of Canton, Ohio.
The teams include both performers and instrumental musicians, the latter of which play bass and percussion, but not woodwinds, as would be included in traditional marching bands.
Kenneth Carrico, new FHS Marching Admirals band director, said he is looking forward to the event — having marched in two of the groups himself earlier in his musical career.
“They are not bands,” he noted. “They are drum corps — it something very different. You have to audition for these groups and go where they are located.”
He said the teams travel on charter buses to perform and compete all across the country.
FHS Band boosters also are involved, which is “a key fundraising opportunity for the boosters,” hosting the concession stand according to the group’s website.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $45, and may be purchased at Drum Corps International web site, dci.org/.
