7-Best Bloo Ballad (Part 1)

7-Best Bloo Ballad (Part 1)

Author: Bluecoats, Inc. May 18, 2020 Duration: 51:35

In this episode, we’re going to discuss some of the results of the seeding round for our Best Bluecoats Ballad Contest. We’ll breakdown the trumpet & mellophone brackets and discuss our thoughts on some of the matchups, as well as talk about any unique stories about the corps during those years. Episode includes Bob Chreste, Derek Gipson, Dave MacKinnon, and Doug Thrower.

Best Bluecoats Ballad Voting: bluco.at/ballad1a

Best Bluecoats Ballad Bracket: bluecoats.com/podcast

Hammond Design Mouthpieces: karlhammonddesign.com

The Shield: bluecoats.com/theshield

Instagram: @Bluecoats or @bloobrass

Twitter: @Bluecoats

Facebook: facebook.com/bluecoats

Web: bluecoats.com

Questions or Suggestions: brasspodcast@bluecoats.com

The Bluecoats Brass Podcast is produced by Bob Chreste, with production support from Derek Gipson and the Bluecoats brass staff. Web and digital editors are Elizabeth Clayton and Josh Clements. Our executive producer is Mike Scott.

Copyright 2020 - Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of one of drum corps' most celebrated brass sections? Bluecoats Brass Podcast pulls back the curtain, offering a direct line to the music educators and technicians who shape that iconic sound. This isn't just about performance highlights; it's a genuine conversation about the craft of brass playing itself. You'll hear the team dive into specific pedagogical techniques, rehearsal philosophies, and the unique challenges and rewards of the drum corps environment. The discussions feel like sitting in on a staff meeting, full of practical advice and thoughtful commentary that resonates whether you're a seasoned music teacher, a student preparing for an audition, or a lifelong fan of the activity. New episodes of this podcast arrive every other Monday, with occasional bonus material popping up from the Bloo team. It's a rare opportunity to learn directly from the source, blending artistic passion with educational insight in a way that feels both authentic and deeply informative.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 25

Bluecoats Brass Podcast
Podcast Episodes
13-Finals Week Memories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:04
DCI Finals week is usually the most exciting part of tour. The emotions are running high for everyone. This week, we’re reminiscing about stories from the past, both as a performer and as a staff member. We also announce…
BONUS-2014 DCI Finals Brass Tape (Jeff Harper) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:19
2020 SUMMER BONUS EPISODE! Each week this summer, we’ll release a past Bluecoats brass judge tape from a show in the same city we would’ve been at if we were on tour. Today is our brass tape from the 2014 DCI Finals in I…
BONUS-2016 DCI Semifinals Brass Tape (Paul McGarr) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:34
2020 SUMMER BONUS EPISODE! Each week this summer, we’ll release a past Bluecoats brass judge tape from a show in the same city we would’ve been at if we were on tour. Today is our brass tape from the 2016 DCI Semifinals…
BONUS-2018 DCI Prelims Brass Tape (Albert Lo) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:25
2020 SUMMER BONUS EPISODE! Each week this summer, we’ll release a past Bluecoats brass judge tape from a show in the same city we would’ve been at if we were on tour. Today is our brass tape from the 2018 DCI Prelims in…
BONUS-2017 Allentown, PA Brass Tape (Paul McGarr) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:26
2020 SUMMER BONUS EPISODE! Each week this summer, we’ll release a past Bluecoats brass judge tape from a show in the same city we would’ve been at if we were on tour. This week is our brass tape from the 2017 DCI Eastern…
12-The Life of a Drum Major in DCI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:15
What’s it like to be a drum major in DCI? We discuss the audition process, the day to day role, and much more with 3 former drum majors of the Bluecoats. This episode was originally broadcast as a webinar during the DCI…
BONUS-2015 Murfreesboro, TN Brass Tape (Wayne Dillon) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:41
2020 SUMMER BONUS EPISODE! Each week this summer, we’ll release a past Bluecoats brass judge tape from a show in the same city we would’ve been at if we were on tour. This week is our brass tape from the 2015 DCI Masters…
BONUS-2019 San Antonio, TX Brass Tape (Dennis Argul) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:35
2020 SUMMER BONUS EPISODE! Each week this summer, we’ll release a past Bluecoats brass judge tape from a show in the same city we would’ve been at if we were on tour. This week is our brass tape from the 2019 DCI Southwe…
11-What's Up With Bloo? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:17
What’s up with Bloo? The answer is…A LOT! In this episode, hear about all of the things that the Bluecoats have been up to. Fundraising, Bingo, Auctions, Bonus Content, Webinars, our Best Bluecoats Ballad Contest, and mo…
BONUS-2018 Knoxville, TN Brass Tape (Levi Chavis) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:56
2020 SUMMER BONUS EPISODE! Each week this summer, we’ll release a past Bluecoats brass judge tape from a show in the same city we would’ve been at if we were on tour. This week is our brass tape from the 2018 Drums Acros…