GTHS Houses Internationally Acclaimed Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps

The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps does not stop at every city. In less than three months, the marching band travels from coast to coast, competing until they conclude the tour at the World Championships. After claiming 15 championship gold medals, it is almost a guarantee that this year that the Blue Devils will be marching in Colt Stadium in Indianapolis on August 10, looking to win once again. However, before competing in the Corps at the Crest marching tournament June 29, they settled down locally at Grand Terrace High School (GTHS). But spending time in Grand Terrace did not leave much of a break in the corps’ training regimen. “We practice every day from 9 to 10: a.m. to p.m., that is,” Nicole Sosa, a trumpet player, said. “Mornings are for marching, then brass rehearsal, then full ensemble work.” The days are long and can be tiring, she shared, but she was adamant that the work is worth it. “Championships are great because you show everyone how great you are.” Sosa had the vision of Colt Stadium and the World Championships to look forward to, among other competitions. Diane Ebert, a woman who sees the other side of the Blue Devils, gave a different picture of why traveling with the Blue Devils was “worth it.” She works the food truck and alters uniforms for the band. Her son marched with the Blue Devils for five years, but had reached the age limit for competing in 2011. After working with the band while her son marched, she decided to continue to do so after he was aged out. That meant leaving her home in Pennsylvania for months each year to help out the Devils wherever she can. But she is thrilled to do so, mostly because of the musicians’ kindness. “The caliber of the kids is great. They are very polite and thankful,” she commented. Nicole Casino, who is the center snare drummer, agreed that there is an air of professionalism that surrounds the Blue Devils. She shared that being the leader of an internationally renowned drum line is no easy feat. Add in the fact that Nicole is a girl playing a traditionally male role, and it becomes even tougher. That is, if she did not march for the Blue Devils. She recounted that it was not difficult to gain the respect of the drum line. “They trusted me right off the bat. They’re respectful guys.” Just as Ebert had mentioned, Blue Devil musicians stood with integrity. However, not everyone could boast such quick recognition. Spencer Reyes explained that the world of “the pit” has a particular stigma. The pit is the section of percussionists who play mostly mallet instruments and special effects at the front of the field. The catch is that they do not march. But, Reyes stressed that, unlike what many musicians thought, playing in the pit was full of different challenges, and was just as mentally challenging as being on the field. Reyes explained that he had to prove himself to other Devils. Eventually, he had. A Blue Devil would never accept being looked down upon. When asked how, the response was simple: “Never mess up.” Participants all agreed that the Blue Devils aim for perfection, and do not stop until they get there. Everyone grasps the intensity of an internationally recognized band. In all facets of their organization, from sewing uniforms to marching to playing in the pit or leading a drum line, each and every Blue Devil burns with a passion for music, and for making the corps a success.