2002
Music
Javelin
An American Elegy
Into the Storm
Awards & Recognitions
DCI Individual and Ensemble Contest:
Auxiliary: Annie Hamlett - 83.00 - 14th
Aux. Ensemble: Troopers 1 - 91.50 - 2nd
Corps Members
Drum Major: Daniel Perkins
From the 2002 DCI Championship Program:
“America’s Corps” leads the charge once again in seeking to identify with the true values of the American Spirit. The Troopers 2002 production – Red, White, & Blue – embodies these elements that define the strength of our Nation.
Red, the fire within, centers on the passion and dedication that drives us all in the pursuit of excellence. As depicted through Michael Torke’s Javelin, the power and commitment of American principles are clearly present. An American Elegy, by Frank Ticheli, indulges a reflective moment as we realize our own vulnerabilities and acknowledge the promise of hope that is our future (white). Perseverance and determination create the backdrop for Into the Storm, by Stephen Melillo, and the conviction of the heart (blue) triumphs as we fulfill our quest for freedom.
Red, White, and Blue can be viewed as a vision of patriotism, but it is more directly a confirmation of the very essence that defines human ideals.
A Personal Remembrance
by Megan Maurer
Quarterfinals, Madison 2002. The whole summer had been a very emotional one for me. Several times I broke down crying because I knew that would be it. I used to make fun of all the age-outs before me when they would say “This is my last.....” But there I was, my last last. I just mouthed the words to the corps song before the show, I could not get sound to come out. I couldn’t look at anyone, I had a hard time holding it in when anyone hugged me, I was a wreck.
I was doing okay until we started going down the ramp to the field. As soon as I saw the turf, the tears started flowing. I wished that field would go on forever. While I was setting up my equipment, I tried not to look at anyone. I stood in my opening spot, staring at the crowd with tears streaming down my face. People kept coming up and grabbing my hand, which only made things worse. James Plunkett saw me crying and yelled to me that I couldn’t cry yet because I wasn’t done.
The show was a blur, I can’t remember anything about the show except coming around the corner at the end of the show, knowing that I had 2 sets left and that was it, and again the tears came. The final pose came and I didn’t ever want to leave that field. Ageing out after marching 7 years was such a bittersweet moment; mentally you never want it to end, but the body was definitely thankful to give it up.
