On the field from Denver, Colorado...The Blue Knights!: One member's experience of the 1994 summer national tour (Paperback)

by Gregory M. Kuzma (Author) "It all began in 1986 when my mom said she didn't want me playing football..." (more)
Key Phrases: mellophone section, marching basics, quick water break, Blue Knights, Mark Arnold, Finals Tour (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
On the Field from Denver, Colorado! is one man's view of the inside world of competitive junior drum corps. Whether you've marched 50 years ago, this past year or just yearned to be standing on the field, G.M. Kuzma's personal tale will give you a new appreciation for this musical art form.

"Good morning Blue Knights. Welcome to DCI Finals. The lights are on, stretch is in 12 and three quarter minutes." A couple of chuckles and moans ensue as we rise to face our destiny. It was finally here, three months of hard work, 12-hour practices, too many performances to count and now we are at the day of Finals.

Journey along with the young men and women of the 1994 Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. Experience the Drum Corps International Summer Music Games and the intense preparations it took to arrive there.

Become a part of the action, stand on the field and learn what this life is really like in a drum & bugle corps on tour. The sacrifices, the joys, the heartbreak, the physical agony, the lifelong friendships, the lessons learned and earned.

"This is an essential read for all drum corps enthusiasts!"--Mark Arnold, Director

About the Author
From Boca Raton, Florida, Gregory M. Kuzma surrounded himself with musical arts since a young age. He?s performed with several drum corps (junior and senior level) as well as instructed with high school bands and various drum corps. He resides in Texas serving as a Captain in the Air Force.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 206 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc.; 1st edition (September 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595322786
• ISBN-13: 978-0595322787
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #654,702 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, August 15, 2007

By	TeensReadToo.com "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This is the story, in journal form, of Mr. Kuzma's first summer in a competitive touring marching band. It appears to have been quite a summer. From bus mishaps, to strange traveling and lodging conditions, instrument-related injuries -- the list goes on and on. There are also random relationships, some fleeting and some destined to last a lifetime.

This book will appeal most to people involved in marching bands. More specifically, anyone who currently competes, or intends to start this kind of adventure. It could provide a reflection of what you've experienced, or give you a good idea of what's in store for you.

What it did for me, one of the people who made fun of the band kids, was give me a newfound respect for anyone who puts themselves through this. I was amazed at how much everyone is expected to learn in such a short period of time, and how hard everyone works. And, how fast it all can change and you very nearly have to start over!

In equal parts exhilarating, frustrating, painful, and funny, it seems to be an interesting life.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for all you drum corps fans!, February 4, 2007

By	Susanna Laurenti (Florida) - See all my reviews

Anyone out there who has ever marched or wanted to march drum corps, or even been a fan, will enjoy this book. In it, Mr. Kuzma perfectly captures the excitment, camaraderie and bone-draining hard work of a summer on the road with a top corps. Drum corps and marching band enthusiasts of of all ages will get a thrill out of reading the first-hand, play-by-play account of the blood, sweat and tears (literally) that went into the Blue Knights 1994 show. Join Greg Kuzma and the young men and women of Blue Knights for this once-in-a-lifetime journey!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!!, March 28, 2005

By	Jana Rramon "Jana R." (Tx) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I have never been in a marching band or drum corps, but I do have a musical background. This book took me into the world of drum corps. It is an intense journey filled with hard work, a little fun and a lot of learning. It describes the daily routine of a mellophone player. I never realized how much work went into these tours. I have a new-found respect for anyone who joins a drum corps. Overall - a great book that's hard to put down.