I'm a proud Grandmother. I had the pleasure of flying to Indianapolis last weekend to see my grandson, Chris Rockwell, participate in the Drum Corps International World Championships. Chris plays the mellophone, a field trumpet, in the Blue Stars Corps. All the corps are sponsored by the city in which they originated, which for the Blue Stars is Lacrosse, Wisconsin.
This is Chris in his uniform. The red ribbon around his neck is for the gold medal he was awarded in Atlanta two weeks ago for his participation and placing first in the brass ensemble competition. Chris is 16 and this is his second year in the Blue Stars and DCI. Members can stay in the organization until they are 21.
The above pictures are of the DCI corps who finished the finals in the top 10. The Blue Stars can be seen in the top picture 2nd Corps from the left. The instruments that make up each Corps are trumpets (all types), tubas, baritones,
cymbals, and drums (various types). There are also dancers and a color guard, and an ensemble that does not march. It is made up of xylophones, drums, percussion, and, sometimes, a piano. The various corps tour the U.S. from June to mid-August performing every night in some different city. Needless to say, the corps members must be dedicated and passionate about their music and performance.
This is most of our Rockwell family. From left, Grandaughter Jessica, me, Chris, and ex-daughter-in-law, Ann Parnell. Chris was finished after the Saturday night finals (Blue Stars placed 8th) until next year so we were able to have a late supper together as well as an early morning breakfast. Then we parted, they by car to Lynchburg, VA and me to Bristol by plane via Atlanta. Hopefully, it won't be long before we can be together again.
Mimi
