Atlanta CorpsVets - Georgia's Drum and Bugle Corps

On Saturday, June 20th, the Atlanta CorpsVets held their annual BBQ dinner and preview show at Rockmart High School. Over 200 family and friends joined the corps members for a delicious dinner along with much socializing as the 10-year anniversary DVD played in the background. As the meal ended, the corps made its way to the parking lot to warm up for their preview show where a crowd quickly gathered.

The corps gave a sneak preview of the upcoming show as they played bits and pieces of the music for those gathered to watch. After warm up was complete, it was time for the corps to don their uniforms for the first time this season. The staff surprised the corps members and fans with the unveiling of new plumes and Aussie hats. Once the members were suited up in their uniforms, the 2009 Atlanta CorpsVets made their way into the stadium for the beginning of the preview show.

The crowd of over 200 rose to their feet as the corps entered the field and made an arc on the track in front of the stands. Beginning with Tara’s Theme from Gone with the Wind, the corps played a standstill version of their show for the crowd. Trumpet soloists Bethany Nickelson, Clark Hunt, Stacy Williams, and Buglers Hall of Famer Hunter Moss all received standing ovations for their contributions to the evening.

Following the standstill performance, the corps took to the field to debut their field show, Southern Suite. The intricate, fast paced drill, along with an already outstanding guard, wowed the enthusiastic audience. As an added bonus the crowd was treated to a special performance of the drum corps classic Georgia, performed for the very first time by the corps on their new King Ultimate Marching Brass instruments. When the show was over, the crowd responded with a standing ovation as the corps took its bows to close a very successful evening.

The Atlanta CorpsVets whole-heartedly thank everyone who came out to Rockmart High School to support the corps with fellowship and camaraderie. Please cheer the CorpsVets on as they head to Bridgeport, CT this Thursday for their first competition of the 2009 DCA season.

Abbi Scott also contributed to this story. Photographs by Mike Morris.