“We’ve been waiting quite awhile to return to finals and in the meantime, the corps has been getting a little bigger and a little better each year. We have an extraordinary amount of talent in the organization and I think it’s time we reward the efforts of our members,” said Dr. Donald Flaherty, corps director.

The complete tour schedule will be released in the coming weeks but will include an additional three weeks in comparison to Gold’s previous seasons and will culminate with a trip to compete with other Open Class corps at DCI Finals. The corps took its first trip out of state in 2011, performing in Utah and Colorado.

“It has been a long process to come to the decision to take this corps to Open Class finals. We wanted to be sure that we built a strong financial and physical base for the organization before committing to the extended tour and now we are making all the preparations to give our members the best experience they can possibly have this season,” said Scott Bush, board member.

Gold, a San Diego-based nonprofit for young musicians and performers, strives to enrich the lives of students through a commitment to performance excellence and a dedication to self-empowerment. Preparing for the trip to finals means more expenses for the corps increasing the need for outside financial support. Those interested in helping support Gold’s music program and extended tour are invited to contact Director Donald Flaherty (dflaherty@golddrumcorps.org).

Performers interested in joining the 2012 corps are welcome to try out at Gold’s second set of auditions on Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Grossmont High School. A fee of $30.00 is due for prospective members attending 2012 auditions for the first time. More information can be obtained at www.golddrumcorps.org.

“With all the excitement building about another promising season for Gold, we wanted a caption head committed to building a top level guard program. That’s what we got with Mario,” said Gary Backlund, program coordinator. “Mario’s experience and enthusiasm for the activity are exactly what we were looking for. His work in both the DCI and WGI arenas is absolutely exceptional,” said Dr. Donald L. Flaherty, corps director.

Ramirez is a director, designer, instructor, consultant and costume designer. Currently, he is the director and designer for Diamante World, Diamante “A,” Montebello High School, Santa Margarita Catholic High School and Peninsula High School. He is also founder and owner of M. Ra Couture, a costuming company supplying costumes to numerous programs in the pageantry world. As a performer, he was a color guard member with Riverside City College, Solution Performance Ensemble, Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Pacific Crest World Guard, Yamato Drum and Bugle Corps and Fantasia.

Interested color guard performers are welcome to audition for the 2012 color guard on Sunday, January 8, 2012 and Sunday, January 15, 2012. The auditions will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Laguna Hills High School and Grossmont High School, respectively. A one-time audition fee of $30.00 will cover both auditions. More information can be obtained at www.golddrumcorps.org.

Irons, a former member of the Santa Clara Vanguard, marched euphonium from 1997 to 2000 and became drum major in 2001, receiving Drum Corps International’s Jim Jones Leadership Award for Drum Majors that same year. Currently, Irons is the director of bands at Fountain Valley High School in Orange County.

“Mark is an absolute professional and has much more to offer Gold. With his high standards of excellence in music performance, I am confident that he will take us to great heights this upcoming season. Any member is lucky to receive instruction from him,” said Dr. Donald L. Flaherty, corps director.

Joining Irons on the brass staff this year is Rudy Arevalos, a former member of the Velvet Knights and Blue Devils drum corps. “Rudy is an amazing brass instructor with tremendous experience in working with brass sections throughout southern California,” said Mark Irons. Arevalos has performed on trumpet with well-known jazz professionals such as Bob Florence, Johnny Palenco, Wayne Bergeron and Chuck Findley, and in musical groups at Sea World and the Disneyland Resort.

Performers interested in auditioning for Gold’s 2012 season are welcome to try out for the brass line on Sunday, January 8, 2012 and Sunday, January 15, 2012. The auditions will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Laguna Hills High School and Grossmont High School, respectively. A one-time audition fee of $30.00 will cover both auditions. More information can be obtained at www.golddrumcorps.org.

The corps upcoming first round of auditions are coming soon-
   Sunday, January 8, 2012: Laguna Hills HS (25401 Paseo de Valencia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653)
   Sunday, January 15, 2012: Grossmont HS (1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020)
Both auditions will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A one-time audition fee of $30.00 covers both audition dates.

The corps upcoming first round of auditions are coming soon-
   Sunday, January 8, 2012: Laguna Hills HS (25401 Paseo de Valencia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653)
   Sunday, January 15, 2012: Grossmont HS (1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020)
Both auditions will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A one-time audition fee of $30.00 covers both audition dates.

Gold, a San Diego-based Open Class corps, is coming out strong from a 2011 season tour. For the first time in its history, Gold ventured out of California to compete in Utah and Colorado. “Being in the Gold family gives members the opportunity to meet new people, explore new places and be a part of a tradition. At Gold, we encourage our members to embrace success and motivate them to be the best musicians and performers they can be. We’re really excited for what 2012 will bring,” said Dr. Donald Flaherty, corps director.

Interested performers should come prepared with their audition fee, own equipment, if possible (horn, drum, sticks/mallets, flag/rifle), clothes to move in, running shoes, a good attitude and above all, confidence. Audition packets will not be distributed at this time.

Location Information:
Laguna Hills High School: 25401 Paseo de Valencia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Grossmont High School: 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020

Contact:
Jackie Garcia, Membership Director
760-453-6442 | jackie@golddrumcorps.org

On November 27, author Keith Kowalczyk will participate in the 2012 Ford Ironman Cozumel, one of a series of Ironman triathlons. The race, which will take place in Cozumel, Mexico, consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. Kowalczyk, a strong supporter of the arts, is participating to raise funds for Gold Drum Bugle Corps, a San Diego-based music performance ensemble for youth.

“We are truly inspired by Keith’s determination to support our young performers. We wish him the best of luck and wish we could be on the sideline cheering him on,” said Dr. Donald Flaherty, founder and director of the corps.

Gold, a nonprofit organization for young musicians and performers, strives to enrich the lives of students through a commitment to performance excellence and a dedication to self-empowerment. All proceeds raised from Kowalczyks efforts in the triathlon will help support Gold’s music program.

Thanks for a great season!

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