Drum Corp World and Throw It Down The Movie

I recently had the opportunity to view see an advance screener of “Throw It Down,” a feature-length documentary will give audiences a very intimate, inside look into what it takes to produce a world class drum and bugle corps.

Three years in the making, this movie covers many aspects within the Canton Bluecoats organization during the 2006 season, portraying what is involved in putting together a corps, from countless rehearsals to long bus rides. All the logistics, planning, fund-raising, endless rehearsals, experiences, desires, pains, joys and stories are covered.

Much of the film takes viewers behind the scene as the corps travels cross-country and endures grueling practices in brutally hot temperatures. The daily grind, from the initial stages of learning the drill through a complex grid system or dots, to perfecting the musical and visual show are captured. All aspects of being a member are touched on such as injuries, exhaustion, exhilaration, determination, unity, teamwork and the love of performance.

Along the way, there are interviews and selected features with a variety of corps members and staff like Drum Major Joe Beitman, Corps Director David Glassgow, brass arranger Doug Thrower, program coordinator Drew Shanefield and trumpet player Rumi Tamura from Japan. The viewer is also given a close-up and intimate look at the corps as they huddle-up after a contest and sing the corps song, Autumn Leaves -- a touching moment.

As Ed and John Maher of JEM Films explained, “We could have chosen any corps to tell this story. We were attracted to the Bluecoats as a group that was in the middle of the pack, working their way up. After shooting over 60 hours of High Definition images and spending a year editing, we have a portrait of what producer John Kelly calls, ‘A new American Family.’ From the beginning, this film was intended for a wide audience beyond drum corps. As outsiders, we were able to see the whole phenomena from a different perspective.”

Having seen several corps tour videos and DVDs, along with various documentaries on the drum and bugle corps activity over the years, I must say that “Throw it Down” is the most comprehensive, honest and professionally made of the lot. I thoroughly enjoyed this film!

JEM Films hopes to have this documentary available by the holidays. Here is a link for more information http://www.throwitdownthemovie.com/.

Steve Vickers, Publisher
Drum Corps World
http://www.drumcorpsworld.com/

Throw It Down The Movie The BlueCoats are Coming!!!

I recently had the opportunity to see the screener version of the documentary, Throw It Down The Movie. To be totally honest, I did not think I would really be able to relate to the movie since I am not in the Drum Corp community, nor do I play the drums, horns, etc.

As I watched the openeing scene, I was immediately engaged by the intensity of emotion that comes from the young people who are members of a specific drum and bugle corps. This documentary shadows The Bluecoats. The Bluecoats are a Drum and Bugle Corp. They were in the process of praticing for a major competition at the end of the summer. The movie portrays the struggle, sacrifices and strength that these young people endore and possess in order to achieve that final goal. The means to the end is a painful, uplifting process of continuity and discipline.

As a musician, I could identify with the commeraderie by these young members and the feelings of being connected with each other. As an adult, having lived through teenage and early adulthood, I know there is a need within all of us, especially at a young age, to feel that we are a part of something. In this film, the members clearly create a family atmosphere in which to lean on each other emotionally and physically in the face of competition. They come together as a unit with one voice ultimately finding their place.

As a mother, I can truly appreciate the differences between the members and how they keep their principles and focus of purpose in check while still dealing the emotions that could sabotage the unit. I was impressed by their independence and maturity.

Throw It Down The Movie is not your typical boring documentary. One find themself sitting on the edge of their seat completely involved in the success of the Bluecoats. Hoping that they fulfill their ultimate goal. I was immersed in the emotion that comes with competition in any form.



This movie is set for release soon and if you want to check out the website, go to http://www.throwitdownthemovie.com/. You'll be glad you did.