Photo of Dr. Ramon Vasquez by Matt “Why use a real camera when my phone is so handy” Ferry

For those of us not actively involved in the world of drum and bugle corps, few musical activities could be further from our minds during a December snowstorm. Those in the know, however, are aware that this is the time of year when drum corps audition for the new season.

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 4) the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps of Dubuque, Iowa will hold a master class and audition at the University of Minnesota marching band rehearsal facility. Among those in town for the event is Dr. Ramon Vasquez, the Brass Caption Head of the Colts.

Not deterred by some significant snowfall, Ray ventured to our suburban offices to pay us a visit today.

Ray has been using SmartMusic with the Colts for two years now, and the drum corps represents a great example of how SmartMusic can be used for long-distance learning. Since they meet only once a month, SmartMusic provides an excellent means for the corps to distribute and prepare music with performers from across the country and overseas, as well as to conduct auditions that may need to occur outside of an audition camp.

Ray and our Education Solutions Manager, Matt Ferry, discussed a variety of Finale and SmartMusic topics this afternoon including how SmartMusic might be used in the future as a recruiting tool for the Colts.

I’d like to send Ray and everyone involved in tomorrow’s master class my very best wishes and hope they all travel safely!