09.07.2010
We sat down with Scott Johnson from the Blue Devils and discussed the 2009 DCI Championships, his life in drum corps, and what it means to him to be a part of the Dynasty family. “ We just accomplished something that has not been achieved in 35 years of Drum Corps. Dynasty Percussion was a huge factor in making that a reality” - Scott Johnson We sat down with Scott Johnson from the Blue Devils and discussed the 2009 DCI Championships, his life in drum corps, and what it means to him to be a part of the Dynasty family. Dynasty: How long have you been involved with Drum Corps and where did it all start? Scott: (he laughs) Wow that goes back a long time now . I think it was about 51 years ago and I was 4 years old. My sisters were always involved in baton and drum corps. My mom would always take me to their rehearsals and performances to see them. When I was four they modified a 15” snare drum so that I could carry it. The group was called the “ Royal Family” and our biggest rivalry was the Blue Devils. I grew up to look at the Blue Devils as the enemy. Dynasty: Tell us how everything happened with Blue Devils. Scott: Well in 1975 I was playing and practicing a lot. My drum teacher at the time wanted me to march SCV that year. My mom said she would drive me out there and let me do it but Dad (laughs) decided I was going to spend the summer working and helping him. I did stay home that summer to help Dad but my best friends went on to march Blue Devils. I went on to march the summer of 76’ with the Blue Devils. I was there from 1976 through 1979. It was really cool because in 78’ and 79’ I was a member but also a paid staff member teaching the line. After marching I remained on staff through the summer of 1988. After that summer I just felt I wanted to try something completely different and get away from drum corps. So. . . . I went off on my own and started a swimming pool digging business. I had some big machinery for the business but had no place to store it. One thing lead to another and the people at Blue Devils said that I could store my equipment on their property. It is actually funny because that year I actually helped spread a lot of dirt and build some stands that are at our practice facility today at “Mars .“ During the ‘90 season I decided this is a lot of work! I actually talked about coming back to Blue Devils but nothing was really happening with that. As I was thinking about what I was going to do Glen Crosby and Ralph Hardimon called me about teaching with them at Santa Clara Vanguard. I agreed and in the middle of that first summer Ralph ended up leaving and I finished up the season with Glen. The next year in 91 we won the DCI drum title. I continued to teach SCV through the summer of 93’. After the summer of 93’ the people at BD had been talking to me about leaving SCV to teach at the Blue Devils. I finally had a conversation with Dave Gibbs (director of the corps) and he said. . . “ Scott, it is time to come home.” Scott just completed his 30th season as a Blue Devil. Dynasty: How long have you been with Dynasty and why do you feel the equipment has helped the drum line become a major force in the activity? Scott: I have been with Dynasty now for 10 years. I think we have been so successful with Dynasty because we helped design the stuff. We were there in the beginning and we helped Dynasty create a sound that could only be Dynasty. Kids change every year but with the percussion we know what to expect year after year. We know the sound we want and we can be consistent year after year because of the equipment. I feel great about the sound we get from Dynasty and this past summer proved it. When you have the best kids, the best staff, and the best equipment you do things that are pretty special. We just accomplished something that has not been achieved in 35 years of Drum Corps. Dynasty Percussion was a huge factor in making that a reality for us. Dynasty: Why do you feel the Blue Devils percussion section has been so dominate the last three or four years? Scott: That is easy. . . . .the kids ! We get the most talented kids every year but the last three or four years have been some amazing talent. I really think a lot of it has to do with the development of Indoor Drumline. These kids are playing a lot more than they used to and it is all year round. It used to be there were a handful of kids showing up to auditions that could REALLY play. Now EVERYONE can drum! The development of indoor drumline has not only helped with playing but they can move and play this stuff. I also believe that our success in the last three or fours years has a lot to do with our front ensemble. Jim and Jack have created some great sounds and great players to make our front ensemble the best out there. Dynasty: What are your thoughts on the DCI individuals contest finals week? Scott: I really love it. I truly believe in letting the performer create their own thing. The individual’s platform allows that to happen for my guys. I know that it helped me out tremendously when I was performing. We have had some guys in our program like Casey Brohard and Tim Jackson that have really succeeded in the individuals contest. I believe that has made them a sensation and also helped them get jobs out there. Dynasty: Where do you see the DCI activity in the next three to 5 years? Scott: I really don’t think there will be many changes in the next 3 to 5 years. Personally I would like to see everything opened up. No rules. Who knows. . . . maybe woodwinds someday. When I look at our crowd base it is kids and staff’s that are involved with marching band. I think it is exciting to keep trying to find “the next thing” in our activity. |
News: Interview With Scott Johnson