The week leading up to Yamato's first performances of the season was filled with excitement and anticipation including a visit by reporters, camera men and videographers. On Wednesday by The Press Enterprise reporter, Melissa Eiselein. "We wanted to cover a local drum corps leading up to the upcoming competition at RCC and found Yamato right in our back yard," said Melissa. "It was amazing to see all these young people working so hard to perfect their show." You can read Melissa's article online here.
-------- Photo Credit: William Wilson Lewis, The Press Enterprise
On Thursday, Mr. Lewis came with his cameras to photograph the corps rehearsing. Though we warned him about getting too close to the color guard with flags and weapons flying, Mr. Lewis wasn't going to let anything get in his way of getting this shot. Ms. Cindy Santos from The Press Enterprise Multi-Media came to video the corps at RCC. You can see her video clip here.
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Scores from www.dci.org.
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Inspite of the strange weather we had that
included a tornado just south of us on Thurday, Yamato's Memorial Weekend Camp
begin with members arriving and getting ready for the first sleep-over camp of
the season. The
cold weather proved to be a bit unsual for the time of the year, but we had no
rain except for a few sprinkles as we got ready for an ensemble rehearsal in the
stadium. Nonetheless, many of the members were obviously excited about the weekend. Our goal for the weekend was to put the Ballad drill on the field and
be able to play through the closer.
In true Yamato tradition, the members raved about
the food prepared by our volunteers which included Mr. Rick Alvarado, Mrs.
Nadine Douglas and her son Kevin and another mother and son, whose name escapes
me. Some even said, "this food is better than what I eat at home!" The menu was
diverse, wholesome, nutritional and flavorful. Friday's snack was our tradition
"VK Dogs" (hot dogs simmered in BBQ Sauce, seasoning & Grape Jelly), Shell
'N Cheese, rice and chocolate pudding. Breakfast included assorted cereals;
pancakes and sausage; scrambled eggs with bacon and hash browns; French Toast
and bacon. Lunch was hamburgers and hot dogs; a deli buffet, and spaghetti with
meatballs. Saturday and Sunday dinner included grilled marinated chicken; pork
and vegetable stir-fry, broccoli beef and rice. Saturday's snack was Penne
pasta with spaghetti sauce and Sunday's snack was a burrito bar.
Casey Bindl is 17 years old and this is his first year in the Yamato Drum and Bugle Corps. He was raised in Riverside California now an alumni of the Riverside King High School marching band he brings his years of excellent musical training and leadership skills from being the drum major at King to Yamato. He plans on attending Riverside Community College for two years then transferring to Cal State Fullerton to pursue a doctorate in musical education and composition or as a bassoon performance major. When he is not practicing for the different groups he performs with or for solo competitions Casey enjoys writing music for small ensembles or solo bassoon pieces also when he gets a chance he likes to go kayaking, biking or hiking with his friends. “I know my drive to do the best I can and help others around me do the same will take yamato to new heights. This group of performers with the help of the new instructional staff and my self is going to make a huge impact on the drum corps world with Yamato's big return this 2008 season."
Donnaly Natividad, 17 years old, is celebrating her first year with Yamato Drum and Bugle Corps. She was born and raised in Chino Hills, California with her older sister, who marched Yamato as well. After graduating with honors from Chino Hills High School in June 2008,
she plans to attend either UCLA or UCI, where she will double major in psychology and media studies. When not sharpening her conducting skills or studying hard, she enjoys all kinds of dancing, singing, and spending quality time with her friends and family. One day, she hopes to travel the world, but for now she'll be satisfied touring the United States with her fellow members. She is "definitely excited to meet new people, overcome cultural barriers, and help the corps put together a successful production that surpasses everyone's expectations. "Donnaly sincerely hopes 2008 brings an unforgettable drum crops season for everyone--members, staff, and spectators alike."
Yamato Drum and Bugle
Corps is proud to announce its 2008 musical program titled 
Field Percussion Exercises are now available for download! (Click "Read More.")
Yamato Drum and Bugle Corps is pleased to announce its brass instructional staff for the 2008 season. Mr. Honglac Hathuc, a graduate of U.C.L.A. will head the brass program at Yamato. Mr. Honglac earned his bachelor's degree at U.C.L.A. before attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where hs earned his Master's degree in performance. Mr. Hathuc's marching experience includes five years with the U.C.L.A. Bruin Marching Band.and was the trombone/ baritone section leader for two years. Mr. Hathuc is currently the director of bands at Rancho Verde High School in Moreno Valley.