Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Today is Wednesday, May 31; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Platteville, Wisconsin.

photo
Photo from Memorial Day concert by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Platteville

Click for Google map of Platteville. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Egg casserole
Sausage patty

Lunch
Chicken sandwich
Pasta salad
Peaches

Dinner
Cheeseburger casserole
Peas and carrots
Brownie

Snack
Cheese bread with pizza sauce

Today's Schedule
8 a.m. Stretch
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Sectionals
12:45 Lunch
1:30 Visual in stadium
5:15 Dinner
6:30 Warm up
7 p.m. Full ensemble
9:15 Dance class
10:30 Snack
11:45 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Lori
Penny
Rob
Larry
Jim H.

Today's News

It was rainy Tuesday – very rainy at times, so schedules got switched around a bit. But there’s food in the freezer now and things are rolling for the corps and on the cooktruck.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

May camp picture gallery posted

Pictures from May camp and the Memorial Day parade and concert are in the gallery. Click on 2006 under galleries in the right sidebar and look for the May camp link.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

This crazy thing called Drum Corps

Yesterday afternoon at the Colts center, Greg officially kicked off the summer with a very motivational talk; one that only Greg could deliver. If you've never been around for that, try to make it next time; it's amazing. Even I left feeling like I could leap tall buildings if I wanted it badly enough.

Toward the end of his speech, he recognized the adult volunteers sitting in front of him for all of our efforts, and the kids gave us an immediate standing ovation that seemed to last forever. Well, I can tell you that not many of us had a dry eye after that. It's truly an honor to work with such a great group of adults and the most amazing kids anywhere.

Most people don't understand what Drum Corps is all about; they think we're nuts. We know better!

Even though we all know the kids appreciate our efforts, I wanted the many other volunteers who were not able to attend yesterdays meeting to receive an ovation too, VCT style.

Rod R.

Thanks for a great weekend!

(The paragraphs below were posted by Jody G. as a comment to today's entry. But I decided to post it separately so no one would miss all the "thank yous" And a big THANKS to Jody G. for her wonderful work in the kitchen this weekend under less than ideal conditions. She and Lori kept changing to keep up with the "moving" food situation -- david)


I agree with David...a fantastic parade and standup concert by our Colts...

I am so excited for all involved..it is going to be a banner year! From watching the drill this weekend and listening to the music...how can it not be?

A special thanks to all the guys(too many to name) that worked to get the cooktruck ready this weekend...we had a few trials and tribulations as David mentioned...but as they say down under...NO WORRIES!

I would also like to thank the cooking crew - who says that men can't cook - you were wonderful!
And a special thanks to Vickie D. and Lori C. - the Colts are so lucky to have these ladies volunteer their time - they are top notch. We also had many people just stop by and volunteer their time...thank you!

And to the sewing crew...working in 90 degree classrooms is no fun..but they still accomplished most all their goals. Hats off to Lauren, Penny, Jody S., Luba, Carol and Marie and any others I may have missed...for their weekend of work!

David S. was busy with his usual duties of photos, web-site updates, helping out wherever necessary. David - what would we do without you?

Please remember to send postcards and letters to your colt member for encouragment these next couple of weeks. They, according to all involved, are the hardest weeks of tour..all work and very few performances...and our COLTS love to perform!

Also..if you are able...cookies, fruit or donations of any kind (even your time)are always appreciated with a smile and thank you at the cooktruck.

Go COLTS......
Jody G.

Today is Tuesday, May 30; it’s a cornfield tour day

We are in Platteville, Wisconsin.

Weather report and forecast for Platteville

Click for Google map of Platteville. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
Bananas, Oranges, and Apples

Lunch
Sloppy joes
Mac and cheese
Veggies and dip

Dinner
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches
Cheese wedges
Lettuce salad
Watermelon

Snack
Chicken nuggets

Today's Schedule
8 a.m. Stretch
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Sectionals
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 Visual
5:15 Dinner
6:30 Warmup
7:15 Full ensemble
9:15 Dance class
10:30 Snack
11:45 Lights out

Today's Cooks
Lori
Penny
Rob
Larry
Jim H.

Today's News

Penny did a great job calling in the cooktruck information this morning. She was so organized that she called me while I was still on the way to work! Please remember to say thanks to the cooks for taking time out of their very busy day to call in so those of us stuck at home will know what's going on every single day with our corps. Thanks cooks for remembering the Virtual Cooktruck.

The front ensemble was traveling to Dubuque today to play for various civic organizations.

The weather this morning in Platteville was pretty nice. It was cloudy early and sprinkled just a tiny bit, but Penny said that only lasted about 30 seconds and then it was partly cloudy with little threat of rain.

Monday's parade in Dubuque was fantastic, topping an equally fantastic weekend. There were a few inconveniences over the weekend, but nobody panicked -- at least not in public, everyone responded in typical Colts fashion and as usual things got done and the corps got on the road.

Updated tour itineraries with details on travel and housing should be posted at colts.org, but I haven't been there yet this morning to check.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Monday, May 29, 2006

Today is Monday, May 29; it's Memorial Day

We are in Dubuque, Iowa.

photo
Photo by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Dubuque

Click for Google map of Dubuque. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Muffins
Bananas and oranges
PB&J

Lunch
Sub sandwiches
Chips
Snacks
PB&J

Dinner
Pizza
Lettuce salad
Watermelon
PB&J

Snack
Corn dogs
PB&J

Today's Schedule
8:30 a.m. Wake/eat/pack load buses
10:30 a.m. Depart for Colts Center
11 a.m. Unload battery/brass at Colts Center; pit eat lunch
11:15 a.m. Truck and pit to Washington Park; brass/perc/guard eat lunch; dress in uniform
12:15 p.m. Guard, brass, battery - walk to Jackson Park
12:30 p.m. Full corps stretch at Jackson Park
12:45 p.m. Sectional warmup
1:30 p.m. Parade begins/Colts are last
2:30 p.m. Standstill performance at Washington Park; bass/tenors help pit load in park; rest of corps walk back to Colts Center as a group
4:30 p.m. Full corps/staff meeting at Colts Center
5 p.m. Depart for Platteville, WI
5:30 p.m. Arrive/unload
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Sectionals
11 p.m. Snack
Midnight lights out

Today's News

The annual Memorial Day parade and concert are Monday afternoon, a treat for the city of Dubuque, parents, volunteers, and just plain fans. It's a break from show prep for the corps and a good chance for them to get to play in front of an audience. And it's fun for us to clap, cheer, and cry for them as the 2006 tour really does kick off after the parade.

Great show, Colts! We love you!

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Today is Sunday, May 28; it's a camp day

We are in Dubuque, Iowa.

Weather report and forecast for Dubuque

Click for Google map of Dubuque. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Egg casserole
Pork chopettes
Cereal
PB&J

Lunch
Polish sausage
Hash-brown patties
Green beans
Fruit salad
PB&J

Dinner
Beef stew
Cheese biscuits
Bread sticks
Applesauce
PB&J

Snack
Pudding
Cookies
Mustgoes
PB&J

Today's Schedule
8 a.m. Wake/eat
9 a.m. Full corps meeting with Greg
9:30 a.m. Stretch – perc/brass main gym; guard small gym
10:15 a.m. Drill brass/perc main field; pit cafeteria; guard main gym
12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. Drill brass/perc main field; pit cafeteria; guard main gym
3:30 p.m. Visual ensemble
5 p.m. Dinner
6 p.m. Warmup – brass main gym; perc band room; guard small gym; pit cafeteria
7:30 p.m. Music ensemble outside
9 p.m. Music sectionals
11 p.m. Snack
Midnight lights out

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Today is Saturday, May 27; it's a camp day

We are in Dubuque, Iowa.

Weather report and forecast for Dubuque

Click for Google map of Dubuque. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Breakfast
French toast
Oranges and bananas
Cereal
PB&J

Lunch
Taco salad
Bread sticks
Corn
Peaches
PB&J

Dinner
Orange glazed pork chops
Rice
Oriental cole slaw
Chocolate cake
PB&J

Snack
Ice cream sundaes
PB&J

Today's Schedule
7:30 a.m. Wake/eat
8 a.m. Staff meeting – classroom
8:30 a.m. Stretch – perc/brass main gym; guard small gym
9:15 a.m. Drill – brass main field; percussion sectionals; guard main gym; pit cafeteria; design meeting
10:15 a.m. Percussion drill intro – main
1:15 p.m. Drill brass/perc field; pit cafeteria; guard main gym
3:30 p.m. Visual ensemble
5 p.m. Dinner
6 p.m. Warmup – brass main gym; perc band room; guard small gym; pit cafeteria
7:30 p.m. Music ensemble outside
9 p.m. Music sectionals
11 p.m. Snack
Midnight lights out

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Friday, May 26, 2006

Today is Friday, May 26; it's a camp day

We are in Dubuque, Iowa.

This was WAY back in December...
photo
Photo from December camp by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Weather report and forecast for Dubuque

Click for Google map of Dubuque. With Google maps you can zoom in and out on a location. Click and hold on the map to drag the map in the window.

Today's Menu
Snack
Chips and dip
PB&J

Today's Schedule
8 p.m. Unload/checkin
9 p.m. Rehearsal – brass main gym; guard small gym; pit cafeteria; perc band room
11 p.m. Snack
11:30 p.m. Caption head meeting
Midnight lights out

Today's News

May camp is at Washington Junior High School (Grandview Avenue and U.S. 20). Camp starts at 9 p.m. but come early to check in and unload equipment. Lots of this camp will be outside and it's supposed to be hot -- at least hot for May in Dubuque. But make sure you plan and prepare for any kind of weather. Just like tour. Because, really, it is tour.

There are two performances on Memorial Day -- the parade and the standstill concert in the park.

As always, check colts.org for the latest official word on tour news, housing sites, mail drops, or other corps information.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Volunteer handbook and member photos

Email me at speer.david@gmail.com if you'd like an emailed copy of the revised volunteer handbook (which appeared here over the past couple of weeks in serial form). Also, let me know if you'd like a copy of the member photo book in pdf form you could print off before tour. I'll only send the handbook and photo book to volunteers I recognize, so please i.d. yourself if your email doesn't make that clear!
Thanks.
The CVC Management

Crash

photo
Photo from April camp by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Friday, May 19, 2006

A final goodbye to 2005

Tour really does start Monday...

photo
Photo from April camp by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

ROTR - The Most Important Thing!

Be kind to yourself before you arrive. Hit the tour well rested. Please think twice about leading that scout troop camping trip the week before you’re scheduled for the tour. Or, decide that you really can baby-sit your two-month-old grandchild some other time. Take your volunteer role seriously – we are relying on you to give the Colts your best. Think of it like the members do – there’s plenty of time to rest later in August. While you will be revitalized by the work, being on the road with the Colts is not the place to come for a rest.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

On the road again ... almost!


Caravan, originally uploaded by RodR.

It won't be long now and this caravan will be on the road again!

Picture from 2005 tour by Rod R.

The Obligatory PB&J Shot

photo
Photo from April camp by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

ROTR - More questions

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to spend time with my Corps member?
Not very much. The schedule is hectic, and there is little free time for either corps members or volunteers. Members are not allowed up on the food trailer to chat with parents. Parents should leave the trailer for their private conversations. There may be times, however, when parents will be able to watch rehearsals or catch their members after a meal. It’s a good idea to tell your corps member to say “Hi Mom!” or “Hi Dad!” when passing through the serving line.

Will I be able to watch the competitions?
Yes, volunteers should ALWAYS be able to see the performance of the Colts. In fact, depending upon the timing and number of other workers, volunteers may be able to watch other corps as well.

Will I have to pay for the shows?
No. Drum Corps International (DCI) recognizes the efforts of volunteer staff and provides passes to all DCI shows for volunteers while they are on duty.

What about staying in contact with home while I am on tour?
As has already been stated, you will be busy. Communications with home should be kept to a minimum with the exception of free time.

May I bring other children along with me?
This simply is not possible. We don’t have the space, and you won’t have the time. The same rule applies to pets, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc.

Can a sibling be a volunteer, also?
Our policy is to have all volunteers be at least 21 years of age. So, if they meet the age requirement, they are certainly welcome.

What about attendance at church services?
The schedule also makes it difficult for this, but not impossible for the occasional service. Members wishing to go to church should keep their eyes open for something close to the housing site.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

May camp info

Information for May camp and move-in is posted at colts.org. Click on this post's title to be taken there directly, or find your own way.

The CVC Management

ROTR - On the trailer

Wash your hands. Often. And encourage corps members to wash their hands before they eat.
Always place supplies in storage with the labels facing out.
Label and write the date on leftovers before putting them into the refrigerator or freezer. We use masking tape and permanent markers.
It is very important that meals be served on time; however, food should not be set out prior to the actual arrival of Colts in the event they are delayed. We have learned to cook and hold.
Aluminum pans and other cooking pans should be sprayed with cooking oil whenever possible. Be kind to those who will be washing dishes next.
Regular metal pans can often be lined with parchment liner sheets or foil to lessen sticking and aid in faster clean up. (Another thing head cooks don’t mind being reminded of.)
Cooks need to follow the same rules as corps members when it comes to adequate nutrition and adequate hydration. Don’t skip meals and drink lots of fluids.
Clean hands are important.
Ice packs (sandwich baggies filled with water and placed in the freezer) should be available for corps members at all times. If you use the second to last one, please refill the stock.
There is a medicine cabinet on the food trailer to serve everyone’s needs. Corps members are expected to ask assistance rather than just serve themselves. Remember to take a little time when a corps member asks for an ice bag, ibuprofen, or a pressure wrap. These kids don’t complain for no reason. And a bit of time and a sympathetic ear can do as much sometimes as a pill from a bottle.
If time and energy allow, we like to think of fun things to do for the members. Examples are: a food theme to match the locale, a special or silly food item, and decorations for the food trailer or the cooks. Be aware that this can make the members think volunteers on the food trailer are from another planet. Nonetheless, they usually join in the spirit of the fun.

During the course of your stay, you may be asked for assistance by staff, members, drivers, parents, etc. Sometimes the answer should be yes and sometimes it should be no. It’s usually a good idea to check with the head cook – and please don’t ever leave for any length of time without letting him or her know. When we all remember we are there for the “kids,” the answers are generally easy to figure out.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

ROTR - Basic tenents

Basic Tenets of the Colts Food Program

Every Morning
Corps members have all the cereal and oatmeal they can eat every morning. This is in addition to a hot breakfast item. An assortment of cereals is put out on a table in front of the food trailer, near the serving line. Members like to have a bowl of cereal while they are waiting in line.
Milk goes out with the cereal.
We serve orange juice every breakfast. Remember cups for juice. If we can, we mix it the night before in one of the large drink coolers and let it sit in the frig overnight to cool.

Peanut Butter and Jelly
Peanut butter and jelly are served for every meal including breakfast and snack. Members use this as an appetizer when waiting in line as well as the fall back when they really don’t like/can’t eat/don’t fill up on what we are serving.
There are specific serving utensils for peanut butter and jelly. They should be kept together at all times to minimize the confusion when they are needed (as they are needed at least four times a day). And we have to use these utensils. When we use something else, we confuse the corps members. (We admit it – we have a thing about the PB&J.)

Paper Products
Corps members should use one plate and one cup only for each meal. Seconds are served on the same plate. If they toss the plate, they lose their chance for more food.
Check utensils, cups, and napkins prior to the start of each meal. Don’t set out utensils unless they are necessary for what you are serving that meal. No knives with soup.
Plates should be counted out prior to each meal. This helps with portion control (50 plates for each pan, for example), the bane of serving.
Paper products are not a renewable resource. We do our best to think and plan what is really needed to serve the meal. Try to really fill that plate rather than go to an extra piece.

Things to Remember for Every Meal
Salt, pepper, and hot sauce should be set out for every meal. Remember to put out ketchup or ranch dressing when needed. (It has been noted that many of today’s young adults use ranch dressing the way some of us use ketchup – as a universal condiment.)
Juice and water are to be served at every meal. Leftover juice beverages are never thrown away. “Beverage experts” are free to create new varieties by combining new flavors to the current stock. (Really, everyone loved the Brown.)
REMEMBER VEGETARIANS. We try to have alternate entrée items available. Leftover breakfast items and/or pasta items work well for this. Also, we try to keep a small quantity of egg salad on hand. Head cooks generally appreciate a gentle reminder (or even a panicked one) on this.

Much Ado About Serving
Forty-five minutes are set aside for serving. The rule for members is: Get there or go hungry!!
Meals are ALWAYS served in the following order: corps members first, staff members second, cooks and other volunteers third. Visiting family and friends are welcome to dine with us, quantities and time allowing.
It is important to keep the serving line moving quickly. We try not to overdo choices. Corps members are generally ready for a rest, and speed is more important than customization. Something as simple as “peas or corn” can confuse a worn out Colt and really slow the line. The general rule is: Serve it unless asked not to.
Seconds are served at the discretion of the head cook.
Staff members, drivers, and other volunteers arriving after the allotted serving time are welcome to eat, but it’s strictly self-serve.
Food should be served in the following order: hot entrée, potato or rice, etc., vegetables, salads, and dessert. Some items are placed on tables where corps members serve themselves. For example, lettuce salad can be served that way.
While we never serve milk for lunch or dinner, we always serve milk at snack – as much as the corps members can drink, until it is gone. Nine-ounce or ten-ounce cups for milk.

Things to Remember for Every Day
A daily schedule is posted every morning.
The head cook assigns tasks, and all volunteers are expected to willingly cooperate. Acting as head cook is an awesome responsibility. He or she must have the support of the rest of the crew. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor all contribute to a congenial environment and getting the job done. In other words – LOVE THY FELLOW COOK!
Emptying the trash and doing the dishes are everyone’s jobs.

Size Matters
9 ounce cups are used for beverages. Pop floats (soda with ice cream) are served in larger cups, when available, particularly those that are donated or that are received from liquidators.
Fruits, Jell-O, and pudding are usually served in 7 ounce cups with them being approximately two-thirds to three-quarters full. If necessary, salads and desserts are served on salad plates or in bowls.

Monday, May 15, 2006

The drum solo is definitely NOT called 8 cups of coffee

photo
Photo from April camp by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

ROTR - Best cooks in corps

Colts Cooks – the Best in Corps

What’s a cook’s typical daily schedule?

Wake – Two hours before breakfast. Usually 6 to 6:30 a.m. The corps is up around 8 a.m. and has 45 minutes to eat. Cook (or finish cooking) breakfast and begin lunch.
After breakfast – The corps members are out on the field for morning rehearsal. Finish lunch. Depending upon the menu, we get a head start on dinner. Complete grocery runs, re-supply the cook trailer, and clean up.
Around noon – Serve lunch. Members have 45 minutes to eat.
After lunch – More clean up. Members head back to the field. Cooks, usually one at a time, may get a shower.
Dinner – On a rehearsal day, dinner is around 5:30. The corps rehearses again in the evening. Following rehearsal, there’s snack (more like a fourth meal, actually) and the corps members head off to bed. When there’s no travel, we sleep at the same location where we had the rehearsal. The cooks turn in following final clean up and any pre-breakfast preparations that are necessary. On a show day, the corps may eat dinner at the rehearsal site or the show site, depending upon our position in the lineup. We typically serve snack following the performance or retreat. On performance nights, we leave that site and travel to the next one while sleeping.

What is the kitchen like?
We have a semi trailer outfitted as a commercial kitchen on wheels. This includes a walk-in freezer and refrigerator (a Thermo-King unit on the front of the trailer powers them). For cooking, we have burners, a griddle, and convection ovens; those are powered by propane gas. There are also restaurant- size sinks with a propane-powered water heater.

Double “moving van” doors on one side of the trailer open to create a serving area. Next to the serving area are spigots where we serve cooled beverages. We have the tanks in the refrigerator portion and mix and fill everything from the truck.
We store most supplies in the trailer; however, we have some additional storage space in the equipment truck. The electricity and water supply come from the schools that house us. We use an in-line filter system on the water line. We also have a back-up generator and small water supply for needs at shows.
It’s pretty cool, really.

What kinds of foods are served and how much preparation is required?
We serve very few prepared entrees due to the cost and sometimes poor quality. Our menu is varied to meet the likes of all different kinds of appetites. Once you’re on tour you’ll find that everything we serve is someone’s favorite.
A lot of our meats are frozen with many of them pre-cooked to cut our overall preparation time. We do a lot of baking, prepared fresh from box mixes. Fruits and vegetables are a combination of canned items and fresh items. Desserts and salads are typically made fresh. We have sandwiches on occasion, but they do not dominate our menus as they do other corps.
Breakfast includes cereal and oatmeal every morning along with some type of hot item. Our overall goals – serve it fast (under 45 minutes), fill them up, and have them enjoy the meal. We want to make sure we cover basic nutrition, and – every once in a while – surprise them! (Ask someone about (virgin) Margarita Day in 2003 or German-Polka Day in 2004. Or the water gun shootout in 2005)

What about dishwashing, cleaning, and trash?
There is a lot of clean up. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of time washing and drying dishes. Plates, cups, bowls, napkins, forks, knives, and spoons are disposable. Most everything we cook with is not. We limit the amount of trash we generate as much as possible, but we fill a lot of trash bags. Garbage is left at our housing sites. The food trailer must be kept clean for sanitary reasons.

Are menus prepared in advance? If not, who decides what will be served?
There is a head cook on the food trailer at all times. This is the person responsible for determining each day’s menu. Approximately every two weeks, we receive a large “food drop” from our bulk food supplier. We supplement these new items (plus whatever we have left from previous drops) with fresh grocery items, in particular, bread and milk. Sometimes we get a big delivery of fresh fruit. Sometimes we get donations from parents. Common items donated: cookies. If you’re going to bring cookies, plan to bring at least 320 – two for everyone.
The goal is to serve corps members 4,000 calories a day. When leftovers get the best of us, we hold what we call a “must go night” where we serve all leftovers in an all-you-can eat-buffet style for snack. Anything the members do not eat is pitched at the end of the night. These are favorite snack nights for corps members.

What happens if someone gets sick or injured?
There is a cabinet near the cooktruck door that holds medical supplies. You can give corps members anything out of that cabinet that they say it’s OK for them to take. It mostly holds analgesics (like Tylenol, Advil, or generic equivalents), sunburn treatments, pressure wraps for sprains, over-the-counter cold medicines, bug bite sprays, etc. There should be an aluminum pan in the freezer with ice bags for ice packs. Please make new ones if the supply is running low. Ice bags are always in demand.
For something more serious, find the head cook who has a medical form for each Colt on tour. Staff decides when someone needs to see a doctor. Members (and volunteers) are taken for medical attention when it is called for. Medical forms must go with members who are taken to see a doctor.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

This just in

I missed cross-posting the thing from colts.org about the Charlie Daniels Band being the closing act for The Colts in one of the corps' stops in Hometown, USA, this season. You can click on the title of this post to go over there and read it. But you guys visit over there every day anyway, don't you?

The CVC Management

Friday, May 12, 2006

ROTR - Get ready for tour

How to get ready for tour
Everyone – especially those who have never toured before – should attend at least one rehearsal camp and work an entire weekend in the kitchen. It is valuable if you can work all kitchen shifts for an entire camp weekend, just to get a taste of what it will be like on tour. You’ll experience cooking for 160 (or more) people at one time. You’ll get to know and work alongside experienced volunteers who can show you how Colts volunteers do things. Find an experienced volunteer at a camp and “job shadow” him or her. Ask: Why are you doing that? What’s it like on tour? What’s a free day? What do I need to bring? Is it fun or just hard work?

Anything else?
The single most important thing you should do to get ready for tour is rest. Show up well rested, with a great attitude, and ready to work, and you’ll do just fine.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Fly


Fly, originally uploaded by RodR.

Allow me to insert a picture break in the midst of all David's fantastic words about volunteering on tour. I can't wait to hop on at the end of June myself!

Photo from the April camp by Rod R.

ROTR - Survival Guide

Volunteer Survival Guide

What to bring
You need to be self-contained for the whole time you’re on tour. Don’t plan to shop or do laundry. You might get to pick up something in a pinch or get your kid to throw something in with his or her laundry on laundry day, but you can’t count on it.
Pack light. You have to carry your own stuff. Think like a corps member – try to have enough stuff to be comfortable, but your week will be a happier one if you keep it to what you can carry to the van in one trip.

Essentials
Flashlight: Small one that you can keep clipped to a belt or in your pocket. I carry mine day and night on tour.
Sleeping bag: Schoolrooms, vans, and buses can be cold overnight. A sleeping bag is easy to pack and carry. A good, warm sleeping bag is an essential on tour.
Pillow
Inflatable bed, cot, or foam pad to sleep on
Suitcase or duffle: One with wheels helps you get from the truck or van to the school and back.
Toiletries: soap, shampoo, etc. Body wash in a bottle and one of those nylon net scrubbies work well. Soap bars melt in the wet and heat. A bag to keep everything together and to carry to the shower is handy.
Towel: you might want two, so that one can dry a bit while you are using the other, but it’s one more thing to carry. Some people find a washcloth essential. Some find it expendable. You decide.
Shower shoes: pool shoes or flip flops for wearing to and from and in the shower. Protect your feet.
Two pair of comfortable shoes: sandals or tennis shoes. You might want different types or styles so that each hits your foot in a different place. One can be drying while you wear the other. Never go barefoot. Protect your feet.
Clothing: Do not bring good clothing to work in. T-shirts and shorts are appropriate for most days, but a pair of long pants can be handy at night. Work clothes will get wet and stained and possibly ripped. If there’s a free day on your part of tour, a set of nicer clothes will make you feel human but one set is enough. Bring enough clothes that you won’t have to do laundry. Or you can do like Greg does and buy your tour outfits at the 3-for-$10 truckstop T-shirt rack, wear them a couple of days and toss them away. I bring work T-shirts and toss them after I’ve worn and rinsed them out a couple of times. Most cooks keep a Colts “show shirt” to wear to shows. Also, think layers. The cook trailer can be extremely warm; however, it is unheated and there are times when it can also be very chilly. So you might start out in long sleeves and then lose those for your short sleeves underneath.
Jacket or hooded sweatshirt: A zip-up “hoodie” seems perfect.
Sunglasses and a hat: We are outside, all day most days.
Sunscreen
Small container of bug spray: Also, avoid perfumes, heavily scented shampoos, or anything with a sweet fragrance. They attract bugs.
Alarm clock: Bring your own. Don’t make the head cook feel bad when he or she has to get you out of bed.
Refillable wide mouth drink bottle or cup: For your own water supply. The wide mouth makes it possible to add ice.
Cash: Not a lot, necessarily, as your meals are provided. Midnight snacks at the truck stop are sometimes essential.


For Van Nights
Bring your sleeping bag. You will get cold in the air-conditioned vans.
Most veteran volunteers find it essential to carry a separate bag or backpack that travels with you at night on the van. Your luggage goes under a bus or on the kitchen trailer, and you won’t see it again until it’s unloaded the next morning. Or longer than that if a bus or the trailer gets delayed. Stock your carry-on bag with (add or subtract as you like):
Flashlight
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hand lotion
Ear plugs (if you don’t like to listen to CB radio chatter) or a music player. With earphones, please.
Cash
Cell phone: This may be the only part of the day that your have a quiet time to talk.
Pair of clean, dry socks: Your feet can get cold.
Personal first aid kit: Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin. Band-Aids. Any other personal medicines.


Handy, but not Essential
Disposable raincoat or poncho to keep on the cooktruck
Nighttime sleeping clothes: Many people just sleep in what they had on that day. Or they change into a clean T-shirt. If you’re on a non-travel day, sleeping attire might be a nice change of pace.
One or two zip-top plastic bags for wet or dirty laundry
Small fold-up stool
Camera: Remember batteries and extra film or memory cards
Oral-B Brush-Ups, in case there is no sink access or no time to brush your teeth
A book or magazine to read during long trips from the housing site to the show site

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Pure joy

photo
Photo from April camp by David S.

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Up

photo
Photo from April camp by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

ROTR - Q&A

Volunteer Q&A

How do I get on the schedule?
You contact the volunteer schedule coordinator. The easiest way is to e-mail the coordinator at colts.cooks@comcast.net. We appreciate any time you can spend working on the tour, but you must notify the volunteer coordinator so we know when and where you’re coming.

When do I go on tour?
Volunteers join up whenever and wherever they can. At times, it’s because the travel schedule brings the Colts to a nearby town. Other times, it’s because the calendar works best. For some of us, it’s when or where the Colts need more help. You decide what’s best for you, in consultation with the volunteer coordinator.

How do I get on and off tour?
You will need to meet up with the corps on the date you are scheduled to begin your volunteer time and then jump off when you’ve worked your tour. This might mean having someone drop you off when the corps is “in your neighborhood” or that you find the best way for you to get to the corps’ general vicinity. Typically, you arrange your own transportation (a flight, a bus ride, get dropped off by a friend or relative) to the city where the corps is staying after contacting the corps well in advance about having someone come pick you up. The Colts are creative at figuring out how to best hook up – but you have to let us know well in advance. Very rarely it is possible to get on and off in the same city, so you might in that case leave a vehicle parked there.
Please communicate all travel arrangements to the schedule coordinator. Once the information is received, an approval will be confirmed, and you know you are locked in to the master plan. If there is a problem, this can also be corrected prior to being on the road. Corps housing arrangements in distant cities DO change at the last minute. Check www.colts.org for updated housing information and be sure to check with the volunteer coordinator for last-minute instructions and cell phone numbers for the cooktruck and the tour director before you leave home.

Why can’t I take my car?
Volunteers travel with the corps, and the corps travels at night. It is not possible for you to drive and work (unless you are volunteering as a driver).

What do I do when I actually meet up with the corps?
Find the kitchen trailer and DON’T BE SHY! Sometimes you’ll arrive during a flurry of activity. Or there may be no one around. Either way, stow your gear near the trailer and find the head cook. Your first responsibility is to let him or her know that you made it. Try, “Hi, I’m (your name here). I’m (corps member’s name here)’s mom/dad/friend/aunt/uncle/grandmother” as appropriate. Ask, “What can I do?” or just start washing dishes. Somebody will notice and tell you you’re doing a great job.
Don’t be upset if your welcome is less than spectacular. Everyone is really glad you’re there, and you’ll know it before your tour of duty is over.

Where will I travel while on tour?
You will travel in one of the corps vehicles. First, we fill the sleeping berths of the semis, then seats in the corps vans. If a van goes in for service or repairs, you may end up riding the staff bus for a night or two. We travel overnight, so your van or bus seat becomes your bed. You get a whole full-size van seat, so you don’t have to sleep sitting up – like the corps members do.

Do I sleep just when we travel?
You’ll also have a chance to bunk out at the schools along with the rest of the corps. The typical arrangement is the floor of a classroom. Bring a warm sleeping bag. Volunteers are allowed to bring an air mattress, a foam mat, or a cot to make the floor more comfortable.
We don’t always have time to set up or tear down beds, so take that into consideration when selecting your mattress. If you know you’re not staying the next night in the same place, roll up your bed as soon as you roll out of it. You won’t need it during the day.
Bring a sleeping bag. Temperatures inside schools vary from broiling to freezing – occasionally in the same night. Sleeping bags also roll up quickly on the way out of town. Bring your own pillow and an alarm clock.

Besides sleeping gear, what else should I bring?
See the Survival Guide, coming up tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

ROTR - A day in the life

A Day in the Life

To give you a little better idea of what life on the road with the corps is REALLY like, a veteran corps volunteer (thanks Jim J.) shares a typical day in the life of a Colts cook.

What day is it? Where am I? It’s still dark – are we there? It’s difficult to describe a typical day on the road with the Colts, when you’re not really sure when one day ends and the next begins. Suddenly you realize that the van engine is shut off and you hear no buses idling. There are no gas station lights outside. We are here. It is a new day. It promises to be just like the day before, yet totally different.

You find your way to home base – the kitchen truck – to learn the plan. You’re told that the members and staff get two hours of rest on the floor, but the cooks must start preparing breakfast now. Things crank up slowly. Electricity and water are plugged in and turned on; items are removed from the freezer; ovens are turned on. Coffee and orange juice are made; breakfast cereal set out. The sun rises and signs of life begin to appear beyond the kitchen. Soon, sleepy corps members stumble by to stare at the schedule the drum major has written on the side of the truck. There are a few moans and grumbles, but they move on to cals. Before you know it, serving begins, and the area is lively with activity. Those same corps members who were sleepy and stumbly minutes before are now grateful and hungry, filing through the serving line before heading off to their day.

Following breakfast, some of the cook staff clean up while others begin immediate preparations for lunch, or even supper. The scene unfolds like a well-produced opera with a few technical glitches. People pass back and forth in the aisle, lifting food over and passing things under, chopping, mixing, counting, planning. For no apparent reason, an oven stops working. Contingency plans are made. The truck leans to one side where it is parked, so all of the cakes being baked end up thicker on one end. There is a minor medical emergency. Unexpectedly, the chicken for tonight’s meal is still frozen solid. Different plans are made. Each crisis is resolved with creativity, a can-do attitude, and a dose of humor.

Meanwhile, your job might be to pick up just a few items at the grocery store. You begin looking for a van to use while the grocery list grows longer. You find a van with nobody sleeping in it, and the grocery list is complete. You head off to the store, not realizing it’s closed on Sunday. You find another store and zip through the aisles finding the best bargains on all the required items. You grab an extra cart to accommodate all of the bread you’re buying, and you realize that you need five more loaves than the store has in stock. You take what you can, and the bakery manager mentions that you “should have called ahead to place an order.” Right – what city am I in, again? After checking out, you stop by yet another store to pick up that “must-have” personal item for a corps member and the other five loaves. While there, your cell phone rings. It’s someone at the truck, where they have realized what they forgot to put on the grocery list. If you are lucky, this store has the critical product.

You rush back to the housing site, where lunch is about to be served. A sudden storm has forced the crew to set up a makeshift serving line under a breezeway awning. You unload groceries in the rain before jumping into the serving line to help. Dozens of excited, tan, smiling faces file past. You begin to recognize more of them… What is that guy’s name? You vow to learn more names by the time you leave tour. You joke and laugh with members. Soon the rain stops and the humidity sets in.

Following lunch, you go into the walk-in refrigerator to mix drinks for the next meal while others re-stock the truck, inventory the refrigerator (while you crouch on the floor), and continue preparing the next meal. You wash dishes. And more dishes. And on it goes. The sound of the mellophone line rehearsing the same measure repeatedly, just yards away, begins to get on your nerves. But your spirits suddenly lift. The head cook says you should go get a shower. Yes! Unlike other sports, getting sent to the showers in drum corps is a good thing.

Soon, you’re back from the shower, snack is served, and you’re busy packing up the truck to go to the show site. Once there, you find yourself busy with final preparations for the evening meal. You never imagined that you would be cutting 180 pieces of lopsided cake while looking out over that wonderful view of a lake, or park, or freeway, or mountain, or crowded parking lot, or dumpster.

Suddenly it’s time to go see the show. You close up the truck and rush to the stadium, just in time to see the Red Team take the field. They are amazing! You love the music. You love the guard work. Hey – that’s a new drill move! They changed that percussion riff… You pick out that measure the mellophones were rehearsing, and realize how much better it sounds. As the show comes to a close, you’re on your feet yelling as you’re overcome with pride for a group of 135 young adults that you love like family.

On this day you’re lucky enough to get to watch two more corps before returning to the truck to serve dinner. A couple people are already working on breakfast for tomorrow. Serving begins and before you know it, the truck is being secured and locked up for travel to the next housing site, even though you’ve hardly had time to feed the last hungry face. You get your toothbrush from the van and brush your teeth using the spigot on the outside of the truck. You climb into the van and prepare for the night’s journey. What was the name of that town? Where are we going? Who knows…

You lay down in the van and think back over the day: that refreshingly cool moment you spent inside the refrigerator, that funny joke someone made before breakfast, trying to buy all that bread at the self-serve check out lane (never again!), an exchange with a polite corps member, the good food, the amazingly talented kids, the great show, and the feeling that you’re a vital part of making it all happen. You remember that guy’s name, and you think you know why you’re doing this.

You realize that once again the van is too cold, or too hot, but you are exhausted. Neither potholes, pit-stops, CB chatter, your aching feet, or the temperature can disturb your rest. Soon, you are fast asleep.

Monday, May 08, 2006

New look at colts.org

There's a fresh look at colts.org. Navigate over and see.

ROTR - What's it really like?

What’s it really like?

The typical tour runs 70 days, travels through 13 states, and goes about 13,000 miles. You can find a tour schedule at www.colts.org. When it comes to tour, it’s like running away to join the circus – a circus that travels on an Army schedule. You’ve seen the pictures of the circus train carrying everything the show needs. Now put the animals and the acrobats under a very controlled schedule and there you have it.

To some, this handbook makes tour sound too much like trench warfare in World War I – no sleep, no showers, long days, sore feet, 100-degree heat. To others, we don’t emphasize enough how much dedication and self-denial it really takes to work a week or two on tour with a world-class drum corps.

Typical comments from cook staff after last year’s tour:

I think overall the handbook needs to be a little less ‘breezy’ and a little more blunt. i.e., “Most of your time will be spent working or sleeping – mostly working. There will be surprisingly little time just to hang with your kid, do personal shopping or laundry or take care of yourself at all.”

Compare that to this reaction:

One thing is that we may want to add something to temper the message of considerable sleep loss, lack of shower, very long hours, etc. just a little bit. We need the message to be clear that it’s very demanding work, but not so much that we scare people away – a fine line, I know.

What we try to do is balance the sometimes overwhelming reality of life on the road (one person suggested “maybe add another statement in the Q&A section like: “Will I have time on tour to do my nails, catch up on my reading, curl my hair…??” No need to. In case you hadn’t guessed, all the answers are: NO.) with the overwhelmingly rewarding feeling we all get when the corps takes the field and we’re a little part of it, the fun we all have, and the lifelong friendships that we make.

Forte


Forte, originally uploaded by RodR.

Photo from April camp by Rod R.

Cadets

photo
Photo from April camp by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Volunteer Rules of the Road, the series

Over the next few days, the Colts Virtual Cooktruck will publish excerpts from the 2006 revised edition of the Rules of the Road volunteer handbook. The 2006 edition should be up soon for download at colts.org. Until then, enjoy the serial version:

Words from the Vets
Some words of encouragement from our vet volunteers:
“This summer will be my third trip on the road, and I am already looking forward to the adventure. It is the most tiring vacation week I have all year – but also a great time!”

“I can’t wait to tell people that just as soon as they take a shower, no more than 10 minutes later they’ll be sweating again.”

"Only hours after I joined the cook crew, I was being shown how to brown hamburger for dinner. Well, of course I already knew how to brown hamburger, but I can't say I've ever browned 40 pounds of it at once! If you want to experience old things in new ways, do everything on a grand scale, and have a fun time doing it, this job is for you!"

"Ever made pancakes? How many eggs did you use? Try 12 dozen! On the cook truck, everything is done BIG."

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Silver Bells


Silver Bells, originally uploaded by RodR.

Picture from April camp by Rod R.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Play


Play, originally uploaded by RodR.

Photo from April camp by Rod R.

April gallery posted

An April gallery is up. Click on the 2006 link in the right sidebar.
David

Intensity

photo
Photo from April camp by David S.

Click HERE to open a full-size image in a new window.