Photo credit

If you see Jim J., tell him thanks for the cool Blackberry pictures from the road. It really is "what's happening now."

And those are his photo efforts, despite it saying "Posted by David" at the bottom. That's just what Blogger says when you email things in.

Today is Sunday, May 31; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Oelwein, IA

Click for weather report and forecast


View May 31 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Pancakes
Bacon
Banana or apple

Meal 2
Choice of hamburger or chicken patty
Tater tots
Cut veggies

Meal 3
Turkey
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Vegetable

Meal 4
Corndogs


Today's Schedule
8 a.m. Wake
8:10 Breakfast
9 Stretch
9:30 Vis
12:30 Meal 2
1:30 Sectionals
5 Meal 3
6 Warmup
6:15 Ensemble
7:15 Water/dress
7:30 D&P
8:15 Rehearsal
9:15 Eat/pack/load
11 Depart for Manchester


Today's Cooks
Barry M, head cook
Carole, head cook leaves today
Jim J
Kathy L
Margaret P
Deb H helps
Peggy F helps
Betty and Loras H help


Today's News

It's a beautiful sunny day in Oelwein. We're sad to see Carole leave today; she didn't have time to make all the yummy things she wanted too, but we've had a lot of great food this week. Thanks Carole! Barry is starting as head cook today.

We're already setting out Lost & Found. How can there be so much unclaimed stuff after one week? Looking forward to a great day of drum corps!

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

Jason's Birthday

We're having a massive must-go night, with the addition of cake donated for Jason's birthday. Curtis also has a birthday today. I must end this, I'm being called to cut cake.

Jim J

It's Saturday, May 30; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Oelwein, IA

Click for weather report and forecast


View May 30 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Breakfast pizza
Strawberry cream cheese delight (they didn't use it last night)
Applesauce

Meal 2
Pulled pork sandwich
French fries
Lettuce salad
Fruit salad
Mustgoes on the side

Meal 3
Hamballs
Lettuce-cauliflower salad
Western chicken salad
Au gratin potatoes

Meal 4
Meatball French bread pizzas
Nachos
Loaded chocolate pudding


Today's Schedule
8 Wake
8:10 Breakfast
9 Stretch
9:30 Vis
12:30 Meal 2
1:30 Sectionals
5 Meal 3
6 Vis
7 Warmup and sectionals
8 Ensemble
10 Meal 4 and showers
11:30 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Carole, head cook
Jim J
Barry M arrives
Kathy L
Margaret P
Deb H helps
Peggy F helps
Betty and Loras H help


Today's News
Happy birthday Jason L and Curtis T

The corps left Platteville on time and arrived in Oelwein a half-hour early. Yay Colts!

The cooks say thanks for donations of cookies last night and fresh fruit and vegetables today.

The weather is beautiful for the corps today, if just a bit windy. The Colts sound and look great and spirits seem to be pretty good.

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

Carole's bistro

Jim says that the cooks are laughing a lot today!

It's Friday, May 29; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Platteville, WI

Click for weather report and forecast


View May 29 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
Waffles
Sausage
Peaches or Banana

Meal 2
Glazed beef
Cheddar broccoli
Scalloped potatoes
Leftover fruit pizza

Meal 3
Four-cheese Pasta
Orange sherbet salad
Pasta salad
Garlic toast
Strawberry cream cheese delight

Meal 4
Tacos


Today's Schedule
7:20 Wake
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Travel to stadium
8:35 Stretch at stadium
9 Vis
12 Meal 2 for brass and percussion
12:30 Meal 2 for guard
1 Sectionals: horns at stadium; perc on side field
1:30 Guard sectionals
4:25 Meal 3
5:25 Travel to stadium
5:30 Warmup
6 Ensemble
8 Meal 4, pack, load
10 Depart for Oelwein, IA
1 a.m. Arrival


Today's Cooks
Carole, head cook
Jim J
Luba S leaves today
Bill S leaves today
Lisa M leaves today
Penny D leaves today
Kathy L and Margaret P arrive today
Peggy F helps in afternoon



Today's News
I'll take credit for the better weather, since the cooks are willing to give it to me. Sunnier and a little warmer. Good drum corps weather. Let's hope it holds with the move to Oelwein tonight.

Otherwise, another cornfield day.


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

Snack

Tim is excited about the beef sundae and fruit pizza!

Jim J

Rehearsal night

Cooks had time to watch a little rehearsal this evening. It is dry and not too cold. The corps looks great and the members love the music. I've got to get back to help prepare snack. The fruit pizza is going to be awesome!

Jim J

Today is Thursday, May 28; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Platteville, WI

Click for weather report and forecast


View May 27 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Meal 1
French toast bake
Breakfast mustgoes
Bacon
Peaches

Meal 2
Mustgo Meats
Jack's Pasta Salad
Baked Potatoes

Meal 3
Western Chicken Wraps
Au gratin potatoes
Pea salad

Meal 4
Fruit pizza
Beef sundae


Today's Schedule
7:20 Wake
7:30 Breakfast
8 Staff meeting
8:30 Stretch at stadium
9 Vis
10 Guard to vis
12:30 Meal 2 for brass and percussion
12:45 Meal 2 for guard
1:35 Brass and percussion to vis
1:50 Guard sectionals
2:35 Sectionals/brass at stadium
5 Percussion to DBQ
5:30 Travel (from stadium) to Meal 3
5:40 Meal 3
6:35 To stadium
6:45 Sectionals
7:30 Warmup
8 Music ensemble
10 To fieldhouse
10:10 Meal 4 and showers
11:30 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Carole, head cook
Jim J
Luba S
Bill S
Lisa M
Penny D
Jim K leaves today


Today's News
There's a new clock on the cooktruck. Looks just like the old clock, except that the hour hand works.

Everything is going well, except that it's still cloudy this morning. And cold. And windy. Cooks say, "We don't need that." They were preparing breakfast this morning with the doors still closed on the cooktruck to keep in some of the heat.


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

Today is Wednesday, May 27; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Platteville, WI

Click for weather report and forecast


View May 27 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Loaded egg bake
Sausage links
Banana

Meal 2
Chicken pot pie
Tropical fruit
Chocolate chip cookies/butterscotch or chocolate pudding

Meal 3
Butt Chops (which have prompted quite the discussion this morning on Facebook)
Corn-noodle casserole
Fruit cocktail

Meal 4
Breadeaux Pizza (Carole brought)
Rice pudding


Today's Schedule
7:20 Wake
7:30 Breakfast
8 Staff meeting
8:30 Stretch at stadium (the cooks thought that was tentative - "Pretty damn steady rain here right now."
9 Vis
10 Guard to vis
12:30 Meal 2 for brass and percussion
12:45 Meal 2 for guard
1:35 Brass and percussion to vis
1:50 Guard sectionals
3 Sectionals
5:30 Travel (from stadium) to Meal 3
5:35 Meal 3
6:35 To stadium
6:45 Vis
7:30 Warmup
8 Music ensemble
10 To fieldhouse
10:10 Meal 4 and showers
11:30 Lights out


Today's Cooks
Carole, head cook
Jim J
Luba S
Bill S
Lisa M
Penny D
Jim K


Today's News
First words out of Bill's mouth when he called: "Quit sending us lousy weather. It's raining. Not good." So I guess I'm the one responsible for the rain. :(

Goal for today: March and play through - G stage ballad/impact. (We're open for anyone who wants to interpret this for the cooks)

The corps is doing well. The rain is getting a little old already, though. The cooks served snack between raindrops last night and it was raining pretty steadily just before breakfast this morning.


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

Supper Prep

Lisa and Carole prepare Italian Cheeseburger Bake for this evening's meal. We had a little rain at lunch time, but it's dry at the moment and we're getting settled in to tour mode. This is the place to be!

Today is Tuesday, May 26; it's a cornfield tour day

We are in Platteville, WI

Click for weather report and forecast


View May 26 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Biscuits and gravy
Peaches

Meal 2
Chicken sandwich
Green beans
Seasoned fries
Applesauce

Meal 3
Italian Cheeseburger Bake
Lettuce salad
Pears
Garlic toast

Meal 4
Pretzels with cheese
Snicker salad


Today's Schedule
7:20 a.m. Wake
7:30 Stretch
8 Breakfast
8:30 Staff meeting
9 Vis/guard sectionals
11:30 Percussion in vis
12:30 Brass as percussion meal 2
12:45 Guard meal 2
1:35 Vis
1:50 Guard sectionals
3 Sectionals
5:30 Travel to Meal 3
5:35 Meal 3
6:35 To Stadium
6:40 Vis
7:30 Warmup
8:15 Ensemble
10 To Fieldhouse
10:10 Snack and shower
11:30 Lights out



Today's Cooks
Carole, head cook
Jim J
Luba S
Bill S
Lisa M
Penny D
Jim K
Al B helps

Today's News
The corps arrive just about on time in Platteville for the start of cornfiled tour, after a spectacular performance on a spectacular day in Dubuque. High clouds with some sun breaking through are high temps in the high 60s provided a perfect day for a parade.

The corps actually looked to be having fun on the parade (not always their first reaction to parade marching) and the crowds in Dubuque were large and appreciative of the color and sound provided by the corps. The corps played the same music (with some minor cuts) that the Colts played in the inaugural parade in January.

The Colts played through their entire 2009 show "Fathoms" at the Memorial Day observance in Washington Park in Dubuque before going back to the Colts Center for a corps meeting and departure for Platteville.


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

Battery Warmup

The corps is now warming up for the Dubuque Memorial Day parade. They expect to step off around 1:45. It' a breezy day, partly cloudy and in the upper 70s.



This is the battery rehearsing in Jackson Park. We're off to Platteville this evening.

Jim Johnson

Today is Monday, May 25; it's Memorial Day

We are in Dubuque

Click for weather report and forecast


View May 25 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Egg bake
Muffins
Cereal

Meal 2
Ham or turkey sandwich
Chips
Snack bars
Veggies and dip

Meal 3
TBA

Meal 4
TBA


Today's Schedule
8:30 a.m. Wake/eat/pack/clean school
10:25 Load on buses and cars
10:30 Depart for Colts Center
11 Unload batter and tubas at Colts Center
11:30 Truck and pit to Washington Park and set up
11:30 Meal 2 and dress in half uniform
12:15 p.m. Brass, guard, and battery walk to Jackson Park. Kitchen truck departs to Platteville
12:30 Sectional warmups in park
1:15 Full ensemble in park
1:30 Parade begins (Colts are LAST, 1:45-2 p.m.)
2:45 (approx) Summer Premier Concert in park (Return to Colts Center after concert)
5:30 Full corps meeting in hall
6 Depart for Platteville
6:30 Arrive and completely unload buses
7 Meal 3
7:45-9:15 Sectionals outdoors
9:30 Vis indoors
10:30 Snack
11:30 Lights out


Today's News
Happy Birthday Connor G!

Great day for a parade!

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

day one.jpg

It's Day One, and breakfast is being served at this very moment!

Jim J

A shot from the road

Jim J sent this photo this morning.

And he said "I expect to see the board this clean when we get to Bloomington in August."

Today is Sunday, May 24; it's a Memorial Day camp day

We are in Dubuque

Click for weather report and forecast


View May2009 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Breakfast
French toast
Bacon
Cereal

Meal 2
Meatball subs
Mac and cheese
Fruit

Meal 3
Ham
Au gratin potatoes
Green bean casserole

Meal 4
Chicken nuggets
Broccoli rice
Must goes


Today's Schedule
(subject to change based on weather and progress!)
8 a.m. Wake/eat
9 Brass and perc on bus to UD (University of Dubuque); guard gym stretch; pit cafeteria
9:30 Brass and percussion stretch
10 Vis
12:30 p.m. Board meeting at Colts office
1 Meal 2 at UD
2 Vis; guard and pit sectionals at Roosevelt
5:30 Brass and percussion load to return to Roosevelt
6 Meal 3
7 Sectionals
8 Full ensemble outside
9 Sectionals inside
10:30 Load all percussion and tubas on truck; brass cases on truck empty; guard equipment on truck; load all possible personal items in buses or cars; keep your uniform parts and your uniform hanger with you and take on the bus.
11:15 Meal 4
12:15 a.m. Lights out

Today's News
Happy Birthday Donovan G!

Colts fans in Dubuque last night got a treat -- seeing a full corps doing an ensemble rehearsal at the gorgeous new football stadium at the University of Dubuque. Brass, percussion, and color guard were all working hard on the show opener on a great evening for watching drum corps. (But there are very few bad evenings for watching drum corps.)

Marching, playing, spinning. For the first day of tour. Go Red Team.

And thanks to the University of Dubuque for allowing the Colts to use the new facility. Great footing and a great setting.

Looks like the Colts cooks were out early this morning. Jim J sent in a picture of a clean cooktruck board. Thanks for the photo Jim, and the cleaning job. Lots of cleaning going on yesterday on the cooktruck. The volunteers washed and mopped the entire cooking area. They packed the freezer and cooler with food from the first food drop of the season. And there's a new exterior plywood floor in the utility area at the back of the trailer where the generator, hot water tank, and propane tanks sit. (That Greg Orwoll is a demon at ripping out stuff once you get him started!)

I can't start to list the names of all the people who are helping this weekend in Dubuque. I'd forget too many of them. We just shout THANKS to everyone who cooked, sewed, drove, cleaned, carried, cut, built, stacked, sweated, and did all the other tasks necessary to get the corps out on the road for the summer. And the meals were great. (Although I can't vouch for the Taco salad for Meal 2 on Saturday. The corps had eaten it all by the time I got to the stadium!)

Get out and see the 2009 Colts as soon and as often as you can. It is indeed a great year to be a Colt.

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

Today is Saturday, May 23; it's a Memorial Day camp day

We are in Dubuque

Click for weather report and forecast


View May2009 in a larger map

Today's Menu
Breakfast
Pancakes
Apples
Cereal

Meal 2
Taco salad
Corn
Peaches

Meal 3
Chicken
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Peas and carrots
Pudding parfait

Meal 4
BBQ pork
Ranch fries


Today's Schedule
8 a.m. Wake/eat
8:15 Caption head meeting
9 Volunteer meeting in cafeteria; brass and percussion on bus to University of Dubuque (UD); guard gym stretch; pit cafeteria
9:20 Brass and percussion unload at UD
9:30 Brass and percussion stretch
10 Visual rehearsal
12:30 p.m. Meal 2 (at UD for brass and percussion)
1:30 Visual for brass and percussion; guard and pit sectionals at Roosevelt
5 Brass and percussion load to return to Roosevelt
5:30 Meal 3. Staff eat first please
5:45 Full staff meeting
6:30 Depart for UD all sections; semi will go to UD with pit loaded
7:20 Unload at UD
7:30 Sectional warmup
7:50 Full ensemble in stadium
8:50 End ensemble
9 Load buses and truck; pit stay behind to finish loading
9:30 Rehearsal; brass in cafeteria; percussion in music rooms; guard gym
11 Meal 4
Midnight - Lights out


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

Today is Friday, May 22; it's a Memorial Day camp day

We are in Dubuque

Click for weather report and forecast

View May2009 in a larger map

Today's Menu

Meal 4

Hamburgers

Fruit

Today's Schedule

9 to 9:30 p.m. Unload/check in

10 p.m. Full corps meeting in cafeteria

10:15 Brass cafeteria, guard gym, pit hall, percussion band rooms

11 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.

New cooktruck calendar posted

Bill has another revision of the cook/volunteer calendar posted. There are still opportunities for you to volunteer to help the Colts get down the road in 2009. Contact Bill at the email address listed in the right sidebar to reserve YOUR spot with the Colts!

The good thing about being a volunteer -- you don't have to audition!

Thanks to all who have already signed up to work this summer. It's a great year to be a Colt!

Pre-season camp report

Click for weather report and forecast

View May2009 in a larger map

Lori sent in this great report from pre-season camp. Thanks, Lori! And thanks to all the volunteers who are already helping out.

Just thought I'd give an update on preseason camp.

Things seem to be going well with new kids coming in every day. It has been great weather to start the season. Let's hope this is a sign of good things to come!

The schedule for this week

Monday, May 18

7:00 pm Meeting/move into the armory and unload truck

8:00 pm Get equipment ready, drill numbers, measured for shoes, gloves, &warm-ups

10:00 pm Girls Shower/ 10:30pm Male Showers

11:00 pm Lights out

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 19-21

7:00 am Wake/Breakfast/clear the main floor

8:15 am Leave for rehearsal fields

8:45 am Percussion rehearsal, Guard stretch/run/condition

9:30 am Guard begins drill rehearsal

12:00 pm Lunch brought to fields

12;45 pm Rehearsal resumes

4:45 pm Depart for the Armory

5:30 pm Dinner

6:30 pm Guard rehearse on main floor, Percussion rehearse outside

9:00 pm Snack/ Male Showers

9:45 pm Female Showers

10:30 pm Lights out

Friday, May 22

7:00 am Wake/Breakfast/clear main floor

8:15 am Leave for rehearsal fields

8:45 am Percussion rehearsal, Guard stretch/run/condition

9:30 am Guard begins drill rehearsal

12:00 pm Lunch brought to fields

1245 pm Rehearsals resume

3:15 pm Depart for the Armory

3:45 pm Pack/Clean/Prepare for laundry

4:30 pm Dinner

5:00 pm Leave Armory for laundry

7:45pm Pickup at laundry to return to Armory

8:30pm Check into Memorial Day Camp

Menus have been

Tuesday

Breakfast - Eggbake/sausage/cereal

Lunch - Pork sandwich/chips/fruit cocktail/granola bar

Dinner - Grilled chicken/scalloped potatoes/mixed/veggies

Snack - Pretzels and cheese

Wednesday

Breakfast - Waffles/cereal

Lunch - Ham sandwiches/ pasta&potato salad/ veggies and dip

Dinner - Spaghetti/Lettuce salad/corn/breadsticks

Snack - Corndogs

Thursday

Breakfast - Bagels/cereal

Lunch - Chicken sandwich/chips/peaches/granola bars

Dinner - Salisbury steak/mashed potaoes/gravy/veggies

Snack - Nachos/cheese donated floats

Friday

Breakfast - Eggwraps/muffins/cereal

Lunch - Hotdogs/chips/salad

Dinner - Must goes

Judy H and Stacy W have been taking care of breakfast and lunch with the help of the brass members and staff.

Judy and Stacy have had some extra help in the evenings for dinner and the snack from Tammy M, Peggy F, and Lori. Kim and Kelly D have came into help for a couple of days also.

Pictures from the Armory

The lone cook! She was a very busy lady tonight!

Colts Moving into the Armory

HI All!

I just got back from a visit to the Armory here in Dubuque - I'll be sending you some pictures. We had about 10 kids come into town yesterday and about 20+ today. The lone cook was working away in the kitchen making hot pretzels for snack. I have to tell you all that I just got so excited to hear the drums in the parking lot that you just know summer is here! See you all soon!

Tami

Testing, testing

The more sharp-eyed among you may see some unusual activity over the next couple of days on the Ol' Virtual Cooktruck. Testing out some new features (which we may not use) and putting together our templates, maps, and weather reports for tour.

(We take requests for the weather reports, but -- like the real weather service -- we give no guarantees.)

So if unusual posts seem to come and go, pay them no mind. It's just housecleaning week at the virtual cooktruck.

Your hardworking, dedicated, and silly staff

New cooktruck calendar posted

I have posted an updated Cook Calendar for you to view. Thanks to all that have contacted me and signed up to help out on the 2009 Colts' summer tour.

Because of your volunteering we have a large part of tour with good coverage. But, as always, there are a couple of points where we can really use your help:

• Monday, May 18 to Friday, May 22 - pre-season workshop at the Armory in Dubuque;


• Saturday, June 6 thru Saturday, June 13 - this is a fun week of Cornfield close to Dubuque and the best part is great shows at Belmont and Platteville;


• Saturday, July 4 thru Saturday, July 11 - Need Head Cook;


• Sunday, July 12 to Friday, July 18;


• Saturday, August 1 to Wednesday, August 5 - Need Head Cook and a couple of more people.

See you at Memorial Day camp.

Bill

Cooktruck on Facebook

Tami R has created a Facebook group called "Colts Virtual Cooktruck." If you are on Facebook, it's another way to keep up with what's going on with the Colts this summer.

To see more details and confirm this group invitation, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=182965495250&mid=6ded60G25ba912eG1a6fe0bG6

(The title of this post is also a link to the group invite.)

Please send the link to anyone you think might be interested. Let's see how many people we can get to join!

And a really BIG thanks to Tami who is taking care of the Facebook group for us. Thanks Tami for dragging us out of 2005 -- when people thought having a blog was COOL!

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Thanks to the volunteers at last week's camp for all of your hard work. From the work on the uniforms; to the flag crew; to all of the meals served to the members; to the kitchen truck crew that painted, cleaned, repaired and scrubbed - it was a very successful weekend. Without you, the corps wouldn't get ON the road, let alone down the road all summer.

Also, the updated Cook Calendar 2009 is on the right under Links. My largest appreciation is to the parents that have signed up for touring on the Cooktruck.

If you want to tour, find the days when we're short (F means we're full) and then contact me.

And another one

Lisa P has another link to debut camp pictures. Thanks, Lisa.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2069422&id=66800029&l=dc2a765bcd

More more debut camp photos

These from Lisa P.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2069370&id=66800029&l=fb2afd8e65

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2069375&id=66800029&l=033671c38f

(Thanks Lisa! Sorry I didn't get to them yesterday. Working on something for Greg with Tami R. You can tell it's getting close to tour -- the plans just keep getting bigger! And not just for the corps!)

More debut camp photos

These from Peggy F

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=148515&id=1559393848&l=9680734ab1

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=148510&id=1559393848&l=7b70ec2acc

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=148508&id=1559393848&l=02e82e7a53

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=148506&id=1559393848&l=37e470f24b

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=148501&id=1559393848&l=3910ad9562

Thanks, Peggy!

Debut pictures

Links to Tami's facebook.com picture files from Spring Debut Camp:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104403&id=746978522&l=1fa48244f1

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104392&id=746978522&l=081d2b1b6c

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104388&id=746978522&l=98d248aa7f

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104162&id=746978522&l=cf40647f6c

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104158&id=746978522&l=7db5b39b9e

April Camp Menu

Friday
Meal #4
Hamburger
Chips

Saturday
Meal #1
Pancakes
Bacon
Cereal

Meal #2
Chicken Breast
Alfredo Noodles
Green Beans
Fruit Cups

Meal #3
Fijitas
Fiesta Rice
Lettuce Salad
Cake

Meal #4
Corn dogs
Potato Wedges
Must Goes

Sunday
Meal #1
Biscuits & Gravy
Muffins
Bananas
Cereal

Meal #2
Ham/Turkey Sandwichs
Bag Chips
Granola Bar
Fruit by the Foot

April Camp Schedule

Friday, April 24, 2009
7:30 Unload equipment & food and registration
8:30 Full meeting in cafeteria
All members, parents & staff
9:00 Rehearsal – Brass in cafeteria
Guard in main gym
Percussion in band/choir rooms
Pit in foyer/hallway
11:30 Snack
12:30 Lights out – men in front half of main gym
Ladies in back half of main gym

Saturday, April 25
8:00 Wake/Eat
9:00 Brass & percussion stretch in front half of maind gym
Guard stretch in back half of main gym
9:00 Volunteer meeting with Bill Symoniak in cafeteria
9:45 High & mid brass marching in back of main gym
Low brass rehearsal in cafeteria
Percussion rehearsal in band/choir rooms
Guard rehearsal in front of main gym
Pit rehearsal in foyer & hallway
11:45 All brass music rehearsal in cafeteria12:45 Lunch
1:45 Low brass marching in back of main gym
High & mid brass rehearsal in cafeteria
Percussion rehearsal in band/choir rooms
Guard rehearsal in front of main gym
Pit rehearsal in foyer & hallway
3:45 Full brass music rehearsal in cafeteria
4:15 Percussion marching in back of main gym
5:45 Dinner
5:55 Full staff meeting in band room
6:45 Full corps meeting in main gym
7:15 Guard rehearsal in front of main gym
Brass body in back of main gym
Percussion rehearsal in band/choir rooms only
Pit rehearsal in foyer & hallway
8:45 Brass in cafeteria for warm up
9:00 Music ensemble in front of main gym
Guard rehearsal in back of main gym or cafeteria TBD
11:00 Load truck/cars/bus with everything possible & clean school
11:30 Snack
12:30 Lights out – men in front half of main gym
Ladies in back half of main gym

Sunday, April 26
All sections please pick up lunch in cafeteria prior to departure!
If you don’t have a car, luggage may be placed under bus & then placed in the

wrestling room at Senior until your departure.
8:00 Wake/clear gym/pack/eat
9:00 Percussion depart for Senior/unload & rehearse outside
9:30 Executive Board meeting at Colts Center
11:00 Guard departs for Senior
Colt Cadets rehearse in main gym at Senior
Colts guard rehearses in upstairs gym at Senior upon arrival
12:00 Brass depart for Senior
12:30 Full ensemble in main gym at Senior
1:45 Rehearsal ends/prepare for performance
Order of Appearance at Spring Debut
2:02 Introduction & welcome – Greg
2:05 Introduce Senior Guard
2:15 Introduce Colt Cadets
2:30 Introduce Colts
2:55 Meeting with Colt Cadets & Colts in back of gym
3:15 Load equipment truck
4:00 Dismiss

Updated Calendar & Simple Exercises

Yes, we have an updated calendar for your review. Select Cook Calendar 2009 under Links on the right. Pick a time when we don't have many volunteers and email me at colts.cooks@comcast.net with the days you can help.

Just as the members need to exercise to get in shape for tour, the volunteers also need to get in shape for the Cooktruck. Here are 3 exercises to get you ready:

1. Find the institutional aisle in your market; pick up two #10 cans of fruit; ask a passer-by to add a third can; carry them to the farthest end of the store and return to the aisle. As you might have guessed - the souvie truck that carries the extra cans isn't close when you need it.
2. Fill your wheelbarrow half full of dirt and get your hand spade; use the spade to granulate the dirt to a smooth, soft pile. This will serve you well when you need to brown and then chop 40-50 lbs of hamburger for meal #3.
3. Spend a 1/2 hour in the bright sun while wearing a winter coat and shorts in the parking lot outside a Super Walmart; quickly remove the coat and go into the walk-in freezer for 10 minutes. This is needed when Jody swears there is another box of butt chops in the freezer and she needs it for meal #4.

Oh yeah - it's Spring Debut camp weekend! See you all soon. Travel safe.

Spin

Photo by David S

Vis

Photo by David S

Iron

Photo by David S

Link to D.C. trip links

Click on the Colts D.C. trip link in the links list at right and you'll be taken to a page listing a lot of the links to coverage of the Colts' trip to the Obama inauguration parade. The page itself is not much to look at right now, but it's a place to pull together the coverage all in one place. (I'll try to make it look prettier if I have time before tour. Or someone else better versed in html than I am can have the code and fix it up for me. Hint, hint.)

I have a few more links to list, and some of the Facebook photo album links no longer work (some only stay public for a limited time, apparently). E-mail me with other links you've discovered that are missing from the list.

Thanks,
david

Snack

Photo by David S

Breathing

Photo by David S

New cook calendar

There's a new summer tour calendar for kitchen truck workers posted this morning. Bill signed up a lot of new people at the second March camp, so the schedule is looking good at this point. Click here to download a copy.

We are still short on some weeks, though, so you need to get in touch with Bill at colts.cooks@comcast.net and get your name on the list. Don't miss out on helping with the corps this summer. Do it today.

The biggest needs right now are a head cook for one week of tour and kitchen help for a couple of weeks in cornfield. Oh, and we don't have anyone for the Preseason Workshop, May 19-22. With the brass section participating this year vs. "visiting", we need 3-4 workers for Wednesday-Friday of the week before Memorial Day camp.


Thanks! See you on the road in about 60 days.

March camp 2 Menu

March camp, March 27-29

Friday, March 27
Meal 4
Chicken Nuggets
Fries

Saturday, March 28
Meal 1
French toast
Bacon
Cereal
Apples

Meal 2
Cheeseburger pita
Pasta salad
Baked beans
Fresh veggies

Meal 3
Turkey
Stuffing
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Corn

Meal 4
Breaded pork sandwiches
Mexican rice
Brownies

Sunday, March 29
Meal 1
Waffles
Hash browns
Blueberry muffins

Meal 2
Sack lunch
Ham sandwich
Granola bar
Chips

March camp 2 Schedule

March camp, March 27-29
Jefferson Middle School
Schedule
Friday, March 27
9 p.m. Registration
(or ASAP) Unload equipment and food
9:45 Full meeting in cafeteria
10 Rehearsals
10:15 Parents meeting in room across from cafeteria
10:30 New brass members marching with vis staff in aux gym
11:30 Snack – please wear your name tag
12:30 Lights out – men in main gym; ladies in aux gym

Saturday, March 28
8 Wake/eat
9 Brass stretch in main gym; guard stretch in aux gym
9 Volunteer meeting in cafeteria
9:30 Board meeting at Colts Center. All welcome to attend.
9:45 High brass rehearsal in band room; low brass vis in main gym; guard in aux gym
12:30 Lunch
1:30 High brass visual in main gym; low brass rehearsal in band room; guard in aux gym
4:15 Brass in main gym for vis (body movement)
5:30 Dinner
5:45 Full staff meeting in band room
6:30 Full corps meeting in gym
7:15 Brass rehearsal in main gym; guard rehearsal in aux gym
11 Snack
11:30 Staff meeting at Jeff MacFarlane’s
12 Lights out

Sunday, March 29
8 a.m. Wake and move sleeping bags, etc., to edge of gyms
8:15 Brass stretch in main gym; guard stretch in aux gym
8:45 Breakfast/showers
9:45 Guard in aux gym; brass in main gym
1 p.m. Dog & pony performance in main gym
2 Meeting in main gym
2:15 Clean and load equipment
3 Dismissal; pick up sack lunch in main hall as you depart. Parents too!

Brass camp today

Photo by Rod R

Brass camp today at Jefferson Middle School! Go over to colts.org for details. And make sure to check there (not here) before leaving home for last minute updates.

And there are new January and February camp photos from Rod R. Check the 2009 Gallery section in the right sidebar. Thanks Rod!

New cook calendar

The cook calendar is beginning to fill up, and thank you to all of you who have helped make that possible.

Now comes the hard part of Bill's year: filling out the weak spots.

Some weeks are already full, but there are still several that have only one or two cooks. So please download a copy of the schedule and figure out when your help is needed most. Brass parents can see Bill at camp this week, but that doesn't let guard and percussion parents off the hook. You can email him using the link in the right sidebar or directly at colts.cooks@comcast.net

Please consider giving some of your time to help feed the corps on tour this year. And bring a friend! You don't have to be a corps parent for your help to be needed and appreciated. We've had aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors. We still have lots of folks who give lots of time who don't have anyone marching this year.

Please help. We need you.

The Cooktruck Staff

March camp 1 Schedule

March camp, March 6-8
Jefferson Middle School
Schedule
Friday, March 6
9 p.m. Registration
(or ASAP) Unload equipment and food
9:45 Full meeting in cafeteria
10 Rehearsals
10:15 Parents meeting in woodshop (across from cafeteria)
10:30 New brass members marching with Bob Smith/wrestling gym
11:30 Snack – please wear your nametag
12:30 Lights out – men in main gym; ladies in aux gym
Saturday, March 7
8 Wake/eat
9 Brass and percussion stretch in main gym; guard load bus for Fulton Elem.
9:45 Rehearsal
10:30 Sectionals/individual auditions/vis in main gym
12:30 Lunch to Fulton for guard; brass lunch
12:45 Percussion lunch
1:30 High brass visual in main gym; low brass rehearsal in aux gym
1:45 Front ensemble in cafeteria; battery in music rooms
4:15 Brass in main gym for vis (body movement)
5:30 Pick up guard from Fulton; dinner for brass and front ensemble
5:45 Dinner for guard and battery percussion
6 Full staff meeting in band room
6:45 Full corps meeting in gym
7:15 Guard load bus for Fulton; battery vis in main gym; front ensemble in cafeteria; brass rehearsal in aux gym
10 Battery in music rooms
10:45 Pick up guard from Fulton
11 Snack
11:30 Caption head meeting at Colts Center
12 Lights out
1 a.m. Set clocks forward; daylight savings time begins!
Sunday, March 8
9 a.m. Wake and move sleeping bags, etc., to edge of gyms
9:15 Brass/percussion stretch in main gym; guard stretch in aux gym
9:30 Board meeting at Colts Center. All welcome to attend.
9:45 Breakfast/showers
10:45 Guard in main gym; brass in aux gym; battery in music rooms; front ensemble in cafeteria
12 Move front ensemble to main gym
12:15 Music ensemble in main gym; guard in aux gym
1 p.m. Dog & pony performance in main gym
2 Meeting in main gym
2:15 Clean and load equipment
3 Dismissal; pick up sack lunch in main hall as you depart. Parents too!

Volunteer. Do it now!

I'll be at camp this weekend waiting to hear from people that want to volunteer for the Cooktruck this summer. Or from people confirming their dates. Or from people that want to know, "How does this Cooktruck touring work?"

The new Cook Calendar 2009 is posted on the right under "Links". Take a look to see when we can use your help. I'm sure we're close to you at least once this summer - probably twice.

Can't be at camp? Not a problem, just an inconvenience. You can email me. I'm listed on the right under "Email us". Can't find that? Go to the Colts home page and check out the "Volunteer" tab. My address is listed right there in the second paragraph. Still can't find it? OK, here it is colts.cooks@comcast.net.

Looking forward to seeing lots of you this weekend and hearing more of the ballad.

Bill

February camp schedule

Friday
7:30 p.m. Register; unload
9 Full corps meeting in cafeteria
9:30 Rehearsal: brass in main gym; guard in aux gym; battery in music rooms; pit in cafeteria
10 Parents meeting
10:30 New brass players marching with Bob Smith (possibly in hall)
11:30 Snack – Wear your name tag
12:30 a.m. Lights out

Saturday
8 a.m. Wake/eat (move sleeping bags, luggage, etc., to outside edges of gyms)
9 Brass and percussion stretch/cals in main gym; guard load bus for Fulton
9:45 Brass rehearsal in aux gym; battery in music rooms; pit in cafeteria
10:30 Low brass vis in main gym; individual high and mid-voice auditions during sectionals/rehearsal
12:30 p.m. Lunch taken to Fulton for guard; brass lunch
12:45 Percussion lunch
1:45 Low brass individual auditions/sectionals; high and mid brass vis in gym; pit in cafeteria; battery in music rooms
4 Full brass in aux gym; snares and cymbals vis in main gym
5:30 Pick up guard at Fulton; brass and pit dinner
5:45 Guard and batter dinner
6 Full staff meeting
6:45 Full corps meeting in main gym
7:15 Guard load bus for Fulton; snares and cymbals in music rooms; basses and tenors vis in main gym; pit in cafeteria; brass in aux gym
8:45 Brass in main gym for vis (body movement)
10 Brass rehearsal in main gym
10:45 Pick up guard at Fulton
11 Snack
11:30 Caption head meeting at Colts Center
Midnight Lights out. Men in main gym; ladies in aux gym

Sunday
7:30 Wake and move stuff out of gym
7:40 Brass/perc stretch in main gym; guard stretch in aux gym
8:15 Breakfast (move personal items to cars or near main doors of gym)
9:15 Guard in main gym; brass in aux gym; battery in music rooms; pit in cafeteria
10:15 Move pit to main gym
10:30 Music ensemble in main gym; guard in aux gym
1 p.m. Performances in main gym
2 Meeting in main gym
2:15 Clean, pack, load
3 Dismissal (If you’re leaving building, pick up sack lunch as you go)

Pictures

Tami R has sent me links to all her great Facebook albums. You'll find them in the right sidebar under 2009 Galleries.

Thanks Tami!

January camp gallery

Finally, I got one gallery posted for 2009. (See link in sidebar at the right). This one's from January camp. Sorry it's taking me so long these days. But I'll get better. I promise.

(Thanks, Pip, for reminding me how important this is to the worldwide family of Colts fans!)

David

I guess the cooktruck was feeling neglected...

Well, it looks like the cooktruck was pouting for a couple of days. I guess it was feeling lonely and ignored since I hadn't posted for a day or so after a post every day for a while.

Well, excuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me for being busy, little primadonna website. Better now?

Camp is coming. You'll be busy then.

Audition

Photo by David S

Elongate

Photo by David S

Catch

Photo by David S

Teach

Photo by David S

Play

Photo by David S

Stir

Photo by David S

Step

Photo by David S

Listen

Photo by David S

Spin

Photo by David S

Run

Photo by David S

Stretch

Photo by David S

More news from DC

Here's a list of links of news stories and other items from the Colts' Great Inaugural Adventure. (Thanks to Peggy Francomb for collecting these and sending them along!)

Some of the links may not work over time as stories are archived.

http://www.commercial-news.com/homepage/local_story_025212709.html?keyword=leadpicturestory

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1125161150/Colts-Drum-Bugle-Corps-will-play-inauguration

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2009/01/20/general/10933816.txt

http://news.gallaudet.edu/?ID=14682

http://westlibertyindex.com/article.php?viewID=2212

http://www.thehawkeye.com/Story/birch-inaugural-011709

http://www.nbc15.com/video/?clipId=3358721&clipFormat=flv&topVideoCatNo=92773

NBC15 Photojournalist in parade
(You may need to search for Mark Schilling)

http://www.dyersvillecommercial.com/article.cfm?id=157069

http://www.galesburg.com/news/x497786032/Drummers-headed-to-Obama-inauguration

http://www.oskaloosaherald.com/presidentialrace/local_story_021163954.html

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090119/NEWS/90119014

http://www.crestonnewsadvertiser.com/articles/2009/01/19/news/local_news/1-19aaparade.txt


http://www.republicanherald.com/articles/2009/01/14/news/local_news/pr_republican.20090114.a.pg3.pr14inauguration_s1.2219856_loc.txt

http://www.pjstar.com/archive/x1369593797/Central-Illinois-residents-share-their-inaugural-experience

http://www.beatricedailysun.com/articles/2009/01/21/news/local/doc4975eabedb2ac142819688.txt

http://www.uwlax.edu/universityrelations/campusconnection/#inauguration

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2009/01/21/news/local/10947732.txt

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090118/NEWS/90116036/-1/NEWS04

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:yiiH3AVMcS4J:greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090118/GPG010902/901180706/1938/GPG10+%22Area+residents+head+to+capital+for+inauguration%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us

http://www2.iwu.edu/CurrentNews/newsreleases09/fea_StudentstoInaugurationParade_00109.shtml

Go to archives for Jan. 21

http://www.whig.com/story/news/Obama-Marching-Band

http://www.bnd.com/465/story/623840.html

http://blogs.iwu.edu/news/

Go to "Older Entries"

http://www.galenagazette.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=12997&SectionID=142&SubSectionID=344&S=1

http://www.galenagazette.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=13029&SectionID=142&SubSectionID=342&S=1

Welcome to 2009

Photo by David S

Thank you for a great camp!

A big thank you to everyone who helped to make this weekend's first camp for the 2009 Colts such a success. There was a great crew to help with the cooking and cleaning in the kitchen, a bunch of people sewing and sorting at the Colts Center, and lots of hands to unload and load new instruments, uniforms, and other equipment. Many people also pitched in to helped with check-in and souvies and photos. Two crews for Saturday meals!

The biggest thanks goes out to a Colts alum who bought pizza for everyone at camp for Saturday night snack. The members loved it and the cooks got the night off!

Thanks. And all you volunteers -- you passed your auditions. Please come back for February camp!

The Virtual Cooktruck Crew

Camp today (finally!)

Drop over to colts.org for details. And get excited. REALLY excited like the rest of us.

And more DC video

And here is more video from KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids.

Parade video from British TV

Click here for the DC video from British TV. The Colts' segment starts about two minutes and twenty seconds into the video.

Cotls on DC-Eye

The Colts are featured today at dci.org in the DC-Eye area. Click here to see.

Photo albums

Lots of photo albums from the DC trip being posted. Click on the names below to see some of them. If you have an album to share (a Facebook album, or one on other sites such as Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket, etc.) please send me a link to it at speer.david@gmail.com. See the post below for downloadable instructions on sharing hi-res photos too.

Jim Johnson
Rachael Baethke
Leanna Rummes
Floyd Stegall
Beau Meyer
Amy Killey
Chelsey Veire
Emily Neuendorf Pawlak
Emily Ripley
B.J. Newcomb
Doug Hassell
Scott Lawson
Jess Dunkel
LeAnn Splitter

A place for bigger photos

Ben Goheen, who runs the Colts alumni website, and Colts drum major Emily Neuendorf Pawlak have put together a site to upload hi-res photos. It's open for anyone to use for pictures they took in D.C. or while on the trip with the Colts.

Click here to download the letter with instructions for getting to and putting pictures on the site.

C-SPAN video

Also, you can order a DVD of C-SPAN's coverage of the entire Obama inaugural parade at this link.

david

(Yes, we're home and awake. And still amazed at the entire Colts adventure)

Parade video available

C-SPAN has posted a video of the full parade. The Colts start at 21:51 and end at 23:37. DCI also has a link to the parade.

Today is Thursday, Jan. 22; we ARE back in Dubuque

Welcome back Colts' members, volunteers and support staff. KWWL-TV7 has a recap video of our trip that aired last night.

Here is a repeat of Peter's gallery in case you missed it from last night.

Now we have an inconvenience - camp is only 8 days away. Somebody with a very large influence (obviously not me) needs to start directing the jet stream to avoid ANY bad weather starting Wednesday, for six days!

First pictures from D.C. have arrived

Peter Hansen has completed a gallery of his pics here.

Today is Wednesday, Jan. 21; we are in Pennsylvania ... Ohio ... Indiana ... Illinois ... Iowa

Photo by USA Today

Yes, they are on their return trip. At this time, the weather looks like only spotty snow across Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

The video from KCRG-TV9 that contains the parade is here.

KWWL's reporter that is traveling with us, Lauren Squires, has a very insightful blog that she continues to update during the return trip.

Alf sent me the link for the above picture. It is available on Flickr.

Betty H. pointed out the following videos on YouTube: ABC feed; CBS feed and entering the parade.

Get your video here!!

The first video that I found is from KCRG-TV9 -
right here.

Today is Tuesday, Jan. 20; it's inauguration day

The corps is up. Breakfast was biscuits and gravy, cereal, fruit, and peanut butter and jelly. They're heading for the buses. More later if there's time.

Go Colts!

(Post comments to say where you saw them on TV, if you catch them in the parade.)

Today is Monday, Jan. 19; we are in Washington D.C.

Photo by David S

Wow! So much is happening, I can't even begin, let alone keep up.

It was a great trip, through rain and snow and dark of night. The housing is marvelous. We should all send letters of thanks to our hosts at Gallaudet University for the great way we're being treated.

This afternoon's outside vis block was cold but incredible. There was a British TV crew that stopped by to talk to the kids from Iowa. The corps did a mock parade route on the football field with staff serving as the turns in the Pennsylvania Ave. parade route. You had to be there to get the full effect. The description does not do it justice. There was a full ensemble of the parade music tonight in full uniform. Too much to go into now.

It's going to be an early morning for the corps as they set off for a full day, starting with multiple security checks and then the parade and then back to the housing site for a dinner hosted by the university cafeteria and then off for home. All on Tuesday.

Don't know when there'll be another chance to update. Thanks to the valiant virtual cooktruck crew who had to stay home for their blog updates from news outlets and publishing of comments, etc.

Today's birthday: cook Vicki Dunkel
Tomorrow's birthday: Beau Meyer, who since his birthday was not during tour never got his birthday posted on the cooktruck. Something we're proud to remedy now. Go get 'em tomorrow Beau -- and the rest of the Colts.

More articles

Here is an article in todays Dubuque Telegraph Herald from the reporters traveling with the Colts.

Here is a blog of a reporter from KWWL-TV that is traveling with us. KWWL-TV's homepage is here.

KCRG-TV is also traveling with us. Here is a link to their blog and to their homepage.

I'll just keep adding more.

Inaugural trip articles

DCI has posted multiple articles about our trip to D.C. and about some of the members. Click here to see the stories.

Notes from DC

Peter Hansen arrived in DC today and sent back these notes:

I spent two hours over at the Gallaudet campus today. We'll have one large gym and a few smaller rooms, so it will be cozy but manageable. The staff are all very friendly and doing as much as they can to accommodate our needs. We also owe a big thank you to Senator (Tom) Harkin (of Iowa) - he's been a long-term supporter of Gallaudet - a big factor in the University's willingness to host us.

The walk from Gallaudet to Union Station and the Capitol area is an easy one - I made it from the campus to Union Station in just under 20 minutes. In front of the Capital are the chairs for the 20,000 or so individuals that are lucky enough to have tickets. They were doing a sound check this afternoon - someone was reading a newspaper article about the Univ of Maryland basketball team over the PA system - not quite the same as the Inaugural Address.

The weather for Tuesday looks OK. Local forecasts say morning temps in the low 20s and afternoon highs in the low 30s. Hand warmers and toe warmers would be a good idea.

There might be souvenirs for sale in DC that do not have a picture of Barack Obama, but if there are, I haven't seen them.

Show of hands, please

How many of you have just realized you don't know how to pack for winter tour?

I'll admit that I don't. If it involves putting more than shorts, T-shirts, sandals, and a toothbrush in a bag, I'm lost. (Sandals. Crap. Forgot my shower shoes....) :(


david

Colts featured on Gallaudet website

News of the Colts' stay in DC is featured today on the Gallaudet university website. Click here to see the story.

Inaugural trip schedule

The schedule for the inaugural trip is posted on the Colts website. Click here to get the details.

Have a safe trip. I'm looking forward to hearing all about the trip at camp. Yes, camp is finally only two weeks away. I would guess that everybody would like about a month to recover from all of the planning, preparing and executing of the trip.

Red Team - you always make us proud.

Parade Prep Photos

Bruce Hallahan sent along photos from Saturday's pre-parade preparations in Dubuque. Thanks to everyone who showed up to help out!

Click here for the full gallery.

Arrrrrgh!

Sorry. Just a bit of Colts withdrawal. I'll be OK.

david

Colts Matching Fund Established

MATCHING FUND ANNOUNCED

Truck Country of Iowa, The McCoy Group announced Dec. 22 that they will match, dollar for dollar, contributions made to the Colts inaugural fund by noon Wednesday, Dec. 31, up to a maximum of $20,000.

WHERE AND HOW TO DONATE

Contributions are being accepted at all Dupaco Community Credit Union locations and
on the Colts web site at www.colts.org.

Contributions may also be dropped off at the Colts Center at 1101 Central Ave.
or mailed to “Colts Inaugural Fund’, P.O. Box 515, Dubuque, IA 52001.
Further information can be obtained from the Colts at 563-582-4872

A copy of the release can be downloaded by clicking here.

Camp cancelled

Drat! :(

But looking at the weather, it's for the best.

Go to colts.org for details.

Check colts.org before you travel to camp

Winter weather is again playing games with plans for a Colts camp. Please, please, please keep checking colts.org for the latest December camp news and weather updates for the Dubuque area. Go there right now and read the update posted on the home page. Do it. We'll wait.

OK. Now you know there will be more updates later. Keep checking back at colts.org for updates.

DO NOT CHECK HERE. OFFICIAL WORD COMES ONLY FROM THE OFFICIAL COLTS WEBSITE.

We might miss a posting or be on the road or something. Or get it wrong. It could happen. We don't want the responsibility. :)

Be safe, wish for good travel weather, and hope to see you at camp.

The virtual cooktruck crew

Colts Inaugural Trip Information Page Posted

Go to Colts.org to see the latest information on the D.C. trip. Costs, the selection process, participant surveys, etc., are all on the site. Make sure you check colts.org regularly to keep up on the latest information.

Also, there's a cool video on the site from Cedar Rapids TV featuring Colts talking about this exciting opportunity. (Wait through the bell ringers for the Colts segment.)

Colts selected for inaugural parade!

See details at colts.org

2009 Starts Now

Actually, here at the Virtual Cooktruck, 2009 starts Sunday morning. We kind of consider Saturday night to be our New Year's Eve and Sunday to be New Year's Day for the VCT staff, family, and friends. Are you ready?

Bill's put together the 2009 cook calendar, using the tentative (emphasize TENTATIVE) schedule for next season. (You can see the entire DCI summer lineup by going over to dci.org, so we don't think we're giving away any secrets.)

Just click on the Cook Calendar 2009 link in the right sidebar (right there where it says "Links" or something like that) and you can download the calendar to your computer.

Sign up early! I'm sure Bill will have copies with him at the banquet Saturday night and is ready to take requests.

Thanks,
The Virtual Cooktruck Crew

Colts Announce Caption Heads

Colts Announce Caption Heads
November 20, 2008
Colts Staff The 2009 Colts staff will include familiar and experienced people. Most are returning members of last year's team along with two additions in the percussion staff.

Chad Huel and Sarah Whitlock will head the brass program. James G. Hudson will return to the Colts team as well, serving as music and full-ensemble consultant.

Max Mullinix, who is returning for his second year at the helm, will head percussion. Mike Thomas will serve as assistant percussion caption head. Mark Hunter and Tom Tucker will consult on the percussion program.

Carla Burgess-Tomsa returns as color guard caption head for her seventh year.

Bob Smith will take on the role of visual caption head, bringing with him tremendous experience and success in his long career. He will be bringing to his visual program experienced and successful visual teachers, including both returning members of the staff, and adding a few new faces as well.

The full roster of the Colts instructional team will be announced in the next week.

The first rehearsal and audition for the 2009 Colts is December 19-21, in Dubuque.

Dubuque in Holland

You won't believe this,  

on our TV news they show a report of the buzz involving the elections all over the U.S. And guess what .... of all places they payed a visit to Dubuque Iowa. Beautiful fall pictures, the bridge, the mississippi, the boat, downtown, the hilly part of Dubuque, going door to door ..... argh!! Wish I could be there. Funny how things turn out.

So now it is official Dubuque is known to the world. A pitty they didn't show the best part.

Colts Drum & Bugle Corps. 

Wait ... I see something in the background, a blury silhouet ... it cant be ....

it must be a "FANTHOM" !!

Go red team 

2009 Show Title Announced

Take a stroll over to colts.org to see the title of the corps' 2009 show. There's also member information, some percussion stuff, and the 2009 recruitment video is posted.

The Cooktruck Staff

(We were trying to hold off to Nov. 1 to have a nice long break, but there was cool stuff going on, so it was time to post again. Thanks, Bill, for the show title heads-up.)

RCA Dome comes down today

It's not quite going out with a BOOM, but the RCA Dome is being deflated today. (Much to the delight of some drum corps fans. I, for one, always thought it was a pretty bad place to hear a drum corps performance and have high hopes for the new place across the street.)

You can watch it be "deflated" at 10:30 a.m. Indy time by going here.

(Thanks Jim for the heads-up)

Audition dates at colts.org

Colts Drum & Bugle Corps, Dubuque, USA: "Colts audition dates and pre-season schedule
September 9, 2008
The first weekend audition and rehearsal for the 2009 Colts will be Friday evening, December 19 through Sunday afternoon December 21 in Dubuque. Click through for the rest of the camp schedule! Plan ahead! Your attendance is critical to your success and ours!"

DCI Championships radio segment from WFIU

This is not specific to the Colts, but I thought many people who follow the virtual cooktruck would appreciate it. An acquaintance of ours produced a radio segment/news feature about drum corps, which first aired the week following DCI finals. In spite of a few minor reporting errors that only we die-hard fans would notice, it's a really wonderful segment. It runs about 10 minutes 30 seconds. The podcast is available here. Just click on the "play" button.

More photos posted

I've finally uploaded my photos from tour and Championship week, and linked them to the right. Enjoy them, and if you are a Facebook user please tag people. -Jim J.