Questions

What is Spirit of America?

  • Spirit of America is a band from Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
  • We have a field band, marching band, winter percussion unit, fife and drum corps and wind ensemble.

Who is in it?

  • More than 100 members, ages ranging from about 10-60
  • Brass line, woodwind section, battery/front ensemble, color guard

Are you a military band?

  • No, but we aim to hold the same high standards as a military band, in the care of our uniforms and equipment, in the precision of our marching, and how we conduct ourselves when we’re in rehearsal and especially when we’re in uniform.

Who is the director?

  • Director is Richard K. Pugsley; Administrative Director is Karen Moore.

What have you done? Where have you gone?

  • The band has marched in parades all over the US since the 1970’s. We’ve won many awards for these including the award for “Best Representing the Spirit of America” in the Washington DC 4th of July Parade. (That is how we got our name.)
  • In the 1990’s we started doing field shows, and have performed and toured every summer but one since then (took a break in 2007 for creative/technical development).
  • In 2006 we gave our first performance of Instrumental Theatre: in motion our first in the U.S. and Korea.
  • Outside the U.S. we’ve travelled to Canada, Australia, and South Korea.
  • In 2000 we were the first runners-up at the WAMSB Championships in Calgary.
  • In 2006 we won first place at the WAMSB Championships in Jeju, South Korea.

How did SOA begin?

  • Spirit of America was first created for a neighborhood celebration. The town heard that a band had formed, and invited the group to march in the 4th of July Parade. It has grown from there to become an internationally recognized ensemble.

Does the band take new members?

  • Yes! We are looking for new members for our 2011 journey to South Africa! Contact us for audition information!

Can anyone join?

  • For the 2011 season, new members need to be 18 years old or older.

If you audition:

  • Prepare a solo piece that show your level and abilities
  • Be prepared to show your marching technique
  • If you come to a camp audition on Cape Cod, you’ll join in with the rest of the band for the camp, and be pulled aside for your individual music and drill evaluation
  • If you can’t get to a camp, you may be able to send a video

How do the auditions work?

Depending on how your audition goes:

  1. You’re in!
  2. Continue to come to camps, and potentially earn a spot, based on your skills and contribution
  3. You’ll receive a list of things to work on for 2011.
  4. You might be offered a position on the support staff.

When does the band rehearse?

  • We usually have one all-day Saturday band camp a month.
  • Closer to the tour, rehearsals ramp up to a few evenings a week, 2 camps in April, and every Saturday starting in May and June.
  • August 26th is our “move in” date – our tech rehearsals and prep for the tour begin at this time, and everyone will need to be in town (Orleans on Cape Cod) from then until the tour.

Does the band provide housing before the tour?

  • No, but we are happy to help you find a place to stay when you come to the Cape.
  • Once on tour, all housing, food, transportation, etc. is provided.

Do I have to come to every rehearsal?

  • This depends on where you live and your experience level – if it is too far away, the band will work with you on a normal basis.
  • The only non-negotiable dates are August 26 until the tour. August 26 is move-in day for final rehearsals and tour prep.

How much does it cost?

  • Entry fee for 2011 is $2500. This includes the tour of S. Africa.
  • “What is this for?”

Are there scholarships?

  • Yes, but they are limited.
  • We have researched a lot of financial help options, and that info is available on our website and at the booth. Stay in touch with us – we don’t want money to be a reason not to join!

What did you do in 2010?

  • In 2010, we put on a US Tour of the field show “Exploration”. It tells the story of a photographer who has lost her “stardust” (her inspiration for life), and goes on a journey meeting lots of famous explorers and other people who help her find it again, so she can pursue her true life’s calling.
  • This broader, new genre for the field is a full-scale theatrical production on the field with a set, costumes, makeup, music, dancing, story, etc.

What are you doing in 2011?

  • In September 2011, Spirit of America is going to South Africa!
  • We will be performing both Exploration! and Instrumental Theater: in motion.
  • We will have workshops with South African young people – music, marching, set design and construction, art and more!
  • We are in the process of receiving donations of instruments to leave with the South African kids we work with

What is Instrumental Theater: in motion?

  • Instrumental Theater: in motion is a new performance medium that our director developed when the band was going to South Korea.
  • Spirit of America went to Korea during the summer break from school, so workshops with students were not an option. We needed another way to reach the kids there.
  • Instrumental Theater: in motion is a stage show, with costumes, makeup, dance, scene/set changes, and everything, where the story is told through the voices of the instruments.
  • There is also a libretto in the program that tells the whole story.

Who’s on your staff?

  • Director: Richard K. Pugsley
  • Administrative Director: Karen Moore
  • Show Coordinator/Percussion Designer: Colin McNutt
  • Music Arranger: Michael Klesch
  • Drill Designer: Andy Ebert
  • Winter Percussion: Ian Hale
  • Guard Director/Designer: Jennifer LeSeth
  • WP Drill Writer: James Sparling

How is SOA funded?

  • SOA is a non-profit arts organization
  • Since SOA is a volunteer organization, we’re funded mostly through donations.
  • Members pay for uniforms, food $ on tour, etc.

Are you professional or volunteer?

  • Members are volunteers, with a professional staff.

Can I hire the band?