If you are wanting/planning to audition in December, and/or would just like some constructive feedback on your playing, grab your camera, record your best, POST it on YouTube and email us the link at info@timbercreekindependent.com. The TCI Staff will give it a serious look and reply with our best feedback in the spirit of you getting as much input as possible. The best videos of 2009 members will also be posted here on the TCI site for all to enjoy.
From a devoted 5 educators last season, to over 10 in 2009 (and few more exciting announcements pending!), the TCI circle of influence is widening!
Please welcome Mr. Jeff Willis to the TCI family. Jeff is a longtime friend and staple in the Central Florida scene and has recently done great things with Cypress Creek HS both indoors and out. Returning from a 13th summer on the road, he is ready to jump into the gym with TCI.
Even though his picture on the staff page looks like a mug shot, he has never been in trouble with the law. You can welcome Mr. Willis via email at willis@timbercreekindependent.com.
2009 TCI Clinic / Auditions are again AFTER UCF finals, and after the conclusion of the high school marching band season: December 13th and 14th. The timing is based on last year’s success, and our continued philosophy that when we as a staff do our job (scheduling, planning, designing, teaching, communicating) there is no reason to start earlier and distract you from academics/drum corps recovering/marching band fun/life. Any unofficial sectionals, however, that happen to occur in the name of fun and curiosity are very encouraged. Rumor has it some sections are meeting already , email the following for the down low:
Snares: Jeff Wright wright@timbercreekindependent.com
Bass Drums: John Seay seay@timbercreekindependent.com
Tenors: Clif Walker walker@timbercreekindependent.com
College Cats: please be mindful when scheduling your Winter Break, Spring Academics, and Fantasy Football Leagues - while we don’t officially hit the ground running until December, we WILL be hitting it VERY hard December 13th through April 18th. The college members last year were a HUGE reason for the our success and my personal ENJOYMENT (and a huge factor in me realizing “hey, I’d like to be around college kids,” and then making the move to UCF). This ensemble is designed to work with your academics/jobs/lives, but when coupled with some advanced planning on your end - we are dangerous. Say no to 28 credit hours in the Spring. We will rehearse over Spring Break.
High Schoolers: get those grades up so Mom and Dad will support you auditioning. Schedule all those dentist appointments before December 13th and after April 18th. Limit your after school activities to 17. Tell Grandma and Aunt Linda you’d prefer cash for the holidays, and that probably won’t be able to stay the whole break due to rehearsals here in Orlando… and get DRUMMING! We will rehearse over Spring Break.
Everyone please keep an eye on the audition page and info - updates and schedules will be posted soon, as well as MUSIC.
Peace….Walker walker@timbercreekindependent.com
TCI is honored and excited to welcome veteran percussion educator Kirk Gay to the 2009 staff roster. Kirk has been a mainstay and leader in the Central Florida percussion scene for over a decade. TCI welcomes his talent, energy and vast knowledge as a consultant for 2009 and beyond.
“When I moved to Orlando in 1997, Kirk was one of the names I heard over and over again, knew of, and respected” director Clif Walker states. ”That respect has done nothing but grow, and the TCI experience has automaticaly improved for 2009 with him on board“.
After 7 years at Timber Creek High School as Director of Percussion, Clif Walker has resigned. “Starting and building the percussion program at Timber Creek High School has been an amazing adventure, it was a blast and I will never forget that special time. Some incredible performances, experiences, friends and students - thank you for 7 GREAT years.”
Walker has accepted the position of Percussion Coordinator and Arranger with the University of Central Florida Marching Knights, and is excited to be back leading the drumline this fall. “Both Jeff Moore and Ron Ellis are very supportive about the educational benefits and opportunities surrounding UCF and TCI for the students.” Clif will stay fully involved with TCI as usual, and is excited about how his career changes benefit his family, UCF, and TCI.
“TCI’s circle of influence has gotten much, MUCH wider. We are excited to see that change reflected in the diversity and maturity of our 2009 membership as we move from a predominantly TCHS based membership to a state wide roster of the WHO’s WHO in Florida percussion. The TCHS students and staff will still be a huge part of the puzzle and success.”
Stay tuned for MANY exciting announcements and changes coming for the 2009 season.
Good just got better. TCI is excited to welcome Mr. Todd Leighton to the team. A mentor and former teacher of students like our own Jeff Wright and Matt Verburg, Todd brings both a wealth of experience and energy to the 2009 season. Check out Todd’s bio on the staff page!
We are very excited to welcome Mr. Jeremy Vest to the TCI family for 2009 and beyond. Jeremy will be lending his eyes, ears and expertise. Walker offers “The staff at TCI is a close, like minded group of educators. Jeremy meets and exceeds the mold and has ALWAYS had very good ensembles. The bass lines at Chamberlain High School during his reign were AMAZING and we are fortunate to have him on board”.
Jeremy’s bio is up and ready on the staff page. Drop him a “welcome” at vest@timbercreekindependent.com
In addition to the parents and staff in the 2008 season there were a few more volunteers that worked behind the scenes. We’d like to thank them for their support of TCI: Eric Lugo, Stevenson Lumapas, Lizmarie Maldonado, Julia Sander, Lindsay Kusmierczak, Devin Hoey, Josh Labell, and Andrew Dittrich.
The season speaks for itself. If scripted for a Disney after school movie of the week, most would deem it “highly unbelievable”. An amazing first year: promotions, travels, placements, performances, and relationships. The foundation is set: the foundation is good.
A big THANK YOU to all the members, staff and sponsors of the inagural TCI season. Hard work pays off. YES!
Plans are of course well underway for 2009. A return to PIW with THE show idea, THE staff, THE members and exciting travels are set and ready. Audition dates and locations will be announced soon, as well as the twists and surprises regarding everything TCI.
This Wednesday night, April 16th, TCI will again be performing a free show before they depart for WGI Championships. The performance will begin at 7:30 at the TCHS gym. The ensemble will be leaving for Dayton, Ohio early Thursday morning. This is Florida’s last chance to see the show before the season is over! If you haven’t seen it live, this is it. Please come and support TCI!
