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Every drum corps in the activity has real trepidation about what their new season will bring. From the top of the drum corps world to the bottom, all units feel the anxiety of following up a successful tour with an even bigger and better unit. In the second season of a young corps' existence, it seems to be magnified ten fold. I, of course, am no exception to this rule. After the incredible start we had last summer, I was feeling the pressure of the "follow-up year".
I knew last year that all we had to do was exist for the first year and everything would take care of itself. In theory that was great. But the reality is somewhat different. Because of the success we encountered last season, things are much more difficult. That was until our first camp.
Anything could have happened at the first camp making things all the more confusing. However, what happened instead was great. We had a group of young people join our cause with not only great enthusiasm, but talent as well! Don't get me wrong, we still have a ways to go, both in numbers and product, but we are so far ahead of where we were last year at this time.
I am thrilled with the prospects for the future of this unit. Most of our new people are from word of mouth recruiting, so many people are talking about this new activity with knowledge and respect.
We have a golden opportunity to take the wonderful start of last year and continue to make a difference in the youth of this region. All we have to do is move forward with the same zeal as before - never complacement, never done.
-Scott Puryear
Founder/Executive Director
December 11, 1999 - The Legend of Texas took its first steps in becoming a member of Drum Corps International Pacific Division (DCIP) at their annual meeting in Las Vegas. Pending a unit evaluation, Legend will become the first corps east of the Rockies to participate in that region. DCIP is a tour circuit that holds shows in the first part of the summer. Although it is run by DCI, the circuit has its own voting membership and most of the corps from DCIP are among the best in the world of drum corps. Our organization will become the 16th unit to gain membership to their region. We believe that our participation will not only help our competetive status, but will strengthen the region as well.
The Legend of Texas Drum & Bugle Corps has been incorporated by a board of directors deeply rooted in the drum corps activity. Founding members have marched, staffed and volunteered in the activity, contributing a combined 34 years' of experience and immeasurable love for and knowledge of drum corps. We know well how profoundly drum corps influences not only its young adult members, but also their families and their communities. We are committed to providing the community's young people this safe, healthy and positive activity.
Legend of Texas offers young adults music life-skills education, performance experience and extensive travel opportunities. Our young adult members work and play in a drug-free, non-violent environment, allowing them to explore self expression, from significant friendships and develop enduring life-skills.
Self-disciplined and motivated, Legend of Texas membes will be positive role models. As they perform for the community and compete nationally, the community will form an enthusiastic bond with the Legend of Texas, just as the other 78 North American communites, in which a drum corps is based, enthusiastically support their corps.
Legend of Texas will maintain two full time directors, as well as ten instructional and six professional bus and semi drivers on a seasonal basis. Legend of Texas requires all administrative and instructional staff to have previous drum corps experience and an exhibited commitment to young adults. Traditionally, drum corps instructors, staff and volunteers simply know and love the activity and the kids; the attributes that we require.
As with all North American drum corps, the Legend of Texas will deepen its tradition year by year, becoming an established, well-know organization that contributes to the community that supports it. Our traditions will reflect the uniqueness of the community while providing a quality activity for its young people. In time, we expect our community to join the tens of thousands of Americans who have marched, staffed, volunteered and loved the drum corps.
