Checkered Flag Campaign

The inaugural season of the MBI Winter drumline has been an incredible success so far. The show is entitled "Ignition!" and has been a fan favorite at every Minnesota Percussion association show that we have been at. It is based on the Hot Rod music of the 50's and 60's, and the 22 and under performers are doing an amazing job. We have 2 more local performances in the next few weeks. The first is at MPA prelims, at Anoka High School on March 29 at 5:00 p.m. The second is at the MPA championships on April 5th at 5:00 P.M. The location for that show is tentatively scheduled at the Target Center. Check out mnperc.org for more details. We may also do a performance on the last Wednesday night before we go to WGI on April 16th. Keep checking the forum for details. Please come out and support this group. I know that you will be proud of the performance that these young individuals are putting out.

That being said, we need the help of MBI members, alumni and fans. As I said, we are planning on attending the Winter Guard International Championships in the middle of April. We hope to do well in Independent Open class and represent Minnesota Brass with pride and professionalism. Obviously this winter drumline has been an expensive undertaking that is almost entirely funded by the dues of the College and high school kids that are in the line. We want to finish out this season the right way by providing hotels and food on the WGI trip for the members, so that they can be comfortable and focus on performing well. We had originally planned on sleeping on Gym floors, but a Hotel would be a much better experience.

That is where the Checkered Flag Campaign comes in. We are looking for donations from members, fans and alumni to help us get to the finish line in style with our race inspired theme. We made patches with the 2008 "Ignition!" Show logo on it ( see the attachment.) For a minimum of a $10 donation, I will send you an iron-on patch that you can put on your corps or other jacket to show your support of this ambitious undertaking. You can get a patch at a Wednesday night or Sunday afternoon rehearsal at Highland Park,. Or if it is easier. you can send me a check with your address and I'll mail you a patch. We need to come up with about $2000 to cover our WGI expenses, so any donation will help.

Mail checks made out to Minnesota Brass to:

MBI Checkered Flag Campaign
c/o Joel Matuzak
1063 Como Place West
Saint Paul, MN 55103

Please be sure to include you return address so that I can mail a patch back to you.

Thanks for your support!

Joel Matuzak
MBI Drumline