November 3, 2006

RamCorps Performs at Local Schools

Blasting trumpets, brass trombones, and a double bass drum were only a few of the sights and sounds the University of Mobile’s RamCorps had to offer fourth through eighth graders at North Mobile Christian School at First Baptist North Mobile during an afternoon performance.

RamCorps, UM's elite drum and bugle corps, offered its eager young audience a bevy of exciting sounds composed by 11 brass instrumentalists and five percussionists. Directed by Don Wolf, assistant professor of music, RamCorps’ school performance featured a high-impact, choreographed repertoire, including Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” selected songs from the movie “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and creative arrangements by Wolf of the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Spy,” a selection of film theme songs. Members also demonstrated their individual instruments for the audience.

“Performing is the best part of RamCorps,” said mellophone section leader Nathan Neely of Huntsville, Ala.

RamCorps performs for schools not only to build awareness of UM’s Center for Performing Arts, but to invest in the next generation and to inspire a vision.

Wolf said it is important for children to be introduced to music and learn how to play instruments because it is a “tremendous builder of self-esteem and teaches attention to detail, discipline and teamwork.”

Playing an instrument “increases aptitude and promotes intellectual development,” Wolf said, allowing students to express themselves artistically.

RamCorps makes about 65 appearances a year and has represented the University of Mobile locally in the southeastern United States, and internationally in Europe. RamCorps performed at the Alabama Policy Institute dinner with Oliver North, UM’s StarLight and annual Christmas Spectacular, and the Southern Baptist National Instrumental Exposition. Members also showcase their talent at BayBears games, in college and high school gymnasiums and in church auditoriums.

RamCorps will perform in the UM Center for Performing Art’s annual “Christmas Spectacular!” on Tuesday, Nov. 28 and Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 6:45 p.m. at Dauphin Way Baptist Church. The free concert will feature Christmas selections ranging from the classics to pop performed by approximately 200 University of Mobile musicians, as well as guest performers.

The University of Mobile is a private university affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Over 1,600 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Christian Studies, School of Education, School of Nursing, Center for Performing Arts and Center for Adult Programs.

To schedule RamCorps for an appearance or for more information about RamCorps or the University of Mobile’s Center for Performing Arts, call 251-442-2420.

By Rebecca Capone, junior, communication