DENVER – The Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps has a long history of innovative design and musically driven programing. We are a drum corps unafraid to take risk in creating an environment where our members thrive as they create the unique Blue Knights’ “voice”.
From the likes of George Zingali, Jim Prime, Ralph Hardimon, Rob Billings, Marc Sylvester, Mike Jackson, Kevin Shah, Tommy Keenum, Jay Murphy and Jay Bocook, the Blue Knights have always attracted the most forward thinking and creative minds in the activity to join our members in bringing our voice to life. These are individuals who take artistic risks. Our culture encourages this, and in 2020 the Blue Knights will continue to build upon this enduring principle.
Throughout the coming week we will be highlighting our team of designers and the educational leadership who will join our members in creating our 2020 program.
Today we highlight our Brass Caption Arranger/Composer and Brass Caption leadership.
We are excited to announce Mr. Leslie Gilreath (bio) as our Brass Arranger. Mr. Gilreath is one of the most up and coming musical composers in the country and is a graduate of Furman University where he studied conducting and orchestration with Jay Bocook. His compositions have been performed globally and most notably at the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.
In 2018, his “Only Light, Only Love” was performed at the Midwest Clinic by the Cobb Wind Symphony, Alfred Watkins, conductor, and “In My Perfect Place” was performed by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wind Symphony, Alex Kaminske, conductor.
Continuing in his 11th year with the Blue Knights organization, Mr. Jay Bocook (bio) will be joining Mr. Gilreath as the Blue Knights Musical Consultant and will be working in tandem to create the Blue Knights brass book.
“Leslie is a brilliant young composer who will thrive in the Blue Knights organization”, stated Jay Bocook. “It will be a rewarding experience to work alongside him in 2020.”
Mr. Gilreath added, “I look forward to working closely with my mentor, teacher, and dear friend, Jay Bocook, in continuing the Blue Knights’ dedication to musical excellence and contributing to their fresh, forward-thinking perspective. I am beyond excited to be a part of the Blue Knights organization!”
The Blue Knights are thrilled to announce the return of Keith Tye (bio) as our our Brass Caption Head in 2020.
“Keith is a very dynamic leader of the brass caption who focuses upon the member experience as well as the development of the musician,” said Mark Arnold, Chief Executive Officer, Ascend Performing Arts. “Keith’s work to develop the Blue Knights brass into one of the most musical horn lines in the activity speaks for itself. He is an obvious fit for creating and expanding upon the musical voice of the Blue Knights.”
Return each day to AscendPerformingArts.org this week for more announcements on the Blue Knights team.
∴ Come home to the Blue Knights in 2020! Click the button below to register for a BKXperience-Audition! Clinic:
