tkrestonva[TK] Posted July 26, 2012 Report Posted July 26, 2012 On July 7th, Garrison Tyranus and the Rebel Legion’s Freedom Base trooped a classical music performance called The Music of John Williams, by the U.S. National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington Chorus, at the Wolf Trap Filene Center. This was the week of the record heat wave here in the Washington D.C. area, and it was unbelievably hot. During the work week we had afternoon high temps in the upper 90s, but today was the killer - the afternoon high was 106F (41C) with extreme Deep South-style humidity. Of course full buddy-care rules were in effect – no trooper goes out without a non-costumed handler, outdoor exposure is limited to no more than 30 minutes at a time, and frequent hydration and cooling breaks was required of anyone in costume. Even non-costumed handlers (of which I was one during the meet and greet) returned drained of energy and soaked in sweat. Nonetheless, this is one of those troops that only comes around once every 2-3 years so it’s not to be missed. As a result we had a great turnout of troopers from all parts of the state, along with troopers coming in from Old Line Garrison in neighboring Maryland. Mostly veterans, but we had a few first-time troopers as well. The day started with arrival of the unit officers and troop coordinators at 330pm for preshow planning and preparation. Some photos of the backstage preparations: At around 7pm and after a couple of rehearsals, a number of troopers went out to do a meet and greet as the audience members began to arrive and set themselves up in their seats and on the lawn: Finally, after a number of rehearsals – both planned and impromptu – and a LOT of “hurry up and wait†time, the main event arrived and we got to go onstage with the NSO and Washington Chorus. We participated in four performances: Duel of the Fates The Medal Ceremony / End Credits … and what by far drew the most applause of the night (even under my bucket it was deafening) – The Imperial March The final performance was a rendition of the Cantina Band, which was our cue to disperse into the audience (for those of us who could handle descending a darkened staircase into the orchestra pit seating, anyway). Afterwards, once everyone suited down and packed up (by then it was approximately 1030pm) several of us went out for a late-night celebratory dinner. It was a long afternoon/evening, but one that will be long remembered. Even the NSO conductor, Maestro Steven Reineke, was after the show heard to say something to the effect of "we'll have to do this again a lot sooner". Let’s hope so. Quote
shade Posted July 26, 2012 Report Posted July 26, 2012 Wow! That looks like it was an amazing experience. The music sounds fantastic! Wish I could have been there to see all of that! Quote
matt black Posted July 26, 2012 Report Posted July 26, 2012 Fantastic stuff Love the pic of you all trying to climb the stairs Quote
LadyInWhite[TK] Posted July 26, 2012 Report Posted July 26, 2012 Awesome job! The bad guys are obviously the stars of the show! Quote
Evilboy[501st] Posted July 26, 2012 Report Posted July 26, 2012 (edited) That was My first Troop! I was so hot, i only stayed outside for maybe five minutes during the meet & greet. I am so proud to have been a part of this event, and now I just need to be 100% ready for CVI. Thank you Brian, your assistance and guidance has been amazing! And my favorite pic... Edited July 27, 2012 by Evilboy Quote
craygee Posted August 2, 2012 Report Posted August 2, 2012 (edited) Bah hahahahaha! Of course we post the pics of me actin a fool. Thanks Brian! Geez LOL XD I will echo how hot it was. Even with jumping in the showers in full gear to cool off, I still was sick afterwards. I guess the running around and photo bombing outside didnt help my cause much but, it was so worth it. We had a lot of fun with the 30+ year old kids outside but, the icing on the cake was the crowd overall. We walked onstage and they went totally mental. The film does it no justice. It was deafening. XD Evilboy, that's one of my favorites too. Silly TK makin bunny ears! Dang him whomever it may be!! Edited August 2, 2012 by craygee Quote
TK Keith[TK] Posted August 6, 2012 Report Posted August 6, 2012 Sounds like a great event! 90 degrees- good thing you kept an eye on how long you kept your helmets on. John Williams is an awesome composer and his music is so inspiring! Quote
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