SYSTEM BLUE Excellence is in our DNA. Backed by over 100 years of experience and knowledge, System Blue proudly delivers the products and education many have only dared to imagine. Our team of designers has walked the very path you walk now. We are the same dedicated performers and educators that you are, and we’re turning our ideas into reality.

We have stood in your shoes and marched the PROFESSIONAL PERCUSSION 2 same fields. We know you. We ARE you. You are CONCERT PERCUSSION 10 not alone, and you never were. System Blue ON2 PERCUSSION SLIPS 16 empowers us all to reach our greatest potential. STANDS & CARRIERS 18 DRUM STICKS & BAGS 20 TOGETHER, MALLETS, BAGS & HEADS 22 IT’S OUR TIME. PROFESSIONAL BRASS 24 TRADITIONAL BRASS 32 MOUTHPIECES 36 SOUND REINFORCEMENT 38 HEALTH & WELLNESS 40 DRILLMASTERS 41 SYSTEM BLUE EDUCATION 42 EDUCATIONAL EVENTS 44 DESIGN QUALITY & COMMITMENT 46 SYSTEM BLUE DESIGNERS 47 TESTIMONIALS 48 PROFESSIONAL PERCUSSION EVOLUTIONARY.

System Blue Professional Marching Percussion Series is like no other product on the market. These drums are lightweight, built for speed with the player’s health and wellness in mind. The rich, smooth, and resonant voices blend and project in any venue. Each instrument is aesthetically beautiful, eye-catching, and, in a word — elegant.

While there have been evolutions in marching percussion in the last 50 years, there has never been design and innovation like the System Blue Professional Marching Percussion Series. We’ve fine-tuned and streamlined every detail, and the results are extraordinary.

2 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 3 PROFESSIONAL PERCUSSION

It’s the LIGHTEST marching snare on the market... SYSTEM BLUE PROFESSIONAL the FATIGUE REDUCTION isTREMENDOUS. CARBON COMPOSITE MODEL PHATBOY — Sean Clarke, Blue Devils Center Snare BODY Carbon Fiber Upper-Lower WOOD SNARE DRUM 6-ply 16” Maple Shell, Aluminum Hoops The only one of its kind, the Phatboy is ultra lightweight FINISH Custom Painted Black Matte and built for speed with a stunningly rich sound. Its 16” SIZE 14” x 12” body allows the drum to breathe, making it easy on the hands for longer periods of play. Its sleek, carbon fiber HARDWARE Black Powder Coat components allow for unprecedented agility and sound HEADS Black amplification. Fewer parts means fixes on-the-fly are no longer a challenge. Our game-changing design also allows for color changes any time, anywhere.

4 SYSTEM BLUE systemblue.org 5 PROFESSIONAL PERCUSSION “

SYSTEM BLUE PROFESSIONAL They’re lighter and easier to play… It’s INNOVATION, CARBON COMPOSITE MODEL TENOR HEX TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATION all wrapped up in one. BODY Carbon Fiber Knuckle Ring — Sean Vega, RCC Indoor Percussion WOOD TENOR DRUM Magnesium Uppers Lightweight and ergonomically correct, tenor players 6-ply Maple Shells “ will not want to put these drums down. Curved and 2.3 mm Steel Hoops balanced for agility, they produce a rich cutting sound with no harsh overtones. Revolutionary cut away hoops FINISH Custom Painted Black Matte reduce rim clicks and increase ease of play. Paired with SIZE 6”/8”/10”/12”/13”/14” inked tenor heads, these cut away hoops help teach HARDWARE Black Powder Coat students how to move and where to play. With virtually no hardware drilled into the shells, ON2 slip changes HEADS Black become effortless. The ultra-lightweight carbon fiber knuckle reduces the overall weight of the set, making this tenor the lightest on the market.

6 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 7 PROFESSIONAL PERCUSSION

SYSTEM BLUE PROFESSIONAL CARBON COMPOSITE MODEL PROFESSIONAL BASS BODY Carbon Fiber Lugs WOOD BASS DRUM 6-ply Maple Shell, 1” Aluminum Hoops Our marching bass has carbon fiber lug casings allowing FINISH Custom Painted Black Matte for a 30% lighter drum than most marching basses on SIZE 14” x 16”/18”/20”/22”/24”/26” the market. Durable 1” aluminum hoops and streamlined slims round out the design to produce a warm rich 16” x 28”/30” sound that cuts and blends within the ensemble. HARDWARE Black Powder Coat Slims Placement of the carbon fiber lug casings allows for HEADS Black ON2 slip changes in seconds.

Ultra-lightweight, producing a rich, round tone – YOUR PERFORMERS CAN FLY WHILE YOUR BASSES SING, giving your melodic passages a clearer voice. — Scott Johnson, Blue Devils 8 SYSTEM BLUE systemblue.org 9 PROFESSIONAL CONCERT PERCUSSION

DESIGNED BY CHAMPIONS System Blue’s front ensemble equipment is A QUINTESSENTIAL PIECE OF THE System Blue Concert Percussion has been crafted by experts to CONTINUED SUCCESS of the Blue Devils and RCC. achieve the finest sound, greatest durability, and sharpest look in the marching world. From our marimba and xylophone, to our polished RESONANT, DURABLE & EASILY TRANSPORTABLE, aluminum vibraphone and steel pedal glockenspiel, System Blue the keyboard instruments most definitely live up to Professional Concert Percussion provides unmatched resonance, System Blue’s distinguished reputation. — Nick Soden, Front Ensemble Section Leader projection, and tone. Our concert bass drums, toms, and snare drum Blue Devils & RCC Indoor Percussion are crafted from the finest birch, creating the perfect tone to enhance any front ensemble.

Whether you are on the marching field, gym floor, or concert stage, System Blue Professional Concert Percussion is the right choice.

10 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 11 PROFESSIONAL CONCERT PERCUSSION

PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL MARIMBA & XYLOPHONE VIBRAPHONE • Synthetic extrusion-molded fiberglass composite keys • Polished aluminum keys designed produce a warm resonant sound with strong projection for improved brilliance and both indoors and outdoors projection to cut through the ensemble • Marimba available in 4.5 and 4.3 octave Xylophone available in 3.5 octave • 3.0 octave • Protective finish minimizes scratches and blemishes, • Black gold powder coated resonator and enhances the natural look of the bars finish protects against scratches and dings • Black gold powder coated resonator finish protects against scratches and dings • Lower notes on extended range marimba feature adjustable, tunable resonators to accommodate changes in temperature and humidity. Design allows for easy transport, loading and unloading

PROFESSIONAL KEYBOARD FRAMES • Sturdy and durable, highly mobile and maneuverable PEDAL 8” rubber wheels take on the roughest terrain GLOCKENSPIEL • Highly scratch-resistant textured, black-gold powder coating • Designed for improved brilliance and resonance • Frame compatible with 1 1/2”/40mm clamps for universal mounting of cymbals, accessories, microphones & more • Dampener pedal and extended 3.3 octave range make this a true • Pneumatic-assisted quick height adjustment system to stand-alone instrument fit any performer • Black gold resonator finish protects against scratches and dings

12 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 13 PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES PROFESSIONAL CONCERT BASS

System Blue Professional Concert Percussion has PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL everything your performers need. Designed by champions CONCERT DRUM SET CONCERT SNARE CONCERT BASS DRUM and played by champions, this series includes world-class marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones, pedal glockenspiel, • 5-piece lacquered professional kit DRUM & TOMS • Suspended stand design provides maximum resonance and projection concert bells, concert bass drums, concert toms, a concert • 6-ply birch shells • Heavy duty die-cast chrome hoops • Shell constructed from the finest 6-ply snare drum, drum set and hardware. All the instruments • 1.5mm triple flange steel hoops on the toms allow for on concert snare drum natural birch have a sleek, matched look and balanced sound allowing maximum resonance and are both classy and durable • 1.5mm triple flange steel hoops on the • Deep, full, and resonant sound your program to perform at its very best. • Double braced hardware including snare, boom and hi-hat toms allow for maximum resonance stands with throne and bass pedal. Cymbals are not included • 6-ply birch shells • Dark brown piano lacquer finish is both classy and durable • Suspended mount for toms • Articulate, rich sound • Available in 36” and 40” • Heavy duty die-cast chrome hoops on snare drum • Dark brown piano lacquer finish is • Available in several different colors both classy and durable • Drum Set Dimensions: • 14” x 5.5” snare PROFESSIONAL • 10” x 8” tom with 12 lugs • 12” x 9” tom with 12 lugs CONCERT BELLS

• 16” x 16” floor tom with 12 lugs • Steel bars provide a brilliant • 22” x 16” bass drum with 16 lugs and resonant sound • 2.5 octave • Leather-wrapped case for durability and a professional look. During performances, the case functions as a resonator • Bars are attached firmly to minimize bouncing during performances. They are stable and sturdy during transport.

14 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 15 ON2 PERCUSSION

Slip changes on the FLY...this is THE GAME CHANGER we’ve been waiting for. — Scott Chandler, The Blue Devils

ON2 PERCUSSION SLIPS Now you can change the color of your drums from season to season, show to show, or even within a single performance. ON2 brings a game-changer to the marching world, as absolutely no hardware needs removing in order to change the look of our System Blue Carbon Fiber Professional Marching Drums. The easy-on, easy-off ON2 slips are the next generation in creating remarkable effects for your program.

16 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 17 MARCHING CARRIERS & STANDS

RANDALL MAY MAY POSTO SERIES CARRIERS Snare Carrier Tenor Carrier Bass Carrier RM-MSABS-AR/SB RM-BTABS-AR/SB RM-MBABS-AR/SB MARCHING CARRIERS RM-MSABS-AR/SB-R RM-BTABS-AR/SB-R RM-MBABS-AR/SB-R & STANDS

The combination of MAY carriers and new MAY Modular AIRlift Stadium Hardware is the perfect fit. MAY provides the optimal carrier for wellness, comfort, and gender compatibility for a tailored fit. AIRlift stadium hardware is durable and easy to use.

No matter your level of rehearsal or performance, MAY and System Blue have the right carrier and stand for you.

MAY AIRlift STADIUM HARDWARE MAY-MA-StandSN MAY-MA-StandTN MAY-MA-StandBA MAY® patents combine Posto Series technology with our contour hinge along with ABS (Articulating Back Support) designs to redistribute unwanted weight off of players’ shoulders resulting in comfort and freedom while promoting proper wellness posture.

Optional Taiko MAY attachment ALUMINUM TUBULAR CARRIERS

Snare RM-ATS-SB Tenor RM-ATT-SB Bass RM-ATB-SB

All MAY carries and/or mounting hardware are covered under various patents but not limited to: 6,323,407 6,172,290 6,403,869 7,071,401 RE-42487 7,673,776 7,166,790, 7,420,110 7,326,842 7,810,684 7,394,008 8,053,655 8,646,666 8,598,443 with multiple patents pending. All MAY Stadium Hardware™ stands and MAY Airlift™ are covered under various patents but not limited to 7,703,725 7,588,228 7,438,266 7,718,878 8,633,365 with multiple patents pending. 18 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 19 STICKS & STICK BAGS

SYSTEM BLUE DRUM STICKS & BAGS System Blue snare and tenor sticks were designed for maximum control and for diverse musical passages. Crafted in collaboration with Scott Johnson and Sean Vega, the entire line works for the beginning player all the way up to the advanced musician.

System Blue stick bags are rugged, roomy, and stylish, easily adapting to all your marching needs.

SYSTEM BLUE SINGLE STICK BAG SB-SB1 SYSTEM BLUE DOUBLE STICK BAG SB-SB2

TXDC17W TS8 TXXB3 TXDC17iW TXDC27W TXDC50/51/52W SCOTT JOHNSON SEAN VEGA “SCOJO” SCOTT JOHNSON “SCOOTER” SYSTEM BLUE SNARE DRUM TENOR DRUM SCOTT JOHNSON LIGHT SNARE SCOTT JOHNSON SNARE DRUM No matter your ability, STICK STICK PRACTICE STICK DRUM STICK WOOD TIP STICK WE’VE DESIGNED A STICK FOR YOU — 17” 16.875” 17” 16.625” 16.75” 16.875” / 16.75” / 16.5” they’re versatile, balanced, and comfortable. 0.700” 0.680” 0.700” 0.650” 0.685” 0.720” / 0.680” / 0.630” — Scott Johnson, Blue Devils 20 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 21 MALLETS & MALLET BAGS TENOR HEADS & PRACTICE PADS

SYSTEM BLUE Drum corps, marching band, or SYSTEM BLUE EVANS MALLETS & BAGS indoor — these mallets hold up to MARCHING SNARE HEAD Jim Wunderlich Signature and Diversity mallets The Evans System Blue snare head was designed in have durable components for both outdoor and ANY MUSICAL collaboration with Scott Johnson of the world renowned Blue Devils. It features a softer feel yet maintains the indoor environments. The lush tone of these tonal clarity and projection necessary for a championship- mallets is an appropriate and tasteful choice for DEMAND. — Jim Wunderlich, Blue Devils winning drum corps. Snare lines will benefit from reduced indoor concert or marching settings. fatigue during extended when using these drumheads. Store your entire mallet collection in either of the classic System Blue mallet stick bags. SYSTEM BLUE EVANS

SYSTEM BLUE MALLET STICK BAG SB-SB1 TENOR HEADS SYSTEM BLUE GRAND MALLET STICK BAG SB-SB2 System Blue Evans tenor drum heads deliver tonal clarity and projection while increasing durability and pitch stability, thus reducing the need for frequent tuning. The series utilizes Evans’ unique Sound Shaping Technology™, a damping technique that targets unwanted overtones and provides the control needed to enhance attack, projection, SYSTEM BLUE JIM WUNDERLICH SERIES and note definition. The damping pattern on each head also SYSTEM BLUE DIVERSITY SERIES provides a visual reference for the optimal ‘playing zone’ for each drum, offering a target for less experienced lines.

SYSTEM BLUE OFFWORLD SCOJO SIGNATURE INVADER V3 PRACTICE PAD A unique and cutting-edge practice pad, the Offworld System Blue Scojo Signature Invader V3 has a revolution- ary drum-like feel and articulation you have to experience to believe.

22 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 23 PROFESSIONAL BRASS

TOGETHER, IT’S OUR TURN. System Blue’s Professional Marching Brass Series is built with an eye toward the advanced player. Our superior design is rooted in decades of experience and success in the marching arena, as we recognize the demands and challenges required for excellence. We created brass instruments that speak as individual voices, blend as a choir, and project clearly both near and far. Designed for comfort with ergonomic hand positioning, our brass instruments give a balanced feel while reducing weight and length. Our graduated tuning slide marks will keep you a quick step away from fine tuning at any venue, in any weather condition.

FINISH: SILVER or LACQUER Every System Blue professional brass instrument is available in silver or lacquer finish with contrasting finger buttons and top/bottom valve caps.

INCLUDED WITH EVERY HORN: System Blue mouthpiece ABS case White gloves Graduated tuning slide marks Tuning guide Valve oil & slide grease Cleaning cloth

24 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 25 PROFESSIONAL BRASS PROFESSIONAL BRASS

SYSTEM BLUE SYSTEM BLUE PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL TRUMPETS MELLOPHONE

MODEL SB10 SB12 MODEL SB20 KEY B or G KEY F or G BELL 5”b one-piece BELL 10” BORE .459 .464 BORE .468 MOUTH MOUTH PIECE SBTP2 PIECE SBME Photo © Samuel Catcliffe 2016

26 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 27 PROFESSIONAL BRASS PROFESSIONAL BRASS

SYSTEM BLUE SYSTEM BLUE SYSTEM BLUE PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL TROMBONE BARITONE EUPHONIUM HYBRID

MODEL SBPTROM MODEL SB25 MODEL SB30 KEY B -F KEY B or G KEY B or G BELL 8.46”b BELL 10”b BELL 11”b BORE .547 BORE .560 BORE .562 MOUTH MOUTH MOUTH PIECE SBEU PIECE SBBA PIECE SBEU Photo © Tracey Franco 2016

28 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 29 PROFESSIONAL BRASS PROFESSIONAL BRASS

SYSTEM BLUE SYSTEM BLUE PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL TUBA SOUSAPHONE

MODEL SB50 Over Shoulder MODEL SB55 SB52 VALVES 4 VALVES 4 3 KEY BB or G KEY BB BELL 19”b BELL 26”b BORE .734 BORE .730 MOUTH MOUTH PIECE SBTU PIECE SBTU

30 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 www.systemblue.org 31 TRADITIONAL BRASS

TOGETHER, WE GROW.

System Blue’s Traditional Marching Brass Series is a must for all entry and mid-level performing groups.

The Traditional series features several voices in the brass choir — two trumpets, mellophone, student model trombone, euphonium, 3 and 4 valve over-the-shoulder tubas, and a new 4 valve sousaphone. Each instrument is balanced, lightweight, durable, and built to maintain the quality you have come to expect at a price you can afford.

FINISH: SILVER or LACQUER Every System Blue traditional brass instrument is available in silver or lacquer finish with contrasting finger buttons and top/bottom valve caps.

INCLUDED WITH EVERY HORN: System Blue mouthpiece ABS case White gloves Graduated tuning slide marks Tuning guide Valve oil & slide grease Cleaning cloth Photo © Karmen Browning 2016

32 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 33 TRADITIONAL BRASS TRADITIONAL BRASS

TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL TRUMPETS MELLOPHONE TROMBONE EUPHONIUM TUBA

MODELS SB10-LE-Student MODEL SB20-LE MODEL SBSTROM MODEL SB30-LE MODELS SB45-LE-3 VALVE SB12-LE-Intermediate KEY F KEY B KEY B SB50-LE-4 VALVE KEY B BELL 10.5” BELL 8.46”b BELL 11.5”b KEY BB BELL 5”b BORE .464 BORE .547 BORE .571 BELL 19”b BORE .460 M-PIECE SBME M-PIECE SBEU M-PIECE SBEU BORE .670

M-PIECE SBTP2 M-PIECE SBTU Photo © Karmen Browning 2016

34 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 35 MOUTHPIECES

SYSTEM BLUE MOUTHPIECES System Blue silver plated mouthpieces SBTU TUBA/SOUSAPHONE facilitate flexibility, clarity, and overall quality of sound. Designed to enhance articulation SBEU EUPHONIUM/TROMBONE with smoother flexibility, the open throat SBBA BARITONE - SMALL SHANK and backbore help with airflow and sound SBME MELLOPHONE projection. The mass, cup shape, and rim mold help maintain embouchure position while SBTP1 TRUMPET - LEAD minimizing minor forced air errors. SBTP2 TRUMPET - SECTION

36 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 37 Mouthpiece photos © Clare Woodhead 2016 SOUND REINFORCEMENT

SOUND REINFORCEMENT Indoors and out, this audio system is STUDIOLIVE AI DIGITAL MIXER EXCEPTIONAL IN STUDIOLIVE AI LOUDSPEAKERS SAMPLE LIBRARIES AUDIO-TECHNICA MICROPHONES From traditional marching brass/drums to full-blown cinematic soundscapes, QUALITY OF SOUND Enjoy a clarity and power of sound and uber friendly to set up and operate. these sample libraries by System Blue like never before! and Sample Logic deliver the definitive — Brian Dinkle, Blue Devils & RCC Indoor Percussion Front Ensemble System Blue has collaborated with PreSonus Audio, sounds for educators and arrangers, and Audio-Technica, and Woodwind & Brasswind to provide an extraordinarily versatile and inspiring the most powerful and easiest-to-use field audio construction toolkit for film, TV, game system on the market. Our combined experiences allow composers, producers, and electronic us to deliver a system that is catered to the marching musicians. ensemble, fully supported with training and tutorials, and at an affordable price. FANFARE Marching & Cinematic Brass RUMBLE Marching & Cinematic Drums IMPAKT Cinematic & Concert Percussion VET Virtual Ensemble Trilogy: Selections from Fanfare, Rumble & Impakt

38 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 39 HEALTH & WELLNESS DRILLMASTERS

The lighter weight, balance, and SYSTEM BLUE ergonomics of System Blue products HEALTH & WELLNESS KEEP THE PERFORMERS The System Blue Health & Wellness Program is dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and safety for both product design and education. HEALTHIER The team is comprised of medical professionals than we’ve ever seen. who have been entrenched in the marching arts — Jeff Chaplin, MPT, System Blue Medical Advisor and have analyzed the top groups worldwide. They have spent years collecting data, creating programs and implementing ideas to advance our Heath and Wellness initiative. Partnering with the System Blue Staff with over 100 years of experience, we have created the most innovative and safest products in the world.

System Blue is committed to helping the world of pageantry move in a more health conscious direction. We are focusing on how the performer will interact with our products. How their body can effectively use our products to raise their performance to an extraordinary level. Safety, comfort and the performer are priorities for SYSTEM BLUE SUPER DRILLMASTERS System Blue. The revolutionary design of the System Blue Super Drillmasters is unique and stems from an intimate collaboration between the staff of the Blue Devils, System Blue, and Drillmasters initiated in 2007. The design team maintained strict requirements for comfort, support, flexibility, and the all-critical safety/stability. The first and only marching shoe designed from the ground up by the most experienced visual educators in the activity and worn by the World Champion Blue Devils — System Blue Super Drillmasters are the perfect marching shoes.

40 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 41 SYSTEM BLUE EDUCATION

System Blue engages band directors, teachers, staff, designers, performers, and marching members to promote musical excellence around the world. MARCHING ARTS Our education programs provide opportunities for students, educators, and fans alike to hone their performance, leadership, and teaching skills under the instruction of the finest educators in the marching arts. From intense multi-day skills camps to instrument- specific clinics and master classes, participants are able to study in a focused and enriching environment that includes performing alongside the members of today’s top drum corps. CONCERT BAND System Blue now offers professional development workshops on fundamental woodwind, brass, and concert percussion pedagogy; concert band rehearsal techniques; establishing a private lesson program; recruitment and retention; as well as student leadership mentorship for marching and concert band. Concert band workshops presented by System Blue include three professional development sessions, two modules applicable to concert band, and one module applicable to band, orchestra, and choir. The workshops detail assessment and ensemble technique, as well as a comprehensive presentation on developing intonation awareness in young musicians.

Frank Troyka, Director of Education systemblue.org/education

42 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 43 EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

When your students attend an event, they will “I am the head drum major of have the opportunity to work with some of the top SYSTEM BLUE EVENTS educators in the world. Whether they attend the are my school’s band. Our band leadership, drum line, or color guard workshops, LIFE-CHANGING — leadership team had the privilege System Blue has a tremendous experience for my place in the Blue Devils snare line started there. of attending the leadership camp them. Designed to give your students a hands on — Brandon Olander, Blue Devils Member approach, most events include the opportunity to in Grand Terrace at the end of play with a top drum line and horn line and attend June. I wanted to thank you for a rehearsal in which your students are able to the great learning experience that have an on-field experience with the performers. we had there, and the inspiration PROMOTING MUSICAL Select events include tickets to a DCI show as our EXCELLENCE AROUND special guests. that you gave us to become a THE WORLD System Blue Director Workshops work in tandem greater band. Through the hard System Blue Events — half, single, or multi- with the leadership, drum line, and color guard work and motivation of good drum workshops to coordinate and unify the efforts day clinics — are about making positive majors and section captains, we between students and their directors. Director were recognized as something to changes for you and your students. It is workshops feature intimate, personalized insight about creating a culture based on mutual from some of the most respected names in the contend with for the first time in success and right choices. It is about marching and concert worlds. years, with the ambition of a field removing the limitations we impose on Recent marching workshop titles include: show in our future (something ourselves and others that keep us from • Adapting Drum Corps Marching Technique we haven’t done as far back realizing our full potential. for the High School Band as anybody can remember). • Staging, Timing, and Making It Work Our leadership team uses the • Straight Leg vs. Active Knee: strategies you have given us A Comparison of Marching Styles every day, and our band is • Elements of Show Design and Pacing growing because of it. We • Why Student Leaders Fail can’t thank you enough!” • Rehearsal Technique For The Rest Of Us System Blue Leadership Event Attendee • Outdoor Wind Rehearsal Strategies

44 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 45 Photo © Jen Lowe 2016 DESIGN QUALITY COMMITMENT OUR DESIGNERS

Every System Blue instrument is designed from the ground up. All of our designers have extensive performance and professional experience. Today they are teachers, designers, band directors, healthcare professionals, and composers. The combined experience and knowledge of our System Blue design team has allowed us to provide the marching world with the highest quality and innovative products.

It is not enough to create durable instruments that sound and look great. We have made it our mission to ensure our instruments are balanced, light weight, and have the capabilities to be the most in-tune products on the market.

We review every design detail until we have achieved perfection. ALLAN MURRAY SCOTT JOHNSON SEAN VEGA BRIAN DINKEL We test and retest every instrument. We make sure that our Product Development & Sales Percussion Product Designer Percussion Product Designer Concert Percussion Product Designer System Blue products are durable, and that they project and blend. They are safe and ergonomically correct for the performer on the marching field, indoor arena, parade route, horn arc, and in the lot.

Our System Blue team is involved in every aspect. This is our collective passion and dream to create the right products for the world of pageantry. We have a collaborative environment, where everyone has a voice and contributes to the innovative designs. That collaborative voice includes you. We are listening. Together, we believe in our continued growth.

Quality is of the utmost importance to us. We will not allow a product to hit any field or arena without our guarantee that it will stand the test of time and achieve the sound you have been looking for. Our constant attention to detail and product innovation is what allows System Blue this guarantee. JOHN MEEHAN KEVIN RONAN KEITH DUNTON FRANK TROYKA Brass Product Designer Brass Product Designer Brass Product Designer Director of Education

46 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 47 Photo © Mathieu Jean 2016 TESTIMONIALS

“Frank presented three clinics on assessment, accuracy through ensemble rehearsal, and intonation techniques through ensemble rehearsal. As a resource teacher for our school district I am charged with planning our professional development events. Frank’s knowledge, experience, demeanor working with our teachers was second to none! I really encourage System Blue to branch out and increase the endeavor to not only provide experiences for students but provide further experiences to enrich teachers’ knowledge “We did some fine tuning on the horns today “I have been very happy and impressed by the “What sonic maturity, and talk about moving in the concert band world as well. I believe in sectionals and oh man did they perform level of product support we have received air. The expressive definitions! Full clarity on many school districts could benefit from the like a champ. We could always get the sound with these horns this year. Speaking as the detached lifted notes. Gorgeous sonore. experience we had if it were available to them. cranked up when we needed to but we are someone “in the trenches” with them this I love you. I stand in awe of your talent and getting a sound that we haven’t had before. summer, it has been helpful and reassuring sound. It’s a spiritual thing to hear you. ALL of the music teachers who were present knowing we have support from the You set a new standard. Consistency and Monday said it was one of the most well spent While I credit that to the matching brass manufacturer if something needs excellence — your system is incredible.” days we have had in years. Bravo to you and somewhat, the kids are telling me these are addressing.” bravo for involving Frank as a member of your the most free blowing horns they’ve played. Joe Allison educational team. The pride these kids have with these horns is Mark Santori DCA Brass Music GE Judge unlike anything I’ve seen.” Minnesota Brass Minnesota Brass Finals Critique Thank you again and keep up the great work Saint Paul, MN expanding our activity and pushing the Jon Bowman boundaries of what is possible.” Georgia Bridgemen Lowndes High School David Lesser, Director of Bands Lowndes, GA Clovis North Educational Center CUSD VAPA Instrumental Music Resource Teacher

48 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 49 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WHY SYSTEM BLUE? There is value in the system…

SYSTEM BLUE • designed to resonate as a choir with balance, blend, and depth like no other horn line 3122 Gillham Plaza • bore sizes and routing of the wraps create ease of playability and maximum performance Kansas City, MO 64109 • health and wellness of the player in mind — balanced, lightweight, and ergonomically correct (800) 950-3049 (toll-free) • durable bracing and plating to withstand the rigorous demands of the marching world (816) 945-6380 (business) • Graduated Tuning Guide — tune your horn line more efficiently and accurately in any conditions (816) 945-6395 (fax) BRASS • elegant and distinctive look and feel — performers will feel, hear, and see the difference. systemblue.org • designed for the pageantry world and projection as a sonorous choir of instruments

@SystemBlue1 • specifically for the marching arts — perform for longer periods of time with less fatigue and enhanced ability to stay in tune in all weather conditions /SystemBlue1 @SystemBlue1 • lightweight — built for speed and agility — marching drums are 25% lighter than most drums on the market Sales • evolutionary look and feel — sleek design and balance allows your performers to live on the cutting [email protected] edge — a completely redesigned percussion system built for a new generation of musical athletes Education • revolutionary ergonomics relieve much of the hand and wrist fatigue caused by long periods of play [email protected] • innovative design elements such as cut away hoops on the tenors reduce rim clicks General Inquiries [email protected] • fewer parts means they’re easier to maintain Customer Support • sound that will distinguish you from all other brands — warm, full, robust allowing for the perfect blend both indoors [email protected] and outdoors Repairs & Warranty • game changer — now you can design and redesign the color of your drums by simply switching the ON2 slips — change [email protected] the color from season to season, show to show or even in the middle of your performance Management Suite • tenor and snare heads specifically designed to achieve that new championship sound you have been searching for systembluems.com PERCUSSION

Brass and percussion instruments • instruments work together in concert to provide a well balanced sound that is rich, colorful, and full are distributed through: of depth, setting you apart and providing a competitive edge BAC Musical Instruments • brass, percussion, heads, sticks, mallets, mouthpieces, shoes, sound reinforcement — all designed

Kansas City, MO 64106 THE by champions and built to succeed OEM Partner Jinbao Musical Instruments

Product Photography by Mathieu Jean Subscribe to the System and join a family and team of experts who will walk with Action Photography by Pedro Rodriguez SYSTEM you every step of the way. From product support and on-site roll outs, to clinics and Ryan Carr unless otherwise noted and continuing education for both students and staff — we are committed to you.

50 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 DESIGNED BY CHAMPIONS, PLAYED BY CHAMPIONS