2017-System-Blue-Catalog.Pdf

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2017 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 2017 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 TRADITIONAL PERCUSSION 10 not alone, and you never were. System Blue ON2 PERCUSSION SLIPS 12 empowers us all to reach our greatest potential. STANDS & CARRIERS 14 DRUM STICKS & BAGS 16 TOGETHER, MALLETS & BAGS 18 IT’S OUR TIME. PROFESSIONAL BRASS 20 TRADITIONAL BRASS 28 MOUTHPIECES 32 SOUND REINFORCEMENT 34 DRILLMASTERS & APPAREL 36 EDUCATION/MANAGEMENT 38 EDUCATION/EVENTS 40 HEALTH & WELLNESS 42 DESIGN QUALITY & COMMITMENT 44 SYSTEM BLUE DESIGNERS 45 TESTIMONIALS 46 PROFESSIONAL PERCUSSION EVOLUTIONARY.

System Blue Natal 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 Natal 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 NATAL

the FATIGUE REDUCTION isTREMENDOUS. MODEL PHATBOY — Sean Clarke, Blue Devils Center Snare CARBON COMPOSITE BODY Carbon Fiber Upper-Lower WOOD SNARE DRUM 4-ply 16” Birch Shell, Aluminum Hoops The only one of its kind, the Phatboy is ultra lightweight FINISH Black PVC 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 • 2017 systemblue.org 5 PROFESSIONAL PERCUSSION

SYSTEM BLUE NATAL CARBON COMPOSITE MODEL TENOR HEX BODY Carbon Fiber Knuckle Ring WOOD TENOR DRUM Magnesium Uppers Lightweight and ergonomically correct, tenor players 4-ply Birch 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 Black PVC 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.

They’re lighter and easier to play… It’s INNOVATION, “ TECHNOLOGY, & EDUCATION all wrapped up in one. — Sean Vega, RCC Indoor Percussion

6 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 7 PROFESSIONAL PERCUSSION

SYSTEM BLUE NATAL CARBON COMPOSITE MODEL PROFESSIONAL BASS BODY Carbon Fiber Lugs WOOD BASS DRUM 6-ply Birch Shell, 1” Aluminum Hoops Our marching bass has carbon fiber lug casings allowing FINISH Black PVC 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 • 2017 systemblue.org 9 TRADITIONAL PERCUSSION

System Blue’s Traditional Marching Percussion Series offers 6-ply birch shell drums with aluminum and wood reinforcement rings for the strength, stability, consistency, and durability you’ve come to expect.

Designed and tested for decades, our traditional series offers comfort, familiarity and compatibility at the right price for your marching percussion section.

SYSTEM BLUE-NATAL SYSTEM BLUE-NATAL SYSTEM BLUE-NATAL TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL SNARE DRUM TENOR DRUMS * BASS DRUM

MODEL SBN-TRSNB MODEL SBN-MTN MODEL SBN-MBD BODY 6-ply Birch Shell BODY 6-ply Birch Shell BODY 6-ply Birch Shell Aluminum Hoops 2.3 mm Steel Hoops 6-ply Birch Hoops FINISH Black PVC FINISH Black PVC FINISH Black PVC SIZE 14” x 12” SIZE 6”/8”/10”/12”/13”/14”Black SIZE 14” x 16”/18”/20”/22”/24”/26” HARDWARE Black Powder Coat HARDWARE Black Powder Coat 16”x 28”/30”

HEADS Black HEADS Black HARDWARE Black Powder Coat

HEADS Black * drums not pictured

10 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 11 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.

12 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 13 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 Tyco 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. 14 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 15 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 16 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 17 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 TENOR HEAD Jim Wunderlich Signature and Diversity mallets System Blue Evans tenor drum heads have durable components for both outdoor and ANY MUSICAL deliver tonal clarity and projection while indoor environments. The lush tone of these increasing durability and pitch stability, mallets is an appropriate and tasteful choice for DEMAND. thus reducing the need for frequent tuning. — Jim Wunderlich, Blue Devils indoor concert or marching settings. The series utilizes Evans’ unique Sound Shaping Technology™, a damping technique Store your entire mallet collection in either of the that targets unwanted overtones and classic System Blue mallet stick bags. provides the control needed to enhance attack, projection, and note definition. The damping pattern on each head also provides a visual SYSTEM BLUE MALLET STICK BAG SB-SB1 reference for the optimal ‘playing zone’ for each SYSTEM BLUE GRAND MALLET STICK BAG SB-SB2 drum, offering a target for less experienced lines.

New System Blue Evans Marching Snare Head Designed by Scott Johnson for all levels of play in any playing environment. Guaranteed for a softer feel on the hands. SYSTEM BLUE JIM WUNDERLICH SERIES SYSTEM BLUE DIVERSITY SERIES 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 revolutionary drum-like feel and articulation you have to experience to believe.

18 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 19 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 Photo © Samuel Catcliffe 2016

20 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 21 PROFESSIONAL BRASS PROFESSIONAL BRASS

SYSTEM BLUE SYSTEM BLUE PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL TRUMPETS MELLOPHONE

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

22 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 23 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 KEY B 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

24 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 25 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 KEY BB BELL 19”b BELL 26”b BORE .734 BORE .730 MOUTH MOUTH PIECE SBTU PIECE SBTU Photo © Charlie Groh 2016

26 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 www.systemblue.org 27 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

28 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 29 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

30 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 31 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

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

34 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 35 DRILLMASTERS APPAREL BE YOU

SYSTEM BLUE SUPER DRILLMASTERS 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. store.systemblue.org

36 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 37 SYSTEM BLUE EDUCATION SYSTEM BLUE MANAGEMENT SUITE

System Blue engages band directors, teachers, staff, designers, performers, and marching System Blue Management Suite is cloud based software members to promote musical excellence that offers data management, communications, and around the world. assessment tools for the performing arts. Better manage your data, improve communications, and assess progress MARCHING ARTS Our education programs provide opportunities for to take your performing ensembles to the next level. students, educators, and fans alike to hone their performance, leadership, and teaching skills under the DATA MANAGEMENT instruction of the finest educators in the marching arts. COMMUNICATIONS From intense multi-day skills camps to instrument- specific clinics and master classes, participants are able ASSESSMENT TOOLS to study in a focused and enriching environment that includes performing alongside the members of today’s FINANCIALS top drum corps. EVENTS CALENDAR CONCERT BAND DONORS & DONATIONS System Blue now offers professional development VOLUNTEERS workshops on fundamental woodwind, brass, and concert percussion pedagogy; concert band rehearsal INVENTORY techniques; establishing a private lesson program; INSIGHT REPORTS recruitment and retention; as well as student leadership mentorship for marching and concert band. Concert MOBILE READY band workshops presented by System Blue include RELIABLE & SAFE three professional development sessions, two modules applicable to concert band, and one module applicable GOOGLE MAPS INTEGRATION to band, orchestra, and choir. The workshops detail SIMPLE DATA IMPORT & EXPORT 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 systembluems.com

38 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 39 EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

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

™

BeBE EAR-RESPONSIBLEEar-Responsible

SYSTEM BLUE HEALTH & WELLNESS The System Blue Health & Wellness Program is dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and safety for both product design and education. The team is comprised of medical professionals who have been entrenched in the marching arts and have analyzed the top groups worldwide. They have spent years The lighter weight, balance, and collecting data, creating programs and implementing ideas to advance our Heath and Wellness initiative. HEAR YOUR BEST SO ergonomics of System Blue products Partnering with the System Blue Staff with over YOU CAN SOUND YOUR BEST! 100 years of experience, we have created the most No sweat, itch or tickle, KEEP THE PERFORMERS innovative and safest products in the world. virtually invisible, re-usable and comfortable all day long. System Blue is committed to helping the world of HEALTHIER pageantry move in a more health conscious direction. than we’ve ever seen. We are focusing on how the performer will interact The only earplug trusted by the — Jeff Chaplin, MPT, System Blue Medical Advisor with our products. How their body can effectively World Champion Blue Devils use our products to raise their performance to an extraordinary level. Safety, comfort and the performer are priorities for System Blue.

42 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 43 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 JARED ANDREWS We test and retest every instrument. We make sure that our Product Development & Sales Percussion Product Designer Percussion Product Designer 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

“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

46 SYSTEM BLUE • 2017 systemblue.org 47 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 unless otherwise noted and continuing education for both students and staff — we are committed to you.