The Rocketeers Drum & Bugle Corps captured first place in the brass choir division at the 2013 Drum Corps Associates World Championships in Annapolis, Md. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The Rocketeers Drum & Bugle Corps has brought excitement of this musical style to the region.

“The Rocketeers is a new standing ‘mini-corps’ affiliated with Drum Corps Associates (DCA), Small Drum Corps Association and Drum Corps International (DCI) SoundSport,” spokesperson Bill Gullatt said.

A ‘mini-corps’ has 11 to 25 brass and percussion instrumentalists with most performances in a stage setting, either standing or with some choreography during a field corps’ marching show, Gullatt said.

The Rocketeers was founded “to bring drum-and-bugle corps style of music to North Alabama and South Tennessee,” Gullatt said.

The brass section performs on three-valve, bell-front instruments, consisting of soprano, mellophone, baritone and contrabass in the key of G. The percussion section has a drum set and auxiliary percussion, with plans to add a drum line and color guard.

Currently with 15 members, The Rocketeers has openings for all brass and percussion instruments. Most members own their instruments, but the corps owns several instruments that they will loan to new members.

“We welcome anyone over 18 years old with brass or percussion experience to participate in a rehearsal,” Gullatt said. A good attitude and commitment are the main factors for new members. “The corps places greater emphasis on dedication, attendance and hard work over talent.”

The Rocketeers captured first place in the brass choir division at the 2013 DCA World Championships in Annapolis, Md. They will return to the 2014 championships in Rochester, N.Y. on Labor Day weekend.

They will perform in exhibition at DCI North Alabama on July 25 at Alabama A&M University and also compete at DCI SoundSport. They have entertained at Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, Straight To Ale Brewery, St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Providence.

Their upbeat repertoire includes “The Jetsons” theme; “Aquarius”; “In The Stone,” Earth, Wind and Fire; “Forget You,” Ce Lo Green; “Freebird,” Lynyrd Skynyrd; and “Moondance,” Van Morrison.

The Rocketeers rehearse at Asbury United Methodist Church. Annual dues are $100 to cover music, instruction, practice facilities and instrument purchases.

For more information, call 256-616-3487 or 256-694-8813, email to rocketeersdbc@earthlink.net or visit therocketeers.org or Facebook/RocketeersDBC.