The Blue Devils and Jazz. To drum corps enthusiasts for more than three decades, the corps and the music have become synonymous. The Blue Devils vast repertoire has included all aspects of jazz -- from Mingus to Metheny, from big band to jazz rock, from blues to Latin to cool -- virtually all aspects of this truly unique American art form. Continuing this tradition of jazz exploration, the 2002 Blue Devils celebrate the American spirit through "Jazz- Music Made in America."

The first production is Ragtime, based on "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin and music by Stephen Flaherty from the musical "Ragtime." Historically, jazz evolved from ragtime, a syncopated American music that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. "Rags" were mainly written for piano. The music's unique excitement results from the contrast between syncopated, or "ragged," rhythms with the symmetrical march rhythms. The influence of ragtime can be felt in the music of dance bands of the 20' and 30's, and the bittersweet melancholy of the blues.

The second production is a medley of George Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm " from "Girl Crazy" (1930) and "Fascinatin Rhythm" from "Lady Be Good" (1924). Both pieces reflect the melodic talent and genius for rhythmic invention that made Gershwin such an important American composer. It was Gershwin's resolve to join popular and classical music, or as it was put in those days, "making a lady out of jazz." As music historian Patrick O"Connor stated, "Gershwin was one of those composers (with contemporaries like Kern, Berlin, and Porter) responsible for inventing a new, all American sound, which owed little to European tradition, and everything to the true melting pot of American society."

One of the most well known pieces from the Blues tradition is the next production, "The House of the Rising Sun." The song is a lament of a New Orleans woman driven to a life of desperation. Her story has been told by countless artists --from the Blind Boys of Alabama to Eric Burden and the Animals. Destined to become another Blue Devils classic, "The House of the Rising Sun" is the essence of the Blues: "...the aching search for relief, comfort in darkness, solace in the heart of sorrow. It's about being lonely, feeling betrayed, and finding a way back home. (Charlie Lang, from "Essential Blues".)

The final production is one of the most popular tunes from the Blue Devil's repertoire. "Channel One Suite" was originally composed by Bill Reddie for Buddy Rich's jazz rock big band, and soon became one of the bands most requested pieces. This extended piece is a standard in the creative combination of many voices of jazz. The driving percussion, the virtuosic solos, the swing feel, and the bluesy second movement all contribute to its dynamic scope, and make it the perfect final piece in this exciting exploration of jazz.

As they travel and perform from California to New England, through the South to the Midwest, the Blue Devils invite you to join with them in a celebration of the American spirit. A celebration of "Jazz--Music Made in America.

• "Maple Leaf Rag / Ragtime" Scott Joplin
• "I Got Rhythm / Fascinating Rhythm" George Gershwin
• "House of the Rising Sun" Traditional folk Song
• "Channel One Suite" Bill Reddie