Hi! My name is Sophia Broesamle. I am 22 years old and I am the new guard instructor for the Crimson Kings! I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Screen Arts and I work full-time at the United Nations as a Program and Marketing Assistant for a non-profit organization. I have 11 years of experience with marching band and 5 years experience with dance and winter guard. In college, I marched with the Michigan Marching Band and was able to be a rank leader for the Michigan Flags. With this Marching Band, I performed in front of over 110,000 people multiple times! It was amazing. In the winters, I marched with the Michigan Winter Ensemble and competed in the Independent A class in WGI and MCGC. I have a great love and admiration for Band and I am excited to be able to work with the Crimson Kings!
CK: Please describe your teaching style.
My teaching style involves making practice fun and efficient. I make sure that my guard is enjoying learning the new routines, but I also discipline them to get the job done and get the job done well. I will push them to help them see that they have the capability to do anything they put their mind to.
CK: What goals are you setting for the guard line?
My immediate goals for the guard are to help them understand the basic fundamentals and my way of writing and choreographing guard work. I want to make sure that we are as clean as possible now so that we can focus on giving them more difficult work, such as tosses and more advanced dance techniques. In the future, I want to be able to have the guard grow into a large group and I would like to start a winter guard with them. I believe that it is possible, but the first steps are the most important. With my future goal in mind, I lead practices the way they need to be so that I can prep the guard and the transition will be simple.
CK: What has been the most pleasant surprise so far working with the Crimson Kings?
So far, I am very impressed with the Crimson Kings. This is the first band that I have worked with where there are members under the age of 14! It’s incredible how well they march and I have only known them for a couple days, but I am very proud and pleased. They also sound fantastic and the guard looks great. I am excited to see how far they will come this year
CK:What do you hope to bring to the Corps?
I would like to help the guard be strong and overall help the band grow and push limits! I expect the students to understand what is expected of them and to work hard to learn routines and perform with enthusiasm.
CK: What message would you like to say to the Corps?
I am very excited to be able to work with you all and to begin to help you grow into an amazing ensemble. I promise to give you my all in everything I do!
CK: What is your favorite thing about the drum corps activity?
My favorite thing about the drum corps activity is the performance. I love showcasing all of the hard work that is put into learning a routine and really showing off what the band can do. Now that I write and choreograph, my favorite part is seeing how my guard grows throughout the year. The difference between day one of practice to a performance is truly a spectacular feeling of pride.
CK: If your students can take one thing away from being a part of a drum corps, what would you hope it to be?
If anything, I think what the students should take away is that the band is your family. They will always be there for you, to push you to be your best as well as being a support system when things get tough.