Chops, Inc. News Release

Chops, Inc. 2005 Show, Corps History, and Staff

Chops, Incorporated Drum and Bugle Corps, now in its 6th season of competitive field performance, is excited to announce their 2005 production entitled "Yes, We're Serious..And Don't Call Us Shirley!" Music selections include, but are not limited to, "Pinball Wizard", "Tommy, Can You Hear Me?", "See Me Feel Me", "Listening To You" from the rock opera "Tommy" by The Who, "Heavenly" by Harry Connick, Jr., and "Free Bird" by Lynard Skynard.

The 2005 production is return to Chops, Incorporated's roots, mixing some old favorites with some new flavor that's sure to stir the spirit and drive the soul. With a little bit of rollin' and a whole ton of rockin', the 2005 production allows for a great deal of audience appeal that drum corps fans have come to expect from Chops, Incorporated. Hard hitting percussion, screaming soprano solos, and exposures for every section of the corps make the 2005 show "Yes, We're Serious.And Don't Call Us Shirley" a must see for all passionate drum corps fans.

Since 1991, Chops, Incorporated has WOWed audiences all over the Midwest with their high energy and slapstick parade routines. Over our short, 15 year history, Chops, Inc. has developed into one of the most respected, successful entertainment groups in Minnesota. Today, Chops Inc. performs in 10-15 parades, 7-10 field show competitions, and is seen by hundreds of thousands of people annually through our live performances, television coverage, and competitions. Chops, Inc. prides itself on offering a program that fosters friendship, responsibility, self-pride, and leadership without the full-time schedule required by most junior corps. Members rehearse once a week and have 2 weekends off per month during the competitive season. This year's appearances include the DCI regional competition in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Chops, Incorporated's inaugural trip to DCA Championships in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Just as exciting as the show itself, is the staff that made it all possible. Director, Jeremy Kunkel, is thrilled to be working with brass arranger Andy Yozviak, brass caption head Mark Schilling, and brass techs Steve Kalla, and Greg Hiniker. Managing the color guard is caption head Phillip Mendoza and technician, Megan Kunkel. Teaching the percussion is caption head Mike Mayer, along with techs, Greg Priebe, Josh Swantz, Connor McCray, and Ronald McWhopper. All percussion arrangements are by Jeremy Kunkel. The visual team is headed by Kevin Kimes, Kim Cosens, and drill design is by Jason Miller. The Executive Director is Mike Mayer.

About Chops, Inc.

Chops, Inc., a Drum Corps for all ages, is a non-profit community and non-discriminative service organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chops offers a year-round educational performing arts program for people of all ages. It provides a welcoming environment for all performance levels. Chops emphasizes character and social development, leadership, self-discipline and the pursuit of excellence. Members regularly comment on how much they have grown over their years with Chops and how our activities have prepared them to succeed in life.

Media Contact

Robert Bohanek
CEO, Chops Inc.
rbohanek@chopsinc.com
651-270-5867

Chops, Inc.

PO Box 14774
Minneapolis, MN 55414
1-800-486-9207
http://www.chopsinc.com