Teal Sound

In The Beginning

Teal Sound traces its roots back to 1983, when three ambitious high school students from Jacksonville, Florida, embarked on a mission to establish a community drum and bugle corps. Their enthusiasm drew an impressive turnout of around 200 local youth to a city park, where initial rehearsals sparked excitement and dreams. However, the harsh reality of financial constraints and a lack of experience quickly became evident, and the fledgling corps could not sustain its operations.

Fast forward to 1998, two of the original founders, Michael Butler, and Danny Clark, reignited their passion and determination to bring a corps to Jacksonville. This time, their efforts bore fruit. With newfound financial backing and sponsorships, they secured donated uniforms and bugles, creating a solid foundation for the corps. Their hard work paid off when Teal Sound received a key grant from the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 1998 season, marking their official debut.

Initially, Teal Sound did not plan to tour in 1999. However, the enthusiastic response from the community and supporters led to an unexpected two-week tour culminating in Madison, Wisconsin. The corps proudly finished 9th out of 12 corps in Division II, an amazing accomplishment for a corps that was not even planning to tour.

The Evolution of Teal Sound: 2000-2008

2000: A New Beginning in Division III

In the 2000 season, Teal Sound made a strategic move to compete in Division III, emphasizing sustainability and growth. Their show featured the vibrant music of Santana and featured a high-powered horn line led by Trevor Jones. The 2000 corps set the stage for Teal Sound’s future success.

2001: Bold Innovations with Metallica

By 2001, Teal Sound upped the ante with an ambitious show featuring the music of Metallica. This performance was a unique adaptation from a collaboration between Metallica, composer Michael Kamen, and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. The daring choice paid off, earning Teal Sound a spot in the Finals at every major show they attended, culminating in a seventh-place finish at the DCI Division III World Championships. It was also in this year that the corps adopted "Nothing Else Matters" as their official song, marking a significant milestone in their identity.

2002-2003: The Jekyll and Hyde Years

The years 2002 and 2003 were marked by contrasting themes. In 2002, Teal Sound delighted audiences with a lighthearted show featuring the music of Dave Matthews. The following year, they took a more classical approach, performing the "Firebird Suite" and "Liturgical Dances." Both shows were driven by the high-powered drumlines led by Adam Steff. During these years, Teal Sound's color guard reached new heights through their affiliation with Paradigm Winter Guard.

2004-2005: A New Look and Continued Success

In 2004, Teal Sound unveiled a new look designed by John Pittman, complete with a redesigned logo and uniform, giving the corps a world-class appearance. This transformation helped Teal Sound continue its ascent. With Tyler Dempsey leading the drum line and Scott Bush leading the visual, Teal Sound won the Division III percussion title and finishing third overall. The corps' momentum continued as they expanded, hosting camps in Austin, Texas, and Jacksonville, FL. In 2005. Teal Sound moved back up to Division II, and selected an all-original score by Key Poulan and Tyler Dempsey entitled “Fire Storm”. Teal Sound worked extremely hard under very difficult conditions to secure fourth place in the Division II/III finals. The 2005 corps earned the highest score in Teal Sound's history, 93.125.

2006: Pieces of a Dream

In 2006, Teal Sound embarked on an all-original show again written by Nick Golding and Jeff Willis. The show, "Pieces of a Dream," documented the corps' journey from a dream to reality. This creative endeavor further showcased the corps' excellence and innovation.

2007-2008: Achievements and Recognition

Teal Sound's excellence and creativity were recognized in 2007 when they won the prestigious Spirit of Disney award and placed third. The following year, they achieved fifth place in the newly formed Open Class, solidifying their status as a formidable competitor in the drum corps community.

Through these transformative years, Teal Sound consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the drum corps landscape.

Teal Sound's Transformative Years: A Legacy of Innovation and Resilience

In 2009, Teal Sound introduced a striking new look, transitioning from their traditional black and teal uniforms to an elegant cream ensemble with teal and gold accents. This fresh and sophisticated image accompanied their impressive performance that year, earning them a fourth-place finish in Open Class. In 2009, Teal Sound once again demonstrated its innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of drum corps performance. They made history by being among the first drum corps to incorporate electric guitars and bass on the field, revolutionizing the traditional soundscape of the activity. This bold move not only set them apart but also paved the way for a new era of creativity and musical exploration within the drum corps community. Their forward-thinking approach in 2009 continues to inspire and influence performances across the globe, solidifying Teal Sound’s legacy as a trailblazer in the marching arts.

The following year marked a significant milestone for Teal Sound. Before the 2010 season, the corps was granted World Class membership, making them the first Florida drum corps to enter Drum Corps International's top division since Florida Wave, Magic of Orlando, and Suncoast Sound. Competing at this elite level, Teal Sound finished 20th out of 23 World Class corps in 2010 and improved to 19th place in 2011.

In 2012, Teal Sound’s production, "CircO: A Circus For A Modern World," highlighted their innovative spirit. The show featured compositions by Robert W. Smith and other renowned composers, captivating audiences with its creativity and flair. Despite the artistic success, the season was cut short due to financial difficulties, particularly a fallout with their bus company. After a performance in Centerville, Ohio, on July 9th, Teal Sound announced their early return to Florida the following day via their Facebook page.

The 2013 season saw Teal Sound unable to field a corps, and their online presence largely disappeared. Although no official announcements have been made about their return, the future of Teal Sound remains uncertain. However, the legacy of Teal Sound endures, remembered for their resilience, creativity, and the significant impact they left on the drum corps community. Their journey continues to inspire, a testament to their dedication and passion for the art of drum and bugle corps. 

N.E.M.