In this edition of Behind the Shades, we get personal with Kelli Giles, better known as "Mistress Kelli." In the following interview, she talks about her Freelancer days, Arnold Schwarzenegger and saying goodbye to a dear friend.
7: First things first: tell us a little bit about your junior corps experience and what led you to drum corps in the first place.
KG: In High School, I was on the Flag Team. One day, our band director brought in a video of 1989 SCV to show the band. I was hooked! I discovered that Sacramento had a drum and bugle corps so I went to a camp, not really knowing what I was getting into. By about April of 91, I figured out that we actually go on tour. I marched in the colorguard for the Freelancers from 91 through 94. After aging out, I thought there was nothing left for me (typical mentality when you have no clue what "all-age" corps is about). I went to a few California shows over the years but it was not the same. Last year, I received two e-mails, one from RCR and one from Renegades asking to join. Without knowing what either corps was about, I chose RCR since it was located in my hometown. However, once the season got underway, I was intrigued by what was happening at Renegades. RCR's season ended without going to DCA so I took the opportunity to join Renegades.
7: By the time you joined the Renegades, you were already a popular figure in the online community because of your activity on Drum Corps Planet.com (DCP). Talk a little bit about the "Mistress Kelli" persona and how that came about.
KG: "Mistress Kelli" was actually created by my close friend Eric Frolkey. We both got on DCP about the same time and decided there wasn't enough hype around RCR. He created Mistress Kelli so that we could generate excitement for RCR. The persona quickly took off with polls on which bikini I should wear to sectionals and mystery as to what I really looked like.
7: Without playing favorites, what are your favorite things about each of the corps you have been a part of?
KG: My favorite part about Freelancers was the meaning behind the uniform and what it represented for the family. At RCR, it was the chance to work with all my Freelancer buddies again. With Renegades, it is the complete package. I feel like I have finally come home.
7: Who have been some of your biggest influences, be it fellow members or instructors?
KG: Starting back with Freelancers, it was Karl Sarff, marching guru extraordinaire. He was inspirational in many ways and helped keep me sane through my rookie year. I also would not have made it through those years without my friends Jennifer Kunz, Serena Silvas and Ally Tomkins (a.k.a. The Pinkie Girls). Currently, there isn’t anyone specific; I'm motivated by all the people in Renegades. I draw different things from many different people.
7: What was the biggest factor in your decision to stay with the Renegades this season?
KG: My stress levels went way down. It was amazing to me how relaxed I felt during rehearsals. Working smarter, not harder seems to suit me well.
7: Let's switch gears for a second and talk about "real life." What do you do for a living?
KG: I work for the State of CA as a LAN Administrator, which is basically a computer geek.
7: Ever had a chance to meet the Governator?
KG: No, but technically he is my boss. Last week they put his picture up in the lobby at my work. We have never had the Governor's picture up before. It makes me feel like I have to salute it when I walk by.
7: How have you exposed other people to drum corps, specifically your co-workers?
KG: When conversation turns to music, I always bring up drum corps. Usually people are intrigued. I've given co-workers videos to watch, helped a lady pick out drum pads for her daughter, invited people to shows, and directed everyone I know to the websites. The best results come from Crunchy Frog - for some reason, people love hearing about it.
7: Speaking of Crunchy Frog...there has been a great deal of controversy surrounding it. Talk a little bit about the whole idea behind Crunchy Frog and the reactions you have seen firsthand.
KG: Crunchy Frog was created to compete against the Renegades E.V.I.L. Cymbal Line with the intent of being the first group in I&E history to be disqualified. We purposely did everything wacky to accomplish our goal. People have reacted differently towards Crunchy Frog - some are excited, giddy, and can't wait to join next year. Other people are confused and don't see the point. I see it as a way to get a group of people together to "let it all hang out."
7: In your opinion, is there anything different between this season and last season?
KG: It's hard for me to tell since I joined Renegades so late in the season. If anything has changed, it's the overall focus and drive of the corps. We are all unified in our goals. Each section knows its job and when it comes together in ensemble, it's an amazing thing.
7: It has been said before that drum corps are like families. That was never more true than when we lost Eric. Talk a little bit about how that affected you and the ties you have with the other members of the corps.
KG: I am still devastated by the loss of Eric. I feel it every day. It is even more difficult at rehearsals knowing he is not there to share the experience. However, the outpouring of love and sense of family seemed even greater after he left us. Friendships became much stronger not just within our corps but also with all the corps across the country. My soul is slowly being healed by the friends around me. Without them, I would be lost. The combined horn line playing Ave Maria at the funeral was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. It was as if in that moment, Eric got his angel wings.
7: So after dealing with the long drives, the sacrificed time, and even the loss of friends along the way, why still be a part of a drum corps?
