Fever

Fever drum and bugle corps was organized by Lewis Wilhelm, director of bands at Modesto high school and former member of Valley Fever, in December of 2002, drawing much inspiration from its predecessor.

The group, sporting dusty red tops with grey pants competed regionally in the “Division II” class, participating in the California State & State Open championships, placing 3^rd in both. The next season saw the corps performed in the 2004 Southwest & Western Open regionals, finishing in 2^nd position and ranked as a finalist in the DCI “Division II” championships, placing 3^rd and 4^th in the DCI Grand Finale.

In 2005, Fever defended their 2^nd place finish in the CA State Open contest while placing 3^rd in the Great Lakes Open regional and ranked 4^th in the DCI “Division II” finals, placing 5^th in the Grand Finale. The corps regrouped as a “Division III” unit over the last two seasons, participating once again in the 2006 Southwest & Western Open shows, finishing in 3^rd position,
returning to a 3^rd place finish in the Great Lakes Open and 5^th in the DCI “Division III” semifinals. 

The corps enjoyed a very successful 2007, crowned both the 2007 CA State Open & the DCI Preview champions but just fell short of the DCI “Division III" title, missing out by a mere one-tenth of a point. The unit's bright future was abruptly halted as director Wilhelm was charged with sexual misconduct.

Some of the corps traditions included the entire drum corps listening to the corps song, "Hymn song on Phillip Bliss" by David Holsinger, on the way to every show on the bus. The brass line has always also listened to "Wonder boy" by Tenacious D right afterwards. In 2006, the corps only used one bus, so the entire corps listened to both. Also, it was a tradition for the brass line to play the corps song for the entire corps after a show followed by an explanation of its history for the members, along with personal meanings of the song from some  veterans. The brass line played it again after the final performance of the
season.

In the years that the corps has marched a cymbal line, the cymbals kissed the suns on their shakos while coming off the field after a show. The bass drums always performed each show with a Jolly Rancher under one wristband, to be eaten after the show. It was also traditional for someone in the audience to yell "Fever's Hot!!!" right before the start of every show. This tradition was started by Richard Braun, and he made sure it got carried on each season.

They disbanded in 2008.

www.fevercorps.org; "Modesto has 'Fever' once again," Modesto Bee, Michael G. Mooney, 2/24/03; Dave Strickler; Paul Legault (DCX)

Members (5)