http://www.bluecoats.com/news_detail.asp?news_id=272

(Canton, Ohio) - 8/22/2008

After five years of serving as the Bluecoat's Music Coordinator and Battery Arranger, Michael McIntosh has resigned from his position with the corps.

"The Bluecoats provided me with a sense of family and a chance to compete at the highest level, and although I am stepping away I believe they are set-up for a successful future. I am grateful for my experiences with the corps and I will keep them close for a long time as I re-direct my energy into my passion for family, friends, electronic music and digital design," said McIntosh.

"Mike played an integral role in putting together a percussion program that finished in the top three the past three years." said Bluecoats' Executive Director David Glasgow. "I thank him for his hard work, dedication, creativity and friendship, and wish him nothing but the best in his very bright future."

An announcement will be made soon regarding the exciting plans already in place for the future of the Bluecoats percussion program.

I just hope this doesn't effect the awesomeness of the bluecoats line, they've always been solid.

I agree, but I'm also looking foward to seeing who takes over.

Hmmm I'm wondering what these exciting new plans are. Isn't Bret Kuhn still with them?

If by 'always' you mean the last four years, then yes, I would agree.

yes that's exactly what i mean, spot on.

My guess on who's coming in:Shane Gwaltney (sp?).

I think Gwaltney would be a very good choice. Spirit's line was underrated in my opinion, and his work with Mystique is well known.

However, Kuhn seems like the obvious choice, but I have no clue whether or not he wants to do anything other than consult (like he has since he left Cavies).

Either one of those two options would provide a good future for bluecoats.

I saw Kuhn just kind of chilling in the lot with the Bluecoats on semi's night. I have no clue who will take over but i honestly doubt Kuhn would.

It'd be cool to see Gusseck come back. Other than Gwaltney and Kuhn, I don't know who else would be, well, available to take over other than someone fairly new to the position in DCI (World class, atleast).

You guys are forgetting that Aungst or Larrivee could jump in to the rescue!
Yeah, I personally wouldn't be surprised to see Kuhn take over. It would be awesome if he did.

Gusseck already came back. He was the battery manager with SCV this past summer.

Kuhn was just a program consultant. I don't see him stepping into a percussion caption head position for the long haul on this one.

I did not know this. I was wondering where he went to after Cap Reg folded for the season (he was with them for a season, right? I'm not making this up, am I? ).

I'd still like to see him in a more prominent role with a corps. His techniques are very innovative and I'd like to see more of his "out of the box" thinking and seeing where that could take(or add to) the activity.

...carry on .

I'm all for change in this activity. But gah, first Aungst and Larivee and now McIntosh. All of their reasons for leaving better just be a cover for them joining forces to create the super percussion staff for someone, because this just makes me really sad. Have a nice day...if you can.

This stuff has happened before. Casella left SCV. Kuhn, Erik Johnson, and McIntosh left Cavies (not at the same time). Scott Johnson left SCV. McNutt left Xmen,Glassmen, Magic, and Madison. Hardimon left SCV. Mike Stevens left Cadets and Blue Knights. Rennick left Blue Devils and Crown. Beddis left Phantom and Xmen. Thurston left Xmen. Hannum left Cadets. Brian Mason left Cavies and PR. Float left BD.

(I am sure I left out some obvious ones, but I was just trying to make a point).

After Murray left SCV at the end of the 2005 season, he took 2006 off. He was a consultant with Capital Regiment in 2006, but wasn't with them much at all. In 2007 he helped with Cavaliers for a few weeks on the road. In 2008, he came back full time with SCV. Him being the battery manager is a perfect fit for him I think.