fraber

Hi - I know that I am a bit late to this "party", but if you are interested in doing a traditional show, using G bugles and some traditional music - how about the Cabs Alumni? We are alweays looking for horn, drums, color guard, etc. We have a relaxed season - one weekend off per month and we don't kill ourselves during reheasals. There are no scores to shoot for, only the satisfaction of entertaining the crowd. Check out the Cabs web site - www,cabs.org and check out the Alumni section. You might also look at the Media section. There are videos that go WAY, WAY back. If you are ever in the area, stop by abd say Hi. Frank Zuber Cabs Competing - 1973 - 1980 Cabs Alumni 1998 - 20??

One person that has been around a LONG, LONG time is George Hayek of the Cabs Alumni and he has a remarkable memory. I would ask him and see what he can remember,

I have to say (WAY, WAY BITD), Moe Knox had taken a picture of a horn player holding his pants up - with one hand - AND try to play his horn (Valve/Rotor or just valve?). I played a few shows with a broken left shoulder and had to use a padded snare stick to prop up my right arm and play. I tied a string to the rotor and my thumb so I could play. The crazy things we do for this hobby!! If you told a psychiatrist what we willingly put our bodies thru, AND we pay for the priviledge, they would bring out the special white jackets. GOD, I love this hobby!!

I agree with Fran: 1) It gives folks like Ritchee Price and Roger Grupp... guys who physically cannot do a full-show drill anymore... a chance to do what they do best, which is.play at a ridiculously high level of proficiency. If there's no place anymore in DCA for people like that, perhaps it's time to think about where we are heading. I have a suggestion that MIGHT make all happy. If, like Richie Price and others, CANNOT march, there would be NO penalty given. HOWEVER, if they are physically able to march and elect to stay in the pits - there should be a penalty given. Do not award points for a "Park and Bark" player because they are too lazy to put the effort in to be on the field.

I giess that there are a bunch of people getting ready for Wildwood a bit earlier than most the Cabs Alumni! We have our camp weekend in Wildwood April 25 - 27.

I was at the show as a performer, so no review as I saw no one. I can tell you trhat the house was PACKED. The best attended indoor show I have seen in quite a while. Thank you to all that were in the aidience as your response to our show was greatly appreciated. Frank Zuber

If you still have the itch to perform again, why not an Alumni Corps? We (the Caballeros Alumni) are always looking for new (old? lol) talent. We do a full field drill, but not nearly as frenetic as a competitive corps. If you are interested, check the Cabs web site (Cabs.org), click on the Alumni and see our schedule for the next few months. We'd be happy to welcome you to the brotherhood/sisterhood of the 'Bells. Frank

Ray, Fran, et al How about a gathering of the more "experienced" people and have a round table(s) discussion about our activity. have a tape recorder on each table and record the "I REMEMBER THAT......" We can all look up the scores of a show or season, but not the personal stories that went on behind the scene, or just stories and memories. After a bit, rotate members to new groups - each person will feed off each other for new stories. Just think of what we have lost with the passing of "lefty" Meyer of Sky, Jim Costello of Hawthorne, Vince Bruni of Empire, Pepe, and on and on. All of there thoughts, memories and stories are gone and can never be duplicated. Think of what we could learn from Jimmy Russo, Lou Storck, GEORGE HAYEK (a Caballero from 1946!!!)David Bruni, and sooooo many more. We need to preserve this for future generations. This could take place at next year's HOF dinner or other time when they would be togeter.

It's not just you. I marched under Cos for many years. White ball cap, Golf shirt and khaki pants. If I didn't know better, I would swear that is Cos in the pic. Having said that, if there was a way......................

Not to throw a monkey wrench into the mix - but have you considered an Alumni Corps? The rehearsal time is quite a bit less intense, both off season and in season. Also, there might be less pressure, performance wise, for a new person to the hobby. With a year or two of experience under your belt, you will find it quite a bit easier to match the performance level of more experienced people. In any case, whichever way you decide, please join us in the drum corps activity. As with your military family, you will acquire a new family to share your life with. As a suggestion, if possible, come to the DCA show over the Labor Day weekend. You will have a wonderful time, meet lots of people and most importantly, you will be able to see which corps ,ight fit your needs.

I'll be marching in Hawthorne with the Cabs Alumni - we were rained out on Saturday. I marched my first parade in 1961 or 1962 - can't quite remember back that far!!

I am speaking ONLY for myself, but as a member of an Alumni corps, the lack of respect shown by DCA to the Alumni organizations is very disturbing. The Alumni corps work hard all year, put paying butts in the seats and are not even mentioned in the video.

Cathie - May I add my thanks for the review of the Alumni Spectacular. As good as your review was (and I am NOT complaining in any way), an even more detailed review is always appreciated. Even if we are not being judged, we would like to know where we need improvement - intervals, distances, timing, etc. Without those kind of comments, we do not know where the fans think we should improve. Yes, there is a great deal of respect and love between the Cabs Alumni and the competing corps, and vice versa. The competing corps is what we once were, wish we still were and help make us as good as we are. Their presence in the stands give us a boost - make us perform just that bit better - we do not wish to either disappoint them or let them down in any way. They help keep us young, if not physically, at least in out hearts. Please excuse me if you think that I am complaining about your review in any way. It was among the best we have received in quite a while. Please continue. Thanks

I totally concur. You have NO idea the thrill, rush and energy you supply to us. Due to medical problems, I was only able to march the Flamenco company front. This was the year you came rushing in as we were starting. When the Alumni heard AND FELT your presence, there was an immediate surge of energy. The energy translated into a higher level of performance. We were there to entertain the crowd, and we are happy to do that at any time. HOWEVER, having you in the stands is what we enjoy the most. You are both our past and our present and our future - you are what we were and what we wish we still were and what we want to be. Congratulations on a great season!