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  1. star of indiana - recollections by Bill Cook - Founder, Star of Indiana Originally Written: Sept. 23, 1995 Revised: Nov. 17, 1996, Mar. 12, 1999, & January 2, 2001 THE SUMMER OF 1992 Jim and the staff wanted to try to make Star more accessible to the public. They were ready to go back into time and perform a book that would hopefully be identifiable. And so "American Variations" was designed. Jim wanted to experiment with a form of visual that utilized body motion, executed by the entire ensemble. This experiment was tried in only one number, "Amber Waves" and it appeared that motion had a favorable impact on the audience. To the folks seeing the show for the first time, body sculpting appeared be a gimmick, but as the year wore on we knew that visual body movement should be explored further. It had to wait until 1993. Star folk loved this show; it was beautiful and many fans identified with it. The last week, a giant scrim was thrown up; a 40 feet high by 60 feet wide Lady Liberty covered the front of the entire corps. It was a great visual but not one that was universally accepted (said with a grin.) We ended our season with a third in Madison with a score of 96.7 behind the Cadets of Bergen County and the new champions, the Cavaliers who had a score of 97.5. JIM MASON'S PSYCHE IN 1992 For Jim, 1992 was a pivotal year because the show was designed for a broad audience appeal and the result was a hostile crowd. At that time, he decided to explore different directions. His frustrations led him to the 1993 Medea program because he wanted to give the organization a vehicle where they would be in control of their performance from beginning to end. Looking back at Medea, there were no opportunities for the audience to react until the show was over. This concept made some of the audience uncomfortable and created even more controversy. I guess that was Jim's vengeance. Also at that time, he began to contemplate doing something other than drum corps with the Star of Indiana. Perhaps the seed of Brass Theater was planted during this period. WESLEY Another friend and staff member left this life in 1992--Wesley Johnson. His easy smile, beautiful agility, and his love of teaching will be remembered by all of us who were privileged to know him. THE PBS TELEVISION BROADCAST On the morning of the 1985 championship, I met Don Pesceone, Executive Director of DCI, and he asked if our company would be interested in sponsoring the championship telecast in 1986. I answered that we would be interested. From 1986 through 1992, our company was either a co-sponsor or sponsor of the championship telecast. Since there was no one with television experience at DCI, Don later asked if I would produce it and I accepted the job of Executive Producer. I remained Executive Producer until 1992, but our sponsorship continued until DCI took over the responsibility in 1993. I'm very proud of these telecasts and had many intelligent people to rely upon. Tom Blair and Keith Klein are two indispensable individuals who taught me that excellence could exist in the production of a DCI championship. These are the men who made the DCI Championship a highlight for PBS. Steve Rondinaro, Michael Cesario, Charles Webb (Dean of IU School of Music), and Curt Goudy all gave freely of their time. Most of these men worked only for expenses which says much for people who are more dedicated to the activity than they are to self-interest. The television broadcast looked professional, was expensive to produce, and these men gave of themselves to make it happen. For the record, the broadcasting of the championship cost between $150,000 and $200,000 depending upon the year. CONTRIBUTIONS TO DCI AND OTHER CORPS From 1985 through 1993, Star, Jim Mason, Cook Group, and I tried to make a difference in drum corps. Jim, the staff, and I served on task forces both as members and advisors to DCI. Jim was the official member of DCI and I served as an advisor from 1987 through 1992. When we left DCI, Star or the Cook Group had contributed over $1.5 million to DCI and to other corps. Star sponsored all four DCM All Star appearances at the New Year's Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Fiesta Bowls (twice) in addition to the first Macy's Thanksgiving parade appearance of the DCM/DCE All-Stars; the appearance of Phil Driscoll at the Kansas City World Championship who played the "Star Spangled Banner," trumpet solo; the appearance of DCA's Steel City Ambassadors at the 1990 World Championships in Buffalo. Jim headed the All-Star drum and bugle corps that played two "Star Spangled Banner" renditions in both Madison and Kansas City. (These corps consisted of 1200 and 1500 members respectively. The first one was under the direction of Pepe Nataro, a friend who is gone.) Corps that have received either prizes, grants or loans from either Star or Cook Group are: Colts, Troopers, Phantom Regiment, Magic of Orlando, 27th Lancers, Crossmen, Velvet Knights, Spirit of Atlanta, and eleven other organizations. The amounts ranged from a minimum of $1,000 to $150,000. In addition, Rick Snapp, a Cook computer manager, and I wrote the financial, sales order, and championship ticketing programs that DCI has used since 1990. DCI's three computers were given to DCI by Star. Cook Group Companies sponsored and produced the DCI World Championships for five years. Star founded on behalf of DCI the DCI Foundation which still maintains an office in Bloomington and administers such scholarships as those given in the names of the Americanos, George Zingali and others. Employees of Cook Group and a large contingent of former corps members from all DCI corps staffed the hospitality tables stationed in five to seven hotels through the various championship cities. For all of us drum corps was not just Star, it was the entire activity. Yes, this information has not been discussed until now, but Star members and their friends deserve this explanation. If there must be an epitaph for Star, for Jim, for me, and for Cook Group, it should be -- we tried! A Personal philosophy I believe that all humans are to some degree competitive, moody, happy, sad, angry, tranquil, and cooperative. The Drum corps experience is guided by association with many different personalities who have joined together in an attempt to achieve and possess the above traits to a greater or lesser degree. I believe that drum corps organizations can only point the route but not predict the destination. I try never to fear change, I enjoy risking the unknown, and I try to seek guidance through previous experand instead of 'Ready, aim, fire!," it may be better to "Ready, fire, aim!" I believe that a human should be prepared (ready) to act, then act (fire), and finally analyze what was done (aim.) Instinct exists in all of us but so often we fear the unknown to the extent that we are incapable of action. I ask readers: "do we always need to analyze and discuss before acting or should we learn how to react based upon circumstances and cumulative history of the past?" (Invention is based upon instinct and then trial but status-quo is based upon copying.) I believe that if one goal is reached, there should be another goal waiting. If failure results, try again and again. You have all heard this before but "do you believe it?" A personal perspective on drum corps I believe Star and other corps members strive to be better humans as a result of their drum corps experience. I believe that Star and other corps members are products of many points of view and they are surrounded by teachers and people who care about them. Within their organizations, they are respected for what they are--young people seeking their way in life. In return, they are loyal and very proud of what they have accomplished. I believe that Star and other corps teach pride in personal accomplishment which is achieved by honesty and work.
    3 points
  2. Many thanks to all the staff that donated their time this past weekend to help keep the Cadets strong today and into the future.
    3 points
  3. star of indiana - recollections by Bill Cook - Founder, Star of Indiana Originally Written: Sept. 23, 1995 Revised: Nov. 17, 1996, Mar. 12, 1999, & January 2, 2001 THE SUMMER OF 1991 Everyone in the corps began to believe that this was their year. It was amazing to me to see these young people go out and perform Jim Prime's "Roman Images, the music of Respighi." And for George Zingali, it was his life wrapped up on the field; his images of Christianity were woven throughout the pictures which came and went as Star executed for him. Our members knew that George was dying and they knew that they wanted to give him a monument, a memorial in life. As sick as he was, he was the backbone and spirit of the corps. He was driven by desire that few will ever understand and his will went out to touch us all. On August 4th, Star arrived in Boston. With the help of his care giver, George arrived at the stadium to meet his corps. Something happened to him that afternoon--he seemed transformed, energized. His strength had returned--it was the "old" George on the field that day--"You've got to be shittin me!" "That's wonderful!" "Cupcake, you were terrible!" Late in the afternoon, he told Jim--"the new closer is not right." A few minutes later, he left the stadium. None of us knew where he had gone or if he would be back.. About eight o'clock, George returned and said: "we are going to have two crosses at the finish instead of one." The next five hours were unbelievable. He ran from one section to another telling members where they should be at the end of the final cross. He wanted them to count measures--"count and run around until time to make your final set." Hour after hour, the corps tried and failed but finally, at 2 a.m. the next morning, the cross was seen. The next night in Lynn, Star put in the new move; needless to say, there were more than a few wrecks at the end but we won over SCV by 1.9 points. Star's greatest performance that year was not at finals but in Little Rock Arkansas on August 12. Most of the staff had gone ahead to Dallas, so the corps was on their own and relaxed. What they did that night will always be a memory for me. To this day, that performance remains my favorite while they competed. The word electric fits it best. The championship week was anti-climatic because the corps knew what had to be done and were confident that they could do it. Even though they were expected to win, they were focused, relaxed, and determined. In retrospect, I wish that the field had been cooler (it was 124 degrees) and I wish that they could have moved a little more slowly because I wanted to hear the sound that I heard that cool night in Little Rock. We became champions of DCI for the first time with a score of 97.30. A truly magical year for a corps that once wore a pink uniform and were branded as a rich man's toy. GEORGE That winter George Zingali passed away, but in the hospital he said: "Bill, the championship was the most wonderful night of my life." George still remains a part of the fabric of Star and I know that other corps cherish his memory as well. What more can be said of George except he lived to create, inspire and teach. I would like to digress a moment and talk about what it takes to win a championship. First, a corps must have experience, a work ethic that goes beyond saying "I worked hard" because working hard on the wrong things will eventually ruin a corps hope for success. I believe that staffs win championships. A corps director must instinctively know where to place the emphasis and the staff must have a music and drill book that is sufficiently difficult. A championship book must appear to be seamless--it must flow and the members must be sufficiently accomplished to make their actions appear easy. If the spectators perceive the work as being easy but executed to perfection, then the staff has done its job and the corps has learned their lessons well. Physical conditioning also is an integral part of the success formula--every member must be able to finish.
    2 points
  4. 90% is an impressive number! It's early and things sometimes come up. I hope that those who have already committed to Cadets 2021 are able to follow through and march. Wishing them the best. A couple of questions if I may, George...... Will they be doing these virtual camps all summer at certain intervals or is this a "one & done"? And was there any kind of update about the "divorce" with YEA and that whole thing? I haven't been following that stuff very closely. Thanks!! And best of luck to the Cadets and all the corps as they navigate unchartered territory.
    2 points
  5. I know that we (Dips) did a colour pre in '72, but no colour in '73. I think that colour pre was not mandatory in '73, but what would I know since I can't spell colour.🤒
    2 points
  6. OK, nobody go it..............so here is the answer.............I only posted because I was startled when I saw this........... The 1972 Vanguard was the only corps to win a DCI Championship prelims or finals with a judge giving them a score that was not in the top 12......their 14th in marching by one judge is the lowest ranked score a winner has ever received, as they won prelims. The "feat" happened AGAIN in 1973, as they won the DCI Championship prelims, but were 13th in brass by one of the judges. Finally, also in 1973, they were 7th in brass in prelims....the lowest brass rating for a corps that won a World Championship prelims/finals. (9th perf/13th perf/4th MA) They did up things in finals....3rd overall in brass...........9th perf/5th perf/1st MA.......and won their first title. For the record, they did not have a "bad" hornline...............the book was very demanding....this was the "ticK" era...............usually, though, they were credited with how well they were doing with a very tough musical book.............percussion helped get them there.....as Sanford's writing was ahead of his time, and they played really well. I can't imagine a corps in our current era getting 14th by a judge and still coming up with the win.................highly unlikely...............my guess is that this will hold for a very long time...............
    1 point
  7. I agree with what you suggest, but I would add that corps would benefit by being specific about what financial assistance they need and why. Food banks are seeing a huge increase in applicants, churches have been closed for six weeks now and in most cases you’re looking at least another month of closure, hospitals are strapped, especially small local hospitals, and even if the economy “recovers” there will still be unemployment and this is just a partial list. Drum corps will have lots of competition for charitable contributions.
    1 point
  8. I concur with others, 1992 is one of my favorite seasons in DCI. I went to High School in Anaheim, Ca and 3 of our own (all incoming seniors) marched with VK, including the the great James Goodrich who played the "opera singer", so we had a vested interest in VK and man did they deliver. Broadcast: Madison Scouts were entertaining as well, love the way they kicked off the show with sop solos. The drumline brought with the most iconic moments towards the end of their drum feature with so much love from the alums. The Blue Devils - The dice and soultry hornline. Funny how Vern Johnson in the tenorline kicks off a small dance ditty with the Bell Biv Devoe's "Poison" drum motif while the hornline strips off their uniform jackets to set up "When a Man Loves a Woman" The Cadets What impress me about the show was the drill, cologuard and mellophone line. Cool to see that airplane formation. Star of Indiana For whatever reason, the first viewing of the show was not memorable, subsequent viewings got me to appreciate the show. Especially the hornline of course. The Cavaliers One of those shows that was destine to win a championship. That opener, good God!! The visual, just amazing. The percussion program, especially the front ensemble was fire. What a remarkable show. VK - What fun show and first time I noticed a corps causing the audience to laugh. The shark, enough said. Blue Knights (9th) - Can't go wrong with Copland Phantom Regiment (8th) - Was slotted 6th going into finals and let's be honest, not their best performance. The battery not so clean. Heck of a repertoire. Got to love David St Angel flipping off the judges during the retreat when PR was announced 8th, lol (3:15 mark of the video - vid should start there btw) Santa Clara Vanguard (7th) - Fiddler and that drumline was sick Crossmen (6th) - What can you say, wow. What a show. Appalachian Morning, piece in 5/4 was impressive, but the star of this show was no question Rainforest and that drumline was grooving. Goosebumps.
    1 point
  9. Thanks for the update! I appreciate it!!
    1 point
  10. Kilties actually Bayonne's DQ is in the mix as well
    1 point
  11. Tied for 12th to become the 13 finalist? 77 Garfield absolutely rocked, btw.
    1 point
  12. Rocky! 90% of the contracted 2020 corps is returning for 2021 having listened the the zoom conference at the end of this weekend”s cadets virtual camp all I have to say is: the cadets are once again setting the standard and being the innovators in this activity wow!
    1 point
  13. Great comments from most. 1992 Blue Devils was an awesome show. Thanks to them, Cuban Fire by Stan Kenton is one of my go-to albums when I need something to listen to. I still get nostalgic when hearing the opening hit from Cadets, because so often that was what I heard just before or just after going on the field A few personal remembrances from 92, which I haven't shared in the eighteen years of posting on Drum Corps Planet: Playing the closer 'Under the Sun' for the first time, in a gym in Philadelphia. A staff member said after we finished, 'That's going to be what they're talking about in Madison.' Warming up for a pre-season DCA show in Jersey City, with the lights of Manhattan big as life in the hornline's field of view. The absolute worst rehearsal field ever in Newark, Delaware. Being in Canada and doing a show in Montreal. The early mornings on the field-lining crew, and having to make a can of white spray-paint last. The afternoon after a disappointing finish at DCI North when Shorty told us that if we did the work, we would beat Blue Knights, Vanguard and Phantom by finals. It happened. Staff quotes: 'So you think you're hot #### because you beat the (insert corps name here)?' and 'If you #### the bed tonight, I will kill you.' (repeated for emphasis) In the stands at Vanderbilt Stadium (Preview of Champions) after our show, and suddenly Vanguard color guard women come up the stairs into the stadium. I remember thinking: So this is why they sing about California Girls. The roar of the crowd at DCI East finals. Beating the Vanguard for the first time. It was a drum major only retreat, and I was on a walkway under the stadium when we heard the score announcement. The assistant director was near me and gave me a huge hug, and she said: 'I just wish Carl were here' (director Carl Ruocco was not with the corps that night). At the time I didn't quite understand what a big deal this was. The next day we were told that it was ten years to the day that the Garfield Cadets first beat the Santa Clara Vanguard. Pittsfield, Massachusetts: Celebrating a win in both brass and percussion with our staff as the Cadets of Bergen County played a victory concert in the background. The incredible color of the sunset behind Camp Randall as we approached the stadium for finals. (For some reason, I have no memory of how cold it was.) A drumline member proposing to a color guard member after our finals show. The surprise and absolute thrill when we topped not only Vanguard, but Phantom at finals, and the absolutely deafening roar of the crowd when Star was announced in third. The videos do not register how loud it was.
    1 point
  14. First year BD did a co-female/male guard and NEVER LOOKED BACKED!!! Drum line again as in 91 an 93 was their demise. But the ending was classic.When A Man Loves a Women is still remembered.
    1 point
  15. Yup horrible (sac) so horrible it sounds like they have most of the corps already set to return for 2021 including most (all?) of the percussion section. Wow!
    1 point
  16. <sarcasm>Gee, the new administrative team at the Cadets are so bad. They're only able to arrange a full corps, full weekend remote camp in the middle of a pandemic.</sarcasm> GO CADETS!!!
    1 point
  17. It’s stunning how many people can’t count to three.
    1 point
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