ESM1

Would just like to say a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to this year's DCA Champions, Alliance and the Reading Buccaneers! To all of the other DCA corps in competition, thank you for your hard work and dedication. It is because of your combined efforts, that the rest of us have been treated to a most memorable and exciting DCA season. And to the one corps that will always hold a special place in my heart....the Empire Statesmen, I would just like to say Congratulations on a 25th Anniversary season that every alumnus can be proud of. While the result may not have been what you had hoped for, your entertaining and inspiring performances made Shane and I very proud to have once worn the uniform. I hope the memories of this very special show and season stay with each of you for a life time. I am certain Mr. B is looking down right now with nothing but tremendous pride. And to my fellow brass players, Congratulations on a second consecutive Hy Dreitzer Memorial Brass Trophy. "The record shows, you took the blows, and did it your way." Regina (Quinn) Startzel Empire Statesmen Mellophone 2002-2007 2008 Mommy to Be!!!

I am deeply saddened to hear that we lost not only another Richardson brother, but another life long Skyliner. Having grown up around the Skyliners and hearing my father tell stories about when he taught and then marched with Konga, I remember "Uncle" Konga as one of the people I was most looking forward to marching with when I joined the corps. Butch and Konga gently reminded me that "growing up Skyliner" was only half the story. The other half needed to be experienced and I am eternally grateful for the watchful guidance they both gave me during my years with the corps. The best thing about Konga, besides his showmanship, enthusiasm and devotion to the Red and Black, was that no matter what uniform I wore, he always hugged me and made me feel like I was part of the family. He always had a kind word and always inquired as to how my real family was, especially if he didn't see them at shows. I will miss seeing him, both on and off the field. On behalf of the Empire Statesmen and my own family (Don, Kathy and Janis Quinn), we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Richardson's and the Skyliners for your loss. Konga was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Hey Konga: "It's time to make the donuts". Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Mellophone

In order of occurance: -Arriving at the hotel in Batavia for the start of DCA 2007 to find out we had been given a suite. -Friday evening sectionals and then the run through to end the night. -"Mello Love Fest" 2007 (Sorry you missed it Mark). -"Chasing the frisbee" at rehearsal before prelims. -The "shovel" speech by Joey Guad at reharsal before finals. -Getting to the stadium and hearing Fran's voice announcing the show. -The pre-finals run of "People" with Rolan and various Statesmen alumni in the center of the circle. -The march to the stadium. -The finals performance. -"Fun Gummies" aka "portable jello shots" on retreat. -High Brass and the Hy Dreitzer Memorial Trophy. -The final parking lot run through. Thank you DCA 2007 for all of the wonderful memories. Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Lead Mellophone

Dale mentioned the origin of the Taps piece in our Maynard show and I thought I would give a little bit more background. On August 16th the family cat Dezi passed away. The family had planned a little garden ceremony and burial that culminated in Maynard playing Taps for their cherished friend. This was the last thing Maynard ever played on his trumpet, as he passed away a few days later on August 23rd. Walter White wrote and recorded the arrangement shortly after reading the accounts of this story and called it "Taps (for Maynard)". This is the same arrangement used in tribute to Maynard in our 2007 production. The design staff chose to include this piece in the production from the very beginning of the season and have placed it where it is in the show on purpose. The reverence of the piece is used to portray the sadness of Maynards passing. Then we "kick it" into high gear with the MF Medley/Gonna Fly Now ending as a contrast to celebrate the life and talent of this extraordinary performer. The "uncomfortable" feeling of not knowing whether to clap or be silent is precisely what our design staff had envisioned when programming the show. The piece is also meant to affect the audience on a deeply personal level, as most everyone is familiar with the piece and how and why it is used. The corps performance of the piece is dedicated to honor anyone and everyone who never had Taps played for them or as a remberance for a loved one who has passed on in our own lives. It is not an after thought or meant to show disrespect in any way. Hope this explanation helps. On a side note I would just like to say thank you to all of the amazing audiences the Statesmen have had the opportunity to perform for this season. We are glad you are enjoying our program as much as we are enjoying performing it for you. And best wishes and safe travels to all of the competitors, supporters and fans decending on Rochester this week for the DCA Championships. See you on the field. Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Lead Mellophone

QUOTE(topsops @ Aug 8 2007, 11:53 AM) Oh, I think ESM1 took it to heart when someone (SHIMES) mentioned that Joey Pero should be in the drill. He only mentioned Joey, not the rest of the soloists. ESM1 got a little bent out of shape on that one. Actually, the people are getting tired of seeing him ONLY in the pit area for the past few years. Can't he march? Maybe he has a problem we all don't know about.? Still, love the corps though.....I would just love to see a big ending to the show to make the people go crazy. It just ends to abruptly. Please change it before DCA. I took nothing to heart and I am not bent out of shape about anything. My post was not directed at anyone in particular nor did I mean to stir up any controversy. I merely intended to point out that not all of our soloists this year stood in the pit (as was mentioned twice in this very thread and various times in others) and to give those guys some well deserved recognition for the contributions they make to our program. We could not do a true Maynard tribute show with out each and every one of them. Besides I think Christine and Shane both covered why Joey Pero doesn't march. :P Thank you again to all who have posted how much they enjoy our program. See you on the field. Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Lead Mellophone

Just for clarification, I would just like to state for the record that the Statesmen's 2007 Maynard production does in deed feature some very talented soloists who also march the show on the field and as such, they deserve to be recognized. Jeff Gibbens does some drill work in both "Maria" and "Pagliacci". The "Taps for Maynard" solos are played by Shane Startzel and Jamie Gibbs, both of whom march the entire show and play the solos from the field, while marching drill. And finally, of the 7 featured soloists on the prop at the end of the MF Medley, 4 of them: Jamie Gibbs, Shane Startzel, Steve Pfeiffer and Jamie Orser, march the entire drill. We at Empire are just amazingly lucky to have the good fortune to be able to add the tremendous talents of both Ritchee Price and Joey Pero to that mix. And for that distinct honor, we as a drum corps are eternally grateful. Thank you to everyone who attended the show in Binghampton for being a most warm and welcoming audience. And thank you to those who posted reviews for your kind words about our show. We are encouraged to see that people are enjoying our tribute to the great Maynard Ferguson as much as we as a corps are enjoying performing it for you. Yours in Drum Corps, Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Lead Mellophone

"MF Medley to finish the show. Jeff and Joey on the left, Steve, Jaime, and the other sop soloist I don't know on the right" Hey Gadget: The other soprano soloist you don't know is my fiance Shane. He also plays the Taps for Maynard solo, with Jamie playing the echo. He joined the corps in 2003, after you had left, so that's probably why you don't know him. And my girl Patsy is not only a great leader and performer, she is also one of the greatest friends a person could have. Thanks so much for the excellent play by play of the show. It's sometimes hard when you go on last to get the vibe of the show, as it's over so quickly after you perform. I really enjoyed your review as well. Sorry you don't like the pose at the end of Birdland, but what would a Statesmen Show be without the pose? A big thank you to the city of Salem for hosting such a great show. I would also like to thank MBI, the Kilites, CorpsVets and the Govies for making the long trip to Ohio to perform with us. It was a great time and I really enjoyed meeting everyone. To the CorpsVets in particular, you guys rock. Thank you for coming over to our practice and letting us perform just for you. I was very cool to perform a rehearsal run through with people in the stands. And your reciprocal run through was a lot of fun. Even though we are all performers, we are all fans as well and it was nice to sit in the stands and be a fan for the first time this season. Don't usually get that opportunity until the DVD's come. As a fellow mellophone player, I have to say your mello section is awesome. Loved the little touch of flamenco dancing in La Fiesta. All in all thank you to everyone who helped make the Salem Ohio show a wonderful memory. And Gadget, say hello to your beautiful wife for me. Hope to see you at DCA's in Rochester. Regards, Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Lead Mellophone

Fran and Barbara: On behalf of all of your friends up north in the Empire Statesmen organization, our thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. We are grateful to hear there is some positive news about Barbara's recovery and our prayers will be with you every step of the way. Thank you for everything you do for our drum corps community and may you find comfort knowing how much everyone cares. Yours in drum corps, Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen

Hi Nanci: You have to forgive my mother (Mrs. Quinn). She means well, but tends to get very carried away at times. On a side note, I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly thank the administration, staff and membership of the St. Rita's Brassmen Alumni Corps for allowing my father, Donald "Donnie" Quinn to share in their performance in Bridgeport. My Dad was given the opportunity to write and teach St. Rita's because of Hy Drietzer and to this day, that time was not only one of his fondest memories, but one of his proudest accomplishments. In fact after the performance, when he came off the field with the corps, I was standing at the gate and I asked him how it was. He told me "next to marching with the Skyliners, this was one of the greatest drum corps moments in my life", choking back tears. He has been through a lot of disappointments recently, and to see him so happy last Saturday night, was something I will truly never forget. On behalf of the Quinn family I would like to say to everyone involved with St. Rita's that you helped create a memory for my father, and for that we are most appreciative and eternally grateful. A most sincere thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Yours in Drum Corps, Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Lead Mellophone And proud student of Herman "Hy" Dritezer, Carmen Cluna and Pepe Notaro.

Although I hadn't seen or spoken to Sean in quite sometime, I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He was always a quiet, friendly presence to me during my time with the Skyliners and I truly regret never having told him how much his support meant to me. I will always remember his wonderful spirit, his quick wit and sense of humor and the last words he ever said to me... "You know there Miss Quinn, you look rather ridiculous running around a football field without a shako on". On behalf of the Empire Statesmen and the Quinn family (Don, Kathy, Regina and Janis), our deepest sympathies go out to the Holton and Skyliner families for their loss. Sean, thank you for giving me the opportunity to have known you. I am a better person for it. May you rest in peace. Regina Quinn

Well Kids, the waiting is over and tomorrow's the big day!!!!! The official kickoff to the Empire Statesmen's 2007 season. Looking forward to seeing everyone and welcoming in some new faces. Sure is shaping up to be an exciting weekend. Can't hardly wait!! I've missed the arc!!! Everyone coming in, please drive safely. Until tomorrow... Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Mellophone

While I am saddened to hear that I will not get the chance to march with Jamie again at the Statesmen, I am happy for him and excited to see our friends from up north back on the field of competition. Jamie will make an excellent addition to your organization and we will surely miss his experience, talent and sense of humor. Congratulations Jamie and best of luck to you and the Grenediers for a successful return in 2007. Regina Quinn Empire Statesmen Mellophone

Me either.

That would be me. I can't believe you remembered me from that. It seems like a lifetime ago. No need to apologize, as we were all pretty much in the same boat until we reached the staging area. Columbus Circle was fun! I, however, must apologize to you for the lack of maturity and experience as an instructor. Not that there was much teaching that had to be done. The talent level of that section was mind blowing. Standing in front of 70+ Mellophones (that's bigger than any hornline I've marched with) was, undoubtedly, one of the greatest memories of my drum corps career. I left there knowing I did a terrible job, but I thank Donny and the other staff for taking a chance on a punk kid and giving me the opportunity to be a part of it all. It was an honor. And yes Jeff, Florida really was that bad. Regina Quinn

Least Favorites: 1997 Westshore: Trip to DCI in Florida. 2001 (Did not march): "Tell me again why we still do this?" Favorites: 1990 Skyliners: Putting the uniform on for the first time and seeing the look in my Dad's eyes. 1996 Westshore: My very first DCA Championship. 1998 Reading: Patsy, my very best friend and one of the greatest people I have ever met. 2002 Empire: My salvation. 2003 Empire: Finals performance. You could truly feel Mr. B looking down on us. Brigs Tribute still gives me chills. 2004 Empire: Second DCA Championship and being able to share it with Shane, Patsy, Janis, David, Fred and Jim. Most important: Many great friends, many great teachers, many great shows, many wonderful memories and the best marriage proposal a girl born into drum corps could have hoped for. I have truly been blessed! Regina Quinn