ironlips

My mother lived in Lake George and never missed the Ft. Edward Show. While she thoroughly enjoyed her "big boys" (Cadets, SCV, Blue Devils, Boston...etc.) her favorites were the groups she called "the entertainers". That meant Dutch Boy and the San Jose Raiders, whose drum major, after conducting the finale of "Brasil" from the stands, turned around and presented her with a rose. Nice touch.

Yup, that's what I'm talkin' about, Andy. Besides, ever since Gerry Shellmer, drum corps percussionists were permitted to play on anything that could be slapped, scraped, struck, wiggled or hit with a stick. "In my opinion, listening to a drum corps percussion section is as musically boring as a politician's campaign speech." - Gerry's first "shot across the bow", in a letter to the VFW in 1969. He was a force Nature.

Dan, CV's got the good mojo goin'. FD

That sounds about right.

I'm glad you got a laugh from this bit of "back of the bus" narrative. One of my percussionist friends suggested that drummers might take "umbrage" to the comment that they get to do "whatever they want". I suppose I could have said they got to "play on whatever they want". Another colleague pointed out that though I called the first horn player a "Neanderthal", there is some evidence that drummers originated from an earlier branch of the evolutionary tree. Now that's a cause for umbrage.

You are not likely ever to hear a better horn player than Ritchee, and he will freely share his magic, for he's a consummate educator, as well.

OK. The southernmost part of NYC is Staten Island, and he graduated in '64 so he's 67 or so. Do the Staten Island Lawmen have anything to do with this? (The leaf-less trees mystified me, but sometimes Proms are held in the spring before the blossoms emerge, and besides, Staten Island is close to the toxic part of NJ so that could explain it.)

Hmmm...white dinner jacket in the fall...what would Emily Post say? Yes, the car is early '50s. Assuming this cat is going to his '58 HS prom, he's about 75 now. Of course, the car could be a few years older than the occasion, so let's say we're dealing with someone who would now be roughly 70-ish. F

The man is a musical pack rat. A few years ago at a show, he approached and said, "So, you collect old recordings?" "Some", I replied. "Well, here you go", says JAG, handing me a CD dub that turns out to be the Massillon Post drum corps from 1955. "Who are these guys?", I ask. "Oh, you don't know? That's the gang that convinced the American Legion that it would be OK to use valves on bugles." I couldn't wait to slap that disc into the player, after which I thought, "They'd have sold me, too."

"...many thanx to all who have contacted me or sent cards or dead birds.." Your Compactness, We send all possible good vibes (as well as marimbas) your way to ensure a rapid return to eye level, such as it is. Though your view may be closer to the surface than most, all here regard you highly. Your faithful imitator, Francis

I began to consider the premise: a Rebel Flag. Perhaps not, I thought. The Mount Carmel Mounties carried the earlier Canadian color (pre-Maple Leaf), which closely resembled the British Union Jack, which was the model for the CSA color. The Mounties did perform some exhibitions at DCA shows during this time. Fascinating though this may be, the uniforms are not those of the Mounties, and the photo is quite clear: it's the Conferate Stars and Bars. Back to square one. I marched that show, was on the field at the moment the photo was taken (though the Sunrisers are not in the frame), and simply do not remember anyone who looked like that. Maybe if I try hypnosis and some regression therapy...

Hey, Tommy. We started drum corps in the same year, and marched many of the same shows. What a ride, and I suspect it isn't over yet for either of us. From your photo, I take it you also have some CW reenacting experience, also something we share in common. Best regards, Frank Dorritie Company Bugler Co. G, 20th Maine Volunteer Inf.

I didn't know Joe Anthony had marched with the Hurcs and we did not meet then, though we often shared the field of competition. They were a real powerhouse during that period. In recent times, he has graciously supplied me with some very significant archival recordings he made over the years. His contribution to the preservation of our history is a mighty one.

Yes, 35,000+ posts, 3500+ pages. I can read. I just can't typpe. Either way, that's a lot of electrons.

3500+ posts! There should be a trophy for that.

"...IT AIN'T WHISPER!!!! ... or, Findley!!!! ..." Oh man, there goes my guess for MajorFin. Those were the only 2 Hurcs bass drummers I ever exchanged words with back then. I recall getting ready for retreat at Stratford once, Whispers being close by. There was some inter-corps banter and Teddy Sasso called out something to him. Whispers gestured for him to come closer, smiled, and said in his best Greta Garbo, "Don't shout at me. I ain't deaf!" The youngster in the photo looks about 17. Possibly a Golden Bucs or Shoreliners draftee.

OK, we got Stan and Kathleen. Who's next? Nanci has run out of Sunrisers, Skyliners and Cabelleros. I know some of us have pix of notorious celebrties from other corps. Let's send her some. Childhood photos of some of the folks who post here could also be a challenge, not that any of us have changed a bit.

Grammy, schmammy. I'd rather win the Dream.

"I'd like to thank all the little people without whom this wouldn't be possible..." Yes, Ray, it is always fitting and proper to thank the people we meet on the way up the ladder...because we're sure to meet them again on the way down.

To a very great extent, all of us became who we are because of our corps experiences. Whether you drive a PATH train, lock up bad guys, teach high schoolers, move planes around or shovel coal, you do it with drum corps intensity. And we were all in the right place at the right time. In 1980, when Cal Tjader won a Grammy, his band was on tour and he couldn't attend he presentation. As his producer (see, "right place...etc.", above) I was designated to accept for him. You have all seen this kind of drill. You walk up, a gorgeous model/actress/whatever gives you a peck on the cheek, you get a little statue, and thank people nobody has ever heard of. That being the case, I proceeded to thank, "John Sasso, Donald Angelica and Dr. Baggs, without whose help I would not be standing here." Theoretically, I was a stand-in for Cal Tjader, but the truth is I really represented Ray, Tony, Don, Tom, Andy, Stan, Fran, Kathleen, Nanci, Glenn and all our durm corps colleagues who, in the same circumstances, would say something quite similar.

Considering all the clues, I'm going to hazard a guess: Kathleen Thompson True or false?

The lady gsksun is referring to was a baritone-babe. The one in this picture was a drum-diva, according to our best information.

I left the Orange and Blue after the '73 season and this gentleman arrived a few years later. He's in the Fran Haring era, when the corps had its real heyday. As suggested, I will recuse myself from identifying this Animal of the Year, but who's the foxy babe, may I ask?

Cue the fly-over!

OK. All clues point to a certain very prominent individual whose identity I should have known. As it stands, I hope he finds my earlier deductions amusing. Otherwise, he could have me thrown in the stockade. And yes, he flew in that rickety chopper, and commanded a tank unit, as well. The guy was the original Army of One. I salute you, Colonel. (Maybe I can get off with just some KP? If not, it wouldn't be the first time I lost a stripe.)