JerseyDigger29

See you all there. Look for the Chicago Connection Jacket. Your wish is my command - Thom www.TheWildwoodsReporter.com

Ruthe - I don't know your schedule for this weekend, but if you guys aren't marching somewhere, why not come down and see the DCA opener at the convention center? Cool air, cool beer! Thom B)

They just went blank!! b**bs Thom

Here's the last five photos - Thom Guess what? Two Wildwoods icons in one photo. Who woulda thunk it?

Hey, all you corps fans out there. For decades, the largest drum corps parade in the state of NJ had always been during the state American Legion convention, which was held yesterday, the 9th. Now, however, that honor falls to the state ELKS convention, which was held last week, of course. After the huge turnout at Elks last week, no one who came to the Legion convention in Wildwood this week could have thought there were any thrills left to be had, given the fact that the parade is now much smaller and everyone was waiting for the big DCA season opener at the Caballeros Beach Party next Saturday at the Wildwoods Convention Center. But, lo and behold, the Legion continued to surprise those of us who were here. There were many great bands, string bands, drum and fife corps as always. But apparently not many corps fans hanging out in front of Kelly's Cafe (Wildwoods' drum corps HQ) had anticipated the surprise that was in store for us yesterday. I was taking pictures of the parade, and talking to a member of Reilly's Raiders who wasn't marching this week, and he asked, "Did you hear the rumor that Park City Pride is here?" "Nah! What would they be doing here so far from home for such a small parade," I logically asked. "I guess it depends on what some post wants to pay them," he said. Sure as heck, not more than two blocks away, Park City started playing in front of the reviewing stand at the Legion Post. I was so shocked, I almost forgot to take pictures when they got up to Kelly's. All the corps fans in the audience were screaming, "Roll Off!" and "Please play here!" but apparently, no one informed the corps kiddies from Connecticut about the importance of Kelly's. They just marched right on by. Oh, well, we were able to hear a little bit of that huge sound from two blocks away when they played the required song at the Legion Home. It sounded great but wasn't quite the same as a standstill at Kelly's would have been. Guys, thank you for coming to the Wildwoods. You are always welcome. And please, next time, remember Kelly's. We want to hear ya. I'm posting 10 photos in two groups. Enjoy... Thom www.TheWildwoodsReporter.com Everyone's favorite person during a parade! "Hmmm, should we play here, or not? Hmmm..."

I can't believe it. The Elks are in the Wildwoods this weekend and there are so many corps members here, I can't keep track of them all: Reilly Raiders, Yankee Rebs, Archie, Blue Rock and Sac alumni, and a whole lot of cabbies running around. Sorry if I missed some of you other guys. Love ya, too! And if that weren't enough, there's another convention parade next week - VFW or AL, not sure. But for me, the biggie, the Grand Poobah of all shows is coming up on the 16th. Can you believe it, real, actual, honest-to-goodness, drum corps competition for the first time this season in the official DCA season opener at the Wildwoods Convention Center. God, seems just like yesterday when the Cabballero Alumni were holding one of their music rehearsals at a weekend camp inside the hall. Bet they liked practicing on Maxwell Field the next day better. The list is up for the 6:30 show on the 16th. Indoors - with BEER!! b**bs Here 'tis: Brigadeers Hurricanes Buccaneers (Johnny Depp will NOT be here!) <**> Statesmen Caballeros Caballeros Alumni in exhibition. I had heard rumors that the Bridgemen might be able to make it but I guess not. Bummer, huh :( Well, I guess we'll just have to muddle through the best we can. I'll be there covering it for the Wildwoods Reporter, and diggin' the vibes as we used to say. Will you be there? If you see me in my black and gold Chicago jacket, say hi. Thom B) P.S. Think this is enough Wildwoods drum corps? The Jersey Surf junior corps will also be holding its show at Maxwell Field in July. Details to follow later. www.TheWildwoodsReporter.com www.DigitalDazzlePhotography.ifp3.com

Hey, guy. I'll be there. I even got to toot a borrowed soprano at music rehearsal on Friday night. This year's music is incredible. Can't wait to hear the full corps take the field on June 16th at the Convention Center, along with the competitive corps of course. (I picked up my own horn a little while before the camp for the first time since 1986 and sort of embarrassed myself. It's been soooooo long! If I keep "blowing air" through my horn on a regular basis, maybe I'll get my original chops back in time to join you guys on a more formal basis in the fall and next season. I can only hope). As for my photography. Check out the other three posts, too. I got a great "trick" photo of Jimmy that makes it look like he's got a tree growing out of his head. Pretty lucky shot. I would love to take some portrait, or posed, shots of the corps. Taking formal photography of drum corps has always been one of my ambitions. As I get around to developing my plans a little further, maybe I can work out something. My main questions have always been: What, exactly, is DCA's policy on photography of member corps - or at corps shows? Is it like DCI, where the photographer has to be sanctioned? Does DCA take a cut? Do they ban commercial photography? Lots of questions that I need to follow up on. I've always asked what Moe Knox's deal was with Drum Corps but never got a straight answer. Was he hired by the various corps or associations to photograph the shows or was he strictly a drum corps freelancer? Check out my photography website if you'd like. Along with a couple hundred photos of the Wildwoods, there are two galleries of photos from the last three corps shows in Wildwood. Lots of great shots of the Alumni. Oh, well, see you again on June 16th. Until then, I'll show my face again when the competetive corps comes to Wildwood for their camp in a few weeks. Thom B) www.DigitalDazzlePhotography.ifp3.com

Hey, guys - I don't know what happened. I just got done adding four seperate postings of photos from the Caballeros Alumni Corps Camp weekend and somehow they ended up getting transferred to the "Historical photos" forum above. Don't know why since this weekend (which still hasn't ended) is definitely not historical yet???? Anyway, that's where they ended up - Thom

Here are the last couple of photos. See you all at the Caballeros DCA season opener at the Wildwoods Convention Center on June 16. BTW, if you go to my photo website (no need to sign in), I've posted some great photos from the last three corps shows in the Wildwoods. (2 Caballeros shows and one Jersey Surf Junior Show). Just click on the Drum Corps galleries. Hope you enjoy my photos - Thom www.DigitalDazzlePhotography.ifp3.com "You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up to you in a minute."

Here's another group of photos - Thom

Here is another group of photos - Thom "Ya know, If we pick them up, we'll ruin the picture." "So, I got a tree growing outa my head. Wanna make somthing of it?"

Hey guys - The Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Corps is just now in the process of finishing up a successful (and highly appreciated) camp weekend in the Wildwoods. As thanks, we here in town even arranged to jack up the temperature to the mid seventies for them. Boardwalk rides, and the famed Wildwoods nightlife, were on them. The corps arrived late on Friday night and got to practice music and sectionals inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. :) On Saturday and Sunday, they had historic Maxwell Field all to themselves for drill. (A little bit of Cab Alumni trivia: It seems this wonderful corps has absolutely no luck with practice fields in the Wildwoods. A year or two ago, they got to practice on Fox Park after the circus elephants had left town, and this weekend, they had to practice on Maxwell field on a field full of about a gazillion goose droppings. It seems Maxwell Field is a MAJOR rest stop for migrating Canadian Geese. We will clean it up before the next contest, though. Sorry!). Anyway, I am including about 17 or so photos of the weekend for those of you who could not be here. All I have to say about the corps is, "Wooowwww!!! Amazing what more than 70 horns can do with an echo in the Convention Center. See how many of your favorite Cabbies you can recognize. Enjoy! Thom Fontannaz B) TheWildwoodsReporter.com P.S. I may have to do a couple of posts to get all the photos in.

Jim - I remember we did an exhibition in Hershey the night before DCA, I think. (And got a Standing O). Other than that, we didn't do any DCA shows because we could only travel east for the DCA show itself. Hence the midwest and south exclusion from DCA at the time. It was just too far for us weekend warriors. DCA 79 was also my last show. On Sept. 29, I was discharged from the Navy Band (luckily they allowed me to take a little leave for DCA). Life took over after that show and it was unfortunately my last.

Thanks! Way ahead of you, though. See you there - Thom

Nah, Fran! I have it on good authority that she was calling for security because the guy with the tommy gun told her, "Get outa da way, goily! Mr. Capone said we was to be here. So we's here!" Thom b**bs

Hey, Jim. I remember that show. I'm hiding somewhere behind the drum line as we were entering the field. Somebody have the scores from this show. If I remember correctly, this was the infamous show in which we had an 86 at the exhibition the day before and somehow fell to the mid 30's the very next day. Go figure! We were told DCA didn't want midwest corps to do well so they wouldn't have to travel to our shows the next year. (At the time??) Don't know how true that was back then, but that's what we were told. The trip back to Chicago after finals was a really sad affair. Thom B)

Hey, Bein - I will. Don't forget the Cabs DCA opener on June 16th at the Convention Center. I wish you guys were there but you can still come see the show. I'll be there wearing my Connection jacket as always - Thom

Uncle Z - Thanks for the photo. Ah, memories. I remember the tymps and the tri-tom but I'm not quite sure I remember the tri-corner hats. I seem to remember wearing shakos. Do you know what year this photo was taken? The hair styles look like the 70's, but those hats are throwing me off. Was it maybe just the drumline that wore the hats? I just can't remember that far back right now. Thom

As a fomer shipmate in the Department of the Navy, I would have been honored to serve with the Colonel. I had the fortune to play in a direct descendant of one of "Sousa's Bands." I would have loved to play in "Crawford's Corps!" Thom Fontannaz US Navy Band (1970 to 1979)

Yeah, those were the days. The attitude in the late 60's and early 70's was a lot different than it is now.

Thanks, Rice, but I have it already. Talked to him about a year ago. I think he's into medical graphic design, or something. Have to write him again soon - Thom

Yeah, Ski. I was in the Navy Band at Great lakes for about 4 or 5 years. Got involved in marching first with the Boys in Racine about 72 or 73 sometime. God, it was so long ago. I remember going to a wintertime standstill at Memorial Hall??? in Racine and seeing the Kilts, Scouts ("Chrome Domes"), and the Boys of 76, and all I could think of was, "Senior Corps? Here? Wowwww!" And membership in the Boys eventually lead to the Connection. I seem to remember vaguely that when the Spirit tried to start the Chicago chapter, that may have been the spark for the birth of the Connection. Can't remember for sure. Anybody know of a connection between the Racine Chicago chapter and the birth of the Connection? My memory sometimes sucks. I know the word "Connection" may have been meant to represent all the former corps in the general Chicago area like the Royal Aires, Phantom, Cavies, Guardsmen from Mount Prospect, etc., but I think there was also a link with Racine. I may be wrong. I think I remember hearing that Paul Hashimoto may have played with the great "Neisei Ambassadors," I'm not sure. Remember Neisei? Boy, the east coast isn't the only place with such great legends. Chicago had to be a close runner-up. Back to the Navy Band at Great Lakes. There were three of us corps nuts there and we were all room mates on base: Me, and drummers Jim Neverman and Ward Durrett. If anyone remembers, Jim Neverman was drum instructor for the Phantom Regiment in the early 70's. Through him, I had the joy of actually being a "guest horn instructor" for Phantom's horn line for exactly one complete rehearsal in 72, I think. It was a while before Phantom went completely classical, the year Phantom played "A shot in the Dark??." Am I right about that? That was the year I learned to appreciate the word SUTA! Anyway, me, Jim Neverman, and Ward Durrett spent our tours at Great Lakes with a lot of corps in the area. Jim and Ward tought, and I marched and instructed. Ward and I were involved with instructing the Skarlet Knights for a while. And I had the pleasure of playinig with the Bower brothers, etc in the Regal Valients of Villa Park until I aged out at 21. Jim Neverman is now living in the upper northwest and I think Ward Durrett became an executive with one of the big drum manufacturers. He may be living and instructing still in either the Oklahoma or Denver areas, I'm not sure which. If my former Navy Band "roomies" chance to read this. I miss you guys. Thom B) My god, I wish I was still a kid. Thom

Yeah, I remember "Hashi." Great musician! - Thom

Yeah, still got my pin, too. That's "Big Louie!" Thom

Boy, that would be too much to hope for. I played with the boys from Racine (who used to be the oldest competitive corps in existance) the last year they were known as the Boys of 76, as well as the first year they added girls and became the Spirit of 76. Don't know about the earlier days when it was all male, but adding the girls just made it a more wonderful experience. I hear "Stapes," the greatest screech soloist I ever saw, is still going strong, although not performing any longer. Big loss for the activity. Jim Stapleman is a legend in the midwest. Same thing with my years in the Navy. I served toward the end of mostly male sea duty. After I got out, the navy made the wise decision to allow women to serve on ships. Great decision! Thom B)