cabalumnidrummer

Photos of the show are up on corpsreps.com, with clear views of all the competing corps and the exhibitions. Cabs' new drums look great, as do the Bucs.' Some friends didn't believe me when I said Bucs' uniforms were new. Changes are there, but subtle. Very nice! Same for Windsor Regiment, with color change on the sash that runs through the jacket -- subtly different, and very complimentary to the new guard outfits.

I teach at an afterschool program at an elementary school in NYC. Harold Barber former Skyliner and member of St. Rita's Brassmen Alumni also teaches there and started the program. It's a fife and drum corps that plays traditional as well as new music. The members start in third grade (about age 9) and they graduate at the end of fifth grade. The drums we have were purchased before I started. I don;t know a model number or name offhand, but I can tell you they are 13" Pearl snare drums. We start out with them on stands, but by late in their first year, we gradually move them onto carriers. We also have small triples (8", 10" and 12") which they can handle. Bass drums are used on stands. I have to say the kids handle the weight of the snaredrums and triples quite well. (As an aside, I even have one 'early-starter' a first grader who just turned 7, and he can wear the drum with little trouble.) The corps does not perform very often outside the school, so there is little marching/carrying involved. The drums have a decent sound with clear Remo Pinstripe heads. I would recommend them if you have small students. They are regular double-tension, not free-floaters. If you are looking for something more substantial and with a more 'modern,' look and sound, Pearl also has small flee-floaters, but they are considerably heavier, from what I understand. I hope this helps you.

'Big W,' I wish I had a more authoritative answer for you. I was out of the competing corps four years already by 1977. I know there were almost always assistant conductors/majors with Jimmy Russo, but I don't know exactly who they might have been in '77. (I would need to go view the video to see if I recognize anyone.) I recall some names of assistants over the years: Bobby Knapp in the early '70's when I marched, later on, others like Steve Sapienza, Lou Stock, Tyrone Laval, Rose Cataneo etc., and there were others as well. George may have been on the field just for that solo, and very possibly might have only suited up for DCA prelims and finals. His main concern was usually to keep the section on top of the tempo in the drum solos (and perhaps keep an eye on the execution judges?). By the way, in the years I marched, I never saw him in a uniform. As for me personally, I'm doing pretty well, thanks. Last year's hip replacement kept me off the field and made me a sideline observer, but it's feeling great. I am hoping to get back out there this season, but I have other 'issues' associated with arthritic back pain and an annoying foot problem. I'm going to give it a try, and I am still instructing this season, whether I march or not. Again, thanks for asking. Hope to meet you at a show sometime.

Congratulations to all the inductees, but especially my friend, "Duke" Terreri. A well-deserved honor for a great horn player and true gentleman.

I have watched this dozens of times (I once borrowed a tape copy from a friend and had it transferred to DVD). It's also one of my favorite Cabs shows of all time (especially the two drum solos). Personally, I have always felt that job was one of the best finals performances ever that didn't win a DCA Championship. That's not to take anything away from the winners, but when I watch that video, to me it embodies the Jim Costello Caballeros from start to finish. (And seeing George Tuthill in uniform conducting his "Tico, Tico" drum solo is icing on the cake for me!)

Many of those 'pioneer women' of the 1982 Caballero's guard now proudly march with the Caballeros Alumni Corps guard. They are quite proud of their place in the corps' history, and I might add, we are quite proud of them as well!

Gene, So sorry to read of the passing of your beloved Patricia. It sounds like she put up a good fight to the end, but as you said, "What's meat to be is meant to be," and we mortals have little or no control over God's plan for us. Please know that you and she are both in our prayers at this time. John Smith

It's true in DCA as well as in DCI. Contrasting stripes (and shoes) also can be very revealing whether a corps is weak or strong in marching. Nowadays, white bucks with dark uniforms are virtually nonexistent, as are black shoes with white or light-colored pants. These are design elements of the uniforms which have been altered to give a corps every possible advantage in marching/visual. Some of the Alumni corps have returned to white bucks for that old-style 'classic' look, notably the Sky Alumni and Blessed Sacrament.

A few years back the new uniform pants became bibbers, the bell-bottom was reduced in size, and the kick pleat made smaller as well. It was a subtle change that probably helps them with marching at fast tempos. Another subtle change, almost totally imperceptible, is that the blouse was switched to a pull-over rather than a button-down shirt. Our Alumni uniform still has the larger bell and pleat, and button shirts, more like the style used when I was in the competing corps, way back when.

I remember seeing the Cabs that year and wondered, "What were they thinking?" I believe (though not at all certain) it was a decision driven by prevailing judges' opinions about streamlining the look of the uniform, and 'updating' the corps' image. Apparently, it just didn't have the intended effect or results. Sanity and good sense returned the following year, as Elphaba indicated. In the case of this latest move by the Hurricanes, I am reminded of the 1965 season when the Bucs switched to shakos. As I recall, it was even a front-page story in the old Drum Corps News. The new headgear made for a good-looking image overall, but eventually they returned to the aussies as part of subsequent uniform changes, returning to their earlier image. I can't help but wonder if the same thing may happen eventually with the Hurcs. I can't say I dislike it, but it does make them look like some other corps now, not the Hurcs I remember competing against. But then, like so many corps, their uniform has changed several times in the intervening the years anyway.

I have to think that the article which Andy referred to contained a typographical error. Before the current stadium was opened in Bridgeport (1965, I believe), the Barnum was held at Hedges Stadium in Bridgeport, which was also the site of the the 1964 World Open. I was there for the '64 senior WO, and I seriously doubt it could hold 24,000 people, but 2,400 seems more likely. In '65 the World Open moved to the new, larger JFK stadium with a juniors-only championship, as did the Barnum Festival, presumably. I know every Barnum I competed in starting in '66 through '73 was in the newer stadium. The 1966 and '67 DCA Championships were also held there. It has undergone a terrific renovation in recent years, but it only has a 12,000 seat capacity.

Yes, very quiet here, Ray. I know most of the regulars were either at the show in York, or at rehearsals this weekend. Saw Tony White, Mike Siglow and Fran Haring, for starters, at the show, and I know others were due to be there as well. As for our fearless leader -- Nanci, where are you?

"Attending" or "hosting/conducting" said clinic???

It just may be that the answer to this 'Guess Who?' is now "On the record," not "Off the Record" as a frequent DCP ad seems to suggest!

It's not such a far-fetched idea, Ron. One such corps that comes to mind is the Kilties. If I recall correctly, they put together an alumni-reunion group to perform at DCI originally, and from that alumni group they developed into the DCA corps of today. This happened in the late 90's. I suggest you try to contact someone from the Kilties for more insight and possible advice.

I spoke to Tracy and we're all set. Thanks again, Jim. Hope to meet you next week. For anyone else interested, she told me there are very few tickets left. Sounds like it will be a successful venture for the Lancers.

Thanks, Jim. And I'll certainly say hello if I see you.

This is not a stupid question at all. However, the 'business relationship' between the two corps is not at all what you imply. Allow me to clarify some pertinent items raised by your questions, and CABADM's cryptic, though accurate answers, without delving too much into the specific operations of our corps. The Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Corps and the Hawthorne Caballeros Competing Corps are two totally separate entities that do indeed share a name, an image, a common home base and a rich heritage and tradition. The competitive DCA Hawthorne Caballeros do not 'operate' the Alumni corps in any way whatsoever, including financially. In fact, the Alumni Corps, as part of its founding charter and principles aims to help support the competition corps financially, whenever possible. Over the years of our existence since 1994, we have periodically been able to do this on a few occasions. More than financial support, however, the Alumni Corps supports the competitive corps as their biggest and most ardent fans. Although we are separate organizations, we feel as if we are one family, and get together for certain special occasions each year. A high percentage of the Caballeros Alumni Corps still has veterans/alumni of the competing corps, spanning more than sixty years of Caballero history. And, for the record, the Reading Buccaneers also have a separate, active and very good Alumni Corps. You would have to hear from one of their members to know if their 'business relationship' is like ours.

It occurred to me that a lot of younger/newer corps members may not be aware that it used to be standard practice to take the starting line while the corps ahead of you was competing. You marched into the stadium and onto the line to their music and cadence. That has all changed, of course. Primary reason I'm sure is the fact that corps now enter the field to form the opening set, but in the old days, it was strictly the starting line. You usually played yourself off after the finish, sometimes trooping the stands, depending on the contest. Standing on that line could be either intimidating or a confidence booster, depending on how good (or bad!) a job the corps ahead of you was doing. You also got to see most of your competitors at least once during a season. Following the Yankee Rebels in Hamden in 1969 was one of those intimidating experiences!

I had a flyer that I received in the mail, but now I can't find it. I fear it was tossed in last week's paper recycling! Jim, do you know -- Are there any tickets still available? I heard at the Dixie Stinger last week that you were close to being sold out. Great for Hanover, bad for me, as I am looking for two tickets. I see a phone number on the website flyer/order form. If I call that number, do you think I'll still be able to get some to be held at the door? Thanks for any info or help you can supply.

For me, '69, '70 and '71 are a toss-up for their best season. At Hamden in June of 1969, we stood on the starting line and watched as they performed their 'Requiem' for the first time in a contest. The crowd went beserk. I thought, "How in the world do we follow that?" Same in Atlanta at the Nationals. In '70 the outcome of the DCA finals were in doubt right up to retreat, and they were one of the corps who could have won. I personally think they were better in '70 than in '69. The 1971 season is a bit of a blur, but I do remember they easily won their third straight AL Nationals in Houston and placed high at DCA.

So that we can move forward: I don't pretend to know the whole story, as I was no longer marching at the time. However, my understanding is that there was something that this Hurcs' "drum major pro-tem" and Mr. James Costello did not see eye-to-eye about that year. (I guess it had to be pretty major.) This was the result - Mr. DM opted to march elsewhere. I also have been told that the disagreement was settled after that season, and said DM returned to wear the bell-bottoms and sombrero the following year. Anyone who can or wishes to elaborate on that (or dispute it) is welcome to do so. I can only report what I was told by others. As an aside, said DM is recuperating from some off-season health problems, and is hoping to be back in action to make an appearance at the York stage show in less than two weeks. We all wish him well, and are looking forward to his return!

I got my start in the fall of 1960 in a local parish standstill/parade fife, drum and bugle corps in Rosedale, Queens. The corps was called the St. Clare's Golden Emeralds. I watched the St. Catherine's Queensmen rehearse in a local shopping center in 1962, and wanted to join so badly. I attended my first 'M&M' show in September, '62. That turned out to be the last weekend of the Queensmen's existence. I was sure I would someday join the Sunrisers, since my instructor, Cal Meyers, was a former Sunriser. But I was 'recruited' by the corps director, a Caballero, to try out for Hawthorne's snare line in 1966. I fell short of that goal - by May I was offered to play the bongos for my first year by drum instructor Les Parks. I got to play alongside the timbale player, Bobby Hoffman (Yes the same Bobby Hoffman of Bridgemen fame), and win the AL Nationals with the corps in 1966. In 1967 I moved to the snare line and played in the Caballeros until 1971, winning our first DCA title in 1970. I took off '72, and went back for one more year in 1973, when we went undefeated and the corps won its third DCA title. In March of 1994 the Alumni Corps was organized, and I became a charter member. Still there, and have been instructing the drum section since 2006.

Speaking of this weekend, Andy. Are you already on the road to Baltimore? I know it's not exactly a short hop for you!

Thanks for that info, Ray. I've always wondered when that picture had been taken. Fact is, it's a classic, timeless shot.