markdewine

As we speak, Mr. Olderman is saying, "Look, I know my name is Harvey, and I marched with the Hurricanes, but this storm is NOT MY FAULT!!! LOL (RIP Harvey)

So many changes over so many years... the Trooper's touring model; melodic percussion, poly-rhythmic shows, curve-linear drill, dance, costumes, props, amplification, ...Vietnam, cost of living, social media, VFW, Am. Leg., DCI, DCA...so many changes...each causing a ripple in the pond of drum corps.

Very interesting reflection on some tremendous corps, from a wonderful era in the activity.

Okay, it was years ago, and my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be....so they couldn't have marched every show with both corps, but these folks did in fact march both corps throughout the season, and claimed two rings...one DCA and one DCI. One was John S., a Brigs contra. Another was a soprano who had marched SCV before joining Brigs.

July 4th weekend 1964- Oswego, NY I had the pleasure of watching the Syracuse Brigadiers, Rochester Crusaders, Fulton Gauchos Sr., Westshoremen Bonnie-Scots, Albion Grenadiers, Hamburg Kingsmen, and Canadian Commanders in the 3 hour long parade. Then, early that evening, they all competed on the grounds of historic Ft. Ontario. Cru won; Brigs 2nd, etc. I WAS HOOKED FOR LIFE !!!

I believe it was 2002... we had about 5 or 6 members of the Syracuse Brigadiers who also marched Magic of Orlando. These phenomenal members attended almost every Magic contest, and all of the Brigs contests. At season's end these guys had a DCA and a Class A DCI Championship to their credit. Not a lot of people can say they did that!

I did, in fact, marry my drum corps sweetheart, although it was a DCA corps (Brigadiers). Colleen and I both marched Jr. corps, BITD, and she's certain our paths crossed back then. Anyway, I was Quartermaster and Honor Guard Capt. with the Brigs. So, first day of practice for the 2003 season, I'm working on issuing uniforms, and Colleen came over to me and just pitched in and started helping. Someone took a photo, so we have a nice pic of when we first met. We had great fun with the Brigadiers, and went on to march with the Purple Lancers, White Sabres, Mighty St. Joes, Brigs Alumni, and Ghost Riders. Rich Tardy actually invited my wife and I to march prelims and finals with the Hurricanes Honor Guard. What a proud moment. We two have moved on to other activities, but drum corps memories will always be fondly remembered.

What ever happened to the wonderful "soprano trios" many corps used to feature at some point in their show? Sadly missed.

Way back in those olden days....every corps I saw impressed me. I became a passionate fan from day one. It wasn't until I had been active in drum corps for a while that my tastes became a little more selective. A few corps that just absolutely floored me, when I first saw them......Troopers, SCV, 27th Lancers, Muchachos, Madison. And Cabs, Brigs, Sky, and Cru, from the senior ranks.

Heartfelt thanks to all fellow vets, past and present, and especially fellow Marines....Semper Fi !

Somebody needs their nose wiped and their diaper changed!

Jay Wanamaker, former high ranking executive with Yamaha Percussion marched with Utica's Magnificent Yankees.

Dedication, determination, discipline, teamwork. Excellence on the field can make you a champion. Excellence off the field can also make you a champion...in life.

.....and let's not forget the tremendous job Gino did with the Syracuse Brigadiers. Thank you, again, Gino.

This video brought a tear to my eye, and major goose-bumps. Fond memories of a superb drum corps. GO TROOPERS !!!

If a corps was to do "Hamilton" on a beach setting, that would be "Hamilton Beach"....It would make for a nice "blend" of music.

Musicians have been a part of the military forever. To see units disbanded would just be a shame. Even the thought of cutbacks makes me sad. I was a "Field Music" in the Marine Corps in the 1970's, as was my grandfather in 1917, so with me, its personal. As for the musicians who feel guilty that their comrades in arms are in harms way... historically, in addition to providing music on and off the battlefield, military musicians collected the casualties, and also guarded high ranking officers.

"Hope" by Klaatu, a Canadian band from the '70's. When Dr. Keith Markey and I attempted to start the "Voice of the Rockies" in Boulder,CO back in the day, he put together a wonderful arrangement of this piece. He was an absolute genius. RIP Keith.

Membership applications to DCI corps.

The Battery bests the Zombies because they are "Bad-a##". The Color Guard is eaten alive because they tend to be "tasty morsels" :)

I'm going to straddle the fence here.... March your age-out year. You have your whole life ahead of you. There WILL be other opportunities. But, then again....you could take the internship; launch your career, and get involved again in drum corps at a later time. Marching with an all-age or alumni corps, teaching a corps, managing, volunteering, etc. Whatever your choice...it will be the correct one. Don't stress over it. Life is too short. Best wishes.

First of all, I'm a drum corps dinosaur...older than dirt! While I certainly respect any corps' right to modify an existing uniform or change it altogether, if it's not broke...don't fix it. Certain uniforms are so iconic, that there really is no reason to change them. I know...its not 1965 anymore. Things change. Even world renowned uniforms like the Marine Corps dress blues have changed over the years. Just sayin'...some corps like Cadets, Troopers, Kilties, SCV, Cabs,...you get the idea.

If PR did PotO...wouldn't that be "Phantom of the Phantom?

St. Andrews- Good catch on the fact that it was Verdi who composed "Aida", and not Puccini. My bad. However, I'm still stumped as to where in the "Aida" score, the music in question is located. I might have to make a trek to the local Barnes & Nobles to secure a CD of "Aida", and listen carefully to the entire piece. Regardless of the origin, that 1970-71 Opener was wonderful. Very bold...a strong piece of music. Didn't it have some nice triple-tounging near the end? And then... there was that whole separate piece of just the sops....all double and triple tounging the entire piece!!! Ya don't see that anymore! I remember playing that sop piece for some fellow Brigadiers back in the early 2000's. They were astounded at how clean and precise it was.

If you listen to this '71 opener by the Bridgemen, and close your eyes, you will easily get the feeling of a victorious Roman Legion returning from battle to the Roman Forum. Definitely that kind of a flavor to the piece.