Scooter Pirtle

A friend of mine in the Scouts in '86(?) was the euphonium soloist at the beginning of Harlem Suite. Dean Smith was the soloist (it was a nasty flutter tongue piece with a big lip trill at the end). I'm pretty sure this was the season the corps started with a very quickly paced rotation prior to the first hit of "Alexander's Rag Time Band." Dean went down during the move and landed on the horn, collapsing his euphonium's bell like a closed clam shell. I don't think he grabbed anyone elses horn during the show, just perservered with what he had. The solo reminded me of Tim Conway's brief story in an episode of Mama's Family when he described a unique sound created by a siamese elephant: "Snooorrfffky!"

"Take 'em to the beach, Suncoooooast!" (1985) "Oh yeah!" (1986 Star of Indiana, one second before the downbeat of the opener -- shouted by Eric Sabach) "That's it, that's it" (1984 Garfield during "Rumble" -- spoken by Donnie Vandoren on the sideline)

Hey, it's okay. We all realize it's an enormous pickle.

There's a thought. However, it takes Alan forever to install his pickle, so we usually arrive pretty late.

That horn has some quality mileage on it!! I've got the American Command protoype presentation soprano (s/n 0001) that was given to the VP of American Heritage by Ziggy. It's gold plated and in pristine condition. Even includes the original gold Benge mpiece. We should definitely find 0003 and reunite these cats!!!!

Or "C. All the above"

I'm personally pulling for "Parrot Jungle:" Glad to hear Barb is doing much better!!!

Thanks Donny. Whenever there's a 35' tall image of Donnie Van Doren on the Jumbotron looking down on you and saying "Play well, or you're gonna run!," one becomes motivated to perform as best as possible. Besides, I'm too old and too fat to run laps. ...And before you even ask: no, that wasn't a puddle of apple juice I was standing in. See you at DCA!!!! Can't wait to hear Ghost Riders this year!!!

I think you know that the design staff holds your opinions in very high regard, Strutta. Also, you would be glad to know that the Star Alumni Corps hornline was coached almost exclusively by Barry Hudson all week prior to the corps' performance at Semi Finals. Barry is a former longtime member of the Fitchburg Kingsmen (with a season or two with the Crusaders prior to Stah, errr Star). So, if you hear a bit of a Dorchester accent when we play, you'll know why! Go Sox!

Yeah, we had to paint it black to hide the remotely operated trap door, errr to make it more color neutral so that all the corps could use it. Looking forward to sharing a round with Mass Brass after the event!!!!

Much to the chagrin of the bumpers!

Good call, people!

This is so much better than the advice I was going to give: "When attempting to fly with a mellophone, firmly grasp the mellophone with your teeth and flap arms vigorously." Keep in mind that you may be able to ship the instrument ahead via UPS or FedEx and avoid the carry on/checking issue altogether. Wrap the instrument in lots of bubble wrap. You can even leave the case at home if the trip is short. Prepaid labels can be used to ship the instrument back in the same packaging. Of course, this would completely eliminate your opportunity to serenade your fellow passengers if you're stuck on the tarmac for 8 hours.

I'll gladly stand corrected and apologize for sputtering. I believe I did preface the statement adequately considering I don't have a copy of the corps' contract readily available. Perhaps you do. Also, didn't intend to create any conspiracy theories, just making a comment -- and not quite sure how you reached that conclusion. I have been contacted by a corps in recent years and reprimanded for posting a photograph of a corps member at a rehearsal testing an instrument different from the manufacturer they were officially utilizing -- which I though odd considering the performer wasn't even in the corps uniform. The corps informed me that it would have breached their contract with the manufacturer. Perhaps I'm misinterpreting the connection. Glad to know you are here with all of the knowledge!

I don't know this for certain, but I doubt the contracts that many of today's corps have with instrument manufacturers would even permit the corps to utilize borrowed equipment for a show unless it was from said manufacturer. BK still uses King horns and would have been limited in the corps they could have borrowed from. Sad, when you think about it.

Thanks for the review. Although, if you utilize an average body mass index (bmi) of our little corps, we were arguably the largest ensemble to enter the field that evening!! You can learn more about our corps by visiting the bulletin board at any local post office or by visiting our updated web site: starunited.org If you do make to a rehearsal, please introduce yourself!!!

Thanks Tom. I was thinking a broad definition such as the one you provided would apply. Incidentally, mellophone was my first brass instrument and the next time I touch an orchestral horn will be the second time I've touched one. I would hope Pepe would float down from his cloud and strike me on the noggin with his valve/rotor F horn bugle if I ever feel so inclined to attempt to play an orchestral horn!! It would do the music world a tremendous favor, plus it would be great to see him again! Looking forward to seeing you again in Rochester!!

Thanks for all of your work (and the work of all of DCA staff and volunteers) to host I&E each year. I've reread the rules (as I do each year). Curious to know if there is a published list of "approved" brass instruments from DCA. I've tried to identify one, but it's probably located in an obvious location and I continue to miss it. I'm not intending to open up any cans of worms, just to curious to know what constitutes an "unapproved" brass instrument. Thanks!

Dude, I remember setting up for the opener in Rockford in '87 (of all years). This is the stadium that had a sideline extremely close to the crowd. There was a quiet and reserved grandmother type sitting in the front row (about 10' from me, as I recall). She smiled at us until we hit the downbeat of the fanfare, and then gave us the biggest two-handed "FU" shaking green finger I have ever seen. It was epic and instantly helped me get into the proper state of mind for the program. We learned later that a local Rockford DJ had been stirring the pot for the week previous to the show and apparently grandma was an avid listener. Was '91 Preview the show where a bank of stadium lights on the home side went out during one of the shows? Was it Crossmen?

I have it on good authority that had Star competed in 2004, they would have unleashed their long-anticipated "Supertramp" show. Donnie and Jimmer have had this program in their back pocket for decades awaiting for the right moment. Maybe the Scouts will be able to bring their dream show to life.

Mass Brass now deservedly joins the pantheon of New England legends: the Sawx, Ha-vud, and Paul Re-Ve-uh. Like Tormmy always sez: Mass Brass is one wicked pissah!"

No offense taken, I was simply thanking you for the feedback.

Thanks for the feedback.

I like this sort of history. Although, the sight of a corps wearing helmuts does elicit a strong sense of terror in me........along with a odd, but no less strong yearning for relish:

Spirit of Atlanta was there for sure, along with the Florida Wave, Geneseo, Black Knights, and I'm pretty sure there were a couple of more. Wasn't this a VFW show? I know we underwent an inspection prior to our performance. The judges checked our mouthpiece backbores for cleanliness, measured the ponytail length of a percussionists and gave us ticks for untidy uniforms. I believe the only dry cleaning we did that summer was immediately prior to this performance. We spent a fair amount of time getting our shoes properly shined!