Scooter Pirtle

Don't forget Squealers!

I absolutely agree and understand. My knowledge of the Cadets organization is from the perspective of a fan who was introduced to the activity in 1980. I don't envy the task of those who have the privilege (and the challenge) of choosing between so many qualified and deserving alumni to honor. But here's a subtle suggestion...

Probably already mentioned, but... Sharpiro's is a great deli that's within a stones throw of the stadium. It's a Kosher deli with an old fashioned cafeteria line. There's usually a really bossy lady keeping the line moving. I wonder if she was aver an instructor for a corps? This place has large portions. A Reuben easily feeds two. Shapiro's If you're looking for something to do, the American Legion national office is located downtown (a few blocks from where I live). If you call in advance, they will give you a free walking tour of the facility. There's a small museum and some very interesting artifacts and displays throughout. Of course, the archive contains some interesting drum corps items, including one of Holy Name Cadets' national championship trophies, and I vaguely recall seeing an Argonauts drum trophy in the library. Price is free. American Legion National Office A couple of blocks over is the Scottish Rites Cathedral. It costs a couple of bucks for the tour, but it's an incredible building. It has a performance theater that features incredibly ornate wood carvings. Lots of interesting history in the building. Scottish Rite Cathedral If you're stuck with a spouse on the trip who is really into Victorian architecture and culture, you should visit the Riley House. It's in the Lockerbie neighborhood in downtown Indy (my neighborhood!) and offers tours Tuesday thru Saturday. Riley House There's also a very interesting (and free) War Memorial that's a block away from the Legion and a couple of blocks away from the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Admission is free and it includes a small war museum. Indiana War Memorial There is also a great canal that winds through the city. It has several interesting small memorials along its path that includes the USS Indianapolis memorial and a really interesting Congressional Medal of Honor memorial. Mass Ave is also a cool place downtown with lots of artsy shops. There's a great eclectic pizza joint on Mass Ave called Bazbeux. Across the street is a semi-authentic Scottish pub called McNiven's that has lots of imported brews and Indy's only source of Haggis! There's also a neat beirgarten called the Rathskeller. Authentic German cuisine and lots and lots of imported beer. The Indiana State Museum is worth a looksee. It also sports one of several IMAX theaters in town. It's next door to the Eitlejorg, a great museum devoted to Native Americans and Western Art. Victory Field is a great minor league ball park for the local Pittsburgh Pirates farm team. Hey, you're going to love the city!

The 2009 inductees were announced on July 6th at the Cadets show. I've managed to miss any announcements listing who was selected for recognition on August 1. Did Barb make it? Anyone know? Nevermind. Found it: http://www.yea.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=17064 An impressive class. Looks like we've got time to rally behind her again for next year's induction.

Technically, the Blue Devils did use converted Yamaha flugelhorns in the early 1990s. If I'm not mistaken, these instruments were standard B-flat flugelhorns altered into the key of G for the corps. However, I believe you're correct in stating that the Blue Devils haven't been outfitted with stock Yamaha winds.

The "Share a ride" service is still available, although I think the price has increased quite a bit since your last visit (I believe it's $30). However, it's convenient and how else should one show up to a DCI event than in a limo?! Here's info that includes some of the small print: http://www.careyindiana.com/shared_ride.asp

Great job guys! The Mass Brass All-Star Mellophone section representing!!!

I concur with all of Mike's statements above, save one. The cup geometry on the IYM is very deep. It is a "V" configuration as mentioned, but to me it's almost a "U" shape because of the depth of the cup. The result is a characteristically dark sound, but it may require some extra effort from the performer to sustain notes in the upper register. When play testing the IYM, I was amazed at how well it locked the high C in tune. The sections who I've heard use it sound great during their warmups. The mello sections blend very well with the baritone, almost seamlessly. The only concern I would have is if the show music being performed by the sections utilizing these mouthpieces are oriented more toward "above the staff" impacts. The results are musical, but just not the same characteristic mellophone sound that I'm used to hearing. Not a bad thing at all, just different. Be aware that because of the mass associated with the barrel on these mouthpieces, a special model has been created for King instrument (necessary because of the mouthpiece receiver depth). Report back if you get a chance to try one of these. We would all value your opinions.

Clyde Hunt has recordings of the Characteristic Studies and many more popular etudes and method books: Click here for bflatmusic.com Give it a look.

LOL! Anyone ever heard of the "Firemen?" They fielded a three person unit in the early '80s. I think they wore turnout gear including the boots!

No. I would probably have to sneak on the bus before retreat to use that!

It's just so tawdry, it defies explanation. Of course, if Arturo Sandoval is seen using one somewhere, it will sell a million units!

"It's got a cop mouthpiece, cop valve oil, cop valve stems, and cop spit valves. It was built before the catalytic third valve, so it runs good on regular breathe dah." "Our Lady of Blessed Articulation, don't fail me now!"

Don't forget, it's ladies night at the Waukegan High School Auditorium on the 14th.

Copy that. There aren't too many 73 year old fencers around. He must have had bionic knees. Did anyone keep his rare coin shop open?

Hello All: Great info to help me get started. I appreciate all the responses. I look forward to learning more about American Heritage and all of the personalities involved. Serial numbers for soprano bugles in the 700 range have been encountered, along with some specimens of baritone bugles. No mellos or prototype contrabasses yet found. Still working on getting some additional info on the 29 Palms Marine Corps unit. It would be great to see some pictures of that bugle line. Donald Benge seemed like quite a fellow. His tragic death in 2007 was sad, and oddly similar to his father's (also auto related). Thanks again for the info, guys!!

This is great info, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for sharing this. So, anyone ever see an American Command mello?

Hello: I'm beginning some research on the American Heritage Corporation, a firm created in the mid-1970s that briefly marketed and sold G bugles (two-piston soprano bugles, piccolo soprano bugles, mellophone bugles, and baritone bugles). The American Command bugles pop up on auction sites occasionally and I just acquired a presentation soprano bugle (s/n 00001). It's my understanding that Ziggy Kanstul fabricated (and probably designed) the instruments at the Benge facility in (or around) 1976. I'm interested to learn what prevented the company from being successful and any other details about the business and the people involved. It seems like they were at the right place and the right time to market these instruments. As most readers on here already know, H.N. White (a.k.a. King) owned Benge. They acquired some of the stock from American Heritage (or perhaps was stuck with stock prepared but not yet delivered) when American Heritage closed shop. The instruments evolved (with some additional help from Ziggy) into what become the King line of two-piston bugles popularized by the Blue Devils, Sky Ryders, et al. Curious to know any anecdotes or stories about these instruments. Anyone ever play the mello? Any idea why the American Command bugles didn't become popular?

I was preparing to write the same paragraph, but Geneva beat me to it (and constructed it much better than I would have!). I absolutely concur with this opinion. There was certainly innovation prior to the G-F change with new voices being added and the incorporation of the secondary rotor, but Ziggy's conversion to G-F for the Velvet Knights created a truly unique instrument that was more easily accessible to players. The 1959 reference to the creation of the Contrabass bugle was pulled from a Whaley Royce catalog. I haven't been able to locate a dependable date elsewhere, but I'll gladly adjust the site if you can pinpoint the date with some reliable documentation. The Appleknockers certainly deserve credit for bringing the big horn to the activity. Much to the joy of chiropractors everywhere!

The Hammond mello mouthpieces are custom and aren't stocked by retailers. You should email Mathew Hilton at: sales@karlhammonddesign.com. Matt is a Phantom alum and is dating former Bluecoat Drum Major Lizz Lewis. I wouldn't delay. They'll do small runs of these mouthpieces for the drum corps that are ordering them. Get your order in soon if you want them prior to spring training.

That is completely awesome!

I think Lucy Wheeler was one of two women in the SCV hornline in '83. There were lots of all-girl corps throughout the country during the 30s through the 60s. Some infamous, like the BonBons and the MelloDears, but some less so. There may be more precedent than you think prior to the 1980s. [Gasp]

They didn't leave. They were kidnapped. Don Pesceone's ransom checked bounced and the members were sold into the slave trade. I've heard of sightings of prisoners in internment camps seen wearing scraps of magenta (or is it fuchsia) and white aussies. I also hear Rambo is going to attempt a rescue. Expect them back in 2010 bigger than ever. On average, probably fifty pounds bigger (each).

[Chief judge clutches his throat as he's strangled by the force]

No you didn't!