megoofys

It was an honor and sheer pleasure for us in BSGK to perform for our Reilly family. I still remember the chills I felt last year at Elks Weekend when Reilly came marching down the street in front of BSGK's hotel and performed for us! I hope this tradition lasts for many yers to come!!! Looking forward to seeing you all in September!

If you were able to see the terrific Dixie Stinger Show, you'll also enjoy the Blessed Sac show in April. Come out and support the alumni corps movement and help keep the alumni corps alive! Come and join us for a wonderful evening at the Cavalcade of Music, sponsored by the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights Alumni Corps and the Nutley Music Boosters. Cavalcade of Music April 28, 2007 6:00 pm Appearing will be: Archer Eplers Reilly Raiders Mass Brass Yankee Rebels Skyliners Alumni and your hosts for the evening: Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights and the Nutley HS Jazz and Concert Bands Tickest are: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors/Students Where? Franklin Middle School 325 Franklin Ave. Nutley, NJ Check us out at bsgoldenknights.org Hope to see you all there!!!! ...Jackie

Lambertville Volunteers are always looking for new members and we welcome everyone!!!! If you'd like more information, please visit us at our site.. www.lambertvillevolunteers.org ...Jackie

I originally got involved in drum corps back in the early 70s when I saw a neighbor walk thru the park, across the street from my house with a black case in her hand. I asked her what she was doing and she told me to come along to the school, two blocks away and see for myself. And the res, they say, is history! I had absolutely no prior experience. I was 10 years old! They handed me a flag, taught me how to march and eventually, I worked my way up to the drum line, and by the time my junior days were over, I had been in the color guard, a color guard captain, a snare drummer and ended as a drum major for a small corps. I never marched in high school band, although the music teacher was always after us! Never read music, because as a drummer, we were taught rudiments and memorized as we were playing. The horn line memorized their music as they were taught it, and drills were taught on the field and memorized on the spot. There was no such thing as a drill book! Many of us in the corps I was involved in, during the 70s, never had any prior experience. And we still ended up winning some smaller circuit shows and parade championships! It was the best experience a kid could ever have! It's a shame that in today's world, this opportunity isn't given to more kids!!!! Drum corps in the early days kept a lot of kids on the straight and narrow, out of jail, in school and taught them many good lessons (outside of all the mischieve we also caused....) ...Jackie

You're right, John is teaching the Grenadears! I no longer march with them, but it just so happens I was talking to John today and I'll see him on Saturday. I'm performing with him and Lambertville at the mini corps show in Harrisburg. I will certainly pass on your greetings to him! ...Jackie

I actually marched with local corps in the 70s. Lucky Ladies, Wharton, NJ and the Emerald Grenadears, Rockaway, NJ. In the Grenadears, I was a snare drummer. I was with a few smaller corps after that as a drum major, then went on with life. When the Grenadears formed as an alumni corps, I came back as a snare drummer, enjoyed 2 years of that, then my arms finally gave out with age, and I locked myself in my house and taught myself to play a mellophone and have been a mellophone player ever since. There's my little story! I'm now having a blast playing in multiple alumni corps now!!!!

OMG I'M SO EXCITED!!!!! b**bs ^OO^ I still consider myself a rookie in the drum corps scene after being away for over 25 years and now I'm not only competing in a mini corps competition but also performing that night with the Bridgemen! I should have my head examined or be committed, whichever comes first!!!!! To have the honor to be around so much talent is something I'll never forget!!!! Can't wait!!!! ..Jackie

Best wishes for a successful first season! I heard from a friend who was at the parade that you sounded and looked good. Since you're sponsored practically in my back yard, I may have to stop by and visit during a rehearsal! When I was in junior corps many years ago, I use to practice at that hall!!!! Once again, best wishes! ...Jackie

Right you are! Jean Florek was the first female horn player for Cabs. She played in the line with her husband Bob and her brother-in-law (his twin), Tom. And also followed in the footsteps of her brother, Jim Kelly. Unfortunately, Jean lost Bob several years ago, but as an old friend and neighbor of hers, I've been keeping her involved in drum corps and she's been having a blast!!! If any of you will be out at Harrisburg, you can catch her on stage with me at the mini corps competition, where we'll be playing with Lambertville Volunteers, as well as the Yankee Rebel Show, where we'll be performing with Blessed Sac. ...Jackie

I was fortunate (or unfortunate) to experience all three sections - guard, drum and horn. I started out in junior corps in colorguard. Progressed to drumline, eventually becoming a snare drummer. Finished out my junior corps years as a snare. Returned in 2003, after a 25 year absence, to the alumni world and played snare for about a year and half, until my arms and wrists finally gave out, due to previous injuries. Not wanted to leave the alumni experience, I locked myself into my room every night for two months, and taught myself to play a mellophone and read music. So.... which would I prefer? Even though I really enjoy playing the mellophone, drumming is still in my blook and I wish I still was able to play!

Please add the only all-female alumni corps. The Emerald Grenadears, Dover, NJ - they've been active for atleast 3 years.... www.emeraldgrenadears.com ..

Thank you, you are correct! Who cares if you marched in that alumni corps when it was in its competing years or not! Some of us marched prior to DCI's formation and was out by the time DCI started. I have the privelege and honor to march in two alumni corps, Bridgemen and Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, neither of which I marched in during their junior years. But now I am given a chance to march with history and I'm grateful for that! The alumni circuit corps give those who didn't have the chance due to money, distance, age or whatever to march in junior corps that made history, to have a great experience and proudly wear the colors of those corps! There are alumnus from great corps that can't march in their alumni corps due to jobs, families, distance or whatever, so why not allow non-alumni folks who are willing and able, to do so!

I never marched with the Bridgemen in their junior years, but have been given the distinct privelege to march with them now and what a ride you're missing. Hey, I just had a house built in Georgia and will be moving there in a few years. Come and join us and we can 'carpool' together.... heeheeheehee Jackie b**bs