Ben Martinez

CABS, ALL THE WAY!! Always my favorite!!

Thanks, I'll gve it a try. Ben

I can see this going to take some effort to find photos.....Perhaps their old American Legion post will have some info. Ben

I was talking to an associate at work and we were discussing early activities in our youthful days and drum corps came up. Well, I related my experiences with the Santa Clara Vanguard and Jack talked about his 6 year envolmewnt with a drum corps called the Imperial Knights and they were located in Bergen County.Does anyone remember this drum corps. Jack played french horn and remember doing the Macy's Day Parade,St Patricks Day and going to Wildwood back in the mid-50's to early 60's. He would like to know if there are any alumni still around and if there is an Imperial Knights historical contact who may have photos of his old corps. Ben

I admire the fact that SCV carrys on the tradition of taking on challenging music and visual concepts. If you want mainstream then that's what you'll vote for. Seems like people have jumped on the "I don't get it bandwagon" without attempting to understanding SCV's adaptation of Bartok's music and the show mainly because their notions are set.If you have a contemporary classical background you'll probably like SCV if you have a jazz-pop background thing going for you then you'll like everyone else. Right or wrong? Heck!, I don't know....eye of the beholder!! Good luck to all the corps in Murfreesboro, TN tonight and at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta .....but a big thumbs up to my beloved SCV!! Go Baby!! Ben

It's not about egos or exclusion of Open class. It's about having a series of venues to help promote and grow the activity regionally in the west. It helps strenghten DCI and in turn, everyone wins. It's a great idea and is visionary in my book.

As much as I'm dissappointed I realize the rising cost to put a corps on the field and a recovering economy is taking it's toll on the drum corps families across the country. The Brigadiers are a cornerstone of the DCA family and I believe they will succeed in doing what they have always done putting excellence in the forefront and with their dedicated core members work through these tough times. I'm looking forward to seeing them at the I&E's in Rochester. All the best to the folks in Syracuse. In Unity, Ben Martinez

That maybe the only time in drum corps history that this has occured. I suspect Tom, you'll find out. I owe my learning how to play a horn at age 14 while in the Royalaires in San Leandro,Ca from Stockton Caballero instructor/arranger/soloist AJ Vierra formerly of the Springfield Marksmen from Springfield,Ma. I heard he has returned to Springfield and now works with the Marksmen Alumni. Thanks AJ !!! and have great new year Tom. Ben Martinez

Not DCA. A toast the San Joaquin Stockton Caballeros from Northern California. Ben Martinez

I have a rule for myself that states, If my performance level hinders in anyway the quality of the performance on the field and I'm not talking about a bad day but consistently, then it's time to find a min-corps or alumni corps to perform in which is a pretty good option. Hanging on because of pride or self interest will only alienate you from those that want the best for the whole.

Frank, We have never met, but I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and respect to you and the Ponzo family during this difficult time. Ben Martinez

I just received an e-mail from BVP and they said they are more then happy to send a replacement because there is no skipping on the master DVD according to them of the Renegades. That's progress and a positive gesture on their part. Ben

I wish I paid more attention to what is being said on these threads. My 2009 DVD came in and it was the worst quality I have ever experienced on a DVD. I've seen first time amatuers do a better job. There's no reason for a company in the business of making DVD's for the public to produce such a sub standard product. I emailed them and have not recieved a response, plus I waited 7 weeks for the DVD for what. I'm with Spandy, if another company takes over I'm in. Ben

That's the prototype. Supposedly the finished version will have detailed shark teeth on the front. Additional work on the Contra-Stellar-Bago RC-001 is needed. As you can see a single warp engine and support pylon on the right side of the ship lead to consistent rapid left moves which C-Bago crew had to endure during orbit and touch down in Rochester in 09. Not to be repeated a newer second warp engine is scheduled for installation along with the deceptive shark tooth phaser bank at our faciality on Treasure Island at the Site X Drydock.

Three days and counting until the unveiling of the new uniform.