Bill R

Yes MSG is one of my fondest memmories from my years with Matadors ...................... that show was a trip! And yes, Hurks & Buc's were there.

As always Fran, thanks for the kind words ................ looking forward to bumping into you sometime this season.

Hi all ........................ It's been a while since I've posted anything. Looking on the DCA web site I can't find anything about hotel reservations .................. In the past there was a form to fill out. I haven't had to worry about reserving a room for the last 10 years since I was competing in mini corps & the corps took care of it. Like I said, I've been to the DCA sight ....... did I miss it? Bill

Actually the Pat's didn't need The Matadors in the Super Bowl they just needed one of the coaches to tell Gronk to take 1 more step in the end zone.

Last night I was sitting at home watching the Patriots/Eagles game when it dawned on me what I was watching, & what happened in 1977 when the Matadors played 1/2 time at Pat's /Steeler's game. I wrote the following & sent it to my Matador brothers & sisters................... I thought I would share it with you. 35 years ago yesterday, some of us were in Foxboro Ma. performing 1/2 time at the Patriots vs. Steelers game. If you've never heard the story, what your going to read is absolutely true. The winter of 76-77 was anything but kind for the Matadors. After a very disappointing 10th place finish in 76 the corps spent the winter in a funk that we couldn't shake off. Until................ end of March (I think) when Red called a full corps meeting before rehearsal & announced the corps was folding. PANDEMONIUM BREAKS OUT led by Rick Harrington who stood up & told Red he didn't have the authority to fold the corps. This led to a heated argument between Rick & Red plus an impassioned plea from Rick to give us another chance (little did we know this was all a set up & Red never intended to fold the corps). After 2 amazing weekend camps in April & May at Camp Varnum the corps hit the field in Mt. Carmel Pa. with 55 horns, 30 drums (I believe the largest drum line in DCA that year) & I don't know how many guard but it was at least 20. All the other corps that were licking their chops because they thought they had a chance because of the corps poor finish the previous year were put on notice............... NOT THIS YEAR! Fast forward to the 2nd NFL exhibition weekend & the corps had a show that just came at you & kept coming. My brother Mark was a season ticket holder back then & he told me that when 1/2 time came there was a mass exodus by the people watching the game .............. till we started the opener. Then, he said, many of those people came back to sit back down. Because the Steelers were defending Super Bowl Champs the game was a sellout & the people really started getting into our show. At the same time, the Pat's, who were manhandled in the first 1/2 were in the locker room & they could hear that the crowd was cheering louder & more enthusiastically for the 1/2 time show then what they cheered for them during the game! When we finished playing Malaguena they are on their feet with a loud long standing O. Now we start playing Rocky & they go absolutely nuts! As we turn back field during Jimmy's solo setting up the big push to the stands THE STEELER'S START COMING BACK ONTO THE FIELD! No one from the team told us that they only had 10 minutes allocated for 1/2 time & our show was well over 13. So now we spin around & hit the crowd with a wall of sound & we can see that the Pat's were also back on the field. The crowd is standing going nuts! THE PATRIOTS, STANDING ON THE SIDELINE ARE GOING NUTS! In the 2nd 1/2 the Pat's dominate, come back & win the game! NBC, who was broadcasting NFL games back then was irate! They demanded the Patriots reimburse the extra commercial time that had to be aired (for free) because of the timing screw up. The coach & general manager (Chuck Fairbanks) said the Pat's would gladly pay for the extra time because "That band won us the game". How do we know that last part? Frank Edmonds at the time was Red Corso's son in law, played mellophone for the Matadors & worked at WBZ television (an NBC affiliate). The Rhode Island Matadors never won a DCA show............................. but, we beat the Super Bowl Champions! 35 years ago this past weekend.......................... strange but true! Hope to see you all soon, Bill Roderick

Here are some remembrances of Drum Major Jim Mchenry from members of New Bedford Whalers, Rhode Island Matadors, Generations & St. Kevin's Emerald Knights. These, along with pictures of Mac. from his various corps will be inclosed into an official document & presented to his family at a future date. Anyone reading this is invited to post your own stories & memories of Mac. He was one of a kind. When I joined the Whalers I was one of the youngest, and one of the smallest guys in the Corps. There was lots of good natured ribbing always going on, but Jim always "defended" me. He was the only drum major I ever worked with who could bawl you out royally, yet leave you with a feeling that he truly appreciated and respected your work. He was also exceptional in the fact that he was never afraid to praise the corps when we worked hard, as well as to push us when we got lazy. I remember once we were about to run a practice at a show and the Hurcs were just finishing up a rehearsal. They were at the top of their game that year, and when Mac realized we were spending a little too much time admiring them, instead of getting ready ourselves, he let us have it. "THEY PUT ON THEIR PANTS THE SAME WAY AS YOU DO!!! They are no better than you, but today they're working harder!!" Somehow that moment stayed with me for a long time. I never looked at anyone as better than me. I always remembered that they put on their pants the same way I did, and I always remembered that it was Jim who helped me realize that. When we lost our bid for a DCA spot, no one person was more upset than Jim. I remember him gathering us around after the show a little teary, and as angered as he was, I felt he was more upset for us than for himself. He wasn't there just to direct us, but to comfort us, and to congratulate us no matter what. There are lots of "Mac" stories, I'm sure, and I'm sure they all end leaving us with a smile. Being a Whaler was always special (look at the pic of Jim up front....could anyone have been prouder?), but it was just a little more special because we got to march, get admonished, get encouraged, and to laugh an awful lot with Jimmy Mac. It was a pleasure to have spent time with him. Joey Petrone (JoeRI) Whalers Soprano '68-'72 I first remember Jimmy from our days with Assumption and the big fire on Central & Acushnet Avenues that pretty much wiped the Corp out. Everything stunk like fire & smoke and as we moved to the Eagles Hall for rehearsals, we clean it all up and made the best of what we had. Jim was a leader even back then, and I remember him saying "Thank God no one was hurt and at least we have our horns & drums and we can always get new uniforms". As time moved on, the idea of the Jolly Whalers came to be a reality, I was still a bit young and joined the Golden Raiders, but eventually graduated and became a Jolly Whaler. It was good to be back with the Big Corp again and Jimmy was one of the first people to welcome me aboard. We had a lot of great years as Whalers and all along, I remember Jim as a leader and most importantly, a friend. I know I'm just one of the very many Drum Corp friends Jimmy Mac had, who will miss him. It was always an honor to march behind him and I know we'll all miss him. Rest in Peace My Friend........... Jim Latimer Snare drum, Whalers '63 to 69 Jim was one of the good guys. Always cheerful, serious when necessary, always fair. I think I was with him in the Assumption, I can't remember, it's too far back. He did make me feel welcome, no matter where we were. My oldest recollection was when he and Kathy returned from their honeymoon, Jim mentioned that his bottle of Hai Karate after shave burst in his luggage and the aroma permeated all of their clothing. What a way to start a life together, but, I guess it worked... He will be missed. Art Perryman, soprano As a youngster in the Whalers while in high school, Jim McHenry was the perfect role model. I remember him as our leader, by example. Like many of our fellow Whalers, Jim made the new guy feel welcome and an important part of the Corps. He taught you to work hard for your fellow Whalers. Know your part, know your music, know our routine. You learned the importance of teamwork and being prepared. Jim always let you know when it was time to work and when it was time to laugh. I lived by Jim’s leadership example in my career and tried to lead as well as he did. I’m sure he had that affect on many of my fellow Whalers. That may well be his legacy. The best of Jim McHenry lives on in all of us as for he did indeed touch our lives during those glorious years and beyond. Thank you Jim McHenry. Jim Mahaney, Tenor Drum, Whalers ’67-68 Carole Nelson Mahaney, Chordettes, ’66-68 My rememberance of Jim was that he was a top Quality Drum Major who new the music and how to direct it. He was always active in all of the preparation and board meetings with one thought to bring out the best in all, which he was successful in doing. Our instructors thought the world of Jim and you would see that when we were in competition and they would be reviewing the scores. He was respected by his fellow drum majors, managers, and judges. My best rememberance of an event with Jim was when we were in the Bristol Parade. The Vietnam War was going on and there were protesters on the parade route trying to block the corps and disrespect the flag. This was just as we had rounded the bend down by the water. Jim has the Harpoons drop down as well as the swords and flags other than the American and march as a V through them. Never forgot this as a patriotic act. Another memory was we were in Pennsylvania On a field next to a Mack Truck Factory. Little bugs by the thousands were coming up from the grass as we practiced. Mac and Frank Pimental decided that we had swallowed enough bugs and decided to cut the rehearsal short. Gave us a chance to go to the Burger Chef and wash them away so that we play that evening. Leadership is a quality that not everyone had but Mac sure did! Rest in Peace. Dave Barton, Whalers, Tenor Drum My wife, Edna and I had the honor of having Mac being our leader three times, in the Matadors, Matador Reunion Corps and the RI Generations. Mac always knew how to make feel welcome and could always make the best of any situation. We were proud that Jim was with Generations when we won the DCA Class A championship in 2000. Jim was always a true gentleman and worked hard to know the music. We will miss seeing him at contests, Jim Rest in Peace. Dave and Edna Correia 33 Arrow Lane Nashua, NH 03060-4815 thecorreias5@comcast.net Jim McHenry was undoubtedly one of the very best drum majors I have ever known. He put everything into each performance and was a genuine gentleman. He was a great, great Matador. I owe him much. God bless him and his family. Jimmy Centorino What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Jim McHenry? I served with Jim in the Whalers, Matadors and St. Kevin’s Drum corps. Jim always encouraged me to perform as a harpooner in the Whalers, even at times when I felt like not wanting to carry the harpoon. And it was Jim McHenry that got me to join the Matadors. I often traveled to Boston with Jim while I was in St. Kevin’s. I performed with a few Drum Majors, but none came close to performing with Jim McHenry. He always made you feel important and would do what ever necessary to get the best out of a performer or the Corps. Jim Mc Henry was a very important part of my life in drum corps. I will cherish his friendship for as long as I live. I can just see it now, Jim and Joe Genero up in Drum Corps Heaven wowing all the Angles with some great Drum Corps music. Mike Mendoza Whalers 1961-1968 Harpoon Matadors 1999 Cymbals St.Kevin’s 2001-2002 Cymbals I met Mac when I was 13 years old. Some of the older members of the Jr. Corps would let some of us younger members tag along to Marine Park to watch Whaler rehearsals. 3 years later at 16 I found myself playing 2nd soprano in that very same Whaler horn line. Mac was very aware that the 2nd sop section had only 1 Vet & 3 young kids, (me, Billy Sousa, & Manny Raposa). Jim did everything he could to make sure we weren't intimidated playing in what was a very good horn line with all the other members so much older then us. So now it was my turn to go to Marine Park for rehearsal. Mac had the drill charts & he was teaching us the drill. As was common back then for certain portions of the show everyone gets assigned a number........ Your #1, your #2, your #3, your #4. Mac assigns me my number but I was fooling around too much & didn't pay attention. A moment later he came back & says, "Roderick, what number did I give you?" My answer..........."To tell the truth Jim I don't remember." Next thing I knew the drill charts were flying at my head! He stood there, and then walked up to me & said in a stern voice, “All you've done all night is clown around. When you come to MY REHEARSAL you better come to work, do your fooling around somewhere else." Now, he's still standing there looking at me & the drill charts all over the ground, so I bend over pick the charts up, hand them back to him & say "Sorry Jim." Next rehearsal Mac was "Billy! How you doing today? Good to see you!" All was forgiven. After 40 years I'm still playing in Drum Corps but never again did a Drum Major or instructor ever have to speak to me like that again ................................. thank you Mac! Bill Roderick New Bedford Whalers 1972 Rhode Island Matadors 1975-1987 Rhode Island Generations 2000 (DCA Class A Champions) Light Brigade 2003-2008 Mass Brass 2003- ? Defenders Alumni 2008- ? The thing I remember about Mac the most was the way He gave commands. We all can hear him now, clear & loud, that first "Corps," then a slight pause. We knew it was time to be ready for whatever he said next. Mac instilled a confidence in the whole line. You just knew that he was in charge & was going to lead us to a good performance. Listen to any recording for his commands & you will remember that feeling. He was very special. Mike DeSouza French horn Mellophone New Bedford Whalers 65-72 RI. Matadors 98-99 The St. Kevin Emerald Knights 2000- NOW (It’s) been a sad week for all. I was playing French horn when Mac came back from the Marine Corps. I was with you (Mike DeSouza), Art, myself when we all played together. When the nominations came for drum major I nominated him. He was a great leader and was all Marine. I think we should nominate him for Drum Corps Hall of Fame this year. Mike Sorenson, Atlanta, GA French Horn Whalers 65-69 I remembered Mac in my heart as I celebrated Mass in the Cathedral of St. Denis in Athens Greece last Sunday. I will offer Mass for him at my parish church in Londonderry, NH. We have all had wonderful memories of our friendships, and companionship and our caring for and about each other. So many have crossed my mind this past week as I remembered such great people as Ed Colbert and Paul Palange, Frank Pimental, and Joe Genaro and Ray Ludee and so many who have touched our lives. Mac is with them and many others. May they all Rest in peace. (Fr) Bob Couto When I was a member of the Assumption, I was only 14 years old and still wet behind the ears. Then we Folded and started the Jolly Whalers and through the years we had several Majors, who were pretty good, like Kenny Higgins, Richie Antones, Bob Miranda, Ron (MOTTO) St.Gelais, but in the background, was a soprano player, and a color guard member, who ran for the JOB of Major, and to me he was the Best, Major and Friend. I would consider him my Brother. I will never forget those Lovely Words that came from his Heart....."HEY YOU PROCK".. and all the different Corps we marched in together. Someday I will be right beside You in that Great Drum Corps in the Heavens........You Will Always be on my Mind....Peace Jim Raymond J Leger Assumption Drum&Bugle Corps 1958-1960 Jolly Whalers/Whalers 1960-1972 Matadors Reunion 1999 Generations Class A Champions 2000 St.Kevin Emerald Knights Alumni 2001-2011

This morning Jim McHenery lost his battle with brain & lung cancer. Jim was Drum Major for New Bedford Whalers, Conn. Hurricanes, Rhode Island Matadors, & Rhode Island Generations. He was an excellent Drum Major & a true gentleman. He was always quick to welcome a new member, always knew how to make you feel welcome. He always had words of encouragement when he saw you needed it but he wasn't afraid to crack your legs when he saw you needed that also. I had the honor to march with Jim in 3 different drum corps over a span of 28 years & always learned something new from him. All of us in New England will miss him greatly. RIP My Friend.

The Christmas Brass, a brass ensemble made up of members of the Defenders, Crusaders, & St. Kevin's Alumni Corps will be performing a program of Christmas music both Sacred & Secular at the Providence Place Mall Providence, RI this Saturday the 17Th at 2 PM. We will be in the "Wintergarden" section, located on level 2 in the center of the mall between Viera Bradleys and Tea Avona. This is the second year for Christmas Brass under the direction of Bob Houde. Christmas Brass will also be playing Sat. night at 7PM at the Faith & Hope Baptist Church at 93 Stanwood St. Providence, plus on Sunday the 18TH at the Holy Family Church in Rockland, Ma. at 2PM. The Holy Family Church is the founding Church of the Holy Family Defenders Drum & Bugle Corps. We will also be performing at the Bristol, RI. Veterans Home on Jan 7th @ 2PM.

For the 3rd consecutive year members from the Boston area alumni corps (Crusaders, Defenders & St. Kevin's) will be playing Christmas music (both Sacred & secular) . On the Sat. the 17th, 2 shows ............. one at the Providence Place Mall in the afternoon & a local Church at night.On Sunday afternoon a local Church in Rockland, Ma. Then on Jan. 7th we'll be at the Veteran's Home In Bristol, RI.

For the 3rd consecutive year members from the Boston area alumni corps (Crusaders, Defenders & St. Kevin's) will be playing Christmas music (both Sacred & secular) . On the Sat. the 17th, 2 shows ............. one at the Providence Place Mall in the afternoon & a local Church at night.On Sunday afternoon a local Church in Rockland, Ma. Then on Jan. 7th we'll be at the Veteran's Home In Bristol, RI.

Correct me if I'm wrong............ didn't the Syracuse Brigadiers Alumni Corps play the National Anthem?

I don't want anyone to think this is any kind of knock on The Renegades but..................... Back in the day corps made some great shows with unrelated music. I'll use my own corps as an example but with a little research I could come up with many other corps. In 1977 the Rhode Island Matadors fielded a show of Copeland's Rodeo.........drum solo of Comedians Gallop......... Channel One Suite (yes, someone in DCA played it long before Brigs).............Malaguena........ and closed with Going The Distance from the movie Rocky. Other corps that come to mind are the Hurricanes, Sunrisers. & Buccaneers. Back in the day that was the norm not the exception. I love the Renegades. What they have done is revive a lost art. As a matter of fact a number of people have told me that in some ways the Renegades remind them of the Matadors

Oh!! So that explains the shirt Gil was wearing before the show!

Members of the Defenders Alumni Corps will be playing both secular & sacred Christmas music at an assisted living facility in East Providence, RI on Sunday the 12th. I also know that members of Brooklyn United do go out & assist the Salvation Army by playing music all over Brooklyn. I'm sure there others.

Ooops! Well, I do remember talking to you about it & you saying it was being recorded. Then I read (I think here) that it wasn't being done. Sorry if anyone got the wrong impression from my miss-information.