stein456

Gee I thought this was a good idea

The RIDGEMEN from the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, New York: Charlie Patrizio Viet Nam (KIA), Bobby McKenna, Tommy Mckenna, Billy Burns, Eddie Keys, Jimmy Rosenthal, Jack Deacy, Paul Adazibal, Billy Pokorney, Bobby Pokorney, Tommy Stuart, Richie Marino and all the Veterans who participated in the marching units from the Basilica of OLPH in WW1, WW2, KOREA and Viet Nam.

For those of you who don't know what phenomenal player John Girardi was, I ask you to reference the NEW YORK SKYLINER'S, GUYS AND DOLLS SHOW (can someone help me out with the year here?) It was the year they had those "PLAY BILL" flags. Great guard also. John did a remarkable job with the solo work and when you think about the astonishing SKYLINER solo soprano lineage, that's saying a whole lot. John loved this dumpy bar on 93 St. and 3 Ave. in NYC. called "ATOMIC BUFFALO WINGS" Bills fans would hangout there. I would meet John after work and, between cold beers, shots of tequillia and very hot chichen wings we would come up with solutions for the ills of drum corps, geo politics, religion, sports and other pertinent issues of the time. We would alternate this 2 man brain trust to bar rooms in Brooklyn (my home) and Queens (his home.) John was a most worthy advisory in these friendly, but heated joust's. He was a good and decent man, even though I'll never forgive him for putting in the new parking meters in Manhatten which has made my life a little difficult to say the least. I always thuoght we would work together on a drum corps project someday. We talked about it, but it never really happened. Who ever said "LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHILE YOUR BUSY MAKING OTHER PLANS" stated a most accurate discription of my relationship with my buddy John. Rest in peace my friend. Have a cold one, a shooter and a plate of medium hot wings for me when I get there. Hope you don't mind if I take my time on that one buddy. : ) stein

I'm glad your suffering has ended my friend. You put up a brave and valiant fight. As a believer I know you'll fine peace in heaven with your Mom and the Skyliners that went before you. Until we meet again......rest in peace my buddy.

It really was a great show. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Garfield , Selden, Brassmen, St. Lucy's and all the rest of the great drum corps who performed. What a great night. You can't believe the people who show up to this thing. It's amazing. Skyliner's alumni closed the show and did a great job. Nice party after.... what more do you need? I hope this fall tradition continues and if you missed it, make plans to get to Brooklyn next year. You won't be sorry. bs

Tony and Donna you will be missed and Frank, GE''s will be missed also, but I'm glad your coming and look forward to seeing you as always. BTW, I personally have nothing to do with this show, other than the fact that, I think this is a REALLY GOOD THING FOR DRUM CORPS! Tom Breen and his staff have worked very hard to put together what could be the "FALL CLASSIC" for this activity. And I strongly suuggest that everyone support his efforts. stein

Many years ago I heard a rare, radio interview with Frank Sinatra where he stated, he regularly takes a deep breath and submerges himself in the pool, just over his shoulders to "expand my lung capacity" logically, lungs filled with air, submerged, will fight to become bouyant and expand the upper lung chambers . Perhaps this was the intent? At any rate, I wouldn't argue with the Chairman of the Board. stein

Drum corps fans in the northeast!!!! This Saturday, 10/10/09 at 3PM a remarkable drum corps event will take place at KINGSBOROUGH COLLEGE in Brooklyn New York, featuring some of the finest vintage drum corps in existance today. Among others you will be able to witness performances by the GARFIELD, ST. LUCY'S, SELDEN CADETS, and ST RITA'S alumni corps. Also, the great WYNN CENTER TOPPERS one of the last African American drum corps performing today, keeping that great tradition alive! Intertwinded with the afore mentioned corps, the program will spiced with other fine drum corps as well as talented small ensembles and individual performers featuring for example: THE GOLDEN EAGLES A must see!!! Also the LATIN EXPRESS comprised of former members of a certain "bell bottomed" group from North Jersey. All to make for a great evening of traditional drum corps. Closing this event will be the NEW YORK SKYLINER ALUMNI corps. Hearing this group perform "SOMETHINGS COMING" form West Side Story is worthy of your attention alone!!!! Dispite the name, MUSIC UNDER THE BRIDGE, this event takes place on the other side of Brooklyn, near the Coney Island/Sheepshead Bay area. right off the Belt Parkway. It's a very safe and secure, fenced in area, in a beautiful section of Brooklyn. So, I urge all drum corps fans to come out and SUPPORT THIS SHOW!!!!! For more information, check out their site at www.brooklynunited.com and we'll see you all at the show. stein

Best bunch of SOB's i've ever had the pleasure of working with. Look, they blasted a hole in the roof of the staircase, in the building behind them. Animals

I donno who these two gents are, but that lady above the guy on the right is my aunt Muriel form Hackensack. She married my uncle Goopy who she met when they marched in Slattery. God knows were I'd be today if it were not for auntie Muriel and her killer cup cakes, not forgetting Uncle Goopy's goulash. God it was great seeing her. She always loved the Skyliners

The OLPH RIDGEMEN of Brooklyn, New York started in 1914 and are still active today! That being said, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GOVIES! Showing us all that: you can still get out there, have fun and get it done. Well done and continued success..... respect

If this is who I think it is this definatly NOT a Brooklyn corps.

I don't know if anyone got this yet, but the answer is Liz and the contra with the large "Bela" is Drac Two of best you'll find in drum corps!! I mean Liz and Drac.......,but you knew that. ; )

"OK, LETS GO" ! "but Coz it's raining out" "I DON'T CARE IF IT'S SHITTIN OUT........LETS GO"!!!! ruuuump bs

"I'll pull your arms out of there sockets and throw them across Hempstead turnpike" Those who know .......know who said this. Of course, he NEVER would have done this , but it was one of those "old school things" that many of us heard back in the day. He did balance it out with love. bs

Interesting response...... Certainly placemnt and staging have a lot to do with the "LOUD FORM". That's a given. I was more interested in what I heard described as "sound vectors". How sound (drum corps)spreads and travels once it's launched. A most learned and experienced individual in this activity once told me that sound from a brass instrument on a football field " drops and rises as it spreads left to right" and that "too close" of a spacing/interval ie: shoulder to shoulder or 1.5's would not allow for this. It inhibits these "vectors". Further, the "stacking", front to back negates the "drop and rise" dynamic. Also the ens. too close to the front sideline does not necessarily impact the way a set placed further back, 8 to 12 steps would. Having just observed the Carolina Crown's performance, 09. The conclusion of their program has a 5 yardline. to 5 yardline spread. Quite loud! Another example: Phantom's back yardline "windowed" wedge of low brass several years ago. Descending arpegiation to a sustained pedal tone. VERY LOUD especially give it's placment on the field. Of course, anything works if you have the time and talent to make it work. I'm just interested in what works due to the actual physics of sonority. Thanks again to all who have responded. Looking forward to further diologue. Bobby Steinhilber

Has anyone ever seriously researched what field placment, dynamic or configuration allows for the optimum in volume? I have always thought that a "football" shape, set 8 to 12 steps back, soprano/trumpets up front, mid-range and low brass on either side, contras/tubas in the back and center.worked well for FFF. Also, the "S" curve set on the bias or slant, again, set back 8 to 12 steps from the side line, leads up front, mid-range, baris and contra /tubas follow the S curve around. This is a more concentrated presentation with the overlay/ front to back placement of performers. You can get most brass ens. between the 30's this way. Further, the intervals would of course be at a 3 spacing. Anyone else have an opinion on this?

The RIDGEMEN from the parish of OUR LADY of PERPETUAL HELP in Brooklyn, New York just celebrated their 95th anniversary. The OLPH drum corps were a virtual "continent of Atlantis" for the drum corps activity, with it's illustrious alumni going on to contribute greatly to drum corps. Bobby Thompson, George Rodriguez Tom Costa, Les Parks and many,many more who have served as instructors, arrangers, judges and administrators. The OLPH Ridgemen continue today as an active alumni corps, appearing in local parades and exibitions around the Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York area. Vistit our web site at: www.ridgemen.net which has pictures dating back to 1914. When you do please sign our guest book. On behalf of us all here at the RIDGEMEN alumni, we wish you well on your vocation and spiritual journey. Bobby Steinhilber

Is anyone aware of a site for ancient fife and drum similar to this forum? I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks in adavance

Thanks Tony, Doreen, Nat and Puppet ........ Your right Pup, Brooklyn is a special place and our old neighborhood is in great shape these days. The huge Basillica on the hill that can be seen from miles away is in beautiful shape, the area is safe and the pizza at Johnny's is still great! It's going to be a great day and the proceeds from the reunion will go to the grammer school which survived a recent order to be closed. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a drum corps out of them in the near future. Come one, come all, to Brooklyn NY, May 17th NORWEGIAN DAY. You have freinds there!!!! www.ridgemen.net

BUMP DIDDY BUMP BUMP

The OLPH RIDGEMEN 1914 - 2009 will celebrate their 95th anniversary as a drum corps on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the Basillica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, New York. The OLPH drum corps has certainly contributed immensely to the drum corps activity, boasting of such distingushed alumnus as: Bobby Thompson, Tom Costa, Les Parks, George Rodriguez. Also Venerable judges such as Ed Fitzgerald and Phil Mafous and a very long list of instructors, designers, and performers who have not only enjoyed their involvement with the OLPH drum corps activity, but have gone on to contribute to the marching drum corps activity in a very significant way. Many of whom are still involved today. The RIDGEMEN, during their 95 year tenure, were a competitive drum corps from 1961 until 1976. During that time, they competed in the PENN- JERSEY, GREATER NY and GARDEN STATE circuits as well as many years as an "OPEN CORPS". They have appeared at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, Shea Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Ebbitt's Field and the Polo Grounds. Also playing for POPE JOHN XXIII during his visit to NY. As important as anything else, however, is the literally thousands of youth that the OLPH drum corps has served in their 95 year history! Come celebrate with us on MAY 17TH from 3 PM to 7 PM following the annual NORWEGIAN DAY PARADE in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. We will be honoring the 1961 RIDGEMEN members, our first competitive marching drum corps. Also in attendance will be our beloved director Father Dick Skarbek. Contact former drum major JACK DEACY at 212 219 8675, www.jackdeacy@gmail.com OR visit our web site WWW.RIDGEMEN.NET for further information. SEE YOU IN GOOD OLD BROOKLYN ON MAY 17TH !!!!!!! Bobby Steinhilber

The Skyliner's are in most capable hands with Bob Fizette. Truly one of the unsung talents in drum corps. He IS a "dig in, work hard guy" with the talent to back it up. I think I speak for everyone when I say: "DRUM CORPS MISSES THE SKYLINERS"! All the best to Bob and the Skyliners. stein

I think it's the Hurricanes or the corps that became the Hurc's