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Here is another look at what a fine gentleman Mr. Cook was. In the early days of Star, when DCM (Drum Corps Midwest) was in its heyday, there were a number of DCM shows in Kansas. Being a week plus "tour" of contests, the judges panel needed to be switched out a bit to enhance feedback, and inputs to the group of corps. The logistics of moving the panel in and out were beyond the budget of DCM to manage. Mr.Cook "lent" his jet to DCM to fly in "replacement" judges and take the others back to Milwaukee. As far as I know, this was all at his own expense in support of the DCM organization. As one of those judges, I was amazed and awed by the generosity he extended. Is there anyone currently in the activity to match??????

Oh this brings back memories. Yes they were great, ESPECIALLY for their era. Set so many standards. Bear in mind a couple of items: Corps at that time were still pretty local, Most members were from the area, not traveling across the county to march (yes a few exceptions but a rarity). The Royals were still a relatively "new" unit in '65. If I remember, they started out as a parish corps in maybe '58. Also, most members were still high schoolers, not the college 20-21 year old , music majors like today. In any comparisons, we need to always keep in mind the circumstances and development of the activity at that time.

George was (to me) foremost a teacher. He never passed up an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas, drill writing, guard work or judging. First met him when he was with the Skylarks Guard, I was judging and at critique we would "discuss" to the nth degree any and every aspect of design, movement, equipment, body. Later with Garfield and Star it was the same, looking to discuss, share and accept input. As we became more "comfortable" with each other, I could tell at critiques where his mind set was at. If he talked about the show, its pluses and minuses for the day, I knew he accepted my commentary and scoring. However, if he started talking about the weather or how my judging tour was going or the corps tour --- he was ######, end of discussion. But ALWAYS a gentleman.

Anyone have a current address for Marie to send a card? Very true a real legend in the whole pageantry arena not just Drum Corps.

Anything new????? One of my favorite corps - missed them a bunch in Annapolis.

Jeff/Midshipmen; Sorry to hear this, but understandable. I too had the privilege of judging the interservice Corps contest in Annapolis, great event. Taken very seriously by all the cadets in competition. I wish you all the very best in your service to our country. God Bless you All.

Anyone know what happened to the DCA Bardstown, KY contest? It's not on the current DCA contest list

Just looking for some "on site" info. How was the attendance? At $5 bucks a ticket!!! Just curious if it made a difference.

I concur the Govies are a wonderfull ensemble and highlight what a small group CAN achieve. However, I disagree with them being the "oldest" D&B corps. I believe that distinction goes to the US Navel Academy D&B Corps founded in 1914. Now, if we would quantify the "oldest" as to competitive corps, maybe that woould be correct, although the academy Midshipmen do compete once each year in the fall with th Air Force Academy D&B corps.

Interesting how the numbers are coming out and "jumping" each week/day. Not sure you can take the MBI numbers "as is", looking at the recap there are a couple of names I have not seen before. New guys? Locals? First time DCA?

Looks like the current schedule is up on the DCA web site: Date Location June 13 Canastota, NY June 20 Wildwood, NJ June 27 Bridgeport, CT July 4 Rochester, NY July 11 Wayne, NJ July 11 Batavia, NY July 18 Lewisburg PA July 18 Lawrence, MA July 25 Jamestown, NY August 1 Scranton, PA August 1 Waterloo, NY August 8 Kingston, NY August 15 Syracuse, NY August 15 Racine, WI August 22 St. Paul, MN August 22 Norwich, NY August 22 Rockmart, GA August 23 St. Peter, MN August 29 Reading, PA August 29 West Haven, CT Sep 4-6 Rochester NY

Now this may be jumping the gun a bit --- but it's never too soon to plan for this summer. DCA Schedule for 2009: 6/20/09 Wildwood, NJ 6/27/09 Bridgeport, CT 7/4/09 Rochester, NY 7/10/09 Valdosta, GA 7/11/09 Clifton. NJ 7/11/09 Batavia, NY 7/18/09 Boston, MA 7/18/09 Lewisburg, PA 7/25/09 Jamestown, NY 8/1/09 Scranton, PA 8/1/09 Waterloo, NY 8/1/09 Nashville, TN 8/8/09 Kingston, NY 8/15/09 Syracuse, NY 8/15/09 DCA-Central ?? 8/22/09 Norwich, NY 8/22/09 Atlanta, GA 8/22/09 St. Paul, MN 8/23/09 St. Peter, MN 8/29/09 West Haven, CT 8/29/09 Reading, PA I'm sure I have missed a few. Help fill in the blanks.

I do beleive that was the Madison Scouts in about 1965-1966?? Problem was back then as actual chartered scouting units they could not carry "weapons", same situation with the Racine Scouts. I just can not remember how they got around the Legion & VFW rules of the time?????????

Here is one that goes back a long way -- later 60's. At the VFW nationals, Tony Schlectta anounced the Troopers as the "Caspers from Trooper, Wyoming"

Tez, you make some nice points, but look at the total scoring system now in place. There is a Music Ensemble judge to hear the ensemble performance as you indicate "award them for their blend, balance and phrasing". The Fiels (Individual) judge is looking to hear the performance technique and musicianship of the INDIVIDUAL player. A much different perspective and balances off to those lines that may concentrate on the full sound vs, the individual performance of the member. True best Brass may be the combination of both numbers but that will reflect the total performance of the group. Afterall, should not the objective of the instructional staff be to improve each individual's potential AND the potential of the full ensemble?