Jim Allen

Far too many to give adequate respect but perhaps the five most influential would be: Vincent A. Bruni Vinnie Ratford Fred Gebhart Al "Corky" Fabrizio Don Angelica

Oh man...where's Stan Kenton's Fanfare for the New? Kenton's Neophonic Symphony Orchestra!!!! Come on, you can find some space for that can't you? But, even if you can't this sounds like a great program...looking forward to hearing it next summer!!!

In 2001, with the Brigadiers, we split the percussion and brass 50 yds apart at the end of MacArthur Park and in certain stadiums the acoustics made the crowd think that each of the sections were playing different tempi but when you watch the feet, the guard spins and the ultimate resolve of the production, you see that there was no tear. But as you know, the sound can arrive ahead or behind depending on where it's coming from and where you are in the audience. At finals, I was dead center in the crowd and each section of the Bucs arrived to the GE box exactly on time! And that is so difficult to achieve that it deserves a significant reward (score).

I was in the upper deck on about the 47 yd. line and I did not notice a "tear." They split the various voices so far apart in the opener it does put them in jeopardy of tearing, but they didn't and that is one of the reasons they achieve the scores they do. Regarding the "99.0"... In my opinion, if Minnesota was worth a 98 (and I think they were), then the Bucs performance was worth at least 99. They were significantly better than MBI and that is no way meant to denigrate MBI's performance; their hornline was incredible! Personally, I thought that this was the best Bucs Championship performance ever so I have no problem with their score...and they didn't tear!!!

My three to see live- 1972 Crusaders in Racine (I marched that show and it was the greatest ovation I ever experienced as a marching member) 1980 Reading Buccaneers (but probably any show from 1978- 1981) 1975 Phoenix at DCA Prelims (caught many people by surprise, in particular the judges, of which I was one).

Blue Devils- Dindi Madison- Brian's Song

Hear, Hear Chuck!!! They have indeed achieved a new standard in performance and design! Bravo Blue Devils!!

Personally I wish more DCI corps would form weekend only corps and compete in DCA. It would certainly help to grow our activity and as I believe competition leads to excellence, it would force everyone to step it up!!! And that would definitely draw larger crowds. I wish Cadets2 nothing but success and hope they prove to be a catalyst for continued growth of DCA.

RIP Father Whitley. It was an honor and a privilege to know him during my 4 years at Aquinas. I considered him a mentor and a friend. Ironically I was not allowed to play in the band because I played in a drum corps (St. Joe's) and they had a hard and fast rule that if you wanted to participate in the band, you had to quit drum corps. I didn't quit the corps but I still thought of Father Whitley as a wonderful person and teacher!

I am truly honored and I am especially proud to be inducted in the same year as one of my mentors, Hardy Carassas. I am also thrilled to be going in with one of the hippest brass arrangers and technicians I have ever called a friend, Mr. Mike Duffy. Mike, it's an honor long overdue! Thank you all members of the WDCHOF!

Congratulations, Harold!!!

I hope amplification of the pit and synthesizers comes soon. Narration, singing, guitars/basses, mic-ing soloists- I can do without!

I was not aware that Tony Capazanno passed away. When did this happen? He was another great guy from DeLaSalle and he will be greatly missed. Please give me some information on this; I'm shocked.

I used to judge with Ted back in the '70s and '80s. He was an excellent judge and one of the nicest people I ever knew. RIP Ted!

Don't forget John "Cupcakes" Curran!!!