Ralph O

I just discovered (or rediscovered) why I love drum corps. I am a fan of both current drum corps and drum corps of previous decades. Saturday evening I attended Pacific Procession in Hayward and in addition to enjoying a full slate of impressive drum corps in all divisions - I had the chance to see the Vanguard Alumni perform the best of thirty-five years of Vanguard music. Rich in tradition - the performance literally brought tears of nostalgic joy to the audience. The Vaguard Alumni actually performed three separate productions. SUITE OF FAMOUS COMPOSERS Fanfare & Allegro, On the Town, Candide, Appalancian Spring,Giannini 3rd, La Mer, Lezghonka drum solo, Dance of the Buffoons, Lullaby, Hut of the Babba Yaga and The Great Gate of Kiev THE CHAMPIONSHIP YEARS Procession of the Nobles, Overture to Henry V, The Clock (drum tribute to Fred Sanford), Overture to a New Era, The Canyon, Phantom of the Opera, Young Persons Guide to Drum Corps. ON BROADWAY Fiddler on the Roof and Tradition, I Don Quiote, If You Believe, Don't Cry for Me Argentina, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Phantom of the Opera, Main Theme Morning of the Dragon, Chava AND The entire guard brought the audience to their feet with THE BOTTLE DANCE ! The Vanguard Alumni fielded approximately 100 brass players (gawd its hard to count that many) a full battery and pit plus a large and wonderfully talented alumni guard. The corps performed concert style taking up te entire field. In the opinion of the author this was definitely the preferred way to enjoy this impressive performance and movement and color was provided throughout the performance by the Vanguard guard. One last comment. This corps has definitely demonstrated the greatness and tradition of the Vanguard. The 2002 Vanguard stood in a block and watched the entire performance like they were in a trance watching the musical history of their corps unfold in front of them. in a word RESPECT. I am fortunate enough to have seen the Vanguard's first performance in 1967 and believe me the talent of 35 years of Vanguard Tradition is clearly evident. Don't Miss Them in Madison ! Ralph O California Drum Corps Guy

I'll bet that baby sings. Thanks Dave :D But I just had a horrible thought... OMG I think the Kazoo may be a reed instrument :o I will have to ask Chas G or JB about getting a "Hosaphone" of West Coast Express fame. A drum corps classic Ralph O :P

The only instrument I now own is a KAZOO - (In G of Course) I used to own a classic Olds Ultratone Contra Ralph O B) Pronunciation: k&-'zü Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural kazoos Etymology: imitative Date: 1884 : an instrument that imparts a buzzing quality to the human voice and that usually consists of a small metal or plastic tube with a side hole covered by a thin membrane

I enthusiastically agree - Lewie (my ex contra buddy) However you hold them just be happy to have those beauties There is nothing that compares to a full contra line of Kanstul Grande Contras (Seismic Experience) in G of course ! Ralph O

Great Post Clint I have only been back to work in Sacramento for a few minutes and I have already heard from friends that caught your performaces throughout the weekend. All had the same comment - River City Regiment sounded GREAT. I am certain you will pick up new corps members. You had great Media coverage too - TV - radio and print. The word is out - You are no longer Sacramento's best kept secret. See ya on the fielld ! Ralph O :D in Sacramento