Imperial
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Dear corps brothers and sisters, The Imperials D&B Corps, South Shore, MA, are looking for 2 or 3 more experienced horn players for their mini corps to perform in the Bugler's Hall of Fame Series in winter/spring of 2012. By experienced we also mean, you played at one time in your life and haven't lately but you can knock off the rust! You will be joining a small but very, very talented brass section. Percussion is pretty well set but we would consider more.
We are playing "Artistry in Rhythm" and "La Suerte de los Tontos", and "Dindi" so, if you enjoyed the corps back in the day and wish to play these pieces, we welcome you with open arms. Members from other corps who wish to sit in and don the cranberry are welcome too!
The entire ensemble this season is under the direction of Mr. Paul Pitts, of Crusader and judging fame. Paul is also the Director of Fine Arts at the esteemed Boston Latin High School.
Cost of membership in the Imperials is: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nothing, $0!!
We practice in Abington, MA on select Sunday's. Please email John Stark at pathway500@yahoo.com for info.
Thank you!! http://www.imperialsdrumcorps.org
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Good point.
A friend of mine calls the alumni corps "re-enactment corps"... meaning they basically re-enact a given era of drum corps. Many are more old school, some are new school, to at least some degree... some are a combination of both.
Your friend's comment is interesting, and sort of funny, Fran, and I can see where it comes from! LOL.
I think we fit with your comment that some of them are the combination of both. We tend to be more youthful in our make-up.
Groups, such as us, are trying to exist to carry on the traditions though. We are a resurrected organization and we are simply taking things one step at at time and we don't know where the road will take us. Unlike some Alumni corps who have dusted off the horn flag or drum, our alumni only helped get us started again with financial support. Now that we are up and running they really don't have any interest in participating. That's our reality. So, we maintain the name and the colors though, as a tribute to them. (I'm the only former alumni in the corps.) Our new members are less attached to the name, logo and colors (although I think now they are slowly building devotion to it). Now, after 8 years as a resurrected corps, which due to our fate, meant mini corps, we realized we weren't really growing the group lately... so, I did a recent experiment and allowed woodwinds just for summer parades and tried being a band just for summer parades. Well it's bearing fruit, as we got an instant infusion of young and enthusiastic band kids. I think we may have transcended a mental block for them by them thinking they were doing something totally familiar to them. Already though, these woodwind players are messing with our brass instruments and have brought their brass friends and after some fun parades with us, all have expressed interest in learning brass and more challenging charts over the winter and doing the Bugler's Hall of Fame show in the late winter next season with us as a drum corps. I am now strongly considering becoming an umbrella organization for a Band and a Corps and members may float between the two. It is my intention however to make the corps version more selective, demanding and of much higher standards and keep the band part more relaxed, easier sight readable charts and fun. Long story but my point is, all the different groups starting back have to follow their own paths and do what's best for them.... these paths are usually set for them by the situations. Who knows where it will all take us but hopefully it all will contribute to the big Drum Corps mosaic!
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Our sincere condolences, Fran. Barbara was a kind and helpful soul.
John Stark
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Thanks to Mike, Tony Convertito and SKEK for having us in your show. We had a blast. Sincerely, The Imperials, featuring "The Contra Dude"!
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South Shore Imperials
Artistry in Rhythm
Take The "A" Train
Sing Sing
Anyone wishing to play these tunes and to be taught by the esteemed Mr. Paul Pitts, come on down. Alumni mercenary types welcome!
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I've seen these guys 'n gals at the BHOF I&E's and they are the REAL deal ... especially that contra dude! ... if you're in their neck of the woods and thinking about getting involved with a class act then check them out ... PLUS ... the I&E venues they appear at are the most relaxed type of competition atmosphere ... and the socializing aspect ain't all that bad either ... so like the Nike commercial says ... JUST DO IT ...
Andy "your cordial BHOF I&E MC" Lisko
Thanks so much for the plug, Andy!!! We really appreciate it!!! PS: The "Contra Dude" will be back!!! But no one is allowed to try and recruit him, LOL! Ha ha JK!
John S.
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Dear corps brothers and sisters, The Imperials D&B Corps, South Shore, MA, are looking for 2 or 3 more experianced horn players for their mini corps to perform in the Bugler's Hall of Fame Series in winter/spring of 2011. By experienced we also mean, you played at one time in your life and havent lately but you can knock off the rust! You will be joining a small but very, very talented brass section. Percussion is pretty well set but we would consider more.
We are playing some old Big Band favorites, like "Artistry in Rhythm" and "Take the A Train", so, if you enjoyed the corps back in the day and wish to play these pieces, we welcome you with open arms. Members from other corps who wish to sit in and don the cranberry are welcome too!
The entire ensemble this season is under the direction of Mr. Paul Pitts, of Crusader and judging fame. Paul is also the Director of Fine Arts at the esteemed Boston Latin High School.
Cost of membership in the Imperials is: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nothing, $0!!
We practice in Abington, MA on Sunday's. Please email John Stark at pathway500@yahoo.com for info.
Thank you!! http://www.pembrokeimperials.org
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Dear corps brothers and sisters, The Imperials D&B Corps, South Shore, MA, are looking for 2 or 3 more experianced horn players for their mini corps to perform in the Bugler's Hall of Fame Series in winter/spring of 2011. By experienced we also mean, you played at one time in your life and havent lately but you can knock off the rust! You will be joining a small but very, very talented brass section. Percussion is pretty well set but we would consider more.
We are playing some old Big Band favorites, like "Artistry in Rhythm" and "Take the A Train", so, if you enjoyed the corps back in the day and wish to play these pieces, we welcome you with open arms. Members from other corps who wish to sit in and don the cranberry are welcome too!
The entire ensemble this season is under the direction of Mr. Paul Pitts, of Crusader and judging fame. Paul is also the Director of Fine Arts at the esteemed Boston Latin High School.
Cost of membership in the Imperials is: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nothing, $0!!
We practice in Abington, MA on Sunday's. Please email John Stark at pathway500@yahoo.com for info.
Thank you!! http://www.pembrokeimperials.org
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Cliffy during solo 1980 finals-Birmingham
Was groomed a few years before in Pembroke, I might add!
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I do apologize if most include 27 or me or the people I know. I will share all, but bear with the overload of 2-7.
1980 Drum Corps East (NOT DCI East) Gerard Dwyer-Lancer DM and Jim Jordan - I'm sure people can fill in the other DMs
Next to Jim Jordan is Al Jones DM of North Star. (I was in that corps then)
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Hey everyone!!!
The weekend was AMAZING!!!!!!
And George is right! We are all exhausted!!!
I WILL have a full report in the next day or two! As for now, I will just say that we all had an INCREDIBLE WEEKEND!!!!!!
We were already exhausted from Saturday's events, and then, in spite of that, we went out, as George said... and marched our best parade ever, in front of the largest crowd of people ever to watch a parade in Bayonne!!!!!!
So, stay tuned...
LOTS more to report!!!
JJ
I'm so happy for you Jim. You are a legend. The Bridgemen are as close to magic that a drum corps can be. Lots of us other drum corps nuts had fun this weekend too at the Boston Bugler's HOF show!!!!!
Regards, John Stark - Director, Imperials
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Great Day at Florian Hall - as much as I was able to be there for.
Holy Crap - the last time there was that much grey hair in one room, a new Pope was elected.
We really have gotten old.
General comments: Mass Brass is for real; Ruben still plays the plating off a horn; One needs to be deeply intoxicated to appreciate Cupcakes' verve and savoir faire - unfortunately I quit drinking decades ago - still sounded like vintage Cakes to me; the roughest part for me personally - sometimes I forget how much of ourselves we weave into our involvement in this activity. Between the time Boston began playing Giant and the time they finished Conquest I think I had cried more than all the 16 year old girls who ever watched Romeo and Juliet the movie back in 1968 or so. That's another group of people that I am fortunate to say, have woven themselves into my DNA - they are deeply a part of my life, for which I am eternally grateful, or at least until next month or so. Not even Eternity is what it used to be.
What an activity. How about the contra player from Pembroke? The boy can flat out play. I have to go practice now - Bridgeport is coming in only a month. There's too many serious players around to take any of this for granted.
Thanks for the kind words, Ray. We are proud of Rob Needs (our contra entry). When he asked me what he should play I just said anything you wish and work the crowd. I knew how good a player he was, so I trusted him completely, but he blew even me away. It was way more than I expected. If anyone cares to see it just join "The Imperials of the South Shore" on face book or friend me on FB.
Thanks again, Ray and to the show organizers. What a fun day!
John Stark
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Brooklyn United is seeking a simple short sleeve white polo uniform shirt to attach our patches.
The shirts I have purchased in the past look like dresses when we do not tuck them in pants.
Any idea for a shirt that can be worn on outside of pants.
Do not want to go the cumberbund route.
Just something that will look presentiable outside uniform pants.
Just a simple white polo.
Company?
Shirt
#
Thanks
Hi! I think I can help you. Before we got real uniforms we used polo shirts. When we bought bibber marching pants a year later, we realised we could no longer tuck the shirts in. So we folded the shirts up inside and used a special double sided adhesive tape to hold them up. Then we pressed the shirts with starch. You could do this or sew them up, which is more permanent but is also more work.
To see an example, go to our website at http://www.pembrokeimperials.org click on photos then, go to 2005 Scranton performance. There you will see the shirts tucked up!
Hope this helps!
JS Imperials
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I was just kidding about the government comment. I do believe that most corps should go back to a weekend only concept although I realize that it won't be as easy as the 70's. In NY we could travel all summer long to a NY city (Greece, Elmira, Vestal, Fulton, Oswego, North Tonawanda, Hamburg, Batavia, Syracuse, Corning, Endicott, etc). Then add a few shows in PA and Ontario...there was your season. Oh yea, spend a few days in Marion, OH and Butler, PA. Fun times.
We are recreating the old days..... Even though this grass roots thing is very challenging and I wish things would move at a faster pace, it's so cool to operate the way we do. Allow me to digress.... I was in old-time drum corps back in the 70's with Pembroke, saw that corps fold because of money and I transitioned into the 80's Marching North Star then teaching Boston with more touring and bigger stakes. Followed it into the 90's with Boston until I got married. Then, watched as Boston hit the big-time. But now, because I'm raising young children and time is limited, here I am back at the grass roots resurrecting my old corps.
Now it's like Drum Corps of yore.... we have an old truck, which was donated to us by Light Brigade & we lovingly restored it to respectable running condition. It's paid for. We have used equipment which is paid for. We barter for rehearsal space by doing a parade for a parade committee chairman who has an empty clean building he lets us use. I drop my returnable bottles and cans off to him every week to help his parade fund. We have dedicated volunteer staff who run a music studio and they let us do sectionals there. We have some paid staff and we augment their pay by bartering services for their services. We compensate younger students in our group by sharing parade money with them. Our uniforms are paid for. We even have a small amount of money in the bank. We are not in debt. It’s humble, but solvent. We are tiny but we are growing slowly and improving. We make do with what we have. The management team sleeps at night, knowing there are no collection notices to deal with. This is so much like the old days…. Mom & Pop management with a delivery truck, some equipment and a dedicated membership! It’s becoming more and more enjoyable. Nostalgic too! One thing we have that the corps of yore didn’t have is the internet. I really believe the internet was huge in reconnecting people and stopping the activity’s decline.
But, I do believe the DCI business model is severely flawed. Unless a corps has a sugar daddy, and is able to generate loads of cash raising money, the whole thing is unsustainable. Spending most of the time involved in a corps raising money –to me- is not fun. Unless you can stomach going through bankruptcy every 15 years or so or ulcer causing money worries the DCI experience is all consuming.
Our vision is to be part of the community and only take a trip when we can well afford it. Also we perform more to the general public than a drum corps audience, so we do our part to make the general public know what a drum corps is. Everything we decide upon is within the constraints of staying financially solvent…. Thus sustainable.
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Thanks for the info.......I had never heard of "abbreviated" prelim performances, so that explains some things......still an interesting series of events, though...............
GB
You're welcome and I just want to add, that aside from some early season ties and maybe even a loss to the Beverly Cardinals, the Imperials were the number one corps in New England in 74, Crusaders and 27th Lancers not withstanding. I think that's a little known fact.
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It was amazing how much movement could happen back then, even late in the season.....Pembroke beat the Kilts at WO prelims....one week later, Kilts were 4th at DCI prelims; Pembroke 30th....76 Muchachos had a similar situation...they beat multiple finalists with a week to go, only to place 22nd.......however, I heard from several involved that they had a down performance in prelims.............It is a shame but well-known about the various judging associations and politics.....at any rate, I am certain that those who marched in the Pembroke Imperials will remember the roller coaster of competition that they were on during the last week of 1974!!
GB
Let me chime in here. The 74 W.O. did allow abbrieviated shows in the prelims, due to the shear number of corps competing that day and Pembroke took advantage of it. If you compare the prelim score to the finals Pembroke dropped a lot. We need to be fair though and give the Imperials their due. They were a very good corps and most times -because as someone pointed out that they toured a little less- they were given the shaft. Also, the previous year they were VFW Champs over corps like the Belleville Black Knights and the Bleu Raiders. In 74, at DCI Prelims, they were the victim of less exposure to touring and judging and too much exposure the night before to beer LOL. They put in a very dissapointing prelim performance. But there were so many corps back then, it was easy to kick a corps down the chute for a bad performance in an effort to place them all. http://www.pembrokeimperials.org
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I've been exposed to both methods. Back when I marched my first taste was negative. Then as the 70's gave way to the 80's the instruction became more positive and guru like. I preferred the later and it did seem to yield better and more accurate results in our performances. It seemed the positve instructors were more knowledgable and more secure in their approach. The less secure, less knowledgable ones would resort to yelling more.
Now when I teach I use the positive but I don't accept less than the potential. I remain kind, but at the same time, I insist on the student not settlling for less. When things aren't going right, I don't blame the performer first. I look in the mirror first to see if it isn't my fault. This has served me well.
Some people might think it's one or the other. But I think both methods can be blended.
Another observation: Back in 93, I had an opportunity to work with a H.S. Band with Tom Aungst. I noticed his style wasn't positive or negative, it was just pure instruction. His approach was, this is the right way and this is the wrong way.... do it THIS way. He didn't get upset. He just kept reinforcing what was the right way. And of course, he knew what was the right way. He was an expert at his kraft. It was a no tension environment. Just.... do it THIS way. It took some time but over the years that HS -which was already good when he got there- became a monster program.
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That's right...I keep forgetting that we weren't the only top corps that year with a woman in the snare line. They were almost in the same spot in their lines, too....Carla Azar was one off from the left side of the line (audience POV) in ours.
I marched with Diane in St. Francis and North Star. Another fine Massachusetts product. That's where she was toughened up. Actually she was even psychologially mistreated at times, by all the typical "your'e a girl drummer" stuff. But eventually, she showed them.
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One good thing is that today, dropping out of the top 12 is not necessarily a death sentence for a corps, or at best a huge drop. Look at Madison, Spirit, Colts, Blue Knights.
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Not really at all Garry - By the time Bobby Hoffman and Rocco pulled the plug it was way too late to go to BD. Al Murray had been talking to Rick Odello and had them buy him bus tickets to come up 2 different times, but he ended up sticking it out till the end like most of us. If I'm not mistaken, Steve Beard, the 74 bari soloist, Paula (Popp-Beard), Vicky Olsen (Vicky Kingsmen on here), and Brenda Markham are the only one's that went to BD. Everyone else, primarily the drumline went up to Freelancers on the van they sent down to pick up as many people as they could. Al ended up going back up to Canada and then Float and John Flores (Rodriguez) went up to Etobikoke after tour and the rest is drum corps history.
There may have been a few other horns that ended up with BD, but to be honest, we saw them coming big time. We went up for guard shows in the winter and they were full and really, REALLY good and it was only January. 4 months later and Bobby Hoffman is standing in front of 24 horns in June trying to teach the 74 show because it was too late to do anything else, and they just pulled us into a group at the end of a weekend rehearsal and pulled the plug. BD did utilize Steve as a soloist in 75 and Brenda worked with the guard and marched her age out year up there. Some of the Freelancer people stayed with them as well, but most everyone went their separate ways after the 75 season. I think Vicky may have been the only xKingsmen to march BD in 75, and then winning in both 76 and 77. I'm sure she'll fill in the details once she sees this.
Bottom line, they did it on their own for the most part. They always said that the Kingsmen with their model, so it was nice that a couple people were there to lend a hand and keep the corps' spirit alive. Everyone wishes things had turned out differently in 75 than it did, but that's a whole other story that I posted on here a long time ago, but I'm glad they were able to take a piece of what the Kingsmen started and continued it over the past 35 years.
Greg
That was a great post, Greg. Do you remember the Imperials housing you guys at our corps hall in Massachusetts in 74?
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Well for one, since the 40's and 50's anyway, fewer front pant zippers.
Other than that, I can't think of any major changes in this uniform since the late 1930's when the Corps first began.
Look at a video of them from 1983 and you will see subtle differences. Lower drops then, real leather chin straps (painted white), taller, more oval shaped shakos, the jacket leaned more brown than maroon and the frogs on the front were a little different. But, that said, this new uniform looks more like they did in the 1930's.
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Never knew what the IC meant, now I do. Was the corps sponsered by a catholic church?
Like the design and colors. Thanks
Now a days it's called invetro fertilization LOL!
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We were top 20 a couple seasons, here and there. Even won VFW Nat's in 73.
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Mike Moxley, Showed this eastern boy a perspective from the left coast
Bobby Cotter, Truly taught me how to march and explained technique to me without just yelling at me and offering no correction.
Bob Stewart, A maniac (that's a compliment :) from Anaheim who refined my marching skills with his take-no-prisoners approach to perfection.
Dan Lasdow, Was a kind soul, but would simply not accept mediocrity.
John Powers, Taught me there was more music out there than Peter Frampton and he was funny.
Jack Donovan, Was a great example for me
Neal Smith, The creator of many visual affects- taught me to be audacious and to make the bold strokes first, then worry about the details next.
Tom Lizotte, In my last two years of junior corps in North Star helped me with my inherent deficiancies in reading music and of not picking up an instrument until I was 15 with his kindness, patience and tutelage.
Mike Woodall and Gerry Noonan, Gave me a real opportunity to become and instructor by letting me on to BAC visual staff at a time when most non alumni were not ever allowed to do this. Also to Mike for remaining one of my best friends to this day.
Ed Devlin and Peter Tileston, Who looked past my faults but still allowed me to teach their award winning King Philip Regional Band and made this occasionally cocky one realize I shouldn't be reading my own press, but I should be looking for ways to improve, always and forever.
Gil Madrigale, Who was able to achieve excellence while going about it in a totally kind and loving manner. Now, that's tough!
George Zingali, Who I knew only breifly and never worked with officially, but who inspired me with his brilliance.
Jim O'Brien, Who made my experience marching in North Star truly memorable.
Rick Connor, For his unending encouragement mixed in with refreshing New England crustiness.
I take a bit of all this influence as I try to help bring back a corps from former interment. I deeply thank you all. Hope I didn't miss anybody.
North Star to Return as an All Age Drum Corps
in DCA - All-Age Corps Discussions
Posted
North Star is proud to announce:
North Star Drum & Bugle Corps!
“All Age Drum Corps”
North Star will conduct an official Open House on Sunday, March 30, 2014, at 1:00pm, at the Malden Emergency Center - Jackson Suite.
Located at 114 Centre Street, Malden, MA.
North Star welcomes everyone interested in becoming a member or learning more regarding performing with this legendary corps.
To kick-off this momentous occasion, please join us at a social gathering and fundraising event. The social will be held at the same location on Friday, March 28, 2014 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25.00 each and are available at the door, or by sending a check, payable to North Star to:
Lynda O’Brien, 1002 Foxwood Circle, Peabody, MA 01960.
Come join us! Share your drum corps experiences and reacquaint with friends.
The corps intends to begin their performance schedule in 2015, which is the 40th anniversary of the North Star organization. To begin, the corps will have a limited practice schedule (one per month, with optional sectional practice time).
We are excited to announce that we have secured the services of most of the instructional team which helped create the North Star magic back in the day!
Dave Vose, will assume the position of Percussion Caption Head and Arranger. Dave was the architect of the famous “Chrome Wall” and arranged the charts associated with our DCI finalist shows. Dave is a Professor at the Berklee College of Music. Dave is also a member of the Massachusetts Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Neal Smith, will resume the role of Visual Caption Head. In addition to writing and overseeing the entire North Star marching experience, Neal has designed for many DCI and DCA corps. He has been inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, Massachusetts Drum Corps Hall of Fame, Boston Crusaders Hall of Fame and Connecticut Hurricanes Hall of Fame. Currently he is the visual designer for several high-profile marching bands and continues to adjudicate visual design throughout the United States.
Jerry Noonan, returns as Brass Caption Head and Arranger and he will perform with the corps. Jerry, one of the most recognized soloists in DCI history, not only arranged and taught North Star, but also enjoyed a successful tenure in the same capacity with the Boston Crusaders. Jerry is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.
The Color Guard will be under the direction of Dolores Zappala, and assisted by Kathy Kerrins and Greg Horne. Dolores has had a long and successful career working with the WGI finalist Blessed Sacrament World-Class Winter Guard and Kathy has also taught WGI guard and has judged.
Jim and Lynda O’Brien, two of the Co-Founders and Directors of North Star, will assume their former positions in the new All-Age Corps. Jim and Lynda are alumni members of the Board of Directors of Drum Corps International (DCI) and have held similar positions in many local and national organizations.
The corps hopes to attract members who would like to continue the North Star tradition of excellence and performance excitement. We will attain these goals within an atmosphere of fun, camaraderie and pride. We openly welcome all members of other alumni organizations. We fully understand schedule conflicts may arise, so we will set our schedule to minimize them as much as possible.
While we are proud of the past accomplishments of the North Star Drum & Bugle Corps, our focus is to the future. We hope you will be part of this and we welcome all new members.
See you on Friday, March 28th and Sunday, March 30th, 2014!
email: northstaralumnicorps@gmail.com phone: 978-535-5740