MamaDG

I found out this much information about the Eye Opener and Silver Spectrum. Please remember I was only 6-8 years old when I marched with them. The family mentioned in the last bit of info is the family that lost all the negatives of pics in a house fire that my grandparents had given them. But I can't believe that they had them all and that there are not more out there. Hopefully they will turn up somewhere! Until then, I am collecting as much info as I can find. Enjoy! Dee "Iowa 'EYE-OPENERS'-- A growing corps in a growing area! The central Iowa "EYE-OPENERS" Junior Drum and Bugle Corps was organized in February 1972 of members from the areas of Marshalltown, State Center, Le Grand, and Green Mountain. It is now in its first full year of competition after having competed in the Rose Festival Show in State Center, Iowa; the American Legion competition in Des Moines, Iowa; and many parades throughout the state of Iowa during the 1972 season.The corps had approximately 85 members, ages 9 to 17 years. In August of 1972 the Corps lost its director and 2 instructors due to job transfers of these people. Last fall the Corps reorganized and the executive board engaged Elmer Mowry as Director, and his wife Evelyn as instructor and assistant. The Director then engaged an instructing staff of Ken Nason, Melborne, as beginning bugle instructor; and Don Smalley, as drum instructor, and Vern DeLawyer, Marshalltown, as marching and maneuvering instructor. With lessons and a new approach to music, marching and maneuvering, plus a system of strict discipline, the Corps was trimmed to approximately fifty-five dedicated members who now compose the new "EYE-OPENERS". The Corps then set about to obtain new music and new field drill, and set up an intensive program of practice. Music was written by Dan and David Crosser of Osage, Iowa, who are members of the Precisionaires Drum and Bugle Corps. This music was taught and new drills were practiced. With very hard work and real dedication on the part of the members, the "EYE-OPENERS" are now considered one of the best "FIRST YEAR CORPS" in the Mid-west. The "EYE-OPENERS" although new to field competition and very young in age (average 12 years old) have raised the eyebrows of drum corps people with the energy shown by the youngsters, a field drill that is well balanced, and music that is enjoyable to listen to. The future success of this Corps is assured by the fine attitude of the Corps members and the solid support of the people of this area and a hard working and completely dedicated parent booster club. Their sponsors are the Marshalltown Kiwanis Club, the Morning Optimist Club, Frank Lewis Glick Post No. 46 of the American Legion, and the United Auto Workers Union. The Corps members have, with their hard work and dedication to drum corps, made many people of the Central Iowa area, as their creed goes, "OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE EYE-OPENERS".So, people of Central Iowa, they are YOUR drum corps. SUPPORT THEM WILLINGLY... [From the March 1974 issue of DCA) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Silver Spectrum Drum & Bugle Corps is a second year corps organized for the benefit of youth in mid-Iowa. Home base for the "Spectrum" is Marshalltown,Iowa. Contemporary Jazz will be the sound and style of their 1980 production. The Spectrum will present their own arrangements of "1980", "Fortune Tellers", "Chicago", and "My Love". [From the 1980 DCM Championship Souvenir Program.] ----------------------------------------------------------- Jim and Jackie Bacino of Marshalltown have been stewards of the Silver Spectrum Drum and Bugle Corp finances since the group was formed in 1972. They decided to invest funds from the sale of instruments and equipment into an MCC scholarship fund. The Corps performed in events and parades in Central Iowa for many years, delighting audiences with their rhythmic cadences and precision marching. "The Silver Spectrum Drum & Bugle Corps performed in several State and National Competitions during the summers until disbanding in 1981, says Jim Bacino. "The Corps was successful because it was a family oriented affair with many parents volunteering their time and love to our youth." ----------------------------------------------------------- The Eye-Openers' feeder corps was called the Winks. [DCW, 6/29,90, p.13]

Hello everyone! Sorry I have been off the board for a while. School and 5 children have to come first. But since my daughter was auditioned for The Colts in Dubuque, IA this past month, I though I would check back in. She is making great progress and seeing as she had never picked up a flag before 5 months ago, the fact that they are even having her return is amazing and makes me one proud mama! LOL Anyway, I found this on youtube. I don't know if it will post here or not, but here is the link. It is a video of stills from the 1970's. I was hoping to find some Eye Openers in there, but alas, again nothing, although I haven't given up hope yet! Enjoy!

To be honest, I don't know most of that information, but my father may know more and I will ask him. I was in the corps from age 7 to 9. And as I have said, due to a car accident, I have lost a lot of my memories. I do remember the night we left to go to Denver in '77. We met behind the Sears in the Marshalltown, IA Mall. It was dark and creepy and I was excited and tired all at the same time. I have glimpses of stops with people jumping off the bus and running to bathrooms. I remember one instance where the girl didn't make it. I also remember sleeping in the gym at Nationals in Denver, CO with a huge curtain down the middle for the boys on one side and the girls on the other. I remember going to the stadium and having to sit up high at one point. What I dislike the most is I only remember 3 times of actually performing. Once at the home in State Center, IA, in a parade that was 5 miles long, and the night we had competition in Marshalltown, IA for the the Championship we had won. I was the one who guarded the American Flag and that night we had three flags instead of two to guard. I wish I could remember more, but I don't. I believe I am in that picture that was posted, but I am not 100% for sure. I so wish I could remember more. Dee

OMG I don't know how I missed this but THANK YOU sooooo much!! This is the only picture that I have seen since all the pictures where supposively destroyed in a fire in Marshalltown, IA, most of which were taken by my Grandparents and the negatives loaned to the gentleman in charge. Thank you again!!! Dee

Hello everyone! I have been lurking here for a little while know and have been tickled at at the old pictures and conversations. I have recently started a Facebook page trying to connect with other people who have marched with The Eye Openers or Silver Spectrum out of Marshalltown, IA. I marched for 2-3 years and was in Denver, CO in 1977 to compete in DCI Championships. To this day, it is one of the few things that I remember from my childhood after the concussion and coma from the accident I was in. That is why this page has become so important to me. This is the link to the page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eye-Openers-Silver-Spectrum/265422356825014 If you would take the time to like my page in hopes of getting in touch with others who have marched, I would appreciate it. Thank you all for the great pictures! Dee