Sweendoc

What a great time had by all at the docks! Super performances by U.S. Navy drum and bugle corps, Annapolis drum & bugle corps, Heartliner from Germany, Sacramento Freelancers, and Ghost Riders. The massed ensemble was open to anyone who wanted to perform. What a treat for me to be able to stand beside the legendary Donny Allen and super soloist Frank Ponzo! Thanks to my friend Mike Siglow for bringing a music stand. Afterwards met some nice folks from Heartliner at a restaurant on the waterfront. Glad to represent Steel City Ambassadors along with Bob Fitz and John Gruphofer.

Thanks Donny!

I can't find any news about the performances on Thursday evening on the docks. What corps/mini's, etc. are scheduled? DCA's webpage just lists time but no line up. Is there a posting somewhere with this information? Thanks

Jim, just read your post about 150th Gettysburg. Many of us there were former drum corps guys. At the battle of the bands on July 5th I was there having marched with Derry Patriots, Erie Thunderbords, Westshoremen, and Steel City Ambassadors. Several friends who were former Butler Vagabonds, a few former members of the Bridgrftermen, Concord Blue Devils, and various other corps were also in attendance. Many of the other buglers I met at the reenactment battles had drum corps experience. I also had the privilege of meeting Mr. Frank Doritte just after our brass band performed in town. I was surprised yet pleased so many reenactors were former and current drum corps people! By the way, I meet you a few years back at Gettysburg College as were waiting for the corps, Hanover Lancers, Cadets, etc., to perform for the brass band festival.

It was all about price. The Duratone was the same horn as the Ultratone. The Duratone had a brushed chrome finish rather than the highly polished chrome, but it was 40 percent cheaper! That's why we bought a whole line of Duratones for the Derry Patriots in 1973. Kept the cost down, the inside of the bell had the highly polished look.

Wow! Great time at rehearsal! It's such an honor to stand and play in a lead sop line with the likes of all those great players. I wish all those who have passed on were here to see it...Rob, Denny, 2 Bernie's, Don, Ed, Bill, and anyone else I left out, we miss you!

Junior corps for about 10 years in the Derry Patriots, then I marched RCA and DCA with Erie Thunderbirds in 1976. The Patriots folded in "77 or at least did not do field competitions and I chose to go to senior corps because my friend marched there. Several of the former Patriot members did march DCI with the Royal Crusaders from Finleyville. Because I had left the corps (Patriots) a year earlier, I did not accompany those who went to Royal Crusaders. Spent a year with the T-Birds then ended up with Westshore and then Steel City competitively. So I never technically marched DCI, although I would have relished the thought of being a Madison Scout or a member of the Santa Clara Vanguard!!!

1980 Westshoremen, we did a concert for the hotel patrons in the swimming pool in Canton, Ohio. Ray Eyler (horn instructor) sat on an inflatible raft! The sopranos were in the deep end of the pool, which was funny because most of us were short! (Except tree!). One of the judges at the competition later that night remarked, "I hope you guys got the water out of your horns!". He made his comment on his judging tape, we did okay although I can't remember where we placed that night.

Don truly was a great guy, very sad news. We all will miss him. Rest in peace.

Bernie Halgas, one of Steel City Ambassadors alumni founding members, lost his battle with cancer on December 29, 2008. Bernie played soprano and was a member of the board of directors of the corps. Bernie always reminded me of Raphael Mendez, both by his appearance and his playing. He was a great guy and will be sadly missed by the entire Steel City family. From one half of the "Prima-Donna" clan, farewell old friend...

Terrible blow to the drum corps community. I met Cozy at the 2006 DCA finals. My wife and I stayed at the Doubletree in Rochester along with the CorpsVets and Renegades. Cozy saw my Steel City jacket and introduced himself. I told him we knew John Zaragoza with the CorpsVets and he smiled and we "shot the breeze" for about 2 hours! I had the honor of marching in finals with the CorpsVets as a member of their A-Squad. In my brief encounter with Cozy, I realized that he truly was a class act and an all-around fun guy.

I too had the same privilege as Rabbit sitting between the two greats this past Sunday. Riggie was my childhood idol, and by the way still is, and Curt amazes us all with his mastery of the horn. How lucky can I be?

Hey Gary, thanks for your kind words on my site. Good luck on your endeavor to get back on the field. Are you going to compete as the Erie Thunderbirds? Any chance you guys will get Bink Kist and Gary Bernas out of retirement to march? I had a great time coming to the T-Birds with them in "76! Gregg