Sweendoc

I've been a Yamaha guy all my life. I grew up on a Model 232 student horn and then purchased a 6310Z Bobby Shew horn. The Z horn is a heck of a player and I thought I had a friend for life. But...I've never been totally satisfied with the response in the upper register. The horn slots well in the mid ranges but when I would play above high E, it would tend to waver. A friend of mine who plays professionally with various artists suggested I try a Bach Strad. I rebuked him and said, "I'm a Yamaha guy!" Through his persistence I eventually decided to try out a Bach. Unbelievable...I am now a Bach believer! I've never played a horn that is so responsive in all registers. Smooth transitions between notes and such free blowing ease. I have recently purchased a Bach Strad Model 43. I am now satisfied. I miss my Yamaha, but I'll never go back!

Thanks, Tony!!!

Two years ago the high school band I worked with traveled to New York City for the Greek Festival parade. We were waiting in line on a side street for our spot to open up. It was a cool day in May and I was wearing my Steel City jacket. As we stood there waiting, the New York City Police Department Marching Band was coming down the street. As it was about to pass by, the drum major glanced over and gave me a funny look. Next thing I know is the parade is stopped and the drum major walks up to me and says, "Steel City, huh, I competed against you guys in the 80's!!!" What a suprise, she was a former member of the Sunrisers. We shared for a moment, then she resumed marching the band through the parade. My band kids were excited to see her stop and talk to me. I told them that drum corps is a great fraternity and a wonderful activity. You just never know who you will run into when wearing your colors!

To my Erie buddies, thanks, you guys are right! The average age of the corps is 47. Not too old, but in a few years who knows! It's official, the corps is open to anyone!

The Derry Patriots Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps is an active corps. We had originally planned to be a one-shot deal, but interest in continuing the corps has risen. We will be marching and performing in the 2007 season. More details to come. Our biggest concern is whether or not to allow non-Patriot members to participate. I prefer to open the corps up to anyone who wishes to participate.

I don't understand why people are still arguing that Bb and G sound the same. They don't. Period. If you disagree, you are denying the truth. Each has it's respective advantages and disadvantages. I love playing my Bb trumpets, but I'll never comprehend why anyone would prefer them over the big fat sound of the G Soprano bugle. I've heard some say that it is all about intonation. The older style G horns can't play in tune as well as Bb. I recently attended the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival and the musicians there played on instruments made in the 1830's-60's. They sounded perfectly in tune. So don't give me that stuff about intonation. I also have heard it said that it is easier to recruit hornplayers because the switch from Bb to G is not necessary. It used to be a "step-up" to play a G bugle. I firmly believe that those who haved pushed the introduction of "any key" instruments have somehow benefitted monetarily from the switch.

I would just like to echo the previous words...what a great show CorpsVets!!! The Vegas show rocked! CorpsVets are a class act and I'm glad I got to know some of you. John, my friend, it's super that you are back competing, Cozy, Gerald, Tom, and the two truck drivers, (I forgot your names), you really showed me some "southern hospitality." Best Wishes and Good Luck in '07 Gregg Sweney

Whoa, just saw the post further down on where everyone's staying. Now I at least have a list to work from.

Anyone know of hotels available in the Rochester area for DCA finals? Before I begin a search on hotels.com and etc., I was wondering if anyone could steer me in the right direction. Sometimes you get a better deal if you wait, and sometimes you don't!

Have you seen the exercise where you hold a pencil in your lips for 30 seconds per day for about a week. Then you progress to a minute, then two. Those who experimented, swear by it!

Riggie doesn't play a piston/rotor horn... he plays a piston slide horn!!! And at 80 years of age, still a heck of a horn player!!!

I play on a Yamaha 6310Z trumpet and a Kanstul Powerbore G Bugle. I find it easier to play higher on the trumpet than the bugle.

I play alongside a guy who also plays in the Columbus Symphony. He swears by the Sonic II earplugs. He states that they are just as good as custom designed and more expensive ones.

Play on the mouthpiece you are used to!

Yea for 2 valve G Bugles!!!

If money is a concern and all you want to do is practice, check out the Blessing Mello. We bought several for high school band and saved a ton of money. Quality was pretty good.

As a former band director, I had the opportunity to play with the kids during rehearsal, etc. I always used an old horn, because it never failed that someone would bump me as I played. I used an old Yamaha and I really didn't mind the dents!!! 2 horns...great idea!

See the corps reunited for Derry's 125th Anniversary Parade. Also, check out the reunion pics that followed afterwards. www.westmorelandpatriots.org Click on the alumni link and go to photoalbum.

Greetings all! This is it, Saturday, July 29th, we will take to the streets of Derry, PA as the Derry Patriots Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps! Hornline: approximately 25-30, drumline 12, and guard 13, members. Still time to join the fun. Website: www.westmorelandpatriots.org click on the alumni link Reunion: immediately after the parade at Mammoth Park, Pavillion #10

Webpage updated with parade information... www.westmorelandpatriots.org Click on the alumni link.

The Derry Patriots reunion information is now posted on the web. Address is www.westmorelandpatriots.org Click on the alumni link and find out details.

Denny old friend, sorry to see you go. Your life touched alot of people down here. Now as you begin eternity with that heavenly corps, say hello from me to Bernie, Ed, Chuck, Rob, and all those corps people who have gone before. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Your friends, Gregg and Terri Sweney...

It's official, the Derry Patriots are having a reunion on July 29th. The location will be announced soon. The day will begin with the corps performing in the Derry Borough 125th Anniversary parade! Yes, I did say we will march! We have procured the old equipment and are passing out horns to those so inclined to march. Dust off the old mouthpiece and come and have some fun! We will be playing America the Beautiful and the parade route is very short. After the parade, we will have a family picnic for everyone. If you are interested, email me at sweendoc@yahoo.com for more information. All of the old guys are coming back for this gig, including, John "Oscar" Menosky, Tim Hantz, Bill Zalot, Bert Albaugh, Marty Johnston, Andy Nielzeski, Fred Coder, Jay Cribbs, and many more. Come be a part of something bigger than yourself! P.S. I just mentioned horn players, but the drummers are coming and colorguard are welcomed to march also!!!

Hey Jeff, Oscar already called me about the reunion! He said you called and told him. We are trying to get to go and see his band soon, so I will forward any details as I get them. Thanks, Gregg

Greg Z, I remember Kestner, he was related to the Burd's. I think he was Jim Burd's uncle. I believe the corps became the Patriots in 65 when Jack Dell took over as director. Clayton Lindsay of funeral home fame, was previously the director before Jack. When I joined Lindsay was getting out and the firemen were breaking all ties with the corps. I really need to call Jack Dell and get the story correct. I remember the write-ups in old show programs stating that the corps began in 1947. I'll definitely find out!