StarContra4-85

*bump* Go Red Team!!

Here's wishing Joe a full and speedy recovery. I'm sure that the Blue Devils will be taking him on the field with them this week.

Son, the choice is yours, it's either 16 hours/day on a field and having the time of your life performing in front of thousands of cheering fans or 8 hrs/day flipping burgers in addition to mowing the lawn, paying rent and taking out the trash. Seriously though, if anyone is even close to being on the fence, go watch the Colts practice and take time to meet their staff. It truly is a family-based organization. If I had kids and they were considering marching, Dubuque would be one of the first places that I'd drive them to.

The RCA dome is being dismantled (seats removed, etc) in preparation for demolition... I too had thought about the "give me half of Lucas Oil" scenario... we only need a home side (plus restrooms, concessions, etc.) and the workers would only be down 3 days... but I'm sure that would be too much downtime for them to finish in time for the NFL season, etc. Greenspan does say that they have to have this done in "6 or 7 weeks"... that's a week prior to Finals or the week of at this point.

*Bump*

I thought the serial number ended in 6 (although that may have been my case number-too many years have gone by). There is a flagpole dent (about 2" long) going across the bell between the shoulder and the bell attachment ring on top of the horn (when the horn is in playing position). It was the first dent ever in a Star horn, the result of a guard member not listening to the "don't toss" directions before the first time through the contra/guard mesh in "Zip". My wife is pretty indulgent of my passion for the marching activities. I work full time with a local high school band and travel to a few shows a year. Luckily, her dad and brother are both band directors and she grew up around the activity.

Didn't Sam have some hand in the revision of the King horns, too? I remember hearing that the original King Bb brass that PR was using had some stuffy notes and that Sam helped with the revisions.

Take him and let him watch rehearsal and to meet the Colt's Staff... be sure to take his suitcase along (just in case)

Matt, That's an awesome pic, you definitely found your soulmate. Don't tempt me [Mr. Subliminal:how much?]... I would love to have one of those gems, but it would unfortunately spend some time in my storage unit until my wife and I move. If I run across Chops this summer, I'll have to come by and look for my horn...it has a distinctive dent that I'm sure I can identify even under all of the others that have since followed.

Dale, You and I shared the smell of puke at DCI Finals retreat in '85. I remember your female contra player saying "If they beat us, I'm gonna puke" and sure enough, it happened. I remember your line clearing out while we were left to savor the moment. :big hug: I really like the Kanstuls but they are heavy. The Yamaha 5/4 are pretty good, but don't offer much resistance (which is one feature I really liked about the K90-just enough resistance to make it feel like you were playing something) I haven't played the new Kings yet, but I've heard that they are very front heavy. I have one high schooler that I teach that is barely 4'10" tall, he'd never be able to manhandle one of those monsters (he barely manages the 4/4 Yamaha convertible).

You forgot to add the "no blind spot on the left hand side" feature. I've played several of the newer models (Yamaha, Kanstul, King) and nothing has the feel or sound (tone, sonority) of the K90 that I marched with in Star.

I was offline yesterday and just saw the news this morning. My prayers and condolences are with Denise and all of the Bonfiglio and Lancer families. Thank you, Patsy for all that you and George did for the 27th Lancers and this incredible activity. Your giving truly made a difference in the world and will never be forgotten.

.

Agreed, mad scotty has added some excellent thoughts. Let me add a few things. I agree that Robert W. Smith and Frank Williams are key to the Suncoast identity. I also think that you have to not only invite the alumni to an event, but invite them to be actively involved with the corps. No one knows what it means to be a part of that corps better than someone who's been there. These people need to be involved in the process if you plan on using the name. You may be surprised at the talents and assets that they can bring to the table. Part of the problem with resurrecting an "inactive" corps is the expectations of the fmms and fans alike. Regardless of where you start, which will probably be from scratch, everyone will bring their own expectations. Some will understand that this is a rebuild and then eventually expect the corps to be what it once was or is now storied to have once been. Some will expect '84 or '88 Suncoast right off the line at the first show. Careful decisions will have to be made in regards to everything to acknowledge and protect the Suncoast of the past while building on the "brand" identity of that past for the future. It may even be smart to start like the Academy has by phasing up to a full schedule to insure that the membership is well trained and performing at a high competitive level before taking on a full touring schedule. i truly miss Suncoast Sound. I loved their hornline, their show concepts and their look. I hope that if they do return that all of those things are evident in the new product. Best wishes in your endeavors, I can only hope that others would watch closely and follow your lead.

FJM has some new rounded shoulders (look like pads maybe) that I really like. They look broad and full without the George Jetson effect.