stoods59

1980 was my age-out year in the Guardsmen. What an incredible summer. It truly is hard to believe that 30 years have passed since then!

DRB - weren't you IN those quad lines? LOL.

Another former AG member that I marched with in Loyal Order winter guard is Johanna Montgomery. She lives in North Carolina now. You can find her on Faceback, with the last name of Denny. The Keck twins grew up on the same street that I did. Good guys from day 1. Kudos to Jerry - he was indeed a fine drum major that put everything he had into the shows I saw.

I lived in Verona but marched with the Stanwix Heights Ridgerunners. Eagles were VERY young when they started up. My cousin Randy Ingalls was the 1st drum major for them. Heck, most of the kids on my street marched with the Eagles. I'm quite proud to say that Fairlane Road turned out some very good soprano players - myself, Mike Hewitt and Dave Keck.

Just one minor correction to the Fred Bell post: He marched Fox Valley Raiders '77, Guardsmen in '78, then Madison in '79. He was never in Kilties.

That soprano player was Owen Raun. He played the solo again in 1980.

It's just great to see the Troop back in the top 12!

We Guardsmen actually lost 2 busses that summer of 1980 near Butler, Penn., within about 2 miles of each other. We ended up buying a blue church bus that was immeditely christened the "On a Mission From God" bus.....

How about Glenn Conrad of the Schaumburg Guardsmen, mello soloist in 1978, Celebration Suite and again in 1979, Tiger of San Pedro. He came from the Fox Valley Raiders.

Nice one on the Grey Ghosts Donny! Also from that area and era: Stanwix Heights Ridgerunners Canastota Saints Bridgeport Pirates Verona Eagles Also, the Barons of Steuben

We (GUARDSMEN) played Slingerlands in 1980.

What corps were you in? I may have my VHS copy still but it was recorded in high quality so I didn't get everyone on it. The DVD from 1980 is quite good though!

I don't remember the exact year but I believe it was 1981, Phantom Regiment winter guard. They were doing William Tell Overture and I will NEVER forget it - they came to the Guardsmen home show at Harper College and actually used a crossbow! They shot it from one side of the court to the other. I believe they were told in no uncertain terms that they could not do that any more, so they went to using an arrow that was on a guide wire.

I'd love to see those pictures. Here's to hoping you get the technical stuff straightened out!

Random memories from the road in 1980: Being asked for an autograph after a show in Little Rock Arkansas (1st and last time THAT happened)! Blowing not one, but 2 bus engines within a mile of each other in Butler, PA. Letting your best friend borrow your Frank Zappa shirt, which he is wearing as he disappears into the bushes with your OTHER friend's girlfriend. 2nd friend probably STILL thinks it was me! Seeing your horn instructor de-pantsed in front of the entire horn line by one of the snare plares. Putting 7's on our faces in prelims for Birmingham in hopes of breaking the 7th place curse. (It worked as we made finals, but we then dropped 7 points in out finals score!) Aging out with 21 others, leaving our shoes on the turf and a judge chasing after us with an arm full of shoes, trying to give them back to us.

He was indeed ahead of his time in the recording field. Glad to hear you liked Seahawk so much, it was a powerful piece for us.

I never say never Dan!

"Give it a try?" You rocked Bonnie!

Geno, how can you mention '76 Blue Devils and have no reference to Bonnie Ott?

Wish I'd had the chance to meet Joe but hearing him play was one of the top highlights I had in attending my first DCA since 1975. I won't wait so long next time. I can't wait to buy his CD!

You guys were a blast to meet at the Doubletree. Carol Smith, great to finally make your aquaintance. Dan, you are a lot of fun! A very talented, creative group. Plus, the chance to hear Bonnie Ott play again?? Priceless!!! Thanks for the memories........

Great attitude Bill!

Yes indeed, Amy was super! That bar was a wee bit crowded Saturday night!

My wife and I stayed at the same hotel this weekend with MBI, class acts top to bottom. We are very happy that you guys got a richly deserved score. Congratulations to all of you!