Cabssopprof

Thanks Frank. I'll be 64 June 30, and it has been an honor for me to be a part of the Cabs for ten years now. I've had the privelege to play with some really talented people over the years, including you as one of the best in drum corp. Still, George Hayak is my drum corps hero. He's just terrific. Doc

Like I said, I may have over reacted. But, if you go back to the cadets thread, you may see that a few of the posts were rather strongly worded negative comments about the older members of DCA (eg beer bellies, visuals etc.). I wasn't responding to the legitimate academic debates just the stereotypes that were being thrown around. Doc

I commented on the age stereotype issue over in the Cadets 2 thread when I sensed that some comments were negative regarding over 40's marching competitively. I may have overreacted to some of the statements, but I felt it important to comment because stereotypes affect us all. The youth in the activity don't have the advantage of ever being old to have a balanced perspective regarding the issue. So negative stereotypes about age can have an impact on the status of older members in the minds of the younger ones. Similarly, negative stereotypes can affect the decisions of those being stereotyped because they will feel that they are out of place if they defy the stereotype. What if Curt Hawkins didn't march when he was 46 because he felt that others would think he was too old and out of place? What if Frank Ponzo decided he shouldn't return to competing corps because he is in his 40's? We would have been denied listening to two of the best horn players to ever march in DCA. There are more examples. I am 63, quite healthy and still marching. I think the youth and the middle aged among us need to hear and see that advancing age is not a sentence. We aren't set on a path of destiny defined by age. We do have free will and the ability to control our lives to some extent. I try to never loose sight of the reality of who and what I am, but I'll be ###### if I let others define that for me through stereotyping. Ok, sorry for venting, but .... never mind, I'll stop there. Doc Cabs '03-present lead trumpet and a few other corps in the 60's

This negative discussion of "old farts" and over 40's in drum corps is burning my butt a bit because it just propagates a lot of stereotypes about age - and at 63, I should know a thing or two about that. Just to inform you all, aging doesn't guarantee bad fitness or health. I have been marching competitively in DCA for 10 years now and performing a fair number of high tempo intense shows as a lead trumpet. No, I am not as fit as I was at 18, but I am as fit as many of the youngsters around me and march as well as many. My fitness level does not detract from the show. Furthermore, I know a bunch of over 40's who can march as well as the youngsters. Also, I can say there are plenty of young marchers with beer bellies that could use a little fitness boost. My point is not to be negative, but to ask you all to be careful about your stereotyping. Doc

As a previous member of the Hawthorne Muchachos and a marching member of the Cabs since '03, I can also attest that the HAWTHORNE drum corps experience is unique to the activity. I can honestly say that my life has been deeply enriched by the years I have spent with the Cabs. Come on board - you will not regret it. Mike Risley (Doc)

I am one of those vets referred to that is a bit older than the rest of the corps . I'll be 63 this June. Resumed drum corps in 2003 with the Cabs after 35 years out. So, as everyone said before me, just evaluate your fitness, get in shape and go for it. You will discover if you are unable to keep up. But, if you don't try, you will never know and may regret it. Also, get ready for the "old" jokes, although you may not get as many as I do. Just remember - you are not old, you are chronologically gifted. Doc Cabs 03-11 Golden eagles Mini-corps 09-11 Hawthorne Muchachos '66-67 Fair Lawn cadets '65 Imperial Knights '62-64 (something like that, so long I am no longer sure)

Chris: I was also playing hooky yesterday, and missed rehearsal. Thanks to Ponzo (thanks Frank for the germ warfare) spewing viral particies at Golden Eagle rehearsal, I came down with a nasty cold. I can only hope that viruses that passed through Ponzo to me also give me his horn playing abilities. Storm also did a nasty job on my house. Now seeking a contractor to come by and patch it up. Anyway, great to hear that rehearsal went well and I will see everyone this weekend. Doc Cabs trumpet 03-'10

This is great news to hear. I met John during his years marching with Cabs, and a few times playing with Latin Express. I consider it an honor to have played in the lead trumpet section with him and other great Cab's lead players. We all know how good a horn player he is. He also has a great sense of humor and a good heart (who else would let everyone draw all over him like the painted man). I have only good memories of John during the hard work and the hard play. John congratulations on your life successes and I wish you total happiness. Mike (Doc) Cabs sop/trumpet '03-'10 West Sayville Golden Eagles '08-'10 Latin Express '08-'09 Hawthorne Muchachos '66-'67 Fair Lawn Police cadets '65 Imperial Knights '59-'64

Mike: I posted twice because I was just so excited about the past weekend and show. Doc

Josh: Couldn't agree more. It was my first camp of the new season since I hurt my knee, and of course I had a lot of interest in where things stand. WOW!!! I was really impressed. The talent and energy was outstanding. The new arrangements were challenging and HOT (thanks Rob). Looks like we are going to be full and big early this year. Just a few more talented people to fill things out. This is going to be one of those high energy shows that we and the audience will remember for a long time. So, to all - come on out to a camp and check us out for yourselves - this is the real deal. Now, I have got to get my butt in gear and get into shape. Mike (Doc) Hawthorne Cabs lead and 2nd Sop/trumpet '03- Hawthorne Muchachos lead Sop '66-'67 Fair Lawn Cadets lead sop '65 Imperial Knights lead/solo sop '58-64

Josh: Couldn't agree more. It was my first camp of the new season since I hurt my knee, and of course I had a lot of interest in where things stand. WOW!!! I was really impressed. The talent and energy was outstanding. The new arrangements were challenging and HOT (thanks Rob). Looks like we are going to be full and big early this year. Just a few more talented people to fill things out. This is going to be one of those high energy shows that we and the audience will remember for a long time. So, to all - come on out to a camp and check us out for yourselves - this is the real deal. Now, I have got to get my butt in gear and get into shape. Mike (Doc) Hawthorne Cabs lead and 2nd Sop/trumpet '03- Hawthorne Muchachos lead Sop '66-'67 Fair Lawn Cadets lead sop '65 Imperial Knights lead/solo sop '58-64

For me the year was 1958, the founding year for the Imperial Knights of Upper Saddle River NJ which then moved to Midland Park NJ. Then I moved to the Fair Lawn Police Cadets and the Hawthorne Muchachos (66,67). Took a few years off and returned to the Hawthorne Caballeros in '03 (great year to return). I'm still marching (I hope) in the Cabs competing corps and playing for the past two years with the West Sayville Golden Eagles and Latin Express Mini-corps. Played soprano/trumpet throughout my drum corps "career". Evidently, it's a difficult hobby to stop. Mike (Doc)

"Doc brings his own dust!!!' YOU GUYS ARE A RIOT. Have a great holiday. Doc

By the way. Someone save me a seat at the awards banquet. Although I don't mind drinking standing up, I hate eating standing up. Doc

I'll be there. Going to try and drag my old butt out onto the field once again. Sorry for that image I left burned into your brains. Mike (Doc)

Geez Josh - don't push me along - I'm just a youthful 61 not 62. Anyway, the point is, if you are in shape physically, you can do it. I marched Muchachos in the 60's, quit to do career and family, then returned to march Cabs in '03 at 55 years young. Yes, it was a struggle, but it was one of the best decisions of my life. The youngsters may play with the age thing, but it's all in fun. As everyone said _ GO FOR IT. No harm in trying. Mike (DOC) Risley

In the 60's: Imperial Knights from Upper Saddle River , NJ and Midland Park, lead, solo sop Fair Lawn Police Cadets, lead sop Hawthorne Muchachos, lead sop very long break of 35 years Hawthorne Caballeros (competing corp), 03-present, lead sop (until 08 when dental work screwed up my embouchure) Golden Eagles Mini corp, West Sayville, late 07 to present Yes, I am old, and each year I think that I won't be able to march another year. But the legs and lungs still work well thank God, so here goes one more year of competing corps. Mike (Doc) Risley

Cindy: You've got that right. It's a hobby with a dynamic mix of social, artistic and athletic aspects that is hard to find in other activties. Moreover, the people are just great. It's a huge physical (for an old guy like me) and time demand that makes it hard to balance family, career and hobby. Yet, we somehow keep going. Mike (Doc)

Sorry for the confusion; Albert Einstein Med College is in the Bronx. Mike

Frank: Really interesting thread. The diversity is amazing. I didn't see anyone with my occupation so I thought I would add to the mix. I currently play soprano with the Golden Eagles Mini-corps, and I have been marching (trumpet) with the Caballeros competing corps since '03, and I have played a few gigs with the Cabs Alumni. I have a PhD (1977) in Cell and Molecular Biology, and for the past 36 years (yes, I am old) I have been a research scientist studying and publishing on a variety of problems in reproductive biology and genetics. I am currently a professor at Albert Einstein Medical College where I am director of Medical Histology and teach in a variety of medical school and graduate school courses. I marched junior corps in the 60's (Imperial Knights, Fair Lawn Cadets, Hawthorne Muchachos) and returned to corps in '03. It has been tough, but I am glad I returned. I have met old friends I haven't seen since the 60's, and made a lot of new friends. What I really enjoy is the diversity of people in corps. Mike Risley (Doc)

OMG!!!! Just when I thought I marched my last show this past year. Just maybe I can get my old legs to do one more season to play some of my favorite lead trumpet/soprano parts? It would be great. How about you Guy LaFlamme? Will this show drag you out of Canada one more time? Laura - I can feel your excitement all the way over here in New York. Mike (Doc) Cabs lead sop/trumpet '03-07 Muchachos '65-67 and some other corps

I last marched juniors as lead soprano in '67 with the Hawthorne Muchachos and came back in '03 with the CABS (lead trumpet). I'm still at it with my old bones. See you in Rochester. Mike (Doc) Risley

Thanks Brasssop, but I didn't mean to make this about me. I was just trying to say that based on my experience, the CABS, which are often cited as having a young corps, show no evidence of a policy of selection of young players over old. Mike Risley

This thread is interesting to me because I am the oldest (59) marching member of the Cabs competing corps. I came back to drum corps in '03 at age 55, and the first show I performed was the Cabs high energy '03 show that won DCA. It was really difficult for me because for 35 years I only did career and family. Since '03, however, I've learned a lot, gotten into better shape, and although I've been playing lead trumpet, the shows have become easier for me to perform. So, as others have said, even an old guy can still "perform" in DCA with decent conditioning and experience. Yes, the membership around me seems to be getting younger each year. They are great - they bring new and fresh perspectives, a lot of energy, and dedication to the corps. I am always learning new things from the younger members and I enjoy interacting with them. I think the mix of older and younger members is mutually beneficial, and I hope that DCA corps can continue this "all-age" mix by promoting and encouraging participation by older people. Mike Risley Cabs trumpet '03-07

I believe: that one day I may actually learn all the words to the bus 2 songs (obviously, I'm slow); that I may actually learn how to operate the door to the toilet (once again, a slow learner); that at some point this season, I will bust out of my shell and do something outrageous (watch out Rochester); that this is one of the most fun seasons I've marched during the past 5 years, despite my personal ups and downs; that the phone is ringing - Oh, no, that's just me; What? What did you say? Oh, who cares what I believe anyway. Back to work. Mike (Doc) Cabs lead Soprano/Trumpet '03-07 Other stuff '68-'02 Muchachos lead sop '66-67 Imperial Knights, Fair Lawn Cadets '63-65