Saturday, in the park - I think it was the 32nd of July ...
OK, you all know I can be flexible when it comes to the number of days in a month (xref: Saints Scribblings, March 2009).
ANYWAY, gentle reminder - we're gathering in the park near J Birney Crum Stadium today at 3 pm ... only an hour from Saintsville.
Take 287N to 78W to exit 55 (Cedar Crest Blvd) towards Allentown. Follow S Cedar Crest Blvd for about a mile, and make a right onto Hamilton Blvd (Rt 222N). About 3/4 mile later, you'll see the park (and, probably, a dozen corps going through their warmups). We'll be between the pond and the pool (W Hamilton / Ott). If you get there and need to find us, my cell is (spelling out to avoid the spammers) nine zero eight, two two nine, seven one five four.
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for ... you get it. No excuses that you don't want to go to the show - just don't go to the show!
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Showing posts with label competitions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label competitions. Show all posts
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday Trivia: June 30, 2009
We had two members respond to last week's Tuesday Trivia - double the response of the week before!
Here's last week's two-part question:
How many NJ AL championships did the Saints win, and in what years?
From Pete Chez:
Jo, If I remember correctly (and maybe I'm not - the 70s were a lot of fun you know), you could either compete in the show OR the parade. So my guess is '69. Purely a guess. If I'm way off base, DON"T PRINT THIS !!!! thanks.
From Jackie Bodzas:
To answer your question: 26 World Series championships and 39 American League pennants. Ooops ... I think that is the Yanks, not us.
And now, for the official answer:
Thanks to my little brothers for responding!
Now, for next week's question (and I DO know the answer to this one!):
What corps used horns from the disbanded Saints in their DCI Championships alumni performance?
Remember ... prizes, prizes, we have no prizes!
Ready to send in your answers? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com by the end of the day (whatever your time zone) on Monday, July 6th.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Here's last week's two-part question:
How many NJ AL championships did the Saints win, and in what years?
From Pete Chez:
Jo, If I remember correctly (and maybe I'm not - the 70s were a lot of fun you know), you could either compete in the show OR the parade. So my guess is '69. Purely a guess. If I'm way off base, DON"T PRINT THIS !!!! thanks.
From Jackie Bodzas:
To answer your question: 26 World Series championships and 39 American League pennants. Ooops ... I think that is the Yanks, not us.
And now, for the official answer:
I have no clue. I had forgotten about the either-or stipulation - thanks to Pete for the reminder, and to Jackie for confirmation. As far as how many and what years, the only one I can remember for sure is the guard field championship we won in 1973 (see the picture from the balcony at the Cara Mara below). We may also have won the guard title in 1972, but can't really say for sure. I seem to remember at least one parade win (could be the 1969 thing that Pete remembers), and I thought the corps won the field show once as well (1976?).
Thanks to my little brothers for responding!
Now, for next week's question (and I DO know the answer to this one!):
What corps used horns from the disbanded Saints in their DCI Championships alumni performance?
Remember ... prizes, prizes, we have no prizes!
Ready to send in your answers? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com by the end of the day (whatever your time zone) on Monday, July 6th.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Maybe 3: The Show at the AC Convention Center
Maybe 3rd - The Show at the Atlantic City Convention Center
by JoAnne Parente
(Editor's note: Let's see how long we can make the month of May last - send in your entries for Maybe, Maybe Not!)
Many of us have fond memories from this show - we literally blew down the competition by not blowing so loud!
While the reason escapes me now, we actually arrived fairly early to this show, and most of our competition didn't. That was a rare thing, given we usually got lost or broke down on trips longer than 30 minutes back then.
Bucky Swan and George Lopez checked out the facilities and figured out something that no one else had that day - if we played as loud as we normally would at an outdoor field show, the music would bounce so horribly inside the building it would get ugly and quick.
The advice to turn it DOWN a couple of notches was a good one, and we did a great job that day. Corps with MUCH more prestige and experience had trouble keeping in step because of the echoing ... it was actually pretty fun to watch!
So, did this really happen? Maybe, Maybe Not ...
For more details on Maybe, Maybe Not, check out the April 21st entry of Saints Scribblings. Ready to send in your ideas? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
An inventory of all stories and where they rate on the truthfulness scale will be posted at the end of May (whenever May may end!).
by JoAnne Parente
(Editor's note: Let's see how long we can make the month of May last - send in your entries for Maybe, Maybe Not!)
(picture found in Saints Photo Gallery 1, Page 5, Row 2, Picture 1)
Many of us have fond memories from this show - we literally blew down the competition by not blowing so loud!
While the reason escapes me now, we actually arrived fairly early to this show, and most of our competition didn't. That was a rare thing, given we usually got lost or broke down on trips longer than 30 minutes back then.
Bucky Swan and George Lopez checked out the facilities and figured out something that no one else had that day - if we played as loud as we normally would at an outdoor field show, the music would bounce so horribly inside the building it would get ugly and quick.
The advice to turn it DOWN a couple of notches was a good one, and we did a great job that day. Corps with MUCH more prestige and experience had trouble keeping in step because of the echoing ... it was actually pretty fun to watch!
So, did this really happen? Maybe, Maybe Not ...
For more details on Maybe, Maybe Not, check out the April 21st entry of Saints Scribblings. Ready to send in your ideas? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
An inventory of all stories and where they rate on the truthfulness scale will be posted at the end of May (whenever May may end!).
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 45 - 1975, Last Chapter
March 45 - 1975, Last Chapter
by JoAnne Parente
(Editor's note: What a run this has been ... more submissions for this little project known as March Moments than ALL other trivia and other submissions in the past, combined. Tomorrow is age-out day - watch for it.)
This is a March Moment I've saved until the very end. For me, it's about saving the best until last.
My absolutamente most favorite marching moment, hands-down, was the May 1975 NJA Guard championship finals at the Wildwood Convention Center. Given all the hype leading up to the show, it could have been anticlimactic. If you were there, you know nothing could be further from the truth.
We knew at some point early in that winter guard season that it would be our last. We had just come off a summer season which was a clear turning point on national competitiveness for the corps, and we collectively decided that we needed to focus more attention there.
As defending champs, we took the floor last. The Sematics were on just before us (and in third after prelims), and a good number of horn and drum line members were in the stands to cheer us both on.
Instead of our canned music (For Once In My Life for those who might have forgotten), we entered the floor to Jimmy Brady, who stood up in the stands and played us on to a jazzed-up version of When the Saints Go Marching In. Needless to say, EVERYONE in the convention center went wild.
Right up until the very end, most were skeptical that we would really just walk away from it all. We finished as champions - and I was even asked to write about it some five years later for a WGI Championship program.
What a day.
What a time.
What a guard.
What a corps.
What a family.
1975. Gotta love it.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by JoAnne Parente
(Editor's note: What a run this has been ... more submissions for this little project known as March Moments than ALL other trivia and other submissions in the past, combined. Tomorrow is age-out day - watch for it.)
This is a March Moment I've saved until the very end. For me, it's about saving the best until last.
My absolutamente most favorite marching moment, hands-down, was the May 1975 NJA Guard championship finals at the Wildwood Convention Center. Given all the hype leading up to the show, it could have been anticlimactic. If you were there, you know nothing could be further from the truth.
We knew at some point early in that winter guard season that it would be our last. We had just come off a summer season which was a clear turning point on national competitiveness for the corps, and we collectively decided that we needed to focus more attention there.
As defending champs, we took the floor last. The Sematics were on just before us (and in third after prelims), and a good number of horn and drum line members were in the stands to cheer us both on.
Instead of our canned music (For Once In My Life for those who might have forgotten), we entered the floor to Jimmy Brady, who stood up in the stands and played us on to a jazzed-up version of When the Saints Go Marching In. Needless to say, EVERYONE in the convention center went wild.
Right up until the very end, most were skeptical that we would really just walk away from it all. We finished as champions - and I was even asked to write about it some five years later for a WGI Championship program.
What a day.
What a time.
What a guard.
What a corps.
What a family.
1975. Gotta love it.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Monday, April 13, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 44 - 1975, Chapter 1
March 44 - 1975, Chapter 1
by Jack Bodzas
(Editor's note: March Moments is winding down - just two more entries to go.)
In conversation with Jo about March Moments, I believe I told her I could effortlessly come up with about ten years worth of recollections. Cinch, no problema. If I had to narrow it down to a year's worth, my favorite is by far ‘75. I liked the Ellington charts, the drill, the shows we entered, places we went ... good times!
I recently purchased a recording of the 1975 Dream. The drums were cooking; if there was a caption for “trying hard” we would have surely taken it. I thought just to be on the same field with that horn line (my favorite ever, in the history of the world) was magnificent city. Never knew what tricks they were going to pull out of their bag next. Sometimes they were so powerful you would think they were going to straighten their horns right out.
The only drag about a CD is you couldn’t hear / see our color guard, equally as spellbinding. Not to mention they did a stellar job of intimidating judges, keeping them afraid and from getting too close to any of us.
The Nineteen-Hundred Seventy Five Saints, like a fine wine ... an extraordinary vintage.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Jack Bodzas
(Editor's note: March Moments is winding down - just two more entries to go.)
In conversation with Jo about March Moments, I believe I told her I could effortlessly come up with about ten years worth of recollections. Cinch, no problema. If I had to narrow it down to a year's worth, my favorite is by far ‘75. I liked the Ellington charts, the drill, the shows we entered, places we went ... good times!
I recently purchased a recording of the 1975 Dream. The drums were cooking; if there was a caption for “trying hard” we would have surely taken it. I thought just to be on the same field with that horn line (my favorite ever, in the history of the world) was magnificent city. Never knew what tricks they were going to pull out of their bag next. Sometimes they were so powerful you would think they were going to straighten their horns right out.
The only drag about a CD is you couldn’t hear / see our color guard, equally as spellbinding. Not to mention they did a stellar job of intimidating judges, keeping them afraid and from getting too close to any of us.
The Nineteen-Hundred Seventy Five Saints, like a fine wine ... an extraordinary vintage.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 39 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 5
March 39 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 5
by Jim Piccolo
(Editor's note: March doesn't end until we all decide it does - the ultimate antithesis of aging out. As long as entries for March Moments keep coming in, March keeps going, too.)
This is a “Did this really happen?” story.
Several members of the corps had started to compete in Individual and Ensemble contests that were usually held in the off-season back in the day. It was a chance to let individual members take center stage and to show off their talents.
Some of the members traveled up to an I&E show that was scheduled to take place in the Boston, Massachusetts area. They had traveled for at least 6 hours to get there only to find out that the show had been canceled, to their dismay. When the corps that was actually sponsoring the show (an all girl corps which is practically unheard of today) learned that members had journeyed all that way for nothing, they asked the members to march in a parade with them that they were scheduled to march in that day as their guests. The corps members graciously accepted the offer and marched in the parade.
On the way home, the members were bored, and as teenagers did, decided to have a little fun by chucking moons at people as they drove by. Well as it happened, one of the people who had been mooned did not think it was fun at all, and called the Connecticut State Troopers.
The Trooper caught up to them and pulled them over. The driver rolled down the window and the trooper asked, “Are you the guys driving bare ass down the road?”
The occupants in the car replied, “Not us officer!” After all was said and done, the driver was let go with a warning.
Did this really happen? Truth or fiction. You decide.
Note from Jo: The names of the people who may - or may not - have participated in the alleged events above were missing from the story when I received it. If this really did happen, you know who you are - or aren't. All I can tell you for sure is that I wasn't there (if there was, indeed, a there) - after all, I never competed in an I&E show. Now, for the rest of you ... only Pic admits to knowing for sure - or not.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Jim Piccolo
(Editor's note: March doesn't end until we all decide it does - the ultimate antithesis of aging out. As long as entries for March Moments keep coming in, March keeps going, too.)
This is a “Did this really happen?” story.
Several members of the corps had started to compete in Individual and Ensemble contests that were usually held in the off-season back in the day. It was a chance to let individual members take center stage and to show off their talents.
Some of the members traveled up to an I&E show that was scheduled to take place in the Boston, Massachusetts area. They had traveled for at least 6 hours to get there only to find out that the show had been canceled, to their dismay. When the corps that was actually sponsoring the show (an all girl corps which is practically unheard of today) learned that members had journeyed all that way for nothing, they asked the members to march in a parade with them that they were scheduled to march in that day as their guests. The corps members graciously accepted the offer and marched in the parade.
On the way home, the members were bored, and as teenagers did, decided to have a little fun by chucking moons at people as they drove by. Well as it happened, one of the people who had been mooned did not think it was fun at all, and called the Connecticut State Troopers.
The Trooper caught up to them and pulled them over. The driver rolled down the window and the trooper asked, “Are you the guys driving bare ass down the road?”
The occupants in the car replied, “Not us officer!” After all was said and done, the driver was let go with a warning.
Did this really happen? Truth or fiction. You decide.
Note from Jo: The names of the people who may - or may not - have participated in the alleged events above were missing from the story when I received it. If this really did happen, you know who you are - or aren't. All I can tell you for sure is that I wasn't there (if there was, indeed, a there) - after all, I never competed in an I&E show. Now, for the rest of you ... only Pic admits to knowing for sure - or not.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 38 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 4
March 38 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 4
by Eric Meyer
(Editor's note: March doesn't end until we all decide it does - the ultimate antithesis of aging out. As long as entries for March Moments keep coming in, March keeps going, too.)
Thanks, Jim, for your March Moments that posted on March 23rd.
I've been to the Manning Bowl a couple of times in the past ten years to see shows - felt like I was at an historic site. For 14 years I drove by that exit on I-495 where they held the '74 WO on my way to work. They had the only McDonald's that had not switched over to the restaurant style facility - still the white building with the golden arches for many years after that.
My fondest (and strangest) memory of that night was Pete Boyle and I in the back seat of a car listening to Lopez and Swan go on about how we were ripped off. We must have been in that car for a half an hour before Lopez asked me if I wanted some "garbage" and threw the envelope with the score sheets in my lap. I still have them somewhere in my attic. If anyone is interested I'll try to find them and scan them to send out.
I still can't remember how Pete and I ended up in the car with Lopez and Swan.
Another memory from 1974 is our arrival in Ithaca to watch DCI. I can't remember who all was there but we got there late and were walking around town looking into shops. Looking into one window we saw a Vanguard uniform on a mannequin with a spotlight on it - we knew we had arrived in DCI Mecca.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Eric Meyer
(Editor's note: March doesn't end until we all decide it does - the ultimate antithesis of aging out. As long as entries for March Moments keep coming in, March keeps going, too.)
Thanks, Jim, for your March Moments that posted on March 23rd.
I've been to the Manning Bowl a couple of times in the past ten years to see shows - felt like I was at an historic site. For 14 years I drove by that exit on I-495 where they held the '74 WO on my way to work. They had the only McDonald's that had not switched over to the restaurant style facility - still the white building with the golden arches for many years after that.
My fondest (and strangest) memory of that night was Pete Boyle and I in the back seat of a car listening to Lopez and Swan go on about how we were ripped off. We must have been in that car for a half an hour before Lopez asked me if I wanted some "garbage" and threw the envelope with the score sheets in my lap. I still have them somewhere in my attic. If anyone is interested I'll try to find them and scan them to send out.
I still can't remember how Pete and I ended up in the car with Lopez and Swan.
Another memory from 1974 is our arrival in Ithaca to watch DCI. I can't remember who all was there but we got there late and were walking around town looking into shops. Looking into one window we saw a Vanguard uniform on a mannequin with a spotlight on it - we knew we had arrived in DCI Mecca.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 36 - Indoor Shows, Chapter 2
March 36 - Indoor Shows, Chapter 2
by JoAnne Parente
(Editor's note: March doesn't end until we all decide it does - the ultimate antithesis of aging out. As long as entries for March Moments keep coming in, March keeps going, too.)
Going Over the Scoresheets
The beginning of rehearsal on Wednesday evenings for the Saints Guard was always the same once the season started: reviewing the scoresheets and GE tapes.
Somehow, it made me feel more grown up that we invested time in going over the judges' feedback each week. We were trusted to learn from each performance, and to make decisions about the value of opinions of others. We were the recipients of valuable lessons, and benefited from failure as well as success.
I've carried those lessons with me, and practiced them in some circumstances better than others. Thirty years later, I'm still benefiting - and I guess you are, too.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by JoAnne Parente
(Editor's note: March doesn't end until we all decide it does - the ultimate antithesis of aging out. As long as entries for March Moments keep coming in, March keeps going, too.)
Going Over the Scoresheets
The beginning of rehearsal on Wednesday evenings for the Saints Guard was always the same once the season started: reviewing the scoresheets and GE tapes.
Somehow, it made me feel more grown up that we invested time in going over the judges' feedback each week. We were trusted to learn from each performance, and to make decisions about the value of opinions of others. We were the recipients of valuable lessons, and benefited from failure as well as success.
I've carried those lessons with me, and practiced them in some circumstances better than others. Thirty years later, I'm still benefiting - and I guess you are, too.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 35 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 3
March 35 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 3
by Jack Bodzas
(Editor's note: March doesn't end until we all decide it does - the ultimate antithesis of aging out. As long as entries for March Moments keep coming in, March keeps going, too.)
On the way to the ’74 World Open one of our buses or trucks broke down, believe it or not! I gotta think our drivers spent as much time under the vehicles as they did driving.
Of course, kids being kids, multiplied by being cooped up in a sweaty smelly ole bus for a bunch of hours singing many, many verses of Barnacle Bill the Sailor, or Shaving Cream, or 100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall or ... oh never mind, you get the picture ...
The first thing we did after we jumped out the back door was to start up a roadside football game.
The second thing I did was to trip over a hole and ram into someone - I think it was Pete (where oh where are you now) Boyle who was very much like running into a refrigerator with a head. He just did not budge, not one itty bitty bit.
The third was this incredibly loud snap I heard, coming directly from my right ankle area.
The next thing I knew I was in some hospital getting a cast put on by a man wearing a BoSox hat.
Within days I was back on the field marching - cast, tympani, uniform and all, unlike today’s modern timpanists who have their drums carried onto the field for them, and sit down to play.
Ah ... the good old days.
Jack
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Jack Bodzas
(Editor's note: March doesn't end until we all decide it does - the ultimate antithesis of aging out. As long as entries for March Moments keep coming in, March keeps going, too.)
On the way to the ’74 World Open one of our buses or trucks broke down, believe it or not! I gotta think our drivers spent as much time under the vehicles as they did driving.
Of course, kids being kids, multiplied by being cooped up in a sweaty smelly ole bus for a bunch of hours singing many, many verses of Barnacle Bill the Sailor, or Shaving Cream, or 100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall or ... oh never mind, you get the picture ...
The first thing we did after we jumped out the back door was to start up a roadside football game.
The second thing I did was to trip over a hole and ram into someone - I think it was Pete (where oh where are you now) Boyle who was very much like running into a refrigerator with a head. He just did not budge, not one itty bitty bit.
The third was this incredibly loud snap I heard, coming directly from my right ankle area.
The next thing I knew I was in some hospital getting a cast put on by a man wearing a BoSox hat.
Within days I was back on the field marching - cast, tympani, uniform and all, unlike today’s modern timpanists who have their drums carried onto the field for them, and sit down to play.
Ah ... the good old days.
Jack
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Monday, March 30, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 30 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 2
March 30 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 2
by Jim Piccolo
The Eastern States Championships
Another memory from 1974 was the 1974 Eastern States Championship, which was held in Mahanoy City, PA. We had just won the Garden State Championship on the night before. We did an okay performance in prelims. I remember in particular the voice of our horn instructor coming out from the crowd when one of the baritone players started early in The Desert Song. We lost in the prelims to the Belvederes by 6 tenths of a point.
Needless to say the corps was primed and ready to go for finals that evening. After all we were the Garden State Champs! We rehearsed as if no one was going to beat us … not even the Santa Clara Vanguard who had won DCI Finals that year. There was a corps watching us and you could just see the fear in their eyes! We have to compete against them?
After we broke for dinner the clouds started to gray up and the rains came! The show was called off and because the Belvederes were defending Champs, and winners of the prelims, they were crowned the 1974 Eastern States Champions!
But I think the corps learned valuable lessons from the World Open and the Eastern States because look what happened in 75!
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Jim Piccolo
The Eastern States Championships
Another memory from 1974 was the 1974 Eastern States Championship, which was held in Mahanoy City, PA. We had just won the Garden State Championship on the night before. We did an okay performance in prelims. I remember in particular the voice of our horn instructor coming out from the crowd when one of the baritone players started early in The Desert Song. We lost in the prelims to the Belvederes by 6 tenths of a point.
Needless to say the corps was primed and ready to go for finals that evening. After all we were the Garden State Champs! We rehearsed as if no one was going to beat us … not even the Santa Clara Vanguard who had won DCI Finals that year. There was a corps watching us and you could just see the fear in their eyes! We have to compete against them?
After we broke for dinner the clouds started to gray up and the rains came! The show was called off and because the Belvederes were defending Champs, and winners of the prelims, they were crowned the 1974 Eastern States Champions!
But I think the corps learned valuable lessons from the World Open and the Eastern States because look what happened in 75!
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 29 - Memories from 1976, Chapter 2
March 29 - Memories from 1976, Chapter 2
by Mary Cassidy Ryan
1976 - a great year! And, always have a Plan B.
One of my best thoughts was our stop at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. What a difference it made to be off the gym floors and in actual beds! I recall that the practice field was great as well as the laundry room (luxury items when on the tour)! My roommate was Diane Markowitz (hope spelling is right). I would love to hear from her!
When the season concluded in Wildwood, it taught me how important it is to have a "Plan B" in place. Although I practiced with you all over and over, I had limited time with Duke E's Jitterbug+++. When called upon to do it alone in Wildwood, I really messed up! My right arm went into denial. I did a poor job! With much thanks to all of you, the performance was great! Afterwards, Mr. Kadash picked me up and you all applauded! I recall putting my shako over my face, wishing I did a better job! Thanks!
Last summer I moved back to San Antonio, Texas, after a one year venture to Louisiana. Our city will host the DCI southwest regional contest on July 18th. If you plan a visit anytime, let me know, I would love to hear from you. Cell: 210-632-3848 email mmc_ryan @att.net.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Mary Cassidy Ryan
1976 - a great year! And, always have a Plan B.
One of my best thoughts was our stop at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. What a difference it made to be off the gym floors and in actual beds! I recall that the practice field was great as well as the laundry room (luxury items when on the tour)! My roommate was Diane Markowitz (hope spelling is right). I would love to hear from her!
When the season concluded in Wildwood, it taught me how important it is to have a "Plan B" in place. Although I practiced with you all over and over, I had limited time with Duke E's Jitterbug+++. When called upon to do it alone in Wildwood, I really messed up! My right arm went into denial. I did a poor job! With much thanks to all of you, the performance was great! Afterwards, Mr. Kadash picked me up and you all applauded! I recall putting my shako over my face, wishing I did a better job! Thanks!
Last summer I moved back to San Antonio, Texas, after a one year venture to Louisiana. Our city will host the DCI southwest regional contest on July 18th. If you plan a visit anytime, let me know, I would love to hear from you. Cell: 210-632-3848 email mmc_ryan @att.net.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 28 - Memories from 1976
March 28 - Memories from 1976, Chapter 1
by Craig "Clav" Stephens
1976 - Troy, NY.
I "felt" it. Anyone that has ever had a horn to their lips knows what I mean. I realize I was only a 4th baritone at the time, but I "felt" it.
I don't think I was the only one as we walked off the field with a confidence / exuberance that permeated the whole corps.
I myself had blood down the front of my uniform and pouring out of my spit valve as my braces of that time had gotten the better of my inner lips.
As I walked to the bathroom to clean up I wore my blood as a badge of honor. For the first time I felt I had given all I had to give (hence the blood. :p).
Sidebar: Despite the torn lips I had felt like I played OUT (insert Tommy Swan voice there) and hit every note as well as I was able.
We won category after category, but somehow lost to Garfield by the slimmest of margins.
I went from the highest high to the lowest low that night.
I have the worst memory of anyone walking the face of the earth that has not be stricken by AZ, but I remember that night with ultimate clarity.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Craig "Clav" Stephens
1976 - Troy, NY.
I "felt" it. Anyone that has ever had a horn to their lips knows what I mean. I realize I was only a 4th baritone at the time, but I "felt" it.
I don't think I was the only one as we walked off the field with a confidence / exuberance that permeated the whole corps.
I myself had blood down the front of my uniform and pouring out of my spit valve as my braces of that time had gotten the better of my inner lips.
As I walked to the bathroom to clean up I wore my blood as a badge of honor. For the first time I felt I had given all I had to give (hence the blood. :p).
Sidebar: Despite the torn lips I had felt like I played OUT (insert Tommy Swan voice there) and hit every note as well as I was able.
We won category after category, but somehow lost to Garfield by the slimmest of margins.
I went from the highest high to the lowest low that night.
I have the worst memory of anyone walking the face of the earth that has not be stricken by AZ, but I remember that night with ultimate clarity.
Comments or questions about our March Moments series? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 25 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 2
March 25 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 2
by JoAnne Parente
Missing the World Open
Where's the irony in this? Two original members miss the chance to march in the World Open, our first world-class competition.
My absence from the field started about a week earlier. The morning of the Dream (again, another first for the corps), I literally collapsed in my parents' living room with a fever of a bazillion point nine. Calling Ralph Fair to tell him was almost comical - he kept asking me if I was sure I wasn't able to march as I was propped up against the wall while on the phone with him ... eventually he got the message.
Many of us are old enough to remember where they were when they found out Kennedy was shot (in my 3rd grade classroom, coloring with Robert Warshany, and at Perth Amboy General Hospital after Karen's tonsil surgery when we found out JFK had died). I also remember where I was when Nixon resigned - the evening of his announcement (August 8) and his departure from the White House (August 9), I was isolated from all but my mother, trying to keep from infecting the rest of the world with that nasty liver thing I had going.
The phone calls kept coming from members of the Board while you were all in Massachusetts, with the first one bringing news of Jackie Bodzas's unfortunate accident playing football or whatever it was at some rest area (Jackie, did I get the story right?). The highs of winning the prelims, and the horror of what happened at finals, left me as excited and disappointed as all of you.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by JoAnne Parente
Missing the World Open
Where's the irony in this? Two original members miss the chance to march in the World Open, our first world-class competition.
My absence from the field started about a week earlier. The morning of the Dream (again, another first for the corps), I literally collapsed in my parents' living room with a fever of a bazillion point nine. Calling Ralph Fair to tell him was almost comical - he kept asking me if I was sure I wasn't able to march as I was propped up against the wall while on the phone with him ... eventually he got the message.
Many of us are old enough to remember where they were when they found out Kennedy was shot (in my 3rd grade classroom, coloring with Robert Warshany, and at Perth Amboy General Hospital after Karen's tonsil surgery when we found out JFK had died). I also remember where I was when Nixon resigned - the evening of his announcement (August 8) and his departure from the White House (August 9), I was isolated from all but my mother, trying to keep from infecting the rest of the world with that nasty liver thing I had going.
The phone calls kept coming from members of the Board while you were all in Massachusetts, with the first one bringing news of Jackie Bodzas's unfortunate accident playing football or whatever it was at some rest area (Jackie, did I get the story right?). The highs of winning the prelims, and the horror of what happened at finals, left me as excited and disappointed as all of you.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Monday, March 23, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 23 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 1
March 23 - Memories from 1974, Chapter 1
by Jim Piccolo
The World Open
As I sit typing this and listening to our corps from 1974 Dream, it brings back so many memories.
One in particular was at the 1974 World Open. It was the first time the corps had an extended overnight trip; President Nixon had resigned while we were in there also. We were staying in Lynn, Massachusetts for the World Open which was actually being held in Lowell which was about 30-45 minutes away. The Manning Bowl in Lynn was a mess! They were repairing it as I recall.
Anyway, we placed 1st in Prelims (remember changing the drill down to 8 1/2 minutes for that?) with a score of 70.150. Our nearest competitor was the CW Townsmen with a 68.45. After we performed at finals the corps felt we did a good job and had a great chance at winning.
We are on retreat and the scores were announced. We come in 2nd place with a score of 63.3 to the Keystone Regiment. The future Crossmen, who placed 3rd in prelims with a 66.650, won the finals with a 65.65! We dropped almost 7 points from prelims. We were shocked to say the least!
The night was a clear but dewy night and you could see the moisture build-up on the instruments. Keystone was standing next to us in retreat and suddenly I had noticed that one of our tymp players was writing on the head of his tymp and leaning it in the direction of Keystone so that they could see what he was writing. I am sure it wasn't pleasantries of congratulations. One of our Drum Majors saw this also and told the tymp player to stop and he graciously did.
We came off the field and we really showed our class! The horn line picked up our horns as if we were marching in a parade and when we stopped, we picked up our legs as if we were competing! Putting the instruments away and riding on the bus back to Lynn was very sobering experience. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop! Everyone went to bed as soon as we got back.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Jim Piccolo
The World Open
As I sit typing this and listening to our corps from 1974 Dream, it brings back so many memories.
One in particular was at the 1974 World Open. It was the first time the corps had an extended overnight trip; President Nixon had resigned while we were in there also. We were staying in Lynn, Massachusetts for the World Open which was actually being held in Lowell which was about 30-45 minutes away. The Manning Bowl in Lynn was a mess! They were repairing it as I recall.
Anyway, we placed 1st in Prelims (remember changing the drill down to 8 1/2 minutes for that?) with a score of 70.150. Our nearest competitor was the CW Townsmen with a 68.45. After we performed at finals the corps felt we did a good job and had a great chance at winning.
We are on retreat and the scores were announced. We come in 2nd place with a score of 63.3 to the Keystone Regiment. The future Crossmen, who placed 3rd in prelims with a 66.650, won the finals with a 65.65! We dropped almost 7 points from prelims. We were shocked to say the least!
The night was a clear but dewy night and you could see the moisture build-up on the instruments. Keystone was standing next to us in retreat and suddenly I had noticed that one of our tymp players was writing on the head of his tymp and leaning it in the direction of Keystone so that they could see what he was writing. I am sure it wasn't pleasantries of congratulations. One of our Drum Majors saw this also and told the tymp player to stop and he graciously did.
We came off the field and we really showed our class! The horn line picked up our horns as if we were marching in a parade and when we stopped, we picked up our legs as if we were competing! Putting the instruments away and riding on the bus back to Lynn was very sobering experience. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop! Everyone went to bed as soon as we got back.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 22 - My First Time, Chapter 5
March 22 - My First Time, Chapter 5, with a postscript
by Bill Berliner and Pete Crafts
From Bill:
I still remember having a big rousing party in (and on top of) the buses after the Atlantic City show in ’75, when we crushed the Cross-boys by about 8 points or so. This was also the first show I ever marched. Could not believe how heavy a contra could get after 13 minutes or so.
From Pete:
My favorite show is when we whipped everyone's butt in the Atlantic City Convention Hall in '74 or '75.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Bill Berliner and Pete Crafts
From Bill:
I still remember having a big rousing party in (and on top of) the buses after the Atlantic City show in ’75, when we crushed the Cross-boys by about 8 points or so. This was also the first show I ever marched. Could not believe how heavy a contra could get after 13 minutes or so.
From Pete:
My favorite show is when we whipped everyone's butt in the Atlantic City Convention Hall in '74 or '75.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Friday, March 20, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 20 - A Favorite Marching Memory, Chapter 2
March 20 - A Favorite Marching Memory, Chapter 2
by Bill Berliner
(Editor's Note: Keep on sending in those favorite moments from parades or competitions!).
Jim Brady at DCI Prelims in 1975: Jimmy wanted to put a little tag on the end of his solo in the Ellington medley. Mr. Swan told him not to do it, but Gus Wilkie liked it. Not only did he play it, he turned and played it right at Mr. Swan! Of course, it was great, and old Bucky could only smile and fix his comb-over.
Great memories of great friends …
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Bill Berliner
(Editor's Note: Keep on sending in those favorite moments from parades or competitions!).
Jim Brady at DCI Prelims in 1975: Jimmy wanted to put a little tag on the end of his solo in the Ellington medley. Mr. Swan told him not to do it, but Gus Wilkie liked it. Not only did he play it, he turned and played it right at Mr. Swan! Of course, it was great, and old Bucky could only smile and fix his comb-over.
Great memories of great friends …
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 17 - Wardrobe Malfunctions, Chapter 1
March 17 - Wardrobe Malfunctions, Chapter 1
by Jack Bodzas
(Editor's Note: The title comes from me. I'm sure many of you have other uniform-based stories - send them in already!).
I think it was a Bayonne show. I ripped or split my pants right before we were to enter competition. Both Mrs. Chez and Mrs. Maloney pinned / sewed the rip in question while I still had the trousers on ... drum, shako and all!
Never saw Mr. Kelly laugh so hard. He held it in for quite a while, but he just eventually burst out. The funny / scary part is that they sewed the uniform to my shorts!
Ah, the good old days.+/-
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by Jack Bodzas
(Editor's Note: The title comes from me. I'm sure many of you have other uniform-based stories - send them in already!).
I think it was a Bayonne show. I ripped or split my pants right before we were to enter competition. Both Mrs. Chez and Mrs. Maloney pinned / sewed the rip in question while I still had the trousers on ... drum, shako and all!
Never saw Mr. Kelly laugh so hard. He held it in for quite a while, but he just eventually burst out. The funny / scary part is that they sewed the uniform to my shorts!
Ah, the good old days.+/-
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Monday, March 16, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 16 - My First Time, Chapter 4
March 16 - My First Time, Chapter 4
by JoAnne Parente
Let's jump to the first time the Saints Guard competed down Wildwood at Legions - I think it was September 1970.
Summer guard was very different than winter guard that season - while we were still performing the Manual of Arms on the floor, we had already made the leap to taped music by then. In a reversal of fortunes, Legion rules called for a posting of colors, with cadence provided by up to three drummers.
For a couple of weeks before the contest, I had a recurring dream that our flag poles wouldn't fit in the stantions. My fear multiplied when Ralph Fair told us we'd be using the Colleens' stantions instead of our own during the show.
I shared my concerns with Ralph and Tony more than once those last couple of weeks before heading down to Maxwell Field (truth be told, I probably made them crazy over it), and even asked a couple (or a hundred) times if they measured everything.
Then, it happened.
Instead of our normal, small-profile plastic endcaps, nice-white-brand-new cane tips with a broader diameter were placed on the bottom of our poles after our last pre-show rehearsal - all the better to help us get through inspection.
The flags didn't start falling until the forward march after posting colors. As we headed away from the stantions (a mandatory move), every flag dropped except the National Colors. Terry Gyorfy held the American flag erect and balanced on the top of the stantion as she took her two steps away from and back to the posting line.
Given the hefty penalties (lack of posting as well as dropped equipment), we withdrew from the competition after leaving the field.
I still carry the lessons learned with me, over three decades later.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
by JoAnne Parente
Let's jump to the first time the Saints Guard competed down Wildwood at Legions - I think it was September 1970.
Summer guard was very different than winter guard that season - while we were still performing the Manual of Arms on the floor, we had already made the leap to taped music by then. In a reversal of fortunes, Legion rules called for a posting of colors, with cadence provided by up to three drummers.
For a couple of weeks before the contest, I had a recurring dream that our flag poles wouldn't fit in the stantions. My fear multiplied when Ralph Fair told us we'd be using the Colleens' stantions instead of our own during the show.
I shared my concerns with Ralph and Tony more than once those last couple of weeks before heading down to Maxwell Field (truth be told, I probably made them crazy over it), and even asked a couple (or a hundred) times if they measured everything.
Then, it happened.
Instead of our normal, small-profile plastic endcaps, nice-white-brand-new cane tips with a broader diameter were placed on the bottom of our poles after our last pre-show rehearsal - all the better to help us get through inspection.
The flags didn't start falling until the forward march after posting colors. As we headed away from the stantions (a mandatory move), every flag dropped except the National Colors. Terry Gyorfy held the American flag erect and balanced on the top of the stantion as she took her two steps away from and back to the posting line.
Given the hefty penalties (lack of posting as well as dropped equipment), we withdrew from the competition after leaving the field.
I still carry the lessons learned with me, over three decades later.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
March Moments 2009 : March 14 - Indoor Shows, Chapter 1
March 14 - Indoor Shows, Chapter 1
by JoAnne Parente
This moment came to me courtesy of Jimmy Pic, who sent along some audio files of the corps from the 1973 Season.
Marching in the NJJCGEA (National Judges Junior Color Guard and Ensemble Association - NJA for short), a good number of our shows were split in two. The first half of the evening was devoted to the color guards, with the time after intermission filled with ensemble competition.
Listening to the NJA Chapter 3 and All-Chapter audio recordings, I was flooded with memories of how supportive we all were of each other. Whether it was any of our three guards or the ensemble on the floor, the rest of us were all there in the stands. We collectively knew when to hold our breath and watch or listen, and when to scream appreciation for a part of drill or music that was difficult or critical to the outcome of the performance.
Up until now, I don't believe I've thought all that much about how often many of you just traveled to shows to cheer the rest of us on. The Saints Guard had the most shows of all during the winter season - even when Sematics, Phase III, and the ensemble weren't competing (like when we marched out of circuit), you all made the bus trip with us.
Support breeds confidence. Confidence breeds success.
Thanks for being there.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
by JoAnne Parente
This moment came to me courtesy of Jimmy Pic, who sent along some audio files of the corps from the 1973 Season.
Marching in the NJJCGEA (National Judges Junior Color Guard and Ensemble Association - NJA for short), a good number of our shows were split in two. The first half of the evening was devoted to the color guards, with the time after intermission filled with ensemble competition.
Listening to the NJA Chapter 3 and All-Chapter audio recordings, I was flooded with memories of how supportive we all were of each other. Whether it was any of our three guards or the ensemble on the floor, the rest of us were all there in the stands. We collectively knew when to hold our breath and watch or listen, and when to scream appreciation for a part of drill or music that was difficult or critical to the outcome of the performance.
Up until now, I don't believe I've thought all that much about how often many of you just traveled to shows to cheer the rest of us on. The Saints Guard had the most shows of all during the winter season - even when Sematics, Phase III, and the ensemble weren't competing (like when we marched out of circuit), you all made the bus trip with us.
Support breeds confidence. Confidence breeds success.
Thanks for being there.
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Friday, March 13, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 13 - My First Time, Chapter 2
March 13 - My First Time, Chapter 2
by Pete Crafts
This is not a favorite marching moment by any means.
It was June 1973. Pic had talked me into joining and I had only been to a few practices. I took the ride to the Meadowlarks show in Secaucus. There were a few holes in the show and somehow the ladies put a uniform together for me and I was asked to just hold a horn and march through the show.
I was so proud how I made it through and boasting how I marched lifting my legs high. Then a few weeks later someone came up with a photo from Moe Knox pointing out how I was out of step. I swear to this day it was Ed Philpot in that photo.
Take care!
Pete Crafts
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
by Pete Crafts
This is not a favorite marching moment by any means.
It was June 1973. Pic had talked me into joining and I had only been to a few practices. I took the ride to the Meadowlarks show in Secaucus. There were a few holes in the show and somehow the ladies put a uniform together for me and I was asked to just hold a horn and march through the show.
I was so proud how I made it through and boasting how I marched lifting my legs high. Then a few weeks later someone came up with a photo from Moe Knox pointing out how I was out of step. I swear to this day it was Ed Philpot in that photo.
Take care!
Pete Crafts
Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
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