We had two members respond to last week's Tuesday Trivia - here it goes:
What corps used horns from the disbanded Saints in their DCI Championships alumni performance?
From Jimmy Pic:
27th Lancers - Foxboro MA, 1994
From Jackie Bodzas:
No one, they went right to the Smithsonian.
We have a winner!
As Pic correctly pointed out, 2-7 used our horns at the 1994 DCI championships. Want proof? Check this out - around the 5 minute marker if you don't have time to watch the whole video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5877723053704824367
(27th Lancers - Once More in '94)
Now, for next week's question:
Name the first roster of instructors for the Saints.
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 13th.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Showing posts with label instructors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label instructors. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
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!).
Saturday, April 11, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 42 - On Tour, Chapter 3
March 42 - On Tour, 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 our way to Slippery Rock one year (we slept in real beds), one of our buses dropped its drive train, backfired, coughed up a clutch, wheezed, spewed smoke and everything else. This was one that not even Uncle Tony, Mr. K and Mr. Happel, put together, could perform their “side of the road” magic on. Don’t think it ever got fixed - seriously kaput for keeps.
My dad, among other things, was the emergency bus driver-upper and official corps sign painter. If it stood still long enough, he painted it Blue and Gold - buses, equipment trucks, tymps, bass drums, podiums, posters and anything else that could hold paint and needed a cross and halo logo.
He drove up a spare bus that he said he “borrowed” from somewhere, and arrived at the college at about 4 am. He and I went with Mr. Kadash to Bucky's room to find him a place to crash after the drive. As Mr. K turned on the lights, Bucky tightly clutched his pillow, jumped up and yelled, “I swear I didn’t do it, I swear.”
Ray said, “This is Jon Bodash (sic). He needs the spare bunk. He just drove a bus in from Jersey.”
Bucky said, "Well give Jon the bunk by the window, but get the bus outta here, I’m $%^&**^& trying to &%$@#!! get some %^%$@$# sleep.”
A sight I will most likely never forget and sorta don’t want to.
If we are doing a month's worth of March Moments, I am sure we could do just as many “Bucky Moments.”
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 our way to Slippery Rock one year (we slept in real beds), one of our buses dropped its drive train, backfired, coughed up a clutch, wheezed, spewed smoke and everything else. This was one that not even Uncle Tony, Mr. K and Mr. Happel, put together, could perform their “side of the road” magic on. Don’t think it ever got fixed - seriously kaput for keeps.
My dad, among other things, was the emergency bus driver-upper and official corps sign painter. If it stood still long enough, he painted it Blue and Gold - buses, equipment trucks, tymps, bass drums, podiums, posters and anything else that could hold paint and needed a cross and halo logo.
He drove up a spare bus that he said he “borrowed” from somewhere, and arrived at the college at about 4 am. He and I went with Mr. Kadash to Bucky's room to find him a place to crash after the drive. As Mr. K turned on the lights, Bucky tightly clutched his pillow, jumped up and yelled, “I swear I didn’t do it, I swear.”
Ray said, “This is Jon Bodash (sic). He needs the spare bunk. He just drove a bus in from Jersey.”
Bucky said, "Well give Jon the bunk by the window, but get the bus outta here, I’m $%^&**^& trying to &%$@#!! get some %^%$@$# sleep.”
A sight I will most likely never forget and sorta don’t want to.
If we are doing a month's worth of March Moments, I am sure we could do just as many “Bucky Moments.”
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.
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.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Weekend Wonderings: Valentine's Day 2009
This post will be taking a twist you probably won't expect.
There are two people who have been part of my life who stand out when it comes to remembering me on Valentine's Day. I also shared a room with each of them, but only slept with one of them.
The first, hands-down, has celebrated more Valentine's Days with me than anyone. The second was known for sending me very mushy cards on the holiday, signed either "Your Rochester Lover" or "Guess Who?"
The first? Karen. She and I shared a room for 17 years, and a bed for about 7 of them.
The other? Our dear uncle, Walter Kelly. The sharing-the-room thing happened during the two years I handled public relations for DCA. They had a policy back then that would only cover half the cost of a hotel room when traveling out of the area to go to shows. That was fine for the rest of the board, but as the only female, they refused to make what's now known as a politically-correct reasonable accommodation. Uncle Walter, ever the gentleman, came to my rescue and offered to share a room with me.
As you can imagine, it was quite the scandal - and I loved every minute of it. Richard, who I was dating at the time, even got a big kick out of it. I still have some of those cards from Walter tucked away in a special place, and treasure them along with my memories of that dear man.
On this holiday weekend, spend a bit of time with some good thoughts of those who were part of your life back in our Saints days. I send my love to all of you and those you hold dear.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
There are two people who have been part of my life who stand out when it comes to remembering me on Valentine's Day. I also shared a room with each of them, but only slept with one of them.
The first, hands-down, has celebrated more Valentine's Days with me than anyone. The second was known for sending me very mushy cards on the holiday, signed either "Your Rochester Lover" or "Guess Who?"
The first? Karen. She and I shared a room for 17 years, and a bed for about 7 of them.
The other? Our dear uncle, Walter Kelly. The sharing-the-room thing happened during the two years I handled public relations for DCA. They had a policy back then that would only cover half the cost of a hotel room when traveling out of the area to go to shows. That was fine for the rest of the board, but as the only female, they refused to make what's now known as a politically-correct reasonable accommodation. Uncle Walter, ever the gentleman, came to my rescue and offered to share a room with me.
As you can imagine, it was quite the scandal - and I loved every minute of it. Richard, who I was dating at the time, even got a big kick out of it. I still have some of those cards from Walter tucked away in a special place, and treasure them along with my memories of that dear man.
On this holiday weekend, spend a bit of time with some good thoughts of those who were part of your life back in our Saints days. I send my love to all of you and those you hold dear.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday Trivia: Wildwood Motels
Yeah, yeah, yeah - I know I'm posting this on Wednesday. Live with it.
First, on last week's Trivia - no additional submissions were received by e-mail about instructors and their corps, so we'll retire that question for the time being. A hint on a BIG omission - can anyone say Dukes?
Now, to this week. Kim Mega Trimblett made the following posting in the Saints Guest Book a few days ago: I was looking at news online and came across the "Filthiest Hotels in America" and #4 was the Eden Roc in Wildwood. Wasn't that one of the ones we used to stay at?
Here's the question: What were the places in Wildwood where we stayed?
Click here to submit your answers, and remember - prizes, prizes, we have no prizes!
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
First, on last week's Trivia - no additional submissions were received by e-mail about instructors and their corps, so we'll retire that question for the time being. A hint on a BIG omission - can anyone say Dukes?
Now, to this week. Kim Mega Trimblett made the following posting in the Saints Guest Book a few days ago: I was looking at news online and came across the "Filthiest Hotels in America" and #4 was the Eden Roc in Wildwood. Wasn't that one of the ones we used to stay at?
Here's the question: What were the places in Wildwood where we stayed?
Click here to submit your answers, and remember - prizes, prizes, we have no prizes!
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday Trivia: More of Pre-Corps, Post-Corps and all-round Corps
Here are the answers - or better put, responses - to last week's question:
Jackie Bodzas (supplier of the question): Mr Lopez / Cabs – Bucky / Sky
Pete Chez: I'm 90 percent sure Swan started with Saint Kevins out of Newark.
Chris Morosoff: Hmmmmmmmm, just a guess? Bucky Swan - Skyliners
And the, Judy Stewart Sgammato: With a little searching, I found the marching experiences, both Junior and Senior of the following Saints instructors:
We'll keep the question going for another week.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
What senior corps did some of our instructors march in,
and for bonus points, what junior corps did they march with?
and for bonus points, what junior corps did they march with?
Jackie Bodzas (supplier of the question): Mr Lopez / Cabs – Bucky / Sky
Pete Chez: I'm 90 percent sure Swan started with Saint Kevins out of Newark.
Chris Morosoff: Hmmmmmmmm, just a guess? Bucky Swan - Skyliners
And the, Judy Stewart Sgammato: With a little searching, I found the marching experiences, both Junior and Senior of the following Saints instructors:
- Joe Aiello: SR-Bucs
- Ray Cappicilli: JR-Holy Name Cadets; SR-Cabs
- Tony Cataneo: SR-Sunrisers
- Rose Cataneo: SR-Sunrisers and Cabs
- Jimmy D'Amico: JR-Holy Name Cadets; St. Josephs Cadets. SR-Cabs and Sky
- Frank Kubinak: JR-Rossville PAL. SR-Sky and Cabs
- George Lopez: SR-Cabs
- Mike Lorenzo: SR-Bucs
- JoAnne Parente: JR-Saints
- Bob Peterson: JR-St. George Cadets and Holy Name Cadets. SR-Cabs
- Tom Swan: JR-St Joseph Cadets of Newark. SR-Sky
- John Tokar: JR-Garfield Cadets
- George Tuthill: JR-St Ann's Cadets and Fairlawn Police Cadets. SR-Cabs
- Judy Walck: JR-Garfield Cadets
- Gus Wilke: JR-Jersey City Department of Recreation and Fisk Post VFW corps; St. Joes of Union City; Cusik Post 15, West New York, NJ; Our Lady of Grace, Hoboken. SR-Sky
- Bruce Zolnowski: JR-Saints
We'll keep the question going for another week.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday Trivia: Pre-Corps, Post-Corps, and all-round Corps
Four members responded to last week's question ... thanks!
Pete Crafts: Pete came to the Saints from the Silver Lancers (Middlesex NJ). Pete made the trek south on 287 to join us along with fellow Lancers Jimmy Pic, Marty Straka, Darlene Stover, Alfie Hankerson, and Lorraine Porowski (Lorraine, we're still looking to connect with you!). While Pete did some roadie stuff with rock bands post-Saints, he didn't march again.
Judy Stewart Sgammato: The Saints was Judy's first corps, but definitely not her last. She headed north to march with the Garfield Cadets and Bushwackers, and eventually served on the Board and as a Business Manager for DCA Corps Carolina Gold. These days, she considers herself a proud Crossmen parent.
Pete Chez: While late with his response, it still is notable. The Saints was also his first drum corps (he claims to only have been 8 years old at the time, yet he carries on like he's older than me these days ... I digress). After 1977, he joined the Marines Corps (yes, Pete, I'll also count it towards marching!). Starting in 1982, he marched with Reading Bucs with both Mickey and Goober (the last time the Chez brothers marched together). He currently plays with Melrose Blackhawks with a bunch of other Saints, and also appears as a guest lead baritone for Brooklyn United, Lambertville Volunteers, and St Lucy's Cadets Alumni Corps.
Jackie Bodzas: Here's his response, intact:
And now for Jackie's Trivia questions:
Pete Crafts: Pete came to the Saints from the Silver Lancers (Middlesex NJ). Pete made the trek south on 287 to join us along with fellow Lancers Jimmy Pic, Marty Straka, Darlene Stover, Alfie Hankerson, and Lorraine Porowski (Lorraine, we're still looking to connect with you!). While Pete did some roadie stuff with rock bands post-Saints, he didn't march again.
Judy Stewart Sgammato: The Saints was Judy's first corps, but definitely not her last. She headed north to march with the Garfield Cadets and Bushwackers, and eventually served on the Board and as a Business Manager for DCA Corps Carolina Gold. These days, she considers herself a proud Crossmen parent.
Pete Chez: While late with his response, it still is notable. The Saints was also his first drum corps (he claims to only have been 8 years old at the time, yet he carries on like he's older than me these days ... I digress). After 1977, he joined the Marines Corps (yes, Pete, I'll also count it towards marching!). Starting in 1982, he marched with Reading Bucs with both Mickey and Goober (the last time the Chez brothers marched together). He currently plays with Melrose Blackhawks with a bunch of other Saints, and also appears as a guest lead baritone for Brooklyn United, Lambertville Volunteers, and St Lucy's Cadets Alumni Corps.
The Saints was my first and last drum corps.
Blue and Gold satin to wool cadet to orange and black polyester. Hmmm.
First day to last, Stout Hearted Men to Send in the Clowns.
First Fords parade to our last gig in Wildwood,
with a gazillion shows in between.
Ludwig to Ludwig.
I could sit here and name first and last instructors / directors.
It sure is a boatload or busload, as the case may be,
of simply fantastic people.
Started out too young and ended up too old.
Thought about Senior corps, kept putting it off:
College / rock band / more college / bluegrass band x6 /
more college / wife / demanding career / 1st kid / new job/
2nd kid / world golf tour (just kidding) /
little league coaching and so it goes ...
Thought about Senior corps, kept putting it off.
If there was a Saints Sr Corps, my heart my have been more in it.
In other words, I would have joined in a second!
Blue and Gold satin to wool cadet to orange and black polyester. Hmmm.
First day to last, Stout Hearted Men to Send in the Clowns.
First Fords parade to our last gig in Wildwood,
with a gazillion shows in between.
Ludwig to Ludwig.
I could sit here and name first and last instructors / directors.
It sure is a boatload or busload, as the case may be,
of simply fantastic people.
Started out too young and ended up too old.
Thought about Senior corps, kept putting it off:
College / rock band / more college / bluegrass band x6 /
more college / wife / demanding career / 1st kid / new job/
2nd kid / world golf tour (just kidding) /
little league coaching and so it goes ...
Thought about Senior corps, kept putting it off.
If there was a Saints Sr Corps, my heart my have been more in it.
In other words, I would have joined in a second!
And now for Jackie's Trivia questions:
What senior corps did some of our instructors march in,
and for bonus points, what junior corps did they march with?
and for bonus points, what junior corps did they march with?
Click here to respond to this week's Trivia questions ... remember our slogan: Prizes, prizes, we have no prizes!
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Weekend Wonderings: A Week Later
What is it about what we had together that prompts - even compels - us to reconnect?
Our time marching with the Saints, for many of us, represented our only corps membership experience. Some enriched our ranks having marched other places, and others moved on to other corps (either junior or senior) after leaving.
And then, there's the story about the guy from Blessed Sac who was convinced he'd make our mellophone line as a walk-on ...
I digress.
There's something about our shared experiences as Saints that, 41 years after we started and 31 years after we last fielded a corps, still pulls us together in ways corps today just don't. It even evokes an incredibly deep Guest Book posting from the person who's arguably the instructor most closely identified with our summer successes.
Whatever it is, I'm glad for what it is, and I'm glad you continue to stop by Scribblings for a visit. I'm as excited to see how many of you pop in to check out what's going on here as you might be when there's a new posting.
Thanks for being part of my family. See you at the next Reunion, if not before.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Our time marching with the Saints, for many of us, represented our only corps membership experience. Some enriched our ranks having marched other places, and others moved on to other corps (either junior or senior) after leaving.
And then, there's the story about the guy from Blessed Sac who was convinced he'd make our mellophone line as a walk-on ...
I digress.
There's something about our shared experiences as Saints that, 41 years after we started and 31 years after we last fielded a corps, still pulls us together in ways corps today just don't. It even evokes an incredibly deep Guest Book posting from the person who's arguably the instructor most closely identified with our summer successes.
Whatever it is, I'm glad for what it is, and I'm glad you continue to stop by Scribblings for a visit. I'm as excited to see how many of you pop in to check out what's going on here as you might be when there's a new posting.
Thanks for being part of my family. See you at the next Reunion, if not before.
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Sharing Wisdom
There's a book I've used both in business and ministry titled Sharing Wisdom by Mary Benet McKinney. It's a great tool for anyone who does organization effectiveness work - I highly recommend it.
This Scribblings entry, however, is SO not about the book! It's about spending a couple of hours over lunch earlier this week with Darlene Stover, Jimmy Pic, and Tom Swan ...
They were already at Friday's when I arrived, and I got there in the middle of a hard-pressed recruiting effort by Tom to add two more horns to the Melrose Blackhawks line. "It's just like the Saints - you'll see!" was repeated in various and sundry ways over the course of the next couple of hours. Every once in a great while, I have some pangs of shoulda-coulda when it comes to playing a horn or drum ... not during this lunch! No offense, Bucky ...
It's probably been 25 years - a quarter century - since I last saw the person forever linked with the success of our horn line. In a pattern repeating itself over and over lately, it seemed we were each able to pick up where we left off all those years ago. It was probably the longest amount of time I ever spent chatting with Mr. Swan ... and what fun!
Feel free to validate this with Pic and Darlene: There were probably no less than a few dozen stories Tom started which he cut off at their mid-points, choosing instead to save them for "at the bar, after the reunion." Tales about our successes and failures (self-imposed or at the hands of judges), personalities galore, other experiences - the master weaved his way through them all non-stop.
What's one more thing I need to do before the reunion on the 9th? Run out and pick up a new digital recorder ... I'm not going to miss one word of the wisdom he - or any of you - will be sharing that night!
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
This Scribblings entry, however, is SO not about the book! It's about spending a couple of hours over lunch earlier this week with Darlene Stover, Jimmy Pic, and Tom Swan ...
They were already at Friday's when I arrived, and I got there in the middle of a hard-pressed recruiting effort by Tom to add two more horns to the Melrose Blackhawks line. "It's just like the Saints - you'll see!" was repeated in various and sundry ways over the course of the next couple of hours. Every once in a great while, I have some pangs of shoulda-coulda when it comes to playing a horn or drum ... not during this lunch! No offense, Bucky ...
It's probably been 25 years - a quarter century - since I last saw the person forever linked with the success of our horn line. In a pattern repeating itself over and over lately, it seemed we were each able to pick up where we left off all those years ago. It was probably the longest amount of time I ever spent chatting with Mr. Swan ... and what fun!
Feel free to validate this with Pic and Darlene: There were probably no less than a few dozen stories Tom started which he cut off at their mid-points, choosing instead to save them for "at the bar, after the reunion." Tales about our successes and failures (self-imposed or at the hands of judges), personalities galore, other experiences - the master weaved his way through them all non-stop.
What's one more thing I need to do before the reunion on the 9th? Run out and pick up a new digital recorder ... I'm not going to miss one word of the wisdom he - or any of you - will be sharing that night!
All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!
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