March 31 - Parades, Chapter 1
by Verne James
(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.)
I don't recall the exact events which lead up to it, but it happened either after a show or after a practice. It possibly happened at other times, but this was the only time I had the experience of it.
One evening, a number of members drove on over to a nearby downtown area (in GPS Navigation Systems, we now call them "City Centers") and decided to have parade down the main street. Not sure who all was there but it was one of the coolest things I did while in the Saints.
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, March 31, 2009
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.
Friday, March 27, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 27 - A Couple More Tales
March 27 - A Couple More Tales
by Bill Berliner
Story edited for content: One of the Chez brothers got extremely wasted at a party, which might have been at Kubinak's (editor's note: I removed the name so there's only a one out of three chance of getting it right in the case of background checks). We dragged him up to his front porch, rang the bell, and bolted (nice guys that we were …). That led to a new dance number — “Do the Chez.” According to Peaches, they still laugh about it ... although I suspect Mrs. Chez is still pissed.
Recruiting, Saints-Style: Andy Vescey had one of the old-style VW vans, and he used to haul a bunch of us (me, KMRO, LOIS REED?!, etc.) back and forth to practice. A few times, we had our horns with us — around 2:00 AM, we’d set up in front of a fraternity house in New Brunswick and play the off-the-line. We considered it a form of PR work for the corps …
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 Bill Berliner
Story edited for content: One of the Chez brothers got extremely wasted at a party, which might have been at Kubinak's (editor's note: I removed the name so there's only a one out of three chance of getting it right in the case of background checks). We dragged him up to his front porch, rang the bell, and bolted (nice guys that we were …). That led to a new dance number — “Do the Chez.” According to Peaches, they still laugh about it ... although I suspect Mrs. Chez is still pissed.
Recruiting, Saints-Style: Andy Vescey had one of the old-style VW vans, and he used to haul a bunch of us (me, KMRO, LOIS REED?!, etc.) back and forth to practice. A few times, we had our horns with us — around 2:00 AM, we’d set up in front of a fraternity house in New Brunswick and play the off-the-line. We considered it a form of PR work for the corps …
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.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March Moments 2009: March 26 - My First Time, Chapter 6
March 26 - My First Time, Chapter 6
by Craig "Clav" Stephens
I still remember how incensed (no pun intended) I was when we marched into the Garden State championships and saw off to the side the Crossmen burning a Saints T-shirt on a cross.
I vividly recall the memory of stomping on Crossmen and Bridgemen buttons as we headed towards the field.
I remember inspections.
My most vivid memory is seeing The Saints for the first time. It was at the Garden State Championships. The only reason I could even tolerate going to the show was because, well ... it was at Wildwood.
I watched with detached boredom the expected drudgery of one corps after another.
Then The Saints took the line. I knew I should look interested as my brother was marching (The Skull aka Art Stephens).
Then 6 notes were played that took my breath away and changed my life forever.
I know ... dramatic much? LOL But it's the truth. For if I had not heard that off the line I'd have never met my wife.
I blame ya'll and will never forgive you!!
LOL
j/k
Sort of ... *whistles*
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 Craig "Clav" Stephens
I still remember how incensed (no pun intended) I was when we marched into the Garden State championships and saw off to the side the Crossmen burning a Saints T-shirt on a cross.
I vividly recall the memory of stomping on Crossmen and Bridgemen buttons as we headed towards the field.
I remember inspections.
My most vivid memory is seeing The Saints for the first time. It was at the Garden State Championships. The only reason I could even tolerate going to the show was because, well ... it was at Wildwood.
I watched with detached boredom the expected drudgery of one corps after another.
Then The Saints took the line. I knew I should look interested as my brother was marching (The Skull aka Art Stephens).
Then 6 notes were played that took my breath away and changed my life forever.
I know ... dramatic much? LOL But it's the truth. For if I had not heard that off the line I'd have never met my wife.
I blame ya'll and will never forgive you!!
LOL
j/k
Sort of ... *whistles*
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.
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.
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