Surfer’s
Drum & Bugle Corps Alumni Association Southeastern Connecticut
Volume 1 – Number 2
February 2004
The Past, Present, and Future (Picture)
LEE MULLER
These are exciting times…from a small round table where 6 people dreamt of a Drum Corps at the Elks Club, three and a half years ago, to today at the gymnasium at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School where 40 young men and women march 8’s and 8’s, twirl the flags, learn the street beat, and play the opener for the drill they are about to learn. The road to the 100-yard field has many dips, turns, and caution lights, but the dedication to the dream conquers each obstacle.
When asked to write a piece for the newsletter I thought about expressing how it felt when I was a Drum Corps member so many years ago, but many of you already know the feelings of kinship, challenge, elation and love that stay with you for a lifetime. So instead, I want to share with you what we could not have known as a Drum Corps member of the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, and that is the dreams of our founders, our chaperones, our parents, our instructors, and our supporters. Each time Herb Tiffany, the Shastany’s or Bill Fargo came through the door to a meeting or practice they brought the inspirations to stay the course and make Drum Corps happen. How could we have known the long hours of fundraisers, hundreds of meetings, search for equipment, or the hope for sponsorship? We didn’t then. . . But we know now. The road to the 100-yard field requires patience, it creates emotions you never thought you had. Turn the corner and you’ve just past your 2nd Golf tournament, take a left and the first drum has arrived, down the hill is a rejection letter for a grant, but remember in the stretch - everything, the good and the bad, matters. Our Drum Corps family began in 1964, Forty years ago. It continues to grow and will be celebrated this June 30th with a 2nd Annual DCI Competition, along with a fun family weekend. And now all of the fantastic volunteers of this outstanding organization will have the privilege to feel the pride and joy of watching their “baby”, The 7th Regiment, take the home field in exhibition in 2004. Now you know what it must have felt like for our fathers and mothers before us, so many years ago. (Continued on Page 3)
Drum Corps… Memories U Make 4 Ever…
Surfer’s Alumni Association P.O. Box 64 New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-442-DRUM
Board of Directors Chairperson: Lee Muller eMail: leemuller@aol.com Vice Chairperson: Lizz Adams eMail: lizz@myeastern.com Secretary: Daisy Johnson eMail: djohnson34@snet.net Treasurer: Robin Brailey eMail: rbrailey@hotmail.com Fundraising Dir.: Roger Nelson eMail: bop161po2@aol.com Media/Technology: Barb DeLillo eMail: barb.d@snet.net 7th Regiment Director: Jeff Dozier eMail: dozierjd@aol.com Newsletter Editor: Carl Burnett Letters to the Editor eMail: stampbiz@earthlink.net or mail to: P.O. Box 1987 Melbourne, FL 32902 Newsletter Staff: Lizz Adams & Barb DeLillo
Visit your Web Site… www.7thregiment.org This site has all the news and activities going on with the Surfer’s Alumni Association and the 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps. Also, plenty of photos and links to other favorite Drum & Bugle Corps sites. Visit the guest book register and look up old friends – and don’t forget to sign your name!
Editorial…
Alumni – Alumnus ??? What is an alumni organization and what purpose does it serve? There are literally thousands of such groups across the country – many based from educational institutions, others from military, fraternal, sports, etc. All appear to be created so that those with like experiences can get together under a particular forum, share memories and provide their life’s experience, leadership, and sometimes finances to ensure the original institution thrives on into the future. To my surprise, checking my Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, the word “Alumni” is not listed! It does list the word “Alumnus” with the following definition: “1 - One who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university. 2 - One who is a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate <former juvenile delinquent, hoodlum ~ of reform schools>.” So, Alumnus we all are. . . and jokingly, a few of us may have escaped the final definition of Alumnus had it not been for Drum Corps keeping us off the streets! And as Alumnus, we all have a part to play in the memories that the SAA is built upon, in the rekindling of friendships from our earlier years, and most importantly, of providing the leadership and the organization (the 7th Regiment) to future generations in the Southeastern Connecticut area. All the alumnus, after their involvement with the Surfers, Whalers, and Swords, have gone on with their lives – formal education, job skills, raising families of their own, and through that have something to offer in service to the SAA. No matter how big or small a part you play, it is important! Much like compound interest in a 401K account – all inputs, large and small, add up to bigger gains down the road. Showing up to help out at a 7th Regiment practice or camp, pitching in on a fundraiser, or just working behind the scenes… it all adds up! And the best part is – it’s fun!!! As newsletter editor, I am providing composing and editing skills from my past experiences with clubs and organizations in other fields. Living in Florida – I can’t attend the meetings, practices, and camps… but as an Alumnus, I can help out to make a difference. And as many alumnus live outside the New London area, I believe that this newsletter plays an important part to keep all members informed and entertained. So ask yourself… what is it that you can do to make a difference? Don’t be left out – join in on the fun!!! 2
(Past, Present, & Future… continued from Page 1)
I want to thank everyone who has given so much time, money, wisdom, expertise and love to the journey. Congratulations to us all. And to the 7th Regiment members…this is the beginning of your life long journey, Enjoy! Lee Muller Chairperson, Surfers Alumni Association 2000-2004.
7TH REGIMENT CAMP March 12th-14th Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School New London, CT Friday:
6:00pm - Staff Set-up 6:30pm – Doors Open / Unload Equipment Truck 7:00pm – Separate by captions 10:00pm – Snack / Drum Corps Movie 11:00pm – Lights Out
Saturday: 7:00am – Wake / Showers 7:30-8:30am – Breakfast 9:00-12:00pm – Rehearsal 12:00-1:00pm – Lunch 1:00-5:00pm – Rehearsal 5:00-6:30pm – Dinner / Staff Meeting 6:30-10:00pm – Rehearsal 10:00-11:00pm – Snack / Drum Corps Movie 11:00pm – Lights Out Sunday:
7:00am – Wake / Showers 7:30-8:30am – Breakfast 8:30-11:00am – Rehearsal 11:00-11:30am – Corps Assembly 11:30-11:40am – Clean-up / Load Equipment 11:40-11:45am – Bugout 12:00pm – Clear Building - END CAMP
Surfers, Whalers, Sword Trivia… Let’s see how good your memory cells are working. Send in your answers, or better yet, send in some of your own trivia Q & A’s to the newsletter Editor… answers in next issue: “Who was the Surfers Drum Major in 1969?” “Who were the first two contra bass players?” “Who was the “Fiddler” on the roof in 1973?” 3
Kate Socha named First 7th Regiment Drum Major (Edit. – a few words from Kate…) The corps has been progressing over the past year to a level where it actually looks and sounds like a corps. It is great to see students from many area “rival” schools with different musical backgrounds come together, help and encourage each other, and become their own family. I think it is awesome that this junior corps is forming because it will help build a stronger music program in Connecticut and get local children involved. Children will see other students performing, creating incredible music, and building friendships that will last a lifetime. Hopefully these children will then be intrigued and will want to join this great activity. Those students who love their high school marching band program and would like to continue to march over the summer now have a local place to go. They can join this corps, improve their own skills, and in return, help their own band program back at school. I am honored to be the first drum major on the field with the 7th Regiment. There is no other junior corps close to this area, and I am proud to represent Connecticut in this corps. I am excited to see how far we, the corps, progress this summer and I can’t wait to “enter the field in competition.” On behalf of the corps members, I would like to thank all of the sponsors and supporters who have provided us with instruments, money, and their time. We truly appreciate your generosity. Kate Socha, 7th Regiment Drum Major
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Each issue, this newsletter will spotlight one alumni member. This issue, the honor goes to Daisy Johnson, and what better way to describe what Daisy has meant to drum corps than through the words from her daughter Noonie. It is obvious that Daisy is the shining example of dedication, hard work, and love that earned her the title of “Corps Mom” to so many kids in so many corps. Let’s hope that we, the SAA Alumni can live up to the standard that Daisy has set. If there ever is a Hall of Fame for the SAA, it is without doubt that Daisy would be elected on the first ballot… OUR “MISS DAISY” JOHNSON Noonie, when asked to write-up a little bio on her mom for the Spotlight, expressed the following:…
If there were a kid in trouble, she would find someone or some way to help them out. She worked tirelessly on organizing our competition schedule and fundraisers. If someone needed a ride, an extra dollar for lunch, or just someone to talk to, she was there.
“I think she deserves it. I can't tell you how excited she is about the corps. This has been her lifelong dream since Sword Ex disbanded. I'm so happy for her and all of you.
I think one of the saddest days for her was the day the Sword folded. I'll never forget that day. After years of trying to reclaim the glory days of the Surfers and Sword Excalibur's first year, debt and membership got the best of the organization. I remember her crying at the meeting and just shaking her head. That following Sunday, there were no telephone calls to parents or kids and were it not for most of us joining Fantasia in Norwich, I think she would have lost some of her interest in drum corps. But when I decided to join Fantasia she cautiously said it would be okay.
I can't exactly tell you when my mom first began her interest in drum corps. It really does seem like forever. What I do recall is that when I was around 7 or 8 she took me to my first evening competition at Edgerton High School. I remember this because she kept humming the Surfers song "Eager Beaver" (I think that's what it was called) the entire way home. I remember telling her that I wanted to march in the Emerald Cadets from New Haven because they had "sparkling green" sashes on their uniforms. She immediately informed me I would be marching in the Surfers. It seemed like that next week she brought me to a Whalers rehearsal at the armory. I always joke with her about this because when I first joined, she stood by the sideline with her friend Mrs. Yvonne Tobey, whose daughter joined at the same time as I did, and just watched. That soon ended. Little by little, she became more involved with the Whalers...as a chaperone, then secretary and then assistant director. She was really into it. She was the consummate director. She made sure everyone was dressed in their uniforms and walked every parade. She participated in every single fundraiser from making Christmas bows to selling light bulbs (I can't believe we did this) to tagging (Yuck!!!). When I turned 12, I went on tour with Sword Excalibur and she came along as a chaperone. The following year, I moved up into Sword and as usual, she got involved. Never one to stand on the sideline, she quickly volunteered and eventually became secretary and then assistant director. One of the things I admire most about my mom, is that she became a mom to all of the other kids in the corps. It didn't matter what the kids backgrounds were, she loved them all...even the troublemakers. On Sundays, she would call each parent to not only remind them of practice but to talk to them to find out how they were doing. She knew every child and every child's parent.
I think she wanted to take a backseat while I marched in Fantasia, but we know how she is. As always, my mom became an officer of Fantasia and was responsible for organizing a bus to transport kids from New London, Waterford and Uncasville to participate in the corps. Once that corps folded, I marched in the Valley Airs and the Bushwackers senior corps. Again she helped out whenever and wherever she could. To this day, as you well know, she goes to competitions everywhere. Over the years, my mom has made so many friends through drum corps. It amazes me how she'll see a former member, a parent of a former member, an instructor that used to teach the corps, or just someone she struck up a conversation with at a show and will just start talking like time has stood still. I think it's because she's one of those rare people, who you can tell by their actions and the gleam in their eye, that she really loves the drum corps activity... and, as we all know in the drum corps world, this counts for something. I think the activity really loves her too. Not many people can say they do something they love...thankfully my mom can. We should all be so blessed.“
. . .Michelle “ Noonie” Swain 4
Announcing… “Drum Corps On The Thames - 2004” Wednesday – June 30th, 2004
The SAA is thrilled to sponsor another DCI show this year. And what a show it will be with a great line up of 8 DCI Corps… Specifics for time/place are yet to be finalized. Details in the next newsletter.
The Cadets – Bergenfield, NJ
Crusaders – Boston, MA
Spirit of JSU – Atlanta, GA
Glassmen – Toledo, OH
Carolina Crown – Ft. Mills, SC
Crossmen – Bergenfield, NJ
East Coast Jazz – Malden, MA
Targets – Springfield, MA
So start making your plans now, you don’t want to miss this big event… Volunteers will always be needed, as you know it takes many people’s participation to put on a great show…
SAA 40th Reunion… Tenative plans will be to have the reunion on the weekend following the DCI show. Specific details for the reunion are now being formulated and will be announced in the next May newsletter… if you missed the 35th, you don’t want to miss this one!!!
From the Editor’s Desk… Thought I would pass along well wishes from former Surfers: John Gula from Santa Monica, CA dropped me a line commenting on the nice newsletter. Pete Woolridge from somewhere in the Carolina’s had dropped me a line letting me know he still marches in the Carolina Gold Senior Corps. Now it’s time to hear from you – send an email to the editor at stampbiz@earthlink.net, or drop a letter to C. Burnett, P.O. Box 1987, Melbourne, FL 32902-1987… we all want to hear from you!!! 5
Surfer’s Alumni Association P.O. Box 64 New London, CT 06320
Uniforms purchased for the 7th Regiment… The SAA is happy to announce that the 7th Regiment now has uniforms! A BIG thank you goes out to “Noonie” for all her efforts to secure these uniforms from Teal Sound. Other recent purchases include more horns and drums, flags and rifles… and an equipment truck! To view the uniforms in color and stay informed of all activities, visit the SAA website noted at the bottom of page 2. Thanks go out to “Noonie” again for all her help in registering and trademarking the logos for the SAA and the 7th Regiment. In the May newsletter we will announce some 2004 events for the 7th Regiment, providing all Alumni’s the opportunity to get out and show your support for our little bothers and sisters!
UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES February 4th – SAA Meeting – DCI show organization meeting – Bennie Dover Jackson School February 6th - 8th – 7th Regiment Camp - Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, New London February 15th - SAA Meeting – 3:00pm at the Elk’s Club in New London February 29th - Practice - 7th Regiment -1-4pm Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, New London March 7th - Practice - 7th Regiment -1-4pm Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, New London March 12th - 14th - 7th Regiment Camp - Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, New London March 21st - SAA Meeting – 3:00pm at the Elk’s Club in New London March 28th - Practice - 7th Regiment -1-4pm Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, New London All Meetings and practices are open to Alumni members – stop by and say hello!