SAA Newsletter, December 2010

Surfer’s

Drum & Bugle Corps Alumni Association Southeastern Connecticut

Volume 7 – Number 1

December 2010

How do you eclipse a fantastic 2009 season?... with a phenomenal 2010 performance! That is what the 7th Regiment accomplished this past year. Many new statistical achievements were attained as the corps reached for the stars. They finally pulled down their first, 1st place win over a full slate of corps in Virginia on July 24th and later ended the season with an all new high score of 86.90 and their highest placement of 7th in the Open Class at the DCI Championship Finals.

Full retreat of the twelve Open Class Finalists at the 2010 Drum Corps International World Championships held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 14, 2010.

(7th Regiment is 3rd from left – between the 10 – 20 yard lines)

Drum Corps – Decades of Fun in the Sun…

Surfer’s Alumni Association P.O. Box 64 New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-442-DRUM

Board of Directors President: Birse Timmons Vice President: Paula O‟Neil Secretary: Daisy Johnson Treasurer: Edgar Frazelle

Fundraising: Vacant 7th Regiment Director: Tim Rall Asst. Director: Jim O‟Neil Quartermaster: Jimmy Smith At-Large-Members: Jeff Dozier Lizz Adams Media/Technology: Barbara DeLillo Newsletter Editor: Carl Burnett Letters to the Editor eMail: stampbiz@cfl.rr.com or mail to: P.O. Box 1987 Melbourne, FL 32902 Newsletter Staff: Barbara 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 th the 7 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…

Drum Corps Future ???

First – Hats off to the 2010 7th Regiment for the Incredible Super Season that you gave yourselves and your supporters.

The headlines of the 2010 off-season are interesting. First was the story of the “G7”… the top 7 corps in DCI, and their plans to lift up, once again, the top echelon of corps to a new status level. From a pure business sense, I understand this position and believe that it could be best for those top level corps. But let‟s be real, there are only a handful of corps that will ever reach that status anyways. I sat and pondered on what would happen to all the other World Class corps and the entire Open Class corps? Even to the 7th Regiment‟s future?

The recent announcement of the DCNA (Drum Corps North America) may have been the answer. Now, I am an old drum corps advocate from the viewpoint that drum corps needs to be available to the little town youth and local circuits advance that cause, limiting the need for national tours and such. There have been advancements in drum corps the past 30 years that need to filter down to the small start up corps, and others I hope not! Electronics, huge pit lines, etc. should be exceptions, not requirements – too costly for small corps.

My hope is that the DCI will provide mentorship to the DCNA and start-up corps in regards to financial responsibilities, revenue generators, contacts with instrument and uniform manufacturers, etc. As for the rules and regulations, that should be up to the DCNA. A small town corps cannot live up to the DCI regulations. I believe that and the economy is what killed off so many corps in the past. But again, this is just my opinion and time will tell the story.

The 7th Regiment made me a believer in today‟s frame work of drum corps. They are the most talented bunch of youth I‟ve ever known in drum corps. I doubt if many of the old Surfers could have played and marched at the level that the 7th perform today. The instructor staff that the corps Board of Directors put together was second to none.

So, if the DCNA becomes a reality, then maybe the baton will once again be passed, from the SAA staff to the ex 7 th members who have the passion to see corps started in their own cities and towns. After all, they know it CAN happen – they lived it with their experience in the 7th Regiment.

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For the Record…. Official 2010 Corps Scoreboard…

The 7th Regiment competed in 13 competitions in July through August of 2010. This included the DCI National Championships held again at Michigan City and Indianapolis, Indiana. As a 7th year corps, the 7th set records for high scores and thrilled all their patrons and followers with their second trip to the DCI Open Class Finals and a fine 7th place finish with an all time high score of 86.90.

July 2, 2010 Bristol, RI World Class Score 1. Carolina Crown 83.70 2. Bluecoats 82.80 3. Boston Crusaders 79.20 4. Phantom Regiment 79.20 5. Crossmen 71.60 6. Jersey Surf 66.80

July 18th, 2010 Manchester, NH Open Class Score 1. Spartans 78.30 2. 7th Regiment 77.00 3. Les Stentors 66.15 4. Platinum 60.85 5. Blue Saints 51.85

Open Class 1. 7th Regiment

July 24th, 2010 Warrenton, VA Open Class Score 1. 7th Regiment 75.65 2. Legends 75.25 3. Raiders 74.50 4. Racine Scouts 68.25 5. Les Stentors 64.95 6. Spirit of NJ 52.40

67.00

July 5th, 2010 Bridgeport, CT World Class Score 1. Boston Crusaders 80.40 2. Spirit 73.50 3. Crossmen 73.35 4. Jersey Surf 69.45 Open Class 1. Spartans 2. 7th Regiment

70.80 65.75

July 16th, 2010 Bridgewater, MA Open Class Score 1. Spartans 75.80 2. 7th Regiment 74.30 3. Les Stentors 66.00 4. Platinum 56.10 5. Blue Saints 52.40 July 17th, 2010 Groton, CT Open Class Score 1. 7th Regiment 76.30 1. Spartans 76.30 3. Les Stentors 66.10 4. Platinum 57.85 5. Spirit of NJ 53.80 6. Blue Saints 49.80

August 3rd, 2010 Erie, PA Open Class Score 1. Spartans 80.50 2. 7th Regiment 79.85 3. Legends 78.65 4. Genesis 75.55 5. Velvet Knights 71.20 6. Strangnas 68.30 7. Blue Saints 52.30 August 5th, 2010 Johnsonburg, PA Open Class Score 1. Spartans 83.60 2. 7th Regiment 81.75 3. Legends 80.95 4. Music City 80.35 5. Genesis 79.80 6. Velvet Knights 73.95 7. Strangnas 69.40 8. Blue Saints 53.50

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August 7th, 2010 Belding, MI Open Class Score 1. Spartans 86.75 2. 7th Regiment 84.60 3. Music City 83.85 4. Legends 83.00 5. Genesis 82.00 6. Velvet Knights 76.05 7. Strangnas 70.95 8. Spirit of NJ 58.65 9. Blue Saints 56.55 August 8th, 2010 Dayton, OH Open Class Score 1. Spartans 86.75 2. Music City 84.80 3. 7th Regiment 84.15 3. Legends 84.15 5. Genesis 80.15 6. Velvet Knights 75.20 7. Blue Saints 55.10 Continued on next page…

~ In Memoriam ~

Mr. Ernest Wallace, owner of Shipman‟s Fire Equipment and a long sponsor of the 7th Regiment passed away on October 13, 2010. We all extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Wallace.

2010 DCI CHAMPIONSHIPS August 10th, 2010 Michigan City, IN DCI Open Class Quarter Finals

August 13th, 2010 Indianapolis, IN DCI Open Class Semi Finals

August 14th, 2010 Indianapolis, IN DCI Open Class

Open Class

Score

Open Class

Score

1. Blue Devils B 2. Oregon Crusaders 3. Spartans 4. Revolution 5. Raiders 6. Music City 7. 7th Regiment 8. Legends 9. Colt Cadets 10. Forte 10. Genesis 12. Velvet Knights 13. Racine Scouts 14. Les Stentors 15. Strangnas 16. Blue Saints

95.80 91.00 89.75 88.35 87.40 85.45 84.55 84.20 81.55 80.85 80.85 75.85 73.35 72.50 72.20 59.05

1. Blue Devils B 2. Oregon Crusaders 3. Spartans 4. Revolution 5. Music City 6. Raiders 7. Legends 8. 7th Regiment 9. Genesis 10. Forte 11. Colt Cadets 12. Velvet Knights 13. Racine Scouts 14. Les Stentors 15. Strangnas 16. Blue Saints

96.40 92.75 90.35 88.05 86.40 86.00 85.25 84.60 82.00 81.70 81.55 76.65 74.50 72.50 70.60 59.40

Finals Open Class

Score

1. Blue Devils B 2. Oregon Crusaders 3. Spartans 4. Revolution 5. Raiders 6. Music City 7. 7th Regiment 8. Legends 9. Genesis 10. Forte 11. Colt Cadets 12. Velvet Knights

97.55 94.00 93.60 92.20 89.15 88.50 86.90 86.20 84.00 82.90 82.30 76.15

7th Regiment “2011” Home Show…

Drum Corps on the Thames July 16, 2011 -- Groton, CT Corps in competition will be:

7th Regiment – New London, CT Les Stentors – Sherbrooke, QC Platinum – Raleigh, NC Spartans – Nashua, NH Plus more to come…

For any alumni planning a trip back home this summer, Keep July 16th open on your calendar!

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7 Regiment 2011 Musical Score 4

~ ~ IN MEMORIAM ~ ~ Nino Cocilo 1953 - 2010

Anthony 'Nino' Cocilo, of New London, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in Florida. He was born Jan. 14, 1953.

Nino was a SAA Alumni, having marched in the early years with the Surfers. He was an accomplished drummer, playing for years with many popular groups in New England. He will be most remembered for his big smile, unending sense of humor and as a friend to one and all. We extend our condolences to the many family and friends that he left behind.

~ ~ IN MEMORIAM ~ ~ Carl Barnum 1955 - 2009

Carl Barnum of Waterford, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009. He was born Nov. 28, 1955 in New London.

Carl was a Drum Corps enthusiast having played in the brass line his early days with the Surfers. It was a family affair as his sister Dianne also marched and his parents were volunteer supporters of the corps.

Carl later had a long career in engineering working on submarines. To all his family and friends, we all send our condolences – Carl will be missed by many.

~ ~ IN MEMORIAM ~ ~ Raymond Rogers 1956 - 2010

Ray Rogers of Groton, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2010.

He was born Feb. 20, 1956 in Virginia Beach, VA. Ray marched in the drum line for the Surfers in the late 60’s – early 70’s. His passion for drum corps lasted throughout his life. He also spent 35 years employed by Electric Boat as a nuclear ships manager. Ray was also a Dale Earnhardt Jr. memorabilia collector and a NASCAR racing fan.

To all of Ray’s family and friends, we wish you our heartfelt condolences for your loss.

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* * S.A.A. 2010 Member Spotlight * *

SEAN CORBETT

Sean Corbett, a snare drummer for the 7th Regiment, started his musical career in the marching percussion idiom when he joined a standstill indoor drum line to fill time between the end of school and the beginning of theatre rehearsals. Drumming quickly became an obsession, and he spent the vast majority of each day with sticks or mallets in hand. Under the encouragement of his band director, Scott Winship (2007 7th Regiment brass staff), Sean auditioned for and gained a spot on the 7th Regiment 2007 snare line, and has been marching there ever since. He recently aged out after his fourth season with the corps, the latter three of which he was the drumline section leader.

Sean is currently a senior at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he studies Computer Science and Music (with a focus on jazz drumset). He performs in many ensembles on campus, including occasional performances with Peter Sulski (London Symphony Orchestra, Worcester Chamber Music Society). He also performs in several rock and indie bands, and serves as a session drummer for many groups on campus. He has had many chances to teach thanks to the skills he gained at 7th Regiment, having taught East Lyme High School, CT (percussion caption head), East Bridgewater High School, MA (battery / front ensemble tech), and he is currently a battery/visual tech for Cheshire High School.

Aside from drumming, Sean spends his free time studying computer music and production, writing software, making electronics, and running, a lot.

Donate to the 7th Regiment through your United Way Campaign If you contribute to the United Way at your job, then you have the opportunity to help out the 7th Regiment!

When filling out the paper work for your donation, you can check off “Other” and write in the Surfers Alumni Association. Your contributions would then go directly to helping out the corps.

There are several people doing this and what a thrill it is to know that your monies would be going to such a worthwhile cause.

Visit the 7th Regiment Website and click on the link “SUPPORT” on the left side and you will see other opportunities to help out with the corps… Thanking you in advance…!!!

Raise money for the 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps just by searching the Internet GoodSearch - www.goodsearch.com - powered by Yahoo! Just type 7th Regiment in as your cause & verify.

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7 Regiment 2011

2010 SAA - 7th Regiment Banquet…

Camp, Rehearsals and Competitions Schedules Camps: December 10-12 January 14-16 February 11-13 March 11-13 April 8-10 May 13-15 May 27-29

Rehearsals: To Be Announced

Competitions: June 27 - Bridgeport, CT June 29 - Glens Falls, NY July 2 - Lynn, MA July 3 - Bristol, RI July 15 - Bridgewater, MA July 16 - Groton, CT July 17 - Manchester, NH August 2 - Dayton, OH August 4 - Johnsonburg, PA August 6 - Erie, PA August 8 - Michigan City, IN DCI Finals at Indianapolis, IN Note: Additional dates for rehearsals, parades and other activities will be added – check the 7th Website, Schedule tab at the top of the home page for further information.

7th Members sing the traditional Corps Song one last time.

The 2010 Annual banquet was well attended with over 140 people, including 7th members, staff, volunteers, parents, and invited guests. The guest speaker was Ray Fallon, Sr., who has been a Consultant and Brass Arranger, with many corps such as the Boston Crusaders, Bridgemen, Crossmen, Hurricanes, and local high schools. Ray is also in the Hurricanes, Sunrisers, and Buglers Halls of Fame.

Once again, it was evident that the 7th members were glad to see each other – this group exceeded all expectations over the previous year, evidenced by their 7th place finish in the DCI Finals. One feature of the night was the presentation of the “Superlatives” as voted by members, with the following awards:                  



Best smile: Guy: Adam Lattimore, Girl: Erica Dozier Best attitude: Guy: Jesse White, Girl: Rachek Timmons Most spirited: Guy: Mike Vita, Girl: Jen Platts Most talkative: Guy: Andrew Dressler, Girl: Nancy Killoran The Corps Clowns: Guy: Travis Vanover, Girl: Alexis Waller Most likely to put their kids through corps: Guy: Gage Brown, Girl: Alyssa Venuti Most accident prone: Guy: Cristian Vasquez, Girl: Jamie Lenz Most likely to be first in the food line: Guy: Will Stocker, Girl: Erica Dozier Most likely to be the next super instructor: Guy: Sean Corbett, Girl: Christina Hood Most likely to be the next Dana & Steve (a.k.a. Cutest Couple): Mike Vita and Victoria Smolenski Best Bromance Couple: Adam Lattimore and Gage Brown Most Likely to expose themselves (accidedntally or otherwise): Guy: Sean Longley, Girl: Yovana Karakitukova Most „Macabre‟ (interpret it however you want): Guy: Bobby Langan, Girl: Caitlin Kenney Mosted improved: Guy: Sean Johns, Girl: Lizzii Brayman Rookie of the year: Guy: Joe Walczyk, Girl: Lesley Snay th 7 member of the year: Guy: Sean Corbett, Girl: Jen Platts Staff Superlatives! (As voted on by the staff) Most Improved: Adam Bobrowski Rookie of the Year: James VanHoy th 7 Member of the Year: Sean Corbett th

Note: Names in Bold represents the second year in a row that the 7 members received such accolades.

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Surfer’s Alumni Association P.O. Box 64 New London, CT 06320

7th Regiment - 2011 Instructors DRILL

BRASS

Drill Designer/Program Coordinator: Steve Lyons Visual Caption Head: Daniel Wyman

(Techs TBA)

Arranger: Jack Tully

PERCUSSION Arranger/Caption Head: Michael Blancaflor

COLOR GUARD Designer/Caption Head: Dana Lyons

Caption Head: Ray Fallon Jr. (Techs TBA)

(Techs TBA)

(Techs TBA)

The 2011 SAA Membership Dues are Due Yearly membership costs are $20 per individual Life membership is $100 – make payments to: “Surfers Alumni Association” and remit to: P.O. Box 64, New London, CT 06320 Your continued support is MOST appreciated

7th Regiment Corps Merchandise for Sale Order your 7th Regiment T-Shirts, cinch bags, hoodies, and hats today!!! Contact Leta Madore at Camps, Rehearsals, and DCI Competitions or email Leta at psalm1381@gmail.com