Troop Steps 2016

Troop Steps

Janesville Fife &Drum Corps The 2016 Season

Troop S t eps The 2016 Season

Historically Authentic Patriotic Sights and Sounds from America’s earliest heritage on reproduction wood fifes and rope tensioned drums.

The Corps began in 1975 as a joint project of the city of Janesville, Wisconsin, and its schools to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial. Today, this group (some of whom come from Janesville, while others are from surrounding communities) offers people of all ages friendship, travel, teamwork, patriotism, discipline, honed musical skills, and a unique appreciation of American history.

Corps Founder: Robert Williams Corps Officers: President—Bill Wilson Vice President—Amy Holevas Secretary—Eda Wilson Treasurer—Sue Long Corps Offices: E. B. Wilson, 215 E. Clay St. #40, Whitewater, WI 53190, edesw@yahoo.com, 262-473-7073 Corps Website: janesvillefifeanddrum.com

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Troop S t eps The 2016 Season

Can it be?! Troop Steps 2016?! The Janesville Fife and Drum Corps is in its 41st year. (Or 41st season? and 42nd year?) How do you count it? By seasons or by years? It’s rather like birthdays and ages: one’s age is X years but “in the year” one’s age is X + 1 year.

Ha! Wasn’t algebra just used here? Whichever it is, 2016 started off similar to 2015, short on rehearsals.

We had one potential new member come to a rehearsal but he never came back. The babies are one year old now. Hard to believe!

While rehearsals didn’t happen as often as hoped, the Corps showed that it still “has it” at Macktown. April 23-24, 2016, The Gathering at Macktown, hosted by “Mr. Steven Mack,” was a great way to start the season. First of all, the weather co-operated beautifully! It was warm and sunny and dry both days.

The hosts provided us with shade. Visitors weren’t exactly tripping over each other, but there was a nice group of spectators each day. Saturday was extra special because Garrick joined us for the day, even though he will not be coming back to the Corps as he moved to Texas soon after. Sans uniform, he wore a cape and tricorn when we performed. He just jumped

right in. Like riding a bike, right Garrick? You never forget how to do what we do. Other great news is that Tawnie and Ethan are back! In full uniform! It is truly wonderful to have a second snare drummer.

And Ethan is doing great on the bass drum. He could hammer out a lot of tunes already that early in the season. It most likely helps that he has heard the tunes for seven or eight years (or more?) while marching in the color guard. Tawnie and Ethan brought a friend, Tony. Will he want more of what we do? Saturday crew included: Jason, Devon, Bre, Teresa, Amy, Larry, Eli, Eda, Bill, Garrick, Tawnie, Ethan, Allie, baby Michael, Jacob, and Lauren. We found shade under a tree (near the food) and did some jamming/practicing several times during the day. Word is, people liked the music. Opening and closing ceremonies went smoothly. “Mr. Mack” knows how to keep it rather short and sweet. Sunday’s crew included: Jason, Devon, Teresa, Amy, Eli, Eda, Bill, Tawnie, Ethan, and Allie. “Sir Washburn,” Ethan and Tawnie’s pooch, joined us and he actually “marched” in closing ceremonies. (I wish there was a photo of that!) It is said he did a pretty good job, especially since the whole experience was quite new to him. Sunday, the Corps spent a good deal of time under the shade tarp provided and again did 2016 - 3

Troop S t eps The 2016 Season

some jamming/practicing. As always, it’s fun to have Jeff Dabson step in and play a few tunes with us. He has not forgotten how to play bass. (Subliminal mes-

sage: we want you back, Jeff!) During closing ceremonies, the Corps performed “The Parting Glass” after the flags were down. We may have done this once or twice before, but it may become a regular part of the weekend leave-taking. The Corps was actively participating from 10 AM to 3 PM both days, a nice start to our 2016 season.

Corps members. It’s a reminder that we are not in charge of all things. Again, at least while we were on the grounds, the weather was nice. This always makes things more pleasant. We got the job done and did a good amount of marching and playing. The highlight of the day was having Sunshine “Sunnie” Saddudin, a Corps member in 1986 (color guard) and 1987 (fife), come up to us to talk about what we are doing. She showed a good deal of interest in rejoining the Corps!

And her adorable step-daughter might be interested in color guard! We received a number of compliments from spectators— always nice! My favorite was what one woman said, that our music gave her goosebumps. I know that feeling.

May 30, 2016, Memorial Day parade, Pecatonica, Illinois: Illness continued to strike, and two strong fifers were unable to join us. Color guard included Jonathan, Kyle, Jason, Xin, and Devon. Fifers were Eli, Missy, and Eda. Tawnie and Bill played snare, and Ethan played

May 27, 2016, Education Day at the Fort Koshkonong rendezvous in Fort Atkinson: Eli, Allie, Eda, and Bill were there. (Thanks Kristi and Ed for transporting Eli and Allie both days!) The weather turned out to be a lot nicer than had been anticipated. We played a fair amount. Not too many questions from kids and chaperones this year, but a nice day.

May 28, 2016: Fort Koshkonong rendezvous in Fort Atkinson: Jonathan, Sue, Bill, Ellie, Jason, Devon, Jacob, Lauren, Eli, Allie, Tawnie, Ethan, and Eda were present. Sudden illness left us without 3 capable 4 - Troop Steps

bass. Photographers/support crew included Kristi and Allie. Jacob and Lauren kept Sue company in the truck. As Mr. Bill would say, we got the job done.

Troop S t eps The 2016 Season

The crowd seemed to appreciate the music, but they really go crazy when the guys fire those muskets! One misfire. (How period appropriate!) After one firing, a “comedian” VFW guy faked a fatal injury and fell to the ground. He was elderly, so I hope no one in the crowd feared a heart attack or anything. (He got up

mands. (Jonathan, did carrying the flag feel like a vacation?)

July 3-4, 2016: The North Woods tour proceeded wonderfully. The weather was favorable and we didn’t lose anybody to heat or illness, and Rose didn’t deliver—barely! (More on that later.) As always, this campaign started off loading the coach in Janesville.

To our surprise, Sue was there to send us off! Sue was about two weeks out from major surgery. Her presence was—amazing! Billiam also came by to see us off. That’s so neat (come baaaaack Billiam….!). Prior to loading the coach, a short rehearsal was held. This was a challenge, as people kept scattering to claim seats on the bus and load their stuff. The one-hour rehearsal boiled down to about 20 minutes, but we did practice and sharpen our marching and wheels a bit.

promptly.) It was warm/hot but manageable. Thanks, Jonathan and Sue, for bringing all the water. It’s a good time to remind folks to always carry water in their haversacks. I think calling a couple of medleys during the parade worked well.

June 11, 2016, German Valley, Illinois: This was a new gig for us. German Valley is only about 12 miles from Pecatonica. Perhaps the GV folks saw us march in Pecatonica the last several Memorial Days. Thanks so much, Jason, Jonathan, Devon, Missy, Eda, Bill, Tawnie, and Ethan for marching. Luckily it wasn’t as humid as predicted, so the straight temps of 90–96 held, as opposed to tacking on a few degrees for “real feel” (relative humidity). Still, thank goodness we had Sue driving the truck for “insurance.” Little bit jealous of Jacob, Lauren, and Kyle in that air-conditioned vehicle, however! It was a delight to watch father and son, Jason and Devon, go through the musket com-

Then, off to Menomonee Falls. We had a new (and very courteous) driver, Mark, for the first leg of the trip. On the coach to Menomonee Falls: Jason, Devin, Xin, Dom, Tyler, Kyle (our color guard), Eda, Eli, Rose, Amy, Teresa, Larry (our fifers), Bill, Josh, Tawnie, Ethan (our drummers) and Allie, Ed, and Jacob, our support crew. Jonathan had gone ahead in the 2016 - 5

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truck and Deb G. followed in her van, the get-away vehicle, should Rose go into labor 4 weeks early!

As always, this parade was huge. It’s a long route, and there are always so many people watching. We marched and played well. (Amazing, as there’d been very little rehearsing during the past several months.

Maybe it’s like riding a bike? You don’t forget how?)

We were well received and everyone survived quite well. On to Three Lakes and Independence Day! Oh, and Tyler’s last firing of his musket must’ve been a triple or quadruple load; I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who jumped!

kets behaved like their ancestors, misfiring about 30% of the time. Do they compound? There were some really loud blasts!

Rhinelander: Panic (not really) as the wifi wasn’t working on the coach. How things have changed.

Originally, there was nothing, then there was the ability to play cassette tapes, later VHS tapes, then DVDs and finally, wifi. What will be next? It’s always a comfort to have the extra vehicle (Long’s truck) for those who cannot march, for emergencies (please, no!). Many thanks to Jonathan, Ed, and Deb for doing Three Lakes: We arrived at 2 a.m. and it was nice that the officer was there to open up. However, people didn’t settle down and lights didn’t go out until 3 a.m.

It was amazing that folks were up, dressed, and the coach was packed by 8:30. Does this Corps operate on autopilot sometimes? I think so. In Three Lakes we were joined by Deb, Kyler, Brooklyn, and Jonathan.

Our second driver was Jeff, who had driven the first leg only in the past. The parade went smoothly, at a good pace. It sounded so good to have six fifes, three snares, and a bass making “fyne musick.” The mus6 - Troop Steps

Troop S t eps The 2016 Season

all that driving. The Rhinelander parade went without a hitch. Smooth as silk and we’re always glad for that.

Ok, shaky start to Hanover Hornpipe. Marching and playing went well and the rear wheels—worked!

done, Janesville Fife and Drum Corps, well done.

Until next year! It was a great idea to have the high

Tomahawk: Late start to this parade, so people hustled! There was a very large, noisy, enthusiastic crowd! We got it done! And headed off to—

Lake Tomahawk: This parade is short and sweet, a bit of an oasis amid a lot of marching. The people are so very welcoming.

school key at the “cop shop” across the street. Too bad the key wasn’t there. Someone did come and unlock the locker rooms. Tawnie and Teresa ruled the poker game. The gym was full of what looked like giant dominoes set up for an OM (Odyssey of the Mind) competition. Most folks ended up sleeping on the stage. It’s always something.

Minocqua: Long. At this point in the day, Minocqua feels long! Things went well, though and, again, we got the job done. Lots more boats on the river this year, I think.

Bessemer: Ah, Bessemer! Great crowds! Amazing enthusiasm! Wonderful comments as we march the parade route: “It’s Janesville!” “They’re awesome!”

“It wouldn’t be the same without Janesville!” I wish I could remember all the positive comments I heard.

The Corps looked so good with eight color guard and sounded so good with six fifers and four drums, and it was great having a complement of camp followers.

Oh, and bantlings, to add to the “cute factor.” Well 2016 - 7

Troop S t eps The 2016 Season Jeff was a capable driver who put up with us being us. With a new driver, lots of questions were asked, questions that I could not answer. Thank goodness for Bill, Josh, and Teresa, who could answer all the travel directions questions. It was an excellent 4th of July gig. People stayed healthy. People did what they were supposed to do and did it well. And Rose didn’t deliver! As the song goes, may we have many more.

The post script regarding Rose: Baby Ezra decided to come 3 weeks early, just one week after the 4th of July. That’s cutting it close! in the color guard, did a fine job of marching and following commands. Allie, in Molly get-up, was drafted to march and carry the American flag and she did an incredibly credible (can I say it that way?) job! Notably, the fife section was strong, with five fifers, Amy, Eli, Eda, Missy, and Teresa. Tawnie and Ethan, our drum section, kept us in step and in tempo. Jonathan thought we sounded great. I hope the crowd thought so, too. Even your worrywart secretary thinks the Janesville Fife and Drum Corps pulled off a successful parade. Let’s see if we’re invited back next year!

July 31, 2016, Random Lake: Wow. This parade showed how this small but tenacious Corps can pull together. Our very senior drummer, who had marched the entire 4th of July campaign just fine, wasn’t feeling well this day and soon had to step out because of being ill. Our other regular but “not really wanting to go solo” snare drummer did it! She got the job done.

She carried us along most wonderfully with the support of our still pretty much first-year bass drummer.

All but one seasoned color guard were missing. Jonathan led us down the street. Devin, still in his first year 8 - Troop Steps

Troop S t eps The 2016 Season No parades in August due to the Corps’ families’ plans. Two rehearsals were scheduled to take place in Whitewater. Both rehearsals were sparsely attended, but the program for Feast was decided upon and practiced.

Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2016: Because the Labor Fest people did not get back to us in a timely manner (we decided we needed a 15-day notice), we did not march the parade. However, the Corps met at the Janesville VFW for a picnic and practice. Attendance was pretty good, and we did more eating and talking than practicing. Typical?

their hearts. It’s still a very solemn day to remember.

Thanks to Tyler, Kyle, Jonathan, Amy, Teresa, Eda, Tawnie, Bill, and Ethan for marching. And thanks to Sue for driving the truck. Has a truck and driver become our “Mollies”?

Oct. 1-2, 2016, Feast of the Hunter’s Moon, Fort Ouiatenon, West LaFayette, Indiana: Similar to last

Sept. 11, 2016, Darien Cornfest Parade: The person who signs the contracts is nervous about the trend of missing people at the last minute, long after the ink has dried on the contract. However, as Teresa put it: (We were) “small but mighty.” She also observed: “For some reason this parade felt really ‘patriotic,’ probably because it is 9/11 and also because we looked doggone good. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many phones and iPads out taking videos, ever. It was really, really moving for me.” I, too, noticed more people standing when the flag went by, more people removing their hats, and some putting their hands over 2016 - 9

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year, the Corps arrived in Indiana in “fits and starts,” in several vehicles at several different times. The Wilson-mobile arrived first with Bill and Eda. (Ellie was

unable to make it.) Next, the Ethan/Tawnie-mobile arrived, then the LeHuray-mobile sporting Jason, Missy, Devon, Jacob and Lauren; Josh LeHuray came from Virginia! The Longs arrived, Jonathan, Sue, Tyler and Kyle; Deb Gosa with Dom and Clarissa; the Holevasmobile with Amy, Teresa, and Bre, and finally the “phantommobile” (as I’m not sure if anyone saw Kristi the entire weekend—turns out she drove the distance even though she was sick) with Eli and Allie. That’s crazy dedication!

Generally, the weather was misty and the grounds muddy. We’ve seen worse; we’ve seen better.

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Similar to last year, not everyone was at opening ceremonies but all went well, even with just two fifers playing “Chester.” Everyone was on deck for our performances Saturday and Sunday and they went very well. Our performances received extra kudos from Mark Logsdon (First Michigan F&DC). A “mini

highlight” was seeing Lauren in full uniform! I have to say, too, that Dom and Clarissa were a great addition; they are really “into” the Corps, and their enthusiasm is uplifting! It was great having people taking photos and videos, too. Thank you Deb and others!

(See our Facebook page!) Also very special was Josh LeHuray’s effort to be with us, driving all the way

Troop S t eps The 2016 Season

from Richmond, Virginia. And Kristi despite being ill.

And then Teresa and Amy, missing some time with Alex, who was in Wisconsin just for the weekend.

Every single person made an extraordinary effort to be at Feast. Many thanks.

Ok, can’t resist. Missy made a comment about how the porta potties were arranged like a “fort” so I

insisted on a Corps photo at what Missy dubbed “Fort Pee-otenon.” (See back page) Now, next year is Feast’s 50th, so we’ll all have to plan to be there. It’ll be really special.

Feast was the end of the 2016 season. Looking to 2017, the same issues remain. We need more members and perhaps additional revenue streams, since we don’t march in as many parades as in the past.

Rehearsals need to become a priority and we should learn some new music. The Janesville Fife and Drum Corps is an amazing, special group, a family really. I hope we march for many years to come!

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Troop S t eps The 2016 Season

The Janesville Fife and DrumCorps poses before “Fort Pee-otenon.”

Janesville Fife and Drum Corps The Janesville Fife and Drum Corps, from Janesville, Wisconsin, began over 40 years ago in 1975, founded by Robert Williams, as a project of the Janesville School District to celebrate the nation’s Bicentennial. It began as a youth corps and evolved into what is predominately an adult corps and a family corps. Many of those early youths have now grown into adults, and they have brought their partners, children, and friends into the corps.

The uniforms worn by the Janesville Fife and Drum Corps are replicas of those worn by the First Virginia Regiment of 1755, commanded by the young Lieutenant Colonel George Washington. It is a uniform of the French and Indian War, which occurred 20 years prior to the American Revolution.

The corps performs in parades and reenactments throughout the Midwest in the spring, summer, and fall.

Contact: President - drumsergeant@gmail.com 12 - Troop Steps

Secretary - edesw@yahoo.com