Troop steps 2012

Troop Steps

Janesville Fife &Drum Corps The 2012 Season

2012 - 1

Troop Steps The 2012 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—Teresa 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

2 - Troop Steps

Troop Steps The 2012 Season It’s a new season and it brings changes. Perhaps most notably, your Corps secretary and Troop Steps author, Eda, is now doing the booking. I feel it’s an awesome responsibility and I hope I do the job well enough.

Josh has assisted with friendly reminders, but once he and Dawn moved to Virginia—yikes!

As I assimilate this job, I am meeting (mostly via email) some very nice people. They are patient and helpful. Now that I’ve been through the season once, things should be easier. I may even start breathing again.

area for some color guard drill. Not knowing he would have a recruit, Ethan found a broom for Ed to use as his “musket.” Well, I guess the Whitewater natives grew anxious because the police were called because there were “guys with a gun and a broom” seen in the neighborhood. Imagine the headlines: “Fife and Drum Corps Sweeps Havoc in Whitewater.” Ah, the stories are what make the writing fun.

At the start of the season, the most outstanding change was the addition of the Mathia family. They come to us from St. Charles, Missouri, and are we ever lucky! Eli is a seasoned and exceptional fifer, and his parents, Ed and Kristi, have already shown amazing support of all of us by showing up at every rehearsal (one hour drive each way), helping at the Corps breakfasts, and showing up at most all the gigs.

Once again, there was a change-up in the ranks. ”Billiam” left the color guard to play bass. Talk about Closing ceremonies in Macktown. a quick study! In just weeks he was playing lots of tunes and doing a really amazing job. He must’ve been soaking it up all along! Jason, meanwhile, has moved from bass to the color guard and has stepped in The Gathering at Macktown: April 29–30, Rockton Illinois. We’ve done this reenactment for for Mr. Bill, our founder and director, who is dealing a number of years. There was the usual weather— with health issues. cloudy, sprinkles, and some downright cold. However, A noble attempt was made to recruit students in significant rain was predicted, so we were lucky.

Whitewater, specifically targeting the University. We At closing ceremonies, à la Trail of History, “World performed at a student supper that boasts 200 diners, Turned Upside Down” was called and the Corps was flyers were distributed on campus, and some rehearssummarily shot. I didn’t see it, but I hear Tawnie died als were held at the supper site, St. Luke’s Episcopal a singularly dramatic death. Honestly, those theater Church. We didn’t have success recruiting any college majors! students, but this does provide a lead-in into a great Lewis & Clark Heritage Days: May 19–20, St. story!

Charles, Missouri. Due to two graduations, a few key The musicians were rehearsing indoors in St. Luke’s Corps members were unable to attend this kickoffGuild Hall. Ed joined Ethan outside in the parking to-summer event. True to form, we had to survive 2012 - 3

Troop Steps The 2012 Season

temperatures in the 90s. It was amazing to have seven fifers play with only one snare and one bass. It was a fine sound and our concert really sounded good.

Fort Atkinson: May 25-26, Fort Atkinson, Wis-

consin. The Corps was present Friday and Saturday.

Friday was Education Day, and we performed for hundreds of area school children. We had three fifers (Eli, Eda, and Katka), a drummer (Bill), and a camp follower (Kristi). It was a nice day. On Sunday we had a good showing with fifers (Amy, Teresa, Katka, Eli, and Eda), one snare (Bill), and a bass drummer (William). We did a super job and had a good time doing it. We even had a photographer from Florida take photos of us. He sent us the photos shown of this event.

New fifer Eli Mathia at St. Charles.

It was our good fortune to have Kristi and Ed help care for Jason and Missy’s two children, Jacob and Jamming at Fort Atkinson.

Lauren. (Devin stayed back.) The Corps looked and sounded sharp for all its obligations, and I’m not one bit biased. Things played out a little differently this Memorial Day: May 28, Pecatonica, Illinois. For year. Because we didn’t use a coach, three vehicles the first time ever, according to those who remember were driven down. All were able to leave early Friday better than I (that would be everybody), we marched afternoon, rather than after midnight, and we stayed Memorial Day not in Janesville but in Pecatonica. The in a hotel. With a pool! And a hot tub! That beats a route was fairly short, the crowds were enthusiastic late night/early morning trip and gym floor accomand appreciative, and there was a good breeze on that modations. It was great to connect with other fife and very hot day. Icing on the cake: we were on the local drum corps, many whom we’ve seen for years now. news for a few seconds in their recap of Memorial Must give credit to the man in charge who cut closing Day activities. Woot! A few Corps-connected people ceremonies down to three flags down at once, the Namissed us in Janesville. I wonder if anyone else did. tional Anthem, and dismissal. The raindrops began to fall just as we were loading up. Nice timing and nice finish to a grand weekend.

4 - Troop Steps

Troop Steps The 2012 Season

Rose Santillo/John Barbacovi Wedding: June

2, 2012. Not a parade, but a “Corps gig” of a rarer kind, Rose and John’s wedding in Hurley, Wisconsin, and Bessemer, Michigan. I think everyone had a fine time.

together at a local pub and ended up sitting at a table right near a group of Old Guard people. We even got a compliment from Mark Logsdon, who really appreciated seeing us there.

Mequon/Thiensville: June 30. As usual this was

a warm parade in late June with a small group. We were squeezed into only a couple of vehicles since we had two new baby corps members joining us, but every person at events helps bolster our numbers, even the wee ones. Rose even managed to join us for this and the 4th of July tour. Though short on numbers we sounded good and earned our money.

Fourth of July “Northern Tour”: July 3–4,

Teresa and Amy with the blushing bride Rose.

Flag Day: celebrated June 10 at the Elks Club in

Janesville. Turnout, as always, was a bit light, but we got the job done, and the folks appreciate what we add to the ceremony.

Raisin River International Muster: June 23,

Monroe, Michigan. This was the first time we did this event. The reason we went in 2012 was because it was the site of the National Muster. As usual, we only had a small group; as I recall there were only nine of us, including Devin. On the way there Bill’s muffler fell off his truck, but other than that everything seemed to go well. Even though we were small the music sounded good and our performance in the city square went flawlessly. There was even a good ice cream shop a couple blocks away from the performance area, so we were able to treat ourselves after our performance.

As usual it was impressive seeing Old Guard and other East Coast corps we don’t see very often. Since our group was so small we were able to have dinner

2012. Despite having a rookie making arrangements (me), things went smoothly, and in large part due to Steve, our Van Galder (Coach USA) driver, we made it to every parade on time or with time to spare. Steve helped me acquire the key to the school in Three Lakes. A member of Marty’s Goldenaires helped us get a key to the school in Bessemer. Thus we had a place to lay our heads at night. It was the usual Northern Tour.

Menomonee Falls on July 3rd was long and hot. Huge crowds, as usual. Most of the Corps marched.

Waiting for the Menomonee Falls Parade.

2012 - 5

Troop Steps The 2012 Season

Three Lakes at 9 a.m. was our first parade of the 4th.

We wore our coats for that parade but not for the next four.

Rhinelander was at 11. I heard it was about 88 degrees with a heat index of 96. Thank goodness for that air-conditioned coach! Good crowds.

and this year was no different. We were anxious to show the Mathia family the most amazing crowd in the world, and we weren’t disappointed. We saluted Marty’s Goldenaires and played a short concert at the Legion. Bessemer fireworks were fine (but not as good

Tomahawk was at 1, Lake Tomahawk at 2:30, and Minocqua was at 4. Interestingly, things were smooth-

Mathias were wonderful at minding our little ones.

Bill and Kristi resting before Tomahawk parade.

er at Minocqua. The staging area included more shade, and the coach was allowed to go to the end of the parade. Possibly the “issues” of two years ago were felt by other units, not just us, and they heard about it. Anyway, it was quite pleasant. Lots of boats on the water this year.

Bessemer, Michigan, was preceded by a very strange change in weather. After dealing with temperatures in the 90s most of the day, we stopped in Ironwood, Michigan, for a quick bite to eat and stepped off the bus to 68 degrees! It was cool! It was almost chilly!

This didn’t last. Some system moved through fairly quickly, but things were cool enough that we wore our coats for the parade at 7 p.m. The Bessemer crowd is absolutely legendary in size, noise, and enthusiasm, 6 - Troop Steps

as last year?). We had our own fireworks later and sandwiches left over from Josh and Dawn’s goingaway party. But no poker game! Not enough people were interested and everyone was probably just too tired and burned out from the heat of the day. It was a grand tour. We played well and looked sharp. I think everyone was pleased. The camp followers had a slightly different look, pulling a wagon with two babies in it. We have a few regular bantlings: Dominic, Clarissa, Zoey, and Lauren joining Jacob. We’ve seen less of Devin this season.

Port Washington: July 21. This parade marked

Josh LeHuray’s last weekend marching with the Corps, as he and Dawn have moved to Richmond, Virginia. Call it bittersweet. Good crowds. We looked sharp and sounded fine. We played our standstill (to only a few people) early and left. As usual this season, it was hot. Oh, the fish and chips were tasty! Let’s hear it for Fish Days!

Troop Steps The 2012 Season

Edgerton: July 22. The Corps has not marched in

the Tobacco Heritage Days parade for many years.

This parade wasn’t as hot as it could’ve been (it had been in the 90s forever), but it was hot enough! We had an adequate turnout and did well. I think the

Tyler, Ethan, and Jason; fifers: Eli, Amy, Eda, Missy, Carmen, Katka, Larry, and Sarah; drums: Tawnie, Bill, and Billiam; mollies: LaShell and Kristi; bantlings: Devin, Jacob, and Zoey; and Zach, in a Corps shirt. Photographer du jour: Ellie. Also joining us in the truck: Sue, Mr. Bill, and Teresa. Joining us for the picnic: Dimitrios, Tyler’s friend Donna, Kevin, Jeff, Amanda, and Alysa (Alysa marched with another group). We looked and sounded strong and awesome.

Darien: Sept. 9. We had a good turnout. The weather was favorable and we looked and sounded good. And, hey! We won first place musical unit. And it looks like Ryan is going to be a regular. Three cheers!

Feast of the Hunter’s Moon: Sept. 22–23, La-

fayette, Indiana. Friday night’s pouring rain wasn’t a promising beginning to Feast, but Saturday morning rain held off, clouds disappeared, the sun came out, and the wind blew our shelters down! The weather Sara, Larry, and sleepy Zoey, Edgerton.

Saturday and Sunday was very nice. Teresa and Dimitrios’s absence was significant but we managed. Larry crowds really liked us. We’ll see if we get invited back did the lion’s share of the van driving. Rose, John, and next year. (They had a tight budget.)

Kyler came down to help out. Instead of turkey and

Mendota: Aug. 12. Mendota was much cooler than

the past six weeks or so of 90+ to 100 degree weather we’d been having, thank goodness. Ten people marched and we sounded good. And we took first prize in the musical unit category. Woot!

Richfield: Aug. 26. We got our soaking during this

parade. We had two drummers, three fifers, and four color guard, plus two mollies and Sue and crew in the truck. (It was very nice to have Sue drive us back to where the other vehicles were parked.) There was a good crowd, in spite of the on and off rain, of varying intensity. As Mr. Bill would say, we got the job done.

Labor Fest: Sept. 3. Blistering hot. My car’s

thermometer read 95. But what a great turnout! We started with a well-attended picnic. Those marching were: scouts: Kyle and Ryan; color guard: Jonathan,

John feeding Kyler at Feast.

2012 - 7

Troop Steps The 2012 Season ham cooked over a fire, we had sandwiches. Tawnie and Ethan brought vegetarian chili and heated it over a little cookstove. Ellie’s salads were scarfed. We had the usual chips, gorp, cookies, brownies, and apples.

Zoey attended her second Feast, Kyler his first. Our performances went very well. As usual, we didn’t find time to do a run-through prior, but then, why break from tradition?

husk doll; and going to school and writing on a slate, among other activities. She had a ball. Our youngest Corps people should check it out. TOH was a good, solid wrap-up to the marching season.

Trail of History: Richmond, Illinois, Oct. 20–21.

While chilly, the weather at TOH was perhaps some of the best we’ve ever experienced there. We had enough people both days to make a strong showing. We looked and sounded pretty sharp. Folks enjoyed par-

Man and woman of the hour, Josh and Dawn LeHuray.

Honoring Josh LeHuray Zoe looking out from “our tent” at Trail of History.

ticipating in the battles both days. What is this Corps “thing” about getting shot?! Ellie’s granddaughter Zoe joined us and, by following her around, one can see all the fun things at TOH for kids to do: trading at the trade blankets; becoming an indentured servant and learning to beat rugs, wash dishes in cold water, rake straw, sort beans, grind corn, etc.; making a corn8 - Troop Steps

Josh LeHuray’s name appeared for the first time on the 1990 Corps roster, but he and his brother Jason joined the Corps during the 1989 season. Josh began as part of the Culpepper color guard.

He later became a snare drummer, and he drummed and marched up to and including most of the 2012 season. Josh also took on a leadership role, maintaining the Corps website and sending out communications regarding rehearsals, gigs, and anything else of importance. (This secretary is going to miss his assistance a lot.)

Josh hit a lot of life milestones while in the Corps, including high school graduation, college graduation, starting a business (with another Corps member and Corps investors), and getting married.

Now Josh is in Richmond, Virginia, pursing an advanced degree.

He’s also enjoying work as a historical interpreter. We all wish Josh grand success, and we hope he returns to us in a few years.

Troop Steps The 2012 Season

Soldiers do a lot of waiting around: Jacob, Tawnie, Ed, and Ethan

Macktown

This little girl was utterly fascinated with the music being played.

Ethan, that drum might be a wee bit small for you.

Jamming at Macktown.

2012 - 9

Troop Steps Lewis and Clark

The 2012 Season

Lauren wants to be a bass drummer.

Teresa, Carmen, and Amy relaxing and jamming.

A cart full of LeHurays, Devon on the bugle, with Eli fifing behind them.

Massed bands marching together.

10 - Troop Steps

Troop Steps Fort Atkinson

The 2012 Season

Amy, Katka, and Teresa.

Katka, Bill, and Eda.

Eda, Katka, Teresa, Eli, Bill, and “Billiam.”

2012 - 11

Troop Steps Pool Party

The 2012 Season Enjoying the pool.

July 4

Dead soldiers at Minocqua after a very hot day: Tawney, Ethan, Amy. Resting up for the Tomahawk parade.

12 - Troop Steps

Troop Steps July 4 cont.

Minocqua, Tyler loves those babies (in this case Kyler).

Bessemer, getting ready to march.

Our bus driver, Steve.

The 2012 Season

Kyler even has his own uniform!

It’s a long day of parades for the little ones.

Bessemer, it’s all downhill from here.

2012 - 13

Troop Steps The 2012 Season Labor Fest

So, what’s to eat?

Zoey really does love Chocolate!

And Mr. Bill joined us for the picnic.

Portrait of the Long family.

14 - Troop Steps

Troop Steps Tobacco Days

The 2012 Season

Missy, waiting for a ride back to the cars.

Trail of History Ready to go in Edgerton.

Going Away

Josh and Dawn’s going away party.

Young history buff Zoe Amico with her Grandpa Bill.

2012 - 15

Troop Steps Feast

The 2012 Season

Wagon full of younguns at opening ceremonies.

Clash of time periods: Colonial Ellie at the ATM.

Our fearless bass drummer “Billiam.�

Ryan joined the color guard.

16 - Troop Steps

John joins a different sort of drumline.