TROOP STEPS Janesville Fife & Drum Corps The 2010 & 2011 Season in Pictures
TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Janesville Fife and Drum Corps 2011 Season I count 24 gigs/parades in 2011. The season kicked off with the Annual Party, celebrating our 35th year, in January. The party was well attended, the company and food great. Learning Welsh and singing and playing “Men of Harlech” for Bob at the annual banquet was pretty special, too. Freezer Jam was held on February 12 in Bourbonnais, Illinois, hosted by the Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps. It was an awesome learning experience and a chance to meet up with friends, and it culminated in a wonderful concert. In addition, Musick from the Old Northwest, a book of traditional tunes with new interpretations and newly composed pieces, debuted, including Missy LeHuray’s (fife parts) and Josh LeHuray’s (drum parts) “Three Oaks” and “Howl at the Moon.”
cigar and the fringe on his frock coat caught on fire. Someone said, “Mr. Wilson! You’re smoking!” He said, “Well, yeah.” “No! No! Your coat is smoking! It’s on fire!” He couldn’t get the smoldering to stop until he took it off and stomped on it. Even after stomping on it, water had to be thrown on it to put it out. And then it happened a second time! Who says JF&D is boring?
The Gazebo seems to be a favorite gathering spot for the Corps.
May 21–22 was Heritage Days in St. Charles, Missouri. This gig gets us into “summer mode,” aka sweat city, although this year was more temperate. As usual, there was a threat of flooding, but the encampment was spared. Three huzzahs for the freshsqueezed lemonade! The Corps performed very well. Caped Marauders? Ethan, Tyler, Larry, and William
The first regular gig of the season was the Gathering at Macktown, on April 30 and May 1. We did our part and we did it well, but it seems that this reenactment is shrinking rather than growing. However, we made our own entertainment. It was very windy at Macktown. Bill Wilson was lighting his 2 - Troop Steps
We spent one day, May 28, at the Gathering at Koshkonong (formerly the Buckskinner’s Rendezvous) in Fort Atkinson. It’s always a challenge playing there because we can’t be loud around the horses and we can’t interrupt other musicians. This year offered some extra entertainment: Amy wanted to clean the spit out of her fife. It was suggested she use a tissue for this purpose. Well, of course the tissue got stuck in the fife. It couldn’t be picked out, so it was
TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
decided to push the cork out and get it out that way. People used the cork stick and tried to push it out, putting the stick against their chests. They tried using the picnic table, stick on table, trying to pull the fife. Then Jonathan held the fife and tried to “pump” out the cork. This is amusing to think about and was even funnier to observe, particularly from the back view. Don’t know how it finally was removed, but the cork did come out, the fife was cleared, the cork replaced and, after a good bit of adjustment, was back in tune. We are easily entertained. We participated (briefly) in a wedding ceremony that was held at the Gathering. Very nice and a new experience for us. May 30, Memorial Day. The Corps participated in the memorial at Milton Lawn prior to the parade. The turnout was good and we were awesome! It’s always a somber honor to remember those who have died, especially those who served our country. June 4, Harvard, Illinois. Said Josh: “Due to complications of the day, cars couldn’t make it to the end of the parade so we had to walk it twice, and it was pretty warm and humid that day.” Tawnie reports: “Harvard was horrible this year. If my memory serves, it was 95 degrees out—and we had to walk the entire parade route back to the vehicles.” June 5, Leaf River, Illinois. Josh reports that Leaf River went well and without any significant hitches and that the weather was nice. June 12, Flag Day. Said Ellie: “We came, we saw, we played, we ate.” Note from Bill: “I have always harboured ambivalent feelings about how much of the ceremony of this event is based more on mythology than history. But I felt much better about this year’s presentation. We met a lady who was the new director of the Flag Day ceremony and found that she was determined to make us welcome and appreciated. For once I left the Elk’s Club feeling good.”
Several units and groups from the area participated in the Elk’s Club Flag Day celebration.
June 19, Heatwave event at the Rock County fairgrounds. This was something new and different! Reports Josh: “The turnout at the Heatwave event was pretty good, with a decent-sized crowd. Also there were tons of pie and ice cream at the end, which made it pleasant to be there. It got pretty warm inside that shed area though.” June 25, Mequon-Thiensville. From Josh: “We had a small crew for Mequon, with only three drummers, and if I recall right just Katie and Teresa for fifers. The entire Corps managed to cram into the Expedition, though Jason got dropped off on our way home so it wasn’t so bad later. The weather, though warm, was sunny and pleasant. There was a funny moment where we were playing ‘Kingdom Coming’ on the rims of the drums and some annoying high school girls were talking about how quiet the drums were, and when we all came in, a big row of them jumped.” July 3–4, Fourth of July campaign: Menomonee Falls, Three Lakes, Rhinelander, Lake Tomahawk, Tomahawk, (not Minocqua), and Bessemer, Michigan. The 4th of July “campaign” is always lots 2010/2011 Season - 3
TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
of fun, if hectic. Hectic means hours on the coach, a very short night on the 3rd followed by a very long day of 5 or 6 parades on the 4th. We started at 7 p.m. in Menomonee Falls, a huge parade that is always very well attended, on the 3rd of July, and finished up in Bessemer, the UP, Michigan, at 7 p.m. on the 4th. The parades went smoothly and the weather cooperated. The Bessemer crowds are outstanding. And huge! Hundreds of people show up to watch and they are very enthusiastically noisy. It’s also a lot of fun to get reacquainted with Marty’s Goldenaires, the local band. Marty’s are great people. (Just ask Rose—she’s marrying a Goldenaire!) Bessemer fireworks were amazing! We had a few fireworks of our own back at the school, followed by The Poker Game. I think the kids missed Donna being there, serving up pizza at midnight.
August 14, Mendota, Illinois. This parade really didn’t seem obnoxiously long this year. The weather was humane, but there are (almost) no trees! Where is the shade? Of course, we were magnificent. August 28, Richfield. This was a beautiful drive on a perfect day. Nice parade. August 30. Zoey Claire Schumitsch was born to Sara and Larry. So our Corps family has increased again. Congratulations and blessings galore! September 5, Labor Day picnic and parade in Janesville. Ack! Another snafu! Registration was online and we didn’t know it. But thanks to Jonathan, we not only were included in the parade, we were paid, as well, at the last minute. It was a fine day for the picnic and the Corps turnout was excellent.
Sidebar while waiting at Tomahawk, more Corps entertainment: How about Josh dancing provocatively behind Teresa, who had no idea whatsoever what was going on behind her back. It must be the allure of Greek music. By the way, is that posted on YouTube? July 30, Streamwood Illinois (not Algonquin—oops! We double-booked). Scheduling has been a bit of a challenge this season as Corps members begin to ease up T-Rex’s (my all-time favorite nickname for Mr. Bill) workload. People seem to be reasonably understanding. In Darien, the Corps participated in a special commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 disaster.
Richfield—getting ready to step off.
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September 11, Darien. September 11. Does that date sound familiar? It had been a decade since that infamous day of destruction. Darien’s annual event became the scene of a heartfelt memorial to those who perished on that day, especially the public safety workers who died trying to rescue the victims of the terrorist attacks. It was a wonderful ceremony, in which Eda sang and the corps played. Afterwards, we were given a wagon ride to the start of the parade. It feels good to think back on it all.
TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
and his picking it up met with shrieks and females running. And lo and behold, a second snake! I picked up that one. It was smaller. Both were garter snakes, harmless. Jacob wanted to get his hands on one, I’m pretty certain, but Ethan and I deposited them by the water at a distance. I thought Jacob might run into the marsh! The last critter of the day was a “wooly bear” caterpillar. Its saddle looked like a signal for a long or cold winter. Of course, Jacob wanted to adopt that creature, as well. Billiam has a new nickname, from Jacob, “Squilliam.” I guess it’s a Sponge Bob thing. So, now that makes two LeHuray children having put on the uniform.
It’s been many years that the Corps has attended the Feast of the Hunter’s Moon and paid its respect to the other Corps and units.
September 24–25, Feast of the Hunter’s Moon at Fort Ouiatenon, West LaFayette, Indiana, was not the usual mudbath. It was impossibly worse! The mud seemed slipperier than ever! Our newest “member,” Zoey, came with mama Sara. What a dolly! Both seemed to do very well. Another interesting note, at the very humid opening ceremony, when the corps had their hats off, it was noticed by those in the back that steam was actually rising from Jason’s head! The Corps performed very well. It’s always a great time to see our many other Corps friends. During an excellent impromptu jamming session, Mark Logsdon, director of the First Michigan Fife and Drum Corps, called Devin LeHuray forward to be recognized as the youngest member of the fife and drum community. Wonderful! October 15–16, Trail of History, Richmond, Illinois. Sunday was Critter Day at Trail of History, starting with Jacob LeHuray arriving, carrying a frog. When I finally was able to hide the frog, it was half-dead. Checking later, it wasn’t there and hopefully was able to hop away. After the battle and near the porta potties, Ethan spied a snake. His announcement
Teresa, Eda, and Amy discuss tactics before the big battle.
October 29, Sons of the American Revolution, Edgewater Hotel in Madison. Only seven of us were able to attend, but our 30-minute program was awesome! Thank you for a fine script, Bill. It should be noted that Rose and John attended many gigs this season. This is amazing because they live 5 or 6 hours way “up nort”! Rose gave birth to Kyler William Barbacovi on Dec. 8, 2011. Congratulations and many blessings! So our Corps family has grown once again, this time by two, John and Kyler. 2010/2011 Season - 5
TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Looking back, I have to say it’s been one of the more interesting seasons, with significant changes. First and foremost, babies were born to two Corps members. Second, the burden of leadership is shifting away from Mr. Bill to other veteran Corps members. After 35 years, it’s about time our director should get some relief.
Joining/rejoining us in 2011 Joining us: John Barbacovi, drummer and daddy to Kyler, who will marry our Rose in June, now marches with the Corps in addition to playing with Marty’s Goldenaires.
Rejoining us: Carmen Hernandez, fifer, rediscovered us at our 35th anniversary gathering last winter. Some Note: Bob Williams is the only Corps member who has years ago Carmen went off to school to study nursing. been active every single year of the Corps’ existence. She is now back within the fold. We are all so happy to have her back. Growing Our Own Recruits Accomplishments With this year’s birth of Zoey Claire and Kyler William, preceded in recent years by Devin, Jacob, and The debut of Missy and Josh’s “Three Oaks” and Lauren LeHuray, it seems clear that one of the primary “Howl at the Moon” is a first and to be congratulated! ways our Corps grows is through our own home-grown Huzzah! recruits. Among our current members, this of course It continues to be a great source of pride that the merely follows the pattern set by Teresa: three of her Janesville Fife and Drum Corps continues to march on four kids have marched and performed with the Corps; a regular basis, despite our small numbers. That speaks and by Sue Long, who has brought husband Jon and well of the veteran status of our Corps. son Tyler formally into the Corps, and Ryan and Kyle as young scouts. In fact, historically, the Janesville Challenges Fife and Drum Corps has been, and continues to be, a As always, we need to recruit new members and family Corps, with members having brought in their commit to show up at contracted events. friends, partners, spouses, and children, going back The shifting of Corps responsibilities is truly a almost to the beginning. challenge as we learn about contracts and bookings. Eda Wilson, Corps secretary
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
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season Macktown Rockton, Illinois
Macktown: Above—Missy and Devin take their ease along the Rock River. Center—Devin LeHuray has participated in many gigs this year. Far Right— “wind and fire damage” at Macktown. Notice the black charring of Bill’s hunter’s frock.
Lewis and Clark Heritage Days St. Charles, Missouri
Lewis and Clark Heritage Days: Above—Teresa does some quick repair with needle and thread. Left—The Janesville Fife and Drum has its ducks in a row between performances.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
(continued from preceding page) Above—Missy, Devin, and Jason LeHuray take a much needed break at St. Charles. Right—They say kids look younger as they get older. Hey! These kids are younger! Devin and Dominick
Elk’s Club Flag Day Janesville, Wisconsin
Elk’s Club Flag Day: Above—The Corps looks pretty sharp at Flag Day. Right—Larry and William wait in the shade before the ceremonies begin.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Richfield,Wisconsin
On the road again. It’s getting pretty cozy hitching a ride back to our parking spots. Tuning up before the Richfield parade.
Labor Day Janesville, Wisconsin
Waiting to step off. It looks like we are being let out of the corral. Jeff Dabson stepped in to help us out on the bass drum during the Labor Fest Parade.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Feast of the Hunter’s Moon West Lafayette, Indiana
Sara introduces us to Zoey. Zoey attends her first Corps gig at the ripe old age of 25 days.
Sue’s laughing, there’a definately not a bee up her bustle.
Waiting to take the field at the main stage area.
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Mom (Sue) helps Kyle over a rough spot.
TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
A tisket, a tasket, Zoey in a basket. Staying warm and dry at a very muddy Feast of the Hunter’s Moon.
The corps stands at rest during the opening ceremonies on the first day of the Feast.
Bill doffs his hat in respect for the passing units. A certain amount of silliness pops up after a long day. The formation for and sound of Massed Music is something to behold.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Trail of History Richmond, Illinois
Ellie takes the opportunity to get into one of her own pictures as she photographs a skirmish.
Ellie caught a fine example of the volley fire displayed by the British infantry.
35th Anniversary of the Corps’ Founding
Above—Teresa poses nicely as Amy shows off her fife to Carmen. Upper right—Cool drinks are called for as Ethan and Tawnie take a break during the jam session. Right—Bob, Bob, Deb, Jess, and Carl await a delicious meal.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
LaShell, Craig, Aaron, and Allysa are joined by Sara.
Missy and Devin. You look good out of uniform, too.
Wayne, William, Larry, Sara, and Aaron.
Katka and Sue. Note the JFD mug.
Jeff and Amanda join the other members in celebrating the Corps’ 35th aniversary.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Photos from our 2010 Season
Macktown 2010 Rockton, Illinois
Ready to go as two sergeants get their signals straight.
Notice how windy it is. Teresa, Rose, and Josh do their best to stay warm.
Memorial Day 2010 Janesville, Wisconsin
Macktown battlefield. You should have seen the movie.
The corps is executing a rear wheel. We do it so well that the crowd is astounded that it works so well. Mr. Bill seems to be ignoring us.
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Much warmer than Macktown. We’ve shed our capes for Memorial Day.
TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Flag Day 2010 Waubeka, Wisconsin
Left—Kassie changing centuries. Cassie left us in 2010.
The color guard looks very sharp. (William, Ethan, Aaron, Kassie, Samantha, and Tyler L.)
(clockwise from middle left) Teresa, Larry, Rose, Bill, and Carl. We’ll play anywhere and look good doing it. Rose and Carl. A sister and brother act. Hurry up and wait. Military SOP. It’s the same procedure for parades. Sam (Samantha) was one of our sharpest color guards. She left us in 2011.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
July 3–4, 2010
Deb and LaShell, two of our faithful Mollies (camp followers). Photo taken by Ellie, another of our faithful Mollies.
Amy tries the mini “mob cap” look.
Paul and Amy seem to be checking the bass drum’s head.
Hurry up and wait. Oh, I already said that. It does happen a lot.
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Jonathan, Eda, and Amy. What are they looking at?
Hustlin’ to the bus, to head down the road to our next July 4th parade.
Waiting for the fireworks in Bessemer, MI. After a long day and six parades, this is always a treat.
TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Labor Fest 2010 Janesville, Wisconsin
Tawnie and Ethan, ready to march.
Kyle Long often rides in the back of the truck dressed as a scout. Look in the Feast section. You’ll see him in his new rifleman’s uniform.
Ryan and Devin join us for many parades. In concert, Devin has been known to play with the drummers.
Hurry up and . . . yup—stand around, formed up, and ready to step off.
And we’re off. It’s all down hill from here.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Feast of the Hunter’s Moon 2010 West Lafayette, Indiana
(clockwise from upper left) Preparing to take the field during their performance on the first day of the Feast. LaShell herds some of our younger corps members (Devin, Ryan, and Kyle). Closing ceremonies at Fort Ouiotenon. The sounds of the massed corps can be astounding. It fills us with pride and a great sense of accomplishment. Devin trades in his musket for a drum. A big drum.
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(Feast 2010 continued)
Katka and Missy practice some new music. Our fifers love to play.
Devin constantly watches the drummers and imitates them, here during a jam session. He has become somewhat of celebrity in Midwest fife and drum circles. Also, he is a fine example of military decorum.
Darien, Wisconsin 2010
This is how the Janesville Fife and Drum Corps “saddles up to ride.” At rest, but ready to step off at a moment’s notice, at Darien.
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TROOP STEPS The 2011 Season
Trail of History 2010 Richmond, Illinois
The color guard (William, Kassie, and Tyler) form up for a march around.
The color guard prepares to march to their doom at the closing ceremonies.
Teresa feigns injury during one of the mock battles at the Trail of History. You win some and you lose some. Eda prepares to mete out punishment as Jason checks his “compass.� (Yeah right, Jason.)
Tawnie and Ethan look a little tuckered out after a weekend in the sun and wind.
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Tyler is the object of this disciplinary lesson. Corporal punishment was often used by the military to maintain order.