What's up with the Men of Brass? Haven't heard much in a while.

John,the latest rumor I've heard is that both the
Royalaires and the MOB might join forces and
continue the Royalaire Alumni Corp this year.

That would be great if it happened.If there's
any Alumni Corp from the Midwest I'd like to see
again it would them.Just have to wait and see.

What did you do in the Corps? FrenchHorn

What years were you a Corps member? 1957 thru 1963

Rich; I have heard that same rumor .. and some insiders say it is MORE than just a rumor. Expect some news in the NEAR future!

It would be great if the corps could get back together and get back to its performance shape of the 2002-2004 years. WITHOUT the personality and political problems!

What did you do in the Corps? drummer

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

But then it wouldn't be a drum corps!

What did you do in the Corps? Snare, Drum Major, Drum Instructor/Arranger

What years were you a Corps member? 1970-73; 78-79

Here is some information from a friend who is/ was a member of the Royal Airs alumni corps ...

------------------------------------------------
The Royal Airs Senior Exhibition Corps recently announced that the Men of Brass Drum and Bugle Corps has decided to join the ranks of the Big Blue.

This, in my opinion, is a decision that had to made if the Midwest is to boast a viable senior exhibition drum and bugle corps. I am convinced that, separately, the two groups would have floundered; but together, the corps has a chance to succeed. It will be a difficult task....still some wounds have to heal and some concessions have to be made...but it can be done. Many outstanding performers live in the Midwest and want a place to go, and they need a strong organization that will allow them to continue playing their music, spinning their rifles and tossing their flags.

Approximately 35 horns, 12 drums and nine color guard members attended camp this past weekend in Elgin, Illinois. The members rehearsed a variety of tunes arranged by three drum corps legends: Truman Crawford, Kenny Norman, and Donny Allen. Some of the arrangements are: Alexanders Rag Time Band, Chicago-Ballyhoo March, Streisand Fanfare, You'll Never Walk Alone and the Star-Spangled Banner.
---------------------------------------------------

So, maybe there is some hope for a really quality alumni corps from the area!

What did you do in the Corps? drummer

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

Bob I like your comment,that was a good one.

My opinon about this is---Both sides have to look
at the whole picture and what they are creating
once again---The Royal Airs Alumni Corps.What it
once was and what it can be again.

The couple times I was able to see them in years
past,I realized how much excitment they generated
amongst the audiences they performed in front of.

They put together an alumni corps the way it should
have been done,and nobody could have done it better.

The Midwest needs a Alunmi corps to represent all
those corps that couldn't continue because of one
problem or another--financial--management--member-
ship-etc-etc-etc.

I know it's a big move on both sides and I'm sure
if they take it one step at a time,it can be done.
I only wish I had the time and the --Stamina--to
be part of this joint venture but my schedule
won't allow for it,even at this point in time.

What did you do in the Corps? French Horn

What years were you a Corps member? 1957 thru 1963

Rich: I hope so too. It would be nice to have a permanent, ongoing, well run alumni corps which can put on a good field show!

The Royal Airs did it, but ran afoul of internal politics and dissension!

What did you do in the Corps? drummer

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

I saw the Royal Airs at the Lombard parade last year. How awful. I then saw another NP member and asked what had happened. He said they took one great corp and made two crappy corps. I'm so glad they can work things out. I can't wait to see them again.