I haven't PLAYED in a long time ... did some snare playing in early 1980s at various CSJA seminars, played some bass stuff in 2002 while teaching Royal Airs (not on the field tho). My arthritis and short finger (LH index) make it pretty much impossible now.

I truly envied those alums who marched with the RA

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What did you do in the Corps? drummer; quartermaster 1964-66; asst. drum instr. 1964-70

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

The reunion started off more simple than it eventually became. The current drum instructor of the corps wanted to meet with some of the old guys to show some of the new techniques being used and compare styles (they won drums this past summer). From there it was a case of people contacting other people, and it just kind of grew. They actually put a list together of every snare drummer, by year, since the corps started in 1948. But there were more 60s and 70s guys there than any other era (which is true of all Cavalier reunions that I've know about). We hung out on Friday night at a sports bar owned by the widow of a former Cavalier - and she is a former Imperial - but I cannot remember her name this morning! Her and I talked for a while about Norwood, which was an interesting diversion from the Cavalier talk on the other side of the room. Then on Sunday we all gathered around 11am, set up about 30 drums, and spent from then until around 4pm drumming, reminsiscing, eating pizza, etc. Don Warren made an appearance (asking for money, as always), and they opened the souvenir truck for us (no kid-size stuff for the grandkids, unfortunately).

The drums we used were a mix of old and new. There were many of the modern, Kevlar-head drums (don't like those much), but there were also several of the old Rogers Dyna Sonics that the corps used in the 60s. The one I played all day had a Ludwig Silver Dot head, and was tuned perfectly (I tried to steal it when I left). Ron Herman, former snare drummer and instructor who now does video productions, recorded each year's snares playing something from their show - can't wait to see that!

The best part, as with any drum corps gathering, was the renewing of old friendships. It only takes about 5 or 10 minutes of "what are you up to now" before the stories turn to "what happened then." Of the three years I marched, there were all 6 snares from 1974, 5 out of 7 from 1975, and 6 out of 8 from 1976 (with one having passed away). The entire 1966 line was there (ok, it's only four guys, but still). And the overlap of instructors/members was great; for example, Jim Roussell, who marched from 65-70, was our instructor for the three years I was there.

A good time was had by all!

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

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

For the first time in many years, I may actually see a drum corps show this summer! It's been quite a while since we had a show in Orlando worth paying $25 for, but this summer may be different - June 23, with Cavaliers, Cadets, and Carolina Crown. I'll at least see where everyone is practicing and check some out that way if I don't actually go to the show.

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

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

Finding the practice/ housing sites and visiting the corps is a good strategy. You get to see their shows, observe their performances "up close" and (usually) get to talk with the staff and members.

There was a time when DCI had shows in the NW suburban area and the corps would stay nearby. The Troopers were here one year, Santa Clara another .,. both staying within 4 blocks of my home. My son and I visited each and had fun. Heck, just watching warmups at the stadium area is fun too.

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What did you do in the Corps? drummer; quartermaster 1964-66; asst. drum instr. 1964-70

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

I am preesently the Band Officer for the Tourkley Sqd Drum and Bugle Band (Australian Air League). We have 21 Horns 6 Sopranos, 3 Mellophones, 3 Frenh Horns, 6 Baritones, and 3 Contras. I just got a instructor for the Horns the other day.m teaching drums and of course am incharge of the Band. I am still looking for more mouthpieces for the Baritones, ran out of money!!I am a member of the American Legion (Yanks Down Under Post AU01). I am also a member of the australian RSL and Vietnam Vet.s Assoc. I still teach Karate and hold a 8th Dan in Shorin-ryu and a few other styles. I am retired USAF and usually go to Hawaii every other year. I try to get back to Chicago when I can, but qwhen I do I am usually caught up with my brother who lives in Glenview.

What did you do in the Corps? Bass Drum and Baritone

What years were you a Corps member? 1955-1959