One man's look back to the golden time in his teenage life.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Was 1971 The Best Or What?!
Up front this is neither bashing DCI, DCA or any organization that currently causes my inbox to be filled with literally hundred of pre-season requests for money to enable youngsters to participate in what was once to me a source of pleasure, learning and personal growth. All things being equal, (which they are not!) I don't think the amount of time and energy put into today's product is equal to the sheer verve which the corps of my era displayed. The forced pageantry and beauty queen smiles of the now so called guards do not win me over. The short, seemingly one dimensional shows don't cause me to cheer. Yes, the musicality is better - all the players are now pros. Their instruments are probably better made. And yes, Jimmy drum corps today is what it is today - change is good, change is change. As a writer, I wouldn't trade in my MAC and go back to an IBM Selectric typewriter, ever. But I am respectful of the past and would like to think that my memories of what once was - the fleeting months of competition, the agonizing winters of rehearsals, the summers like 1971 or even 1965, the togetherness - that's all good stuff to me. Drum Corps didn't die in 1971 and again yes, something else was born. 30 years from now, perhaps those of you who weren't able to participate in an activity that brought together kids from all walks of life and different economic strata for free (that means no dues, no fees, no paying for your own uniform or instrument etc.) will see how folks like me hold those times so dear.
But the fact that so many corps have simply gone away still hurts
What I remember most though are those great shows like the Danny Thomas Invitational, World Open and CYO Nationals, U.S. Open and the like. that's when you would find a mixture of corps like these with scores like this - competition was fierce.
Sunday July 18, 1971
Lawrence MA Danny Thomas Invitational
1 27th Lancers 84.450
2 Santa Clara Vanguard 84.100
3 Troopers 82.300
4 Cavaliers 81.000
5 St. Rita's Brassmen 80.950
6 Boston Crusaders 80.300
7 Madison Scouts 78.300
8 Blue Stars 77.850
9 De LaSalle Oaklands 73.800
10 Blessed Sacrament 70.450
11 Argonne Rebels 69.900
12 Spectacle City Mariners 52.350
And for the record, here's how we closed our show after using all the energy we could for just about 9 and a half minutes and then running - yes, running to our exit set up ... West Point Alma Mater Reprise
I collected pretty much every years worth of drum corps records starting around 1969. And I can agree with you regarding 1971. Every single junior and senior performance I have from 1971 is stellar in both the book and the recording quality is exceptional. The most dramatic? The US Open in Marion Ohio. The 6th place corps was and still is one of the most powerful performances I've ever heard. That 3 snares could sound like that was nothing I ever imagined. By the way, who is the soloist for the concert piece? Like you have said back then drum corps was pretty much open to anyone. And to have a kid like that be able to play so incredible proves the theory that there are so many diamonds in the rough and _if_ they get the chance and guidance, watch out.
Mike - thank you for posting! Had I known anyone ever would I certainly would have answered sooner. I guess part of this blogging gig. 1971 ... what can I say I didn't say in my original post? As to the soloist - That would have to be DCHOF soprano Jim Maldonado and the song was "Fistful Of Dollars" which led us into the concert piece:"Three Blind Mice At Symphony Hall."
I'm just trying this out.
ReplyDeleteI collected pretty much every years worth of drum corps records starting around 1969. And I can agree with you regarding 1971. Every single junior and senior performance I have from 1971 is stellar in both the book and the recording quality is exceptional. The most dramatic? The US Open in Marion Ohio. The 6th place corps was and still is one of the most powerful performances I've ever heard. That 3 snares could sound like that was nothing I ever imagined. By the way, who is the soloist for the concert piece? Like you have said back then drum corps was pretty much open to anyone. And to have a kid like that be able to play so incredible proves the theory that there are so many diamonds in the rough and _if_ they get the chance and guidance, watch out.
ReplyDeleteMike - thank you for posting! Had I known anyone ever would I certainly would have answered sooner. I guess part of this blogging gig. 1971 ... what can I say I didn't say in my original post? As to the soloist - That would have to be DCHOF soprano Jim Maldonado and the song was "Fistful Of Dollars" which led us into the concert piece:"Three Blind Mice At Symphony Hall."
ReplyDelete