Eastern Mass. Tidings
By Herb Cole
DCN Aug. 8, 1962 issue

A move inaugurated by the Springfield Marksmen last year has had pleasant repercussions among other Bay State units this season, with more frequent appearances of the three major religious flags as standard equipment.

Carrying these colors of all faiths has been noticed by old-time observers and has drawn complimentary reviews from these hard-shelled followers. And in the other direction, newcomers to the drum corps orbit have been heard to voice equally laudable remarks.

The three flags weaving in and out of routines is a colorful sight. All will agree with this point. But what is even more important is the democracy it symbolizes. Protestant, Catholic and Jew are represented on the field of competition - - this more than anything else gives true meaning to the oft quoted adage, "Brotherhood of Man" .... and it places drum corps activity on the level of true understanding and respect for a man regardless of race, color or creed.

To those corps who have shown the foresight to demonstrate this good fellowship and to others who will emulate this action in the future, go the congratulations of one who has seen drum corps grow, expand and now blossom into its role as a true representative of the REAL American way of life.

The rapidity of contest-on-contest makes it impossible to give a minute description of each event. Time nor space permits. However, random highlights might serve as a useful substitute.

Cambridge Caballeros registered an impressive win over Garfield Cadets and a couple of weeks later bounced back to prove it wasn't a fluke by topping the New Jerseyites by a comfortable margin. Of course, considerable comment has been elicited by this developement, even to the objectionable point of "home town" decision, with which this writer cannot concur. Allowing for margin of error, the point differential was substantially large enough to warrant the win...... Tony Cagnina is definitely an asset to the fast-coming Peabody Musketeers as attested to by his solo offerings in the soprano horn section.

While the Majestic Knights of Columbus of Charlestown captured the Suffolk County A.L. championship in Hyde Park, one significant note was indeed impressive - - the same Musketeers stepping up a notch from their familiar A-2 class to do battle with A-1 corps, and then coming in fifth in a field of eight. The Knights took every caption in one of their easiest wins of the season. St. Rose Scarlet Lancers of Chelsea was pressing very hard and earned a well-merited second place slot, with the Gatesmen of South Boston finishing third.

Mention embarrassing moments and St. Mary Cardinals have the one to top them all. Right smack in the middle of their CYO contest, the lighting system went kaput and the judges were unable to perform their jobs satisfactorily, thus causing a "no contest" decision to be made ..... last year, it was my unpleasant task to point up the antics of a Conn. corps drum major - - Kevin Purcell of the Torrington Vagabonds. The scene was the same a few weeks ago - - Dilboy Stadium and the Somerville Thunderbirds contest. Purcell and his group lined up on the starting line and came off that spot with a truly creditable showing .. to the point that several others in the stands within earshot distance of this reporter agreed with me in placing them second at worst. Their 4th place finish caused consternation, but what was the most noteworthy part of the Vagabond routine was the improved showing of the corps, aided and abetted by a superior performance by Kevin. He blended in nicely with the corps program and was indeed a credit to the Nutmeg State Organization.

St. Kevin Emerald Knights have introduced a new off-the-field tune, "Voice of the Guns" ..... Holy Trinity Cadets have disbanded, according to reports in circulation at the time this column was written. If the Cadets have definitely called it quits, it will bring to a close a colorful career of youngsters who were up in the thick of things as recently as two years ago. With the departure of Father Carr to Tampa, Florida, the corps has never been the same and many felt that it was just a matter of time.

The Mass. State Legion championship had the Emerald Knights walking off with the junior title with no objection from any quarter. They had it all to themselves and gave a most creditable accounting of their intricate routine and polished music. The Braintree Warriors, in taking M&M, was effective in its performance save for frequent miscues in the horn department. Norwood Debonnaires were much improved in the second half of their show once they did away with the jitters. The Millbury Fife and Drum Corps produced a novel and entertaining display of talent in the combined use of bugles, drums and fifes. Springfield Targets and Pittsfield Monarchs will keep western residents of the Bay State content with their sharp routines.

In the senior division, the Fitchburg Kingsmen officially won the state championship, although the majority of those in the stands felt the verdict could well have gone to the Somerville Thunderbirds.

Mid-season forms (as of August 1) show the Caballeros out front in the A-1 Emass Circuit class, being closely pressed by Immaculate Conception "Reveries", Majestic Knights, Boston Crusaders, and St. Mary Cardinals.

Class A-2 finds the Immaculate Conception of Winchester and Holy Family Defenders of Rockland sharing the lead, with Our Lady of Lourdes of Jamaica Plain and the Musketeers hotly in pursuit. Check in the Assumption Cadets of East Boston as a challenger too .... Belles of St. Mary of Hull and St. Anthony's of Allston are back to their familiar pattern of tieing one another (a-la V.F.W. nationals) in the drill team class. Closely following these two are the Immaculate Conception Coronets of Everett, St. Patrick's Shamrocks of Stoneham and Immaculate Conception of Winchester.

Class C has the Braintree Braves in a commanding spot. Other units rating consideration are St. Mary Crusaders of Beverly, Sir Thomas More Cadets of Braintree, I.C. Reverie Jrs, and St. Anthony Jrs. of Allston.

CONTESTING CONTINUES...........
EMass Circuit (Aug. 25) Hull High School Field; EMass Circuit (Aug. 26) Manchester Field, Winchester; CYO Circuit (Aug. 26) Landry Stadium, Amesbury; EMass Circuit (Sept. 1) Bernardian Bowl; EMass Circuit (Sept. 2) Hurd Stadium, Beverly; CYO championship finals (Sept. 8-9) White Stadium, Boston; EMass championship finals (Sept. 16) location yet to be selected.