Optimists Upset Senior Pittsburgh Rockets
By Fay & Francis O'Donnell
DCN Aug. 29, 1962 issue

TITUSVILLE, Pa., Aug. 18 - A crowd of approximately 3,000 gathered here tonight to witness the fourth annual MUSIC IN MOTION presented by the Lions Club of Titusville for the benefit of their Save-An-Eye Fund.

Last year's Champions, Pittsburgh Rockets, scored 82.23. However, Toronto Optimists topped this by 1.65 to be named the 1962 Champions.

From the opener "Big Wide Wonderful World" to the ending "The Party's Over", the Optimists had the crowd with them every inch of the way. This is one time that the paying public heartily agreed with the Pa. All-American Judges decision for top spot! New and so effective is the use of fixed bayonets----one of the riflemen slashed the shirt sleeve of one of the others during presentation. The combination of music, "I Believe" and drill pattern for color presentation is so inspirational that it must be seen to be appreciated. Joe Gianna and Doug McKenzie are high on the popularity list as soloists as far as the Titusville folks are concerned. Must remember to mention that --- Jimmy McC. was attired in black and silver for this contest.

What a difference 2 years make! You would never believe that Hamburg Kingsmen are the same corps that appeared in Latrobe several seasons ago! Everything has been changed except the name....This is one of the corps where the guard is integrated into the drill and the flag bearers function similar to guidons part of the time. Riflemen are featured in a session of exchanges, manuals, and spins during "Ghost Riders In The Sky". Part of concert "My Heart Stood Still" has a spinning cymbalyst with a second portion featuring two soloists in "Stomping at the Savoy". The Kingsmen scored 77.50 for third place.

Close on Hamburg Kingsmen's heels, Esquires scored 76.48 to be the number four corps of the night. Esquires have added interest in their concert of "Lover Come Back To Me" in the form of a solo. As usual both "Stars and Stripes" and "Rags to Riches" were well received. At retreat Bill Urban from color guard accepted the score sheets for the corps.

Scoring a 70.59, Flying Dutchmen placed fifth. Altho they are last place corps as far as scoring, they rated high on the popularity list. The military appearance of this corps impressed most everyone. This coupled with an open drill and easily recognized music makes a pleasant showing. Enjoyed most is the "Cocktails For 2" and "Frankie and Johnny" concert presentation, "A Mighty Fortress is our Lord", is impressive.

Titusville's neighbors (about 25 miles distant) the Thunderbirds provided the exhibition. Just about the biggest hit of their entire show proved to be the solo and cymbal bit during "In The Mood" portion of concert. The T-birds were out in force at least as far as color guard was concerned. This is the first time this season we remember seeing a full complement in guard and might we say that it looks fine....

After this, the fourth Music In Motion, we would like to give a vote of thanks and good job-well done to Titusville Lions and the contest co-ordinator, Bill Lupher. May the fifth one be even better and more successful!