Penn-Jersey Observations
By Ernest W. Saxton

DCN July 11, 1962

As I sit here, thinking about just what I can write about for this edition of the bible of drum corpsing, DRUM CORPS NEWS, my mind can not but, wander back several years to the time when drum corps prospered in this Philadelphia area. It was not an uncommon sight to see 10 - 15 drum corps (top notch) show up for a parade or a contest but, since then, drum corps has declined to a dismal state of affairs in the towns surrounding the city of brotherly love. For awhile it seemed that drum corps would once again make its' way up the popularity ladder in this area but that soon came to an end when, the know it all directors of some of the area corps started fighting among themselves, the clique became split, the small corps became jealous and started their own dirt campaigns to ruin the larger corps, the overage crusade was started by the Bernerts, and many other things added to this made drum corps start to decline again and it is still declining.

Take for instance, this years' state competitions in Pennsylvania. They could be really great shows this year but, already the little corps, that don't stand a snowballs chance in H--- of winning the title are protesting the bigger corps for overage, corps jumping, etc. What are they accomplishing??? Well in my opinion, nothing, but in their opinion they are building up drum corps in this area. By knocking down big corps, which are carrying this area's name into the bigggggg contests, they figure it will give the small corps a chance and help to make for better drum corps in this area but that is not true, because when they get rid of the alleged overage kids in the bigger corps, their own kids will want to leave the smaller corps to take a spot in the bigger corps, thus the small corps is no better off now than when they started their smear campaign.

In my estimation, there are many corps that have overage members, corps jumpers, etc., but nothing is ever said. It is just in this one time big drum corps area that the know nothings of drum corps would like to make trouble so that maybe they can take the credit for helping to break up drum corpsing in this area.

Drum corpsing was started for the youth of the nation to learn competitive rules, to learn sportsmanship, to learn travel and have a good time, but it has sort of lost its' meaning and has become a business where the directors and committee throw temper tantrums in front of the members when their corps loses or something of that sort. Aren't you setting a fine example for the members to follow.

It all adds up to this, that drum corps will return to their standings of many years ago and that is the ranks of parade corps and you the directors (not all of them just the know nothings) will be able to grumble and growl because of something you brought on yourself. You say it will never happen??? Well keep up the good work and it will happen sooner than you think, maybe your corps will be parading right behind mine.

Let me drop this subject with this thought, "It is easy to complain and protest but it takes hard work and brains to build a winner". OUT OF MY HEAD!!!!!!

Walker-Dyer Blue Rocks take first win at Easton, Pa. on June 16.......... many, many corps lost muchos money as the rain poured all over the East Coast on the weekend of June 23 - 24.... and many fans are expecting a great deal from the Bracken aggregation after their upset victory over St. Catherines in Levittown, Pa..... still people talking of a BIGGGGGG show in Philly's huge Municipal Stadium ..... National Judges Association getting many jobs, for rates and info contact Bob Jacobs at Gillespie Stree, Phila. 35, Pa.
Vasella's hornline much improved over last season and getting better all the time..... Haddon Heights Vagabonds have one of the best drum lines around these days.......... I heard the Carnegie Hall album and it is nothing short of fabulousssssssss ....... and Dick Blake had to make his way to my humble abode after being soaked during the turential rains of a few weeks ago....... don't forget the competition in Ocean City, N.J. on July 17th, Garfield, Bracken, St. Catherines, Loretto and Dumont all competing in this one..... and guess what, the admission is FREEEEEEE for that show...... Bracken's Big Eastern States Competition to be held at the Woodrow Wilson High School in Levittown this year, and there will be the top corps in the East in competition and the price is still $1.00 ...... and did you hear about the lovely majorette from one of the nations top junior corps who wouldn't go up and accept the fourth place trophy at a recent competition because she would be embarrased but she was right up there when the corps took first the following week...... And so how was your week????????