Brass And Percussion

DCN Sept. 12, 1962 issue
THE EAST
By Bill Stalzer

DREAM CONTEST, Aug. 26 - A crowd in the area of 30,000 witnessed a dream come true. Here are my comments: Archie's drum line sounding great with 5 snare and 4 tenor. This might be the beginning of big drum lines again. Hawthorne almost upset by Archie and the Skyliners. Reilly's drum major looking a bit like Al Jolson when the corps played "Mandy". Yankee Rebels concert of "The Stripper" was fabulous. They even had one of their horn players act like a stripper. They really stole the hearts of the crowd. As they were leaving the field at retreat, they played in front of the people who were sitting at the finish line. The people kept yelling for more and more.

The Bon Bon's have improved much over the last year, especially their drum line. This was the finest performance the girls have put on this season. They are really beginning to jell. By the end of the season, they will pull a few surprises. The Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights were booed on to victory today. I would have been disappointed if they hadn't. Now that we are on the subject of booing. I have this to say. Any persons who boo another corps or do not show due respect to them are only showing their ignorance.

One particular issue was when the Conn. Hurricanes came on the field. As expected, their fans were going wild. When the remaining senior corps came on, who were better except for one, they just sat there and took it all in. One woman had the nerve to boo the winning Hawthorne Cabs, who are just about perfection in motion. All in all, it was a great show.... The Selden Cadets are looking for a change in drill instructors, and they are looking toward a member of the Carver Gay Blades.

THE WEST
By John Bouteiller

The Richmond Hawks and the Stockton YMI Joaquin Caballeros continued their domination of Northern Calif. corps, as they walked off easily with first place honors at the Napa Fair Contest on August 12th. Second place in each of the categories went to the Delta Thunderbirds of Stockton - Junior; and the Manhart Capitolaires of Sacramento - Senior.

Let's look for a moment at the Juniors. The Hawks continue to improve everytime out and are definitely going to be a threat to the Southern California corps at Las Vegas, if they continue this improving trend. Their presentation is clean throughout and M&M is improving steadily. Frank Rua does an excellent job as field general. Remind anyone of "Wild Bill"? Their score for this show - 82.5

The Delta Thunderbirds proved the surprise of the show. This was the first time for them on the field in actual competition, and when you realize they have only had their drill and four of their seven numbers for three weeks, it is easy to see this is a corps to watch in the future. After a little experience, these kids - who are by the way 3 to 5 years younger - will be giving the Hawks and Cathay a real run for their money. Their score was 75.5

In senior competition, the YMI Caballeros had a fine show, with lots of GE and a very pleasing horn line. Their M&M needs lots of work, and the day they compete against some better class senior corps, this caption will undoubtedly spell defeat. Although the majority of people out here have never seen the fabulous Hawthorne Caballeros, it is very apparent that this corps is trying to imitate the champs. There is such a wide variety of the Spanish-type music available, it would be so easy to be original. Think about it Manuel and Charlie!

The Manhart Capitalaires were the final competing corps. Weak in size and in every competing caption, it makes this writer wonder why a city the size of Sacramento can't enlarge this corps. These few men who are trying so hard to field a good drum and bugle corps, with some new blood, would really be a good, winning units. With all the military installations in the Sacramento area, it seems there must be many drum corps people stationed there. This is a corps that would receive you with open arms, fellows. I'm sorry I don't have the senior scores.

Why do the senior corps in this area march with girl color guards? I like girl guards, but with juniors, not seniors.

I read in Ray and Rita Nicholas' column, the train crossing episode of the Floral Park, N.Y. Mainliners. With all that beef in the horn line, boys, I think the train would have shuddered and stopped.

Until next time, drop a line....