Eastern Mass. Tidings

By Herb Cole
DCN Sept. 12, 1962

Despite rumors to the contrary, the Princemen have not folded, although it can be said they were floundering about this summer (and what better place to "flounder" than in ol' Beantown -- just had to get the pun in). Seriously, those ailments that often beset a highly-rated national corps caught up with the Norman Prince and until a few forlorn souls were replaced, there was fear that stagnation might set in permanently.

But to alleviate and allay any further apprehension over total collapse, there are enough proud and true Princemen alumni that would never stand for it. And a rejuvenation took place last month that found Louie Green of Wakefield assuming chairmanship of the Executive Board, Bob Jennings returning to his important post Business Manager and arranger of contest commitments and the acquisition of the famed Scotty Chappel as musical instructor.

On the later point, it might be emphasized that it was during the realm of the same Scotty that Prince soared to the national and even international heights in drum corps. And it is strongly felt that a rebirth and rekindling of interest will be generated that will again put Norman Prince back up where it belongs. Two musical approaches to next season's repertoire are now under consideration. Not at liberty to divulge any further information, yours truly can vouch for the enthusiastic acceptance that either will receive from the stands in 1963. One borders on the unique and novel side (never attempted by any corps to my knowledge) while the other could produce endless moments of captivating music Chappel-style. 'Nuf said.

So watch for further developements from a live 'n kickin' Princemen (again, a seafood term describing lobsters perhaps but symbolic of the spirit and drive of the HUB-men)

THANKS DEPT.... To the Militiamen and Scarlet Lancers for the swell decal.... CONGRATS DEPT..... to the Chicago Cavaliers on successfully retaining their VFW junior title and to the other midwestern corps that finished so high up in the standings according to the scores announced. We're also very proud of the showings by the Emerald Knights, Caballeros and Cardinals even though the judges thought otherwise...and especially proud of the Belles of St. Mary of Hull for their national drill tean championship win.

Ever hear of the case of the man who bit off more than he could chew -- well, yours truly belongs in this class. For the second summer in a row, I have been engaged in a publicity-promotional capacity for two stock car racing tracks and though the actual racing nights don't conflict with drum corps contest dates, I have found it exceptionally hard to cover competitions on the weekends (using the time instead to develop new ideas and follow-thru in my temporary stock car assignment). Thus, if no detailed descriptions of competitions are contained in this column, it is not a lack of interest but a lack of time.

I hope that this situation will not occur next season for there's reams of copy to write about such fine units as the Cambridge Caballeros, Immaculate Conception Reveries, Boston Crusaders, St. Mary Cardinals, Majestic Knights of Columbus of Charlestown and the rest of the impressive Class A-1 division... and ditto for the Immaculate Conception Queensmen, Holy Family Defenders, Our Lady of Lourdes, Peabody Musketeers, Assumption Cadets et all in A-2.

Certainly, there's plenty of good words that can be penned about St. Anthony's Blue Diamonds, St. Patrick's Shamrocks, Belles of St. Mary, St. Rose Scarlet Lancerettes, Immaculate Conception Queens Cadets and Coronerts and other excellent groups the Drill Teams... and without a doubt, endless paragraphs could be typed about Sir Thomas More, the Braintree Braves, I.C. Reveries Jrs., St. Mary Crusaders and the remaining young fellows and gals in Class C. But we'll have to wait until '63. And if I left any name out of the above listing, it was not intentional, for quite frankly (and I feel very strongly about this point) every unit is as important as the next one and none should be cast down purposely.