Opti Recaptures Exhibition Title
By Ed Nanni
DCN Sept. 12, 1962

TORONTO, Ont., Aug. 25 - Canada's "Wonder Corps", the Toronto Optimists, re-captured a lost prize tonight at the Canadian National Exhibition's annual Drum Corps Contest.

The year previous, the De La Salle Oaklands stole the title from the Optimists who had retained it since the Exhibition dignitaries originated the contest in 1958.

There was little doubt in the minds of the on-lookers that the Optimists would win, and the crowd seemed more interested in the finishings of the corps from second place on down.

The reason for this interest is two-fold. One - that Canadians had seen all of the competing corps that night many times before -- all but the St. Patrick's Cadets from Jersey City and the Statesmen from Irondequoit, New York. . . . and we may add they were treated to something new. Secondly - both St. Pat's and the Statesmen performed admirably - performed so well, that home-brew Canadian counter-parts were a trifle nervous come retreat time!

And well they might be. The Statesmen brought forth a smart wide-open drill and talented bass soloist. St. Pat's displayed that true Jersey Drum Corps Style that made the crowds sit up. Their drill and music was well executed and played, their drumming sharp and clean - their arrangements well written.

The Optimists turned in a sterling performance. What more may be said. Their more-than-eight-point lead on the second place corps indicates that all reports heard so far on their greatness this season are well-founded. Truly this is the finest junior drum and bugle corps Canada ever produced.

The De La Salle Oaklands gave a spirited but usual performance. We might advise the mentors of Del - Why not try to spend some money on new musical arrangements next season? Perhaps some exciting and interesting horn parts will pull the corps up come next summer. Musically, we'd say Del was out-classed by everyone except the St. John's Girls Corps. Could be the score sheets prove us wrong.... but not that wrong.

Scout House put on a much improved show. It seems the general consensus of drum corps opinion that many would like to see Scout House back up near the top. One thing is certain - with these short-short-clad gentlemen.... you can't beat them for class and precision in drill.

St. John's Girls made a game try - but were really competing way out of their class.

The final tally read like this...
1. Optimists .................... 88.05
2. St. Pat's ..................... 80.40
3. De La Salle ................. 79.65
4. Scout House ............... 77.70
5. Statesmen .................. 77.30
6. St. John's Girls ............ 69.5

THE LAST WORD: Besides the ONE trophy, the Optimists were awarded a $25 deposit on any music they might wish to obtain from Chappel & Company... this firm deals with Concert and Marching Bands... think they'll get much business from the Optimists.... St. Pat's had trouble getting accommodations for the night... seems previous arrangements with the Brothers of De La Salle College went awry.... St. Pat's drill instructor is a female and what a creditable job she does... and the respect she enjoys is well deserved.