ROCKETS WIN WARREN SPECTACLE OF MUSIC

By Fay and Francis O'Donnell
DCN Sept. 12, 1962 issue

WARREN, Pa., Sept. 3 - An overflow crowd gathered at the War Memorial Field here tonight to witness the Cornplanters 7th Annual Spectacle of Music which was opened by the host corps. The champions of this Labor Day evening contest were the Pittsburgh Rockets with a score of 84.90. The Rockets were the recipients of the traveling trophy which they must win three consecutive years in order to retain it permanently.

Last year's champions, Geneva Apple Knockers, slipped into number two spot by scoring 80.20. Appleknockers have always been a favorite in Warren. This trip the fans really like "Heart of My Heart" and "Jezebel". Following their color presentation Geneva's guard has a tricky drill where the silks are involved in a spin-flip-whip type of maneuver. This really caught the eyes of the people. As you may have noticed many corps have been utilizing one bass drum in a tom-tom effect in concert. Well, the Appleknockers use both of their bass drums in this fashion for "Hawaiian War Chant".

Also high on the popularity list at this contest ---Niagara Militaires. Millitaires score of 78.75 left them in third place. Their uniform of the red and white blazer striped shirt, white trousers, and red socks and white shoes is topped with a straw skimmer and is a pleasant change. Most certainly it matches 100% with their theme. One drum major carries a peppermint stripe cane while their one "helper" is decked out as an old time bartender. This last person we've mentioned moves down the field and salutes the audience with his derby then leaves the field to return at retreat. As one man said he liked the Militaires because he recognized the music because he remembered singing to it and dancing to it when he was younger.

Hamburg Kingsmen's open drill was written by Dick McClain who is kept busy as their drum major. Their guard commander, Pete Brown, is responsible for producing the color guard's drill which is well-integrated into the corps' drill patterns. Incidentally, Dick Lebesque and Jeff Mathes team up for solos in concert of "My Heart Stood Still" and "Stompin' at the Savoy". Just in case some asks you ---- their spinning cymbalyst is Joe Dombroski. From their kick-off of "Kingsmen Fanfare" to the closing "And So To Sleep" with "Remember" as a fanfare, the Kingsmen exhibit a much-improved corps from the past year or so. Oh, yes, the scores! Well, quite close to Militaires as the Kingsmen have 78.07.

Low men on the totem pole with a 77.60 are the Westmoreland Esquires. A three-man rifle exchange and bit of spinning add some interest to the show. Their twister who is from the bugle line was met with varied emotions on part of the audience.

Very special guests for this contest are our good friends from Toronto ---- the Optimists. It's a real head-chopper that riflemen Al Miller, Andy Henderson, and Bill McNab have at the close of "Let Me Entertain You" as they are doing it with fixed bayonets! As always the soloists, Joe and Doug, rated A-No. 1 with the people. There may have been some people who did not recognize Jim McConkey in his new uniform as the last time he was in Warren he was with Archie. An while we're mentioning Jim------- he's celebrating a birthday this month so after you read this how about sending him a card? Tho' you may be a bit late as the date's Sept. 10th, we know he would appreciate hearing from you.