Optimists, Conky Win

By J. Ian Stott
DCN Aug. 29, 1962

The Ontario Jr. Invitational Championships, sponsored by Canada's Marching Ambassadors, even had the weather enthralled. It had been raining off and on all afternoon, but let up for the show. Then started again after retreat.

And what a show. There were 8 competing corps - 3 in the Jr. B class and 5 in the Jr. A.

Brantford Belltones pleasantly surprised us and put out a good effort; but of course, the Conqueror (Hamilton Jr. Optimists) walked away with the prize. These boys could probably put up a real fight in the Jr. A class (see scores below).

The other competing corps, York Lions of Toronto, showed they have come a long way in a short time, but need more work.

The first of the Jr. A corps to step on the field was Opti. And they were on! From the moment Jim McConkey took off his green Optimist Jacket to reveal a sequin-studded black and silver uniform (and, of course, that buckle) everyone knew that the Jr. A competition would be a battle for 2nd place. GE was tops (even Jimmy running for his life to get out from between two converging lines), as were drums, bugles and execution. Everyone I talked to during the show agreed that tonight they were unbeatable. Yes, I mean that. Sac., Garfield, Cavaliers, - no one. This corps was hot.

Next came Midtowners, seemingly improved from Port Hope, where I saw them last. St. John's Girls again showed a good major and color guard, but execution leaves much to be desired.

Next on the line was Del, and you had to feel sorry for them. You could tell that De La Salle was up for this one, and they gave it their all. They looked good, sounded good and marched good (pardon the English) but, as previously mentioned, their arch rivals, the Toronto Optimists couldn't be beaten. Speaking of Del, isn't it a shame that with those uniforms, they couldn't come up with something better for their drum major?

Scout House was on last, and showed an improved horn line Varsity (the Jr. International), but that line still needs a lot of work.

Before the scores were announced, there were comments to the effect that Opti tonight would have given the Royalaires a run for their money. Then, when their 82.75 was announced, we all felt that this was low. However, congratulations to the Ambassadors for putting on one of the best Jr. competitions we've seen in a long time.

The scores:
Jr. B division
Hamilton Jr. Opt ............ 72.5
Brantford Belltones ..... 62.4
York Lions ...................... 58.7
Jr. A division
Toronto Optimists ......... 82.75
De La Salle ...................... 76.15
Preston Scout House ... 70.95
Midtowners ..................... 67.90
St. John's Girls .............. 62.25

Racine Kilties 1962

Drum Corps News Aug. 29, 1962 issue

RACINE KILTIES perform in the V.F.W. Nationals show.

CAVALIERS, BUCS REPEAT AS VFW TITLEHOLDERS

Royal Airs, Garfield Trail In Jr. Show;
Nearly 15,000 View Minneapolis Pageant
DCN Aug. 29, 1962

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Aug. 15 - The Park Ridge, Ill. Cavaliers and the Reading, Pa. Buccaneers successfully defended their V.F.W. National Championship crowns here tonight before nearly 15,000 fans at Parade Stadium.

The Cavaliers outpointed their crosstown rival, the Blue Island Royal Airs and ten other top junior corps, while the Bucs defeated the Irondequoit, N.Y. Crusaders and two other seniors to retain their title.

As was the case in last years Miami finals, the juniors show provided most of the suspense and excitement as the Midwestern corps continued to dominate the field, this time capturing the two top places.

The top New Jersey entries, the Garfield Cadets and the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, finished third and fourth respectively.

St. Kevins Emerald Knights of Dorchester, Mass. finished fifth to head the New England contingent, Cambridge, Mass. Caballeros were eighth and the Beverly, Mass. St. Mary's Cardinals came in tenth.

The remaining junior fianlists were Madison Scouts, 6th; Norwood Park Imperials, 7th; Belleville, Ill. Black Knights, 9th; Racine Kilties, 11th; and Racine Scouts, 12th.

A 1.5 point bulge in horns provided the Cavaliers with their victory over arch-rival Royal Airs, who had already toppled the champions three times in Midwest contests this season.

With 19 new men in their lineup and faced with perhaps the strongest junior competition in years, there had been some doubt about the Cavaliers ability to repeat last year's triumph, but their performance left little question in the mind of most of the spectators.

The Green Machine has retained their popular "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and their exit medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows". Concert this year is "Bei Mir Bist Du Schein."

The fluid-marching Royal Airs featured a medley of "Over There" and "America the Beautiful", ending in a beautiful saxaphone-like sound from the horns and a concert of "Rhapsody in Blue".

Biggest hand of the night went to the Madison Scouts for their modernistic-sounding concert of "Ballet in Brass," arranged by Music Director Nick Vendon. The Scouts' different-sounding music ranged from "Camelot" and the march "El Capitan" to arrangements of the classical "Ritual Fire Dance" by DeFalla and "Finlandia" by Sibelius.

Musically, there was no more outstanding corps on the field than Garfield, which repeated its third place finish of a year ago, from the Cadets opening contra bass-reinforced fanfare of "King of Kings" through "Climb Every Mountain", "Tonight" and "Maria."

Sac, which slipped from second last year to fourth, retained nearly all of their 1961 music, including the haunting finale of "In the Still of the Night." The Golden Knights were the victims of poor timing when the first intermission was suddenly announced after they were all set to go on the starting line.

Competition was so keen among the 33 junior corps in the daytime preliminaries that many outstanding units were eliminated. St. Raphael's Golden Buccaneers of Bridgeport, Conn. lost out by only 4, while St. Joseph's of Batavia, N.Y. received the bad news that they had failed to make the finals because of a six-point tabulating error while the corps was getting ready for the evening show.

After the outstanding junior show, the senior competition proved anti-climatic.

The Crusaders provided the only serious threat to Reading's Buccaneers, while local favorite Hamm's Indians and the Kenosha, Wisc. Kingsmen trailed badly.

Senior Finals:
Reading Buccaneers .... 82.45
Crusaders ..................... 79.90
Hamm's Indians ........... 69.80
Kingsmen ..................... 59.90

Junior Finals:
Cavaliers ................... 88.20
Royal Airs ................. 87.20
Garfield Cadets ......... 85.95
Blessed Sac. .............. 83.30
St. Kevin's ................. 82.50
Madison Scouts ........ 81.25
Norwood Park ........... 80.95
Cambridge Cabs ....... 78.80
Black Knights ........... 77.30
St. Mary's ................. 75.10
Racine Kilties ........... 74.20
Racine Scouts ........... 70.35

Crusaders, Opti N.Y.-Canadian Champs
DCN Aug. 29, 1962 issue

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 4 - Rochesters' Crusaders and the Toronto Optimists repeated as New York Canadian Champions, the Crusaders for the second straight year, and the Optimists for the fourth straight. In fact, no other Junior Corps has ever won the title in the four years that the NY-CAN has held a Junior competition.

The Optimists captured the Junior crown with a score of 86.3 to top all corps, both Junior and Senior. The Crusaders took their well deserved victory with an 86.2. Following are the scores for both Divisions in the Finals:

Junior division
OPTIMISTS, Toronto, Ont. ............ 86.30
ST. JOSEPH'S Batavia, N.Y. ........... 80.55
DE LASALLE, Toronto, Ont. ........... 79.20
STATESMEN, Rochester, N.Y. ........ 76.35

Senior division
CRUSADERS, Rochester, N.Y. ......... 86.20
GREY KNIGHTS, Rochester, N.Y. ... 80.70
JESTERS, Toronto, Ont. .................. 78.90
VISCOUNTS, Hamilton, Ont. .......... 67.45
FLYING DUTCHMEN, Kitchener, Ont. 62.15
LE TROUBADORS, Hull, Ont. .......... 62.00

Richmond Hawks 1962

Drum Corps News Aug. 29, 1962 issue

RICHMOND HAWKS Jr. Corps members from Richmond, Calif. show off their new drums and shakos as they prepare for the American Legion Nationals Oct. 7 in Las Vegas. The corps has won their last two contests in Stockton and the Napa County Fair competition. The Hawks are under the direction of Bill Medina, and Tom Wuetrich is manager. They are sponsored by the Richmond Moose Lodge.

California Drumbeat

By Melvyn P. Lee
DCN Aug. 29, 1962

The Stockton Caballeros hosted Northern California corps in a parade and competition that was held in conjunction with the Captain Weber Celebrations during the weekend of July 28th and 29th. Much credit for the success of the contest has to go to Manuel Pimental and the Stockton Caballeros. Four weeks before the contest, there was actually no contest. All the corps in Northern California were itching to get onto the competition field again. Manuel heard this and got to work. Not only did he set up a competition for drum and bugle corps and color guards, he also managed to accomodate corps with sleeping quarters and did the leg work in finding eating facilities. All units owe a special thanks to Manuel.

The big weekend started off with a big parade. Thousands lined the parade route and countless others watched the parade on television. Northern California top corps, the Delta Thunder birds, the Richmond Hawks, Cathay, the Capitalaires, and the Stockton Caballeros participated. In the junior division, the Cathay All-Girls Color Guards captured first place with a very well executed drill. The Cathay Drum and Bugle won the drum and bugle award with a striking "Where or When". The Stockton Caballeros corps and color guard unit both won first place in the senior division. The Cabs formed three diamonds with the flags inside them and then broke out into parade formation as they passed the reviewing stand. A very spectacular drill, wellexecuted, won the Sweepstakes award for them as the best marching unit in the parade.

After the parade, a jamboree in which all corps, except the Hawks, who took off immediately after the parade, participated. The Delta Thunderbirds won a trophy for being the best bally-hooer in the group.

After a near sleepless night, the units gathered at Edison High School Field where the competition was held. The sky was clear and it was HOT. The Caballeros Color Guards presented the colors. Although this guard was formed only three months ago, they are very well polished. The girls have not missed a practice during these three months. This perfect attendance shows in their very fine marching. After a very brief delay, the Hawks Color Guard stepped off the line to start the contest. A little bit of Madison showed through in their drill, which included bombshells and much spinning. It is little wonder why this is true because their instructor is ex-Madison Tom Wuetrich. The Hawks put on a very fine show. Their ragged company fronts seemed to tell their story. They were awarded second place in the color guard contest.

Second off the line was the Cathay All-Girls Color Guard, which features 10 flags, a guard and a captain. A smooth G.E. packed drill, executed with percision, earned Cathay first place. Their "X" drill, with a spinning take off after is most effective, and was again the most outstanding drill of the contest. Although their lines were not quite straight all the time, they were sharp enough to overcome all the other guards and retain their unchallenged superiority in Northern California Color Guard circles.

Third off the line and coming in third in the contest were the Delta Thunderbirds. Displaying 7 flags, 2 guards and a captain, the Thunderbirds put on a very fine show which was indicative of all the guards participating in the contest. Their captain was most impressive, and really knew how to give commands. I'm sure she knows how to keep the girls in line, too!

From the far distance, one could hear the beginning fanfare of the "March of the Olympians". With this , the high-flying Hawks came on the fields. Extra effort had to be put on to beat the other corps, but, boy, did these guys put out. "No Other Love" concert was very smooth and "Blues in G", just wild. A fine job was done by Medina's Mob and for their efforts, they were awarded first place as they nipped their crossbay rivals.

Next off the line was Cathay. The many holes in their line definitely hurt their M&M. The company fronts were quite ragged, but the music came through very well. In the concert of "Fanny", we saw a bass drummer playing tenor drum, a snare drummer playing bass drum and the cymbals at the same time. Believe you me, this is hard."Americans, We" was outstanding, along with "You Are My Destiny".

With the juniors now perched in the stands, the seniors took the field. First off the line were the Capitaliers from Sacramento. Although small in number, these guys were big in effort. Every man in the line put out his heart in their performance. "St. Louis Blues" stands out in my mind. A second place award was given to them for their very fine show.

To the sounds of "The Gay Rancheros", the Caballeros stepped off the line. The "Hawthorne" of the West put on a grand show that was the best of the day. For their tremendous efforts, they not only won first place, but trophies for the best drumming and bugling of the day. As soon as the Caballeros stepped over the finish line, the Delta Thunderbirds marched off the starting line. This corps put on an outstanding exhibition. For a corps their size, they produce a very big sound. Already boasting a fine drum line, the Delta Thunderbirds will be hard to contend with once their horn line develops within the next few years.

The retreat ran without a hitch; and, oh yes, fellow DCN scribe, Russ Bell, did a most magnificent job in being the M.C. of the show. His introduction and information of each performing corps was just out of this world. Russ was also educating the people on how the units were judged. If only the Legion could hear this guy. Boy, would he make the Legion contest lively.

TIDBITS: Hopes on forming a Winter Color Guard Circuit in Northern California is coming into light. Although it is only in the thinking stages, seven guards have shown interest. Big guns to make this project a reality is Bob Madden and Tom Wuetrich. Hope everything works out. Northern California picture brightening up. Already had four field competitions with at least two more slated.

Time to close for another issue, with hope of a brighter future for all California corps. To think I haven't spoken about the state contest this issue. Hope to hear from all of you out there. Just drop me a line even though you have nothing to say. Just like to receive mail. Till next time, drop me a line. (Wherefore art thou, Harvey?)

Drummers Service

By John R. Dowlan
DCN Aug. 29, 1962 issue

ARE BIGGER DRUM SECTIONS REALLY WORTH THE EFFORT?

For years now we have sat back and watched our drum lines dwindle to a bare minimum. At times we have even seen entry into competition with blank files that should have been drummers. I will admit that talent and instruction may be limited in certain areas, and many "would be" good drummers will just not devote the proper amount of time, practice and study necessary to master the techniques of rudimental drumming. However, another, and possibly the most important aspect to consider is our present scoring methods.

According to the current American Legion Score Sheets a General Effect caption of only 3 and 1/3 points is available to give proper credit where due and most drum judges I have seen do not take advantage of this, but would rather group the scores closely together and appear to be afraid to give a justified spread by any large margin. This is hurting our better and more experienced drum lines and by the same token is very misleading to sections of lower quality standard. Many judges associations have been deducting up to one full point for a missing snare drummer, which can definitely show bearing in the final outcome of a tight contest by hurting the entire corps; but, under our present system of judging, which reflects mainly on the score sheets themselves, we can gain practically nothing by adding one or more drummers and stand to be severely penalized if we have a missing man.

It appears to me that it should work both ways. . .
if we are going to deduct for a vacancy then we must increase credit build-ups for the inclusion of additional personnel. On several occasions in recent weeks, I have witnessed the larger drum sections do better than an adequate performance execution-wise, but receiving no extra compensation for this exhibition of talent. Naturally, more errors are to be expected and this stands to reason, but on the other hand, it should be realized that many extra hours of planning, preparation and toil are involved when an accomplishment of this nature has been undertaken..... not to mention cost of additional expenses involved in the purchasing of new equipment, uniforms, etc.

Horn lines are growing all the time and now balance is the new problem confronting us. Must three snare drummers "pound" in order to achieve maximum volume for proper balance? This is hardly the way to attain clean execution and showmanship. To overcome this problem, it becomes apparent that an increase in percussion manpower is now justified.

Now don't misunderstand the true meaning of this discussion. I am NOT saying that a drum line with only two snare drummers for example, should not be penalized, for I feel this is only fair, but my feelings are that a larger drum line, maintaining proper balance within itself and the bugle section, while doing at least a mediocre job in execution, should be given a higher General Effect score and by a substantial amount ... not just one or two tenths! Unless we get together and voice our opinions and express our viewpoints where and when it counts, I feel certain that the situation will get worse before it gets better.

One possible solution might be to deduct 10 points from the 30 points now allowed in field drums and put these full 10 points into the General Effect Drum sheet.... and until this or something similar is done we will not see the bigger drum sections that we should have in our Drum Corps today.

While on the subject, I should like to congratulate Archer-Epler "Musketeers" for the nice job their new six-man snare drum line did at Lewisburg, Pa., a few weeks ago, which was a pleasure to see and hear. Too bad, fellas, that the GE Drum sheets will not permit due credit for this accomplishment, and the GE Drum Judge did not appreciate something different when he witnessed your performance. I wonder what it must take to impress some people? I would appreciate hearing this man's side of the story..... maybe we can all learn something!

In conclusion . . . Are bigger Drum Sections really worth the effort? . . . What do you think?

Madison Scouts Win 4th Annual Fiesta Musicana
DCN Aug. 29, 1962 issue

APPLETON, Wis., Aug. 19 - Madison Scouts won the Fourth Annual FIESTA MUSICANA held here today at Whiting Field before an estimated 3,000.

Amidst the colorful decorations of the FIESTA, the beautiful sight and sound of the "MADISON SCOUTS" with such selections as "YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE" and "FINLANDIA", enthralled the audience and garnered for themselves a first place and the HOLLENBECK MEMORIAL TROPHY. Madison also won trophies for high DRUMS and GENERAL EFFECT.

The defending champion, the RACINE SCOUTS took second, winning the high BUGLE score and trophy with such selections as "SWEET GEORGIA BROWN", "BULL FIGHTER", and "OUT OF THIS WORLD".

The ST. MATTHIAS CADETS put in their first appearance at the FIESTA and immediately gained the crowds favor with such selections "I'LL WALK WITH GOD", "MOON RIVER" and "TILL WE MEET AGAIN" placing third close behind Racine.

Touring the Midwest, The "CASPER WYOMING TROOPERS" felt right at home in the MARCHING and MANEUVERING caption, garnering that trophy while placing fourth overall with such musical selections as "RIDERS IN THE SKY", "JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME", and "OLD DEVIL MOON".

In fifth place, the MENOMINEE NORTHERNAIRES put on a performance that the audience well recognized. Their show had the audience burst into applause throughout their drill rendering such songs as "EVERYTHING IS COMING UP ROSES", "VOLGA BOATMAN", and "TEMPTATION".

The MERCURY THUNDERBOLTS, a smaller corps this year put everything they had into their performance and scored with the audience on such selections as "CONQUEST", "RALLY 'ROUND THE FLAG", and "SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY". They took sixth place.

The scores:
Madison Scouts ........ 85.4
Racine Scouts ........... 83.3
St. Matthias .............. 82.2
Troopers ................... 79.6
Northernaires ........... 77.0
Thunderbolts ............ 73.8

Targets Host Ludlow Show

By Tom Gilmartin
DCN Aug. 29, 1962 issue

LUDLOW, Mass., July 29 - The Targets Drum & Bugle Corps of Springfield played host today to about 22 competing corps from a three state area, in a contest sanctioned by the Mass. Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps Assoc. at Whitney Park in this city. An estimated 2,000 persons watched the parade, which started at the Recreation Center, and the contest at the park.

St. George Olympians of Springfield, in the male junior class, won first place in color guard appearance, second in valve bugle and tied for second in corps appearance.

O'Reiley's Lassies of New Britain, Conn., in the female junior class, placed first in fife, drum and bugle, and won second place in corps appearance and M&M.

Scarlet Marauders of West Swanzey, N.H., in the male junior class, took three firsts - corps appearance, M&M, and valve bugle.

Polish American Vets of Chicopee, male junior and female junior class, tied for second in corps appearance, first in color guard, and first in combination.

Whip City of Westfield, male senior class, won first in corps appearance and second in both color guard appearance and combination.

Polish National Alliance (PNA) of Worcester, male and female class, won first in valve bugle and M&M, and second in color guard appearance.

Oxford Juniors of Oxford, female junior class, took first place in both corps appearance and junior modern fife.

Commanders of Haydenville, male and female senior class, were first in color guard appearance and second in corps appearance.

The 1849'ers Golden Nuggets of Chicopee, male junior class, were first in color guard appearance and second in junior modern fife.

Liberty of Westfield, male senior class, won first in both combination and color guard appearance.

Franciscan Aires of Willimansett, male junior class, tied for second in corps appearance, and placed first in junior modern fife.

Bennies of New Britain, Conn., female class, placed first in valve bugles.

Majors and majorettes winning first in the major appearance class were: Cheryl Turner of the Royal Columbians, James Bardon of the 1849'ers Golden Nuggets, Doree Kwirn of Liberty and Bill Smith of Whip City. Second place winners were: Carol Gould of Franciscan Aires, Thomas Wright of Scarlet Marauders, Elizabeth Hanley of Worcester PNA, and Charles Lecoce of the Commanders.

Highlight of the day was an exhibition by the Sprinfield Marksmen, a member of the association since they formed in '57 and present champs of the Northeastern Circuit of M&M.

The Marksmen, plagued with a number of holes in the line, came through with a smooth show. The famed color presentation of "Our Father" and "I Believe" are still the top spot of the show. When mentioning the Marksmen, one must not forget to make note of the fine solo work by Santa Claus (Roderick Belanger).

Indians Win Minnesota A.L. Title

By Jim Ward
DCN Aug. 29, 1962 issue

DULUTH, Minn., July 27 - Taking top scores in all captions and picking up the coveted Tommy Forestner drum trophy, the Hamm's Indians of St. Paul won the second consecutive Minnesota State Legion title here today. Taking top honors in the Junior division were the Spamtown Lancers of Austin.

Hamm's came off the line last with a powerful "Rhapsody in Blue" fanfare and then went into their "Sky Blue Waters-Totem Tom Tom" theme. Their colorful and unusual uniforms, long flowing blue silk flags, and all-musical theme won the acclaim of the small crowd and the favor of the judges as the corps scored a 91.7 to top second place St. Peter Govenaires by 3 1/2 points. The drum line scored a 28.5 to easily win the Forestner trophy. The Bob Altmann directed concert of "Blue Moon" was the highlight of the evening and the corps brought cheers with numbers like "My Blue Heaven" and "Blue Tango".

The second place St. Peter Govenaires could manage to put only 17 horns and a five man drum line on the field. The bugles were clean and the soloist did a very fine job on the "Cherry Pink" concert, ala Hawthorne. Size and drill obviously hurt this corps.

The Laidlaw Toreadors came off with a fine Spanish fanfare and "Lady of Spain" but from there the show was rather flat. Their 24 horns sounded good in spots and they were the only senior to have 3 snare drummers. M&M hurt them and probably kept them out of second place. As always, they looked impressive but the old Toreador spirit seemed to be missing that night.

Spamtown was easily the best Junior on the field and should have defeated the second place LaCrescet Applearrows by much more than four points. Their horn line was clean and very powerful in spots but the drums were not up with the horns. M&M and GE scores suffered from a poorly written drill. With good instructors, particularly on drums and M&M, this corps could go places in the midwest.

Best musical offerings were "Night and Day" and "September in the Rain". This number is an exact copy of Skokie's arrangement but the corps does a very nice job on it. Their concert is "Malaguena" and this one sounds far too much like the Cambridge Cabs. Their Blessed Sac type uniforms are very sharp but some of the effect is ruined by the awful blur blouses worn by the drum majors and color Sgt.

LaCrescent and the St. Peter juniors were the other corps in the junior division.

Conspicuous by their absence were the defending junior champions, the St. Paul Scouts, who were in Seattle that weekend for the Worlds Fair. Also missing were the once-powerful Ely Dillonaires, who have folded, and the East Side Northernaires of St. Paul, who have reverted to parade corps status.

Winning the senior color guard contest were the Richfield Rifles of Richfield, Minnesota, while the Babcock Debs took the juniors. In copping the state Legion title the Indians became the first senior in Minnesota to win both state championships in one year. The corps topped St. Peter by one point to take the state VFW title in Austin on June 9.

The Forum

The Case Against Drum Corps
By Steve Rosenstein
DCN Aug. 29, 1962

While thumbing through a back issue of "The Instrumentalist" (Nov. '59), I ran across an article entitled: "For Musical Reasons - SHOULD THE DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS BE REPLACED BY THE BRASS BAND?". Here, in part, is what the author, Arthur L. Williams, found in a survey of 100 college band directors.

To the question, "Would you favor replacing the drum and bugle corps with an all-brass band?" , 40 answered yes, 35 no, and a number didn't answer because of lack of experience with drum corps. Here are a few of their comments:

"I feel both have an important place. I have heard drum and bugle corps play outside much better than most bands."

"The drum and bugle corps has a utilitarian function --- and should not be considered in the same terms as the developement of a band. The real future of the band lies on the concert stage, not in the street parades or on the football field. The drum and bugle corps is a special performing medium easily adapted to marching performances. It should be encouraged, not discouraged."

"I think drum corps are a symptom of poor musical taste and have no place in an educational situation. The problem seems to be one of raising musical intelligegence and thus decreasing the interest in such groups."

"The drum and bugle corps has very little musical value repertoire-wise, but a good deal of musical value in the areas of dynamics, articulation, blend, and balance. Because the drum and bugle corps is a simple organization, it can realize a marked degree of precision frequently missing in our outdoor bands. The corps provide for the adult who may be interested in music but who has little previous musical background. Obviously, it is musically inferior to the orchestra and band."

"I -- think -- that the drum and bugle corps can be immensely improved by the use of three valves on all bugles. (!!!!!!!). This would retain the sonority characteristic of the sound of the bugles but would have the advantage of giving them the increase of technical facility."

Professor Williams then gives his personal opinion: "Admiration for the precision marching of the drum and bugle corps is evident. However, many band directors are opposed to the drum and bugle corps on the grounds of its lack of musical expression. Although many drum and bugle corps are marked by constant overblowing of the bugles, better corps have proved that musical dynamics are possible."

"In the English brass band all 3-valved brass instruments are scored in the G clef so that they can be taught together and have the same fingerings. The fact that there are so many brass bands in England among the adult population - which does not have the school music experiences available as we have in the United States -- seems to indicate the brass band is not any more difficult to develop than a fine drum and bugle corps."

Prof. Williams concludes, "There is, however, the possibility that the drum and bugle corps could be developed into a concert organization, givingmusically satisfying concerts of the finest brass band literature, and thus adding another important community activity in which our young people could continue to enjoy the rewards of participation in instrumental music groups after they leave school."

That is, briefly, "the case against drum corps" as stated by one of the leading band magazines in the country. I will give answers to these misconceptions about drum corps in the next issue of DCN. If you have any comment, pro or con, concerning this subject, send them to: Steve Rosenstein, Torrington, Connecticut.