Thursday, May 11, 2006

Torrington Vagabonds Announce Big Switch

DCN June 5, 1963 issue

The American Legion Post No. 38 Vagabonds Drum Corps has abandoned its Derbys, Vests and Red shoes for a new military type uniform of blue and black which was by the Kost Sportswear Co. of Rochester, N.Y.

In addition to new uniforms, the Vagabonds will present a new show with new music under the capable direction of a new drum major Ed Welles, former drum major of the Connecticut Hurricanes. Welles replaces Kevin "Purcy" Purcell who because of business commitments has left the corps.

The Vags will step off the line with a 36 man horn line with new music arranged and instructed by Darcy Davis. The corps will have a vastly improved percussion section instructed by William Rotello and a 15 man color guard, co-captained by Al Wesolowski and Lou Gesmondi, with a new drill pattern, designed and instructed by Ed Welles.

The Vagabonds will present their annual "Pageant of Drums" Sat. July 27, 1963 featuring some of the finer corps from the Northeastern Circuit.

The Vagabonds have a few open dates in the coming season. Anyone desiring to engage them should contact manager Steve Kos Jr., (omitting old address) Torrington, Connecticut.


Carver At Carnegie


DCN June 5, 1963 issue

Herkimer Wins

*Letters To The Editor*
DCN June 5, 1963 issue

Dear Sir;

Your May 8th issue states that "Crusaders Win Nedrow Standstill" on April 27. We can assure you that the Prospect Crusaders would like to do just this. However, the score was 87.6 for the Herkimer Corps and 87.2 for the Crusaders. Also, on May 18th, we beat them again in Oswego, N.Y. This time Herkimer scored 82.7 and Prospect scored 77.7.

As we have a few fans in your state, we feel you should change this in your next issue out. Thank you.

Sincerely yours,
James A. Riddell, Sec.
Herkimer Troubadours


Royals, Coastmen Win At Sanford

By A.W. Brooks
DCN June 5, 1963 issue

Many of this region's top color guard competitors wrote "fine" to their list of performances for the season at tonight's well attended V.F.W. "Colors In Motion" held in the Memorial Gym.

The white-clad Bell City Royals of Bristol, Connecticut, and Bud Clark's black-capped Coastmen of Rockland, Maine, annexed top honors in their respective classes.

In grabbing top spot in the "A" classification, the Royals had to fend off the challenge of the Rochester Graniteers, last year's "Colors In Motion" champions. The Rochester group took highs in M&M and General Effect while Dick Boyer's Bristol crew were up on Carriage of Equipment. The results listed the Royals with a minute advantage of two-tenths over their number one rival in the final standings. Bell City posted 89.20 to an evaluation of 89.00 for the Graniteers.

Third position went to the fast-moving Crimson Lancers of Auburn who received a mark of 86.40 to best the Berlin Crusaders in fourth at 85.20. Fifth position was awarded to the Golden Eagles of Portsmouth with 82.50. In their first competitive appearance, the new all-male Warriors guard of Lewiston earned a final mark of 76.50 for sixth spot.

Continuing their domination of "B" circles for this region, the Coastmen used their drill proficiency to advantage in registering a decisive margin of victory over relative new-comer Milford Spartans in the eight entry field.


Crowd At Carnegie


DCN June 5, 1963 issue

La Belle Province de Quebec


DCN June 5, 1963 issue

Ray Dandridge Sky Carnegie

DCN June 5, 1963 issue

Into The Limelight 6-5-63

by George F. McDaniel
DCN June 5, 1963 issue

The SILVER KNIGHTS, newest of the P.A.L. Drum and Bugle Corps, come from Fall River, Mass. They were organized last Fall and have 40 boys on bugles, 8 boys on drums, 1 Drum Major, and an all-girl color guard and Drill Team, for a total of 70 members.

Instructors are Robert Guillmette on Drums, Al Rainone and "Cy" Young on Bugles, and SGT. Francis Kelly of the U.S. Marine Corps on Drill.

Anyone living in the Fall River area interested in joining the ranks of the Silver Knights should contact Mr. John E. Fusco, Drum Corps Division, 195 Eastern Avenue, Fall River, Massachusetts. Also, the Silver Knights are interested in securing Street Parades after June 1, 1963. All information should be sent to the above address care of Mr. Van Pavao.

In keeping with the title of this column, Jack's Drum Shop, 238 Stuart Street, Boston, has consented to allow us to use the windows of his store to set up a picture display of the Corps. Pictures as well as information on your corps can be used for this column or for the display can be sent either to this writer at 10 Rock Terrace, Dorchester 25, Mass., or to Jack's Drum Shop.

REMEMBER, the only way that I can honor your Corps is by receiving information on it!