"... I thought the show committee did a great job, especially considering this was the first time the Royal Air Senior Corps sponsored a show.  Let me a assure you (as one of the youngest members -- at 51 -- of the Royal Airs drum line) that the heat and humidity were a killer at the afternoon practice and the show.  We also rehearsed all day in unrelenting heat on Saturday.  I am amazed that we didn't have one person pass out (as far as I know) last night.  It is a testiment to the dedication of drum corps folks from our era that they attempt this at all.  Having said that, I will be making an appointment with my doctor because of severe cramping in my hands and back probably caused by heat exhaustion and dehydration, in addition to twelve hours of drumming and carrying the drum two days in a row.  And I'm one of the healthier members!  However, I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world. 

I'm told that humidity wreaks havoc on horn intonation, but I didn't notice any problems with that last night.  Judging by the crowd reaction, I get the feeling that our attempts were well appreciated by most of the Glory Daze participants and others in the audience.  I have to tell you that all of us couldn't wait to get off that field and out of those wool uniforms.  It was a 3-shower day!

It is my hope that next year, we will have a Saturday night show where people will be more likely to hang around longer.  Maybe we can prepare more vintage songs representing more of the corps of our era, and incorporate drum parts into them also.  I wish there was a way we could order 70 degree weather with 0 percent humidity, but I guess it could have been worse!

Below is the RA schedule for the rest of the year.  Some of these shows feature some of the top 12 DCI corps also.  On behalf of the Vanguard crew waaring blue (Sam Agnello, Marguerite Hohs Glaeser, Ron Green, Gemette (Kupec) and Jim Grothman, Dorothy LeBeau Holmgren, Maureen Heinz Nelson, Rich Stanczak, Pat Rymer Sylvia, Ed Violett, Paul Zimny and Lee Romes Aitken), thanks for coming out and representing the glory days of drum corps.  I look forward to seeing you all next year or sooner!"

Cathy (O'Connell) Letourneau (Vanguard Jr & Sr, Royal Airs Sr)

"... Those that were there had a great time, at least from my observation.   The show was actually better than those I was at last year.  Some of the programs were actually written so that the music is understandable.  Phantom played Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris.  Maybe some are learning that original compositions just don't cut it with the alumni crowd. Royals' put on an inspiring show with a swing version of Stars and Stripes.    All in all everyone seemed to have a good time and are looking to the next opportunity to get together. "

Art Marks (Vanguard)