Ventures The Canadian provinces have fielded particularly good all-girl corps in recent years, and the Ventures of Kitchener, Ontario, proved that 1979 was no exception. Intensive practice helped the ladies from north of the border finish on top in the DC/ Al/- Cir/ prelims. However, they ended_ up in second place at the finals for the second consecutive year, despite their top score in percussion and general effect. The Ventures are one of only two all-girl corps who have competed in all five DC/ All-Girl Championships since the contest's inception. 1979 Placing: 2nd in All-Girl Cham- pionship. The many entertaining Canadian corps include the 1st Canadian Regiment, Edmonton, Alberta (left); the Dutchboy Cadets, Kitchener/ Water- loo, Ontario (below, left); and the all-girl Bandettes, Saulte Ste. Marie, Ontario (below).
DCI Canada in 1979 represented a corps, Les Chatelaines and the Ven- number of \"firsts\": the first time a tures, hot on the champion's heels. Canadian regional championship had Many other Canadian corps, smaller been staged by DCI, the first regional and less experienced, were afforded contest of the 1979 season, and the the rare opportunity of participating first DCI regional to include a sepa- in prelims-and making finals!-in a rate class \" A\" and all-girl champion- major competition. These are the ship. (The latter event, incidentally, experiences that help build champion proved so popular that it will be corps of the future, and for this extended to DCI East in 1980.) reason, if for no other, DCl-sponsored Chairman Jack Roberts and the shows for class \"A\" and all-girl corps Ontario Drum & Bugle Corps Associa- should be expanded in the future. tion (co-sponsors of the event with The open-class prelims saw two DCI) helped to demonstrate con- Midwestern entrants-Phantom Regi- clusively that Canada is ready to host ment and the Guardsmen- ahead of big competitions, and that a warm the East's top entrant, the Bridgemen. reception awaits corps who will jour- Farther down the line, the Cavaliers ney to the Canadian-based DCI were ahead of the 27th Lancers, Championships in 1981. Thirty-four followed by the Canada's highest corps from the U.S. and Canada hope, the Offensive Lions. But, as the entered the July 6 and 7 competitions recap reveals, some surprises were in at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, order during finals. Although the Ontario. Regiment handily retained its lead, The Canadian corps were espe- the Bridgemen narrowly turned the cially well represented in the class tables on the Guardsmen, and the \"A\" and all-girl competition. This Offensive Lions edged past 27th. In championship, won by New Jersey's all, it was an exciting evening north of Black Watch, saw two Canadian all-girl the border. I so
DCI CANADA - Hamilton, Ontario - July 6 and 7, 1979 Open Class M&M Drums Brass General Effect #1 Cre. #2 Cre. Avg. #1 #2 Avg. PA Total #1 #2 Avg. MA Total M&M CG Dru. Bug. Total T&P Score Phantom Regiment 14.2 4.3 13.4 4.3 18.10 9.8 10.1 9.95 6.2 16.15 12.6 11.111.85 9.0 20.85 8.5 1.6 8.6 8.8 25.9 0.4 80.60 Bridgemen 12.3 3.8 11.9 4.3 16.15 10.7 10.2 10.45 5.8 16.25 12.1 9.5 10.80 7.9 18.70 8.0 1.4 7.1 8.1 23.5 0.2 74.40 Guardsmen 11.0 4.1 12.0 4.0 15.55 7.8 9.0 8.40 5.7 14.10 12.3 10.9 11 .60 8.7 20.30 8.1 1.4 8.0 8.5 24.6 0.4 74.15 Cavaliers 12.1 3.9 13.3 4.1 16.70 9.2 9.1 9.15 6.2 15.35 11.9 9.6 10.75 7.5 18.25 7.2 1.2 7.7 7.8 22.7 0.2 72.80 Offensive Lions 9.6 3.4 11.4 3.9 14.15 9.1 9.4 9.25 6.7 15.95 11.0 10.3 10.65 8.3 18.95 7.3 1.3 7.2 7.7 22.2 1.3 69.95 27th Lancers 8.8 4.0 8.6 4.0 12.70 8.9 8.9 8.90 5.9 14.80 10.9 7.7 9.30 7.3 16.60 8.0 1.5 7.5 8.2 23.7 0.1 67.70 Boston Crusaders 11.8 3.9 11.9 3.7 15.65 6.3 8.7 7.50 5.4 12.90 10.1 8.6 9.35 7.8 17.15 7.0 1.3 7.2 7.4 21.6 0.1 67.25 Long Island Kingsmen 8.1 3.4 10.3 3.3 12.55 7.4 8.1 7.75 4.2 11.95 11.1 10.2 10.65 7.0 17.65 6.3 1.2 6.6 6.9 19.8 0.4 61.55 Royal Crusaders 9.8 3.2 9.7 3.0 12.85 7.9 9.1 8.50 4.4 12.90 11.6 8.8 10.20 6.1 16.30 6.1 1.1 5.8 5.8 17.7 0.1 59.65 Troopers 10.6 3.5 9.6 3.1 13.40 5.9 7.2 6.55 4.5 11.05 10.9 8.7 9.80 6.9 16.70 5.4 1.0 6.3 5.4 17.1 0.1 53.15 Holy Family Defenders 7.6 3.4 9.6 2.9 11.75 7.5 8.5 8.00 4.6 12.60 9.5 6.4 7.95 6.8 14.75 5.8 1.1 5.6 6.1 17.5 0.1 56.50 Greece Cadets 7.9 3.6 11.0 3.4 12.95 5.8 6.6 6.20 4.0 10.20 10.8 6.9 8.85 7.1 15.95 5.7 1.0 6.2 5.2 17.1 0.1 56.10 (Judges: M&M #1 , Williams; #2, Morey; Drum #1, Nelson; #2, Darch; PA, Anderson; Brass #1, Gale; #2, Opie; MA, Olsen; GE M&M, Martin; GE Drum, Roe; GE Brass, Levy) Class \"A\" / All-Girl M&M Drums Brass General Effect #1 Cre. #2 Cre. Avg. #1 #2 Avg. PA Total #1 #2 Avg. MA Total M&M CG Dru. Bug. Total T&P Score Black Watch 11.0 3.6 10.4 3.1 14.05 7.2 8.4 7.80 5.2 13.00 10.8 8.9 9.85 7.5 17.35 5.7 1.1 5.8 6.6 18.1 0.4 62.10 Les Chatelaines 12.2 4.2 9.4 3.7 14.75 7.0 5.9 6.95 4.0 10.95 10.5 7.3 8.90 6.9 15.80 6.9 1.5 6.5 6.4 19.8 0.1 60.70 Ventures 11.0 3.6 8.5 3.313.20 6.0 6.8 6.40 4.1 10.50 10.8 8.3 9.55 5.9 15.45 6.1 1.3 6.2 6.8 19.1 0.2 58.05 Mello-Dears 12.3 2.8 11.0 2.3 14.20 3.0 4.1 3.55 3.0 6.55 10.5 7.3 8.90 6.1 15.00 4.1 0.8 4.2 5.4 13.7 1.0 48.45 Krescendos 7.5 2.5 8.1 2.5 10.30 4.4 4.7 4.55 3.9 8.45 8.2 6.8 7.50 3.6 11 .10 2.4 0.3 4.8 3.5 10.7 0.0 40.55 Abenakis 10.9 2.6 6.8 2.1 11.20 3.6 4.0 3.80 1.8 5.60 7.9 5.8 6.60 4.0 10.60 3.2 0.3 3.6 4.0 10.8 0.1 38.10 Bandettes 8.5 2.1 7.6 2.0 10.10 2.7 3.3 3.00 2.2 5.20 8.3 3.7 6.00 5.3 11.30 2.8 0.6 3.9 3.8 10.5 0.0 37.10 Frontier Cadets 7.8 2.2 6.8 2.3 9.05 2.7 3.0 2.85 1.7 4.55 9.6 6.5 8.05 4.3 12.35 3.0 0.4 4.0 3.6 10.6 1.2 35.35 Barons of Steuben 9.2 2.3 8.6 1.810.95 1.6 1.5 1.55 2.7 4.25 5.6 4.1 4.85 4.2 9.05 2.6 0.4 3.7 3.2 9.5 0.3 33.45 Joanettes 8.4 2.2 9.4 1.7 10.85 6.8 5.9 6.35 2.0 8.35 8.8 4.3 6.55 3.1 9.65 2.9 0.5 3.9 2.1 8.9 7.1 30.65 (Judges : M&M #1, Grana; #2, Swain; Drum #1, Buck; #2, Petty; PA, Darch; Brass #1, Blake; #2, Phillips; MA, Olsen; GE M&M, Williams; GE Drum, Anderson; GE Brass, Levy) DRUMS ALONG THE ROCKIES - Denver, Colorado - July 11, 1979 M&M Drums Brass General Effect #1 Cre. #2 Cre. Avg. #1 #2 Avg. PA Total #1 #2 Avg. MA Total M&M CG Dru. Bug. Total T&P Score Spirit of Atlanta 14.7 4.0 14.1 4.0 18.40 10.1 10.0 10.05 6.8 16.85 12.8 13.1 12.95 9.0 21.95 9.0 1.6 8.8 9.0 26.8 0.6 83.40 Santa Clara Vanguard 14.2 4.1 14.1 4.118.25 10.4 10.9 10.65 7.3 17.95 11.8 10.9 11.35 8.7 20.05 9.1 1.5 9.1 8.3 26.5 0.3 82.45 Madison Scouts 12.4 4.0 12.6 4.0 16.50 10.0 9.8 9.90 6.1 16.00 11.5 11.4 11.45 8.5 19.95 8.7 1.4 8.0 8.1 24.8 0.5 76.75 Crossmen 13.4 4.0 11.0 3.7 16.05 9.2 9.0 9.10 6.0 15.10 11.7 12.0 11.85 8.4 20.25 8.0 1.4 8.4 7.8 24.2 0.2 75.40 North Star 11 .7 3.8 10.6 3.6 14.85 10.3 10.110.20 6.6 16.80 11.9 11.7 11 .80 7.4 19.20 8.3 1.5 7.9 8.0 24.2 0.4 74.65 Blue Stars 11.9 3.9 9.3 3.6 14.35 9.9 9.4 9.65 6.2 15.85 11.0 11.1 11.05 7.5 18.55 8.1 1.4 8.2 7.5 23.8 0.6 71.95 Sky-Ryders 7.3 3.2 7.7 2.8 10.50 7.0 5.8 6.40 4.5 10.90 10.4 10.3 10.35 7.0 17.35 6.6 1.4 6.0 6.3 18.9 0.4 57.25 Florida Vanguard 8.6 3.0 6.8 2.7 10.55 7.5 6.9 7.20 4.7 11.90 7.5 9.1 8.30 6.8 15.10 5.6 1.1 4.2 6.2 16.0 0.3 53.25 Velvet Knights 11.1 2.7 8.2 3.0 12.50 8.1 6.5 7.30 4.4 11.70 6.9 6.7 6.80 5.9 12.70 5.0 1.0 5.5 4.1 14.6 0.2 51.30 (Judges: M&M #1, Johnston; #2, Nee; Drum #1, Hodges; #2, Goodhart; PA, Carey; Brass #1, Whitlock; #2, Pesola; MA, Rubino; GE M&M, Messina; GE Drum, Roe; GE Brass, Richards; T&P, Monterastelli) 52
Although \"Drums Along the Rockies\" was not, strictly speaking, a regional championship, it served as a very nice substitute indeed since there was no DCI West in 1979. Denver's Mile High Stadium, site of former DCI Championships, provided the lofty setting for the show. The July 11 event was ably chaired by DCl's Doris Went- land, and jointly sponsored by DCI and KBTV (Channel 9) in Denver. Because this contest was an invita- tional show, with no prelims, excite- ment ran as high as the surrounding landscape when the evening show opened. Spectators were about to take their first look at head-to-head competition between corps from the West, the Midwest, the East, and the South. On this night, as the recap shows, the motto might well have been \" The South will rise again!\" Rise it did, as a powerful Spirit of Atlanta horn line provided the winning margin to squeak by Santa Clara. The Midwestern and Eastern contingents were out of the running, with Madison, the Crossmen, and the North Star close to each other, but disappointingly far behind the two leaders. 53
If ice-cream parlors made their profits by predicting winners, a certain establishment in Ypsilanti, Michigan, would be rich by now with its fea- tu red flavor last Ju ly: Phantom Regi- ment Ripple! In fact, the Regiment rippled effortlessly across the field, easily defending its DCI North cham- pionship against 19 contenders. The real contest in Ypsilanti's Rynearson Stadium was for second place; the Bridgemen held their pre- lim superiority over the Guardsmen by the narrowest of margins to remain in the second spot during fi nals. In fact, the placing of all ten finalists in the championship was identical to their placing in prelims- a rarity in drum corps! Once again, the Ju ly 12 event was chaired by the experienced and dedi- cated Barbara Weiss, and sponsored by the Ypsilanti Area Convention and I Visitor Bureau in conjunction with DCI. And once again, it was well attended and superbly well run and promoted. DCI NORTH - Ypsilanti, Michigan - July 12, 1979 M&M Drums Brass General Effect #1 Cre. #2 Cre. Avg. #1 #2 Avg. PA Total #1 #2 Avg. MA Total M&M CG Dru. Bug. Total T&P Score Phantom Regiment 16.4 4.6 14.5 4.2 19.85 10.0 10.1 10.05 6.9 16.95 12.7 11.5 12.10 9.0 21.10 8.8 1.7 8.7 9.2 26.7 0.3 84.30 Bridgemen 15.8 4.2 12.7 3.9 18.30 10.3 10.0 10.15 6.4 16.55 12.4 10.6 11.50 8.2 19.70 8.4 1.6 8.2 8.3 24.9 0.1 79.35 Guardsmen 13.6 4.2 12.8 4.1 17.35 7.9 9.3 8.60 6.7 15.30 12.5 11.5 12.00 9.1 21.10 8.1 1.5 8.5 9.0 25.6 0.2 79.15 27th Lancers 12.6 4.4 12.2 4.4 16.80 9.6 9.6 9.60 6.5 16.10 11 .5 10.2 10.85 8.4 19.25 8.9 1.8 8.1 8.4 25.4 0.3 77.25 Cavaliers 13.7 4.3 12.6 4.0 17.30 9.5 9.8 9.65 6.4 16.05 11.8 10.0 10.90 8.3 19.20 8.0 1.4 8.0 7.9 23.9 0.3 76.15 Boston Crusaders 12.2 3.9 12.8 3.8 16.35 8.0 7.5 7.75 5.4 13.15 11.8 9.6 10.70 8.1 18.80 8.1 1.5 6.9 8.0 23.0 0.1 71.20 Offensive Lions 9.2 3.4 8.7 3.5 12.40 9.1 8.8 8.95 6.6 15.55 11.0 8.5 9.75 7.9 17.65 7.5 1.3 7.8 7.6 22.9 0.1 68.40 Garfield Cadets 11.1 3.8 8.9 3.5 13.65 9.4 7.8 8.65 5.5 14.10 10.8 9.3 10.05 7.6 17.65 7.1 1.2 6.9 7.2 21.1 1.2 65.30 Holy Family Defenders 9.0 3.8 8.8 3.4 12.50 7.9 7.4 7.65 5.3 12.95 10.2 8.9 9.40 7.0 16.45 7.7 1.3 7.0 7.1 21.8 0.2 63.50 Troopers 10.4 3.9 11.4 3.7 14.70 7.8 6.4 7.10 4.8 11.90 10.8 7.7 9.25 7.2 16.45 7.2 1.1 6.6 6.9 20.7 0.3 63.45 (Judges: M&M #1, Williams; #2, Wenderski; Drum #1, Ande rson; #2, Wojtena; PA, Buck; Brass #1 , O lsen; #2, Gale; MA, Blake; GE M&M, Morey; GE Drum, Darch; GE Brass, Lasdow; T&P, Sampson) 54
On July 14, just two days after their victory at DCI North, the Phan- tom Regiment turned up to try for a double play in their own back yard. The occasion was DCI Midwest, in Whitewater, Wisconsin-site of the very first DCI contest back in '72. This time, Phantom had to defend its '78 regional title against a total of 23 contenders. As is traditional for Whitewater, an enormous crowd showed up for prelims. Most were Midwestern fans who were shocked to see the pre- liminary results. Spirit of Atlanta was ahead of Phantom! The Guardsmen beat the Madison Scouts by virtue of penalties! The North Star in fifth place was no surprise, but then, there were the Blue Stars, ahead of the Crossmen, Bridgemen, and 27th Lancers! The recaps fo r the finals tell the tale. Nearly everyone switched places, and some switched several places. Phantom retained its title. Madison beat the Guardsmen. The North Star, Crossmen, 27th, and Bridgemen all beat the Blue Stars (the latter three less than a point apart). DCI and Madison's WMTV (Channel 15) had co-sponsored a show that left the fans happy, sunburned, and perplexed about the \" real\" ranking of the corps. Now, those confused fans would just have to wait for the truth, as the corps headed for home to recover from \" first tour\" and to make the changes that would hopefully give them a more conclusive edge on the all- important second tour, culminating in the DCI Championship. DCI MIDWEST - Whitewater, Wisconsin - July 14, 1979 M&M Drums Brass General Effect #1 Cre. #2 Cre. A>g. #1 #2 Avg. PA Total #1 #2 Avg. MA Total M &M CG Dru. Bug. Total T&P Score Phantom Regiment 15.6 4.4 15.8 4.2 20.00 10.5 10.6 10.55 7.1 17.65 12.5 12.8 12.65 9.0 21.65 8.7 1.7 8.8 9.3 26.8 0.2 85.90 Spirit of Atlanta 14.2 3.8 14.7 3.7 18.20 10.3 9.5 9.90 6.8 16.70 12.8 13.3 13.05 9.1 22.15 8.0 1.4 9.0 9.1 26.1 0.3 82.85 Madison Scouts 13.9 4.4 14.3 4.2 18.40 10.2 10.1 10.15 6.4 16.55 11.4 12.8 12.10 8.8 20.90 8.8 1.5 8.2 9.0 26.0 0.2 81.65 Guardsme n 13.2 3.8 14.1 4.3 17.70 9.7 8.7 9.20 6.8 16.00 12.6 13.1 12.85 9.0 21.85 8.3 1.5 8.9 8.5 25.7 0.6 80.65 North Star 12.6 3.9 13.9 4.1 17.25 9.7 10.3 10.00 6.7 16.70 12.0 11 .6 11.80 8.2 20.00 8.4 1.5 8.5 8.6 25.5 0.2 79.25 Crossmen 11.6 4.0 13.5 3.8 16.45 10.1 10.0 10.05 5.9 15.95 11 .6 12.1 11.85 8.1 19.95 7.9 1.4 8.0 8.3 24.2 0.1 76.45 27th Lancers 12.5 4.3 11 .7 4.4 16.45 8.8 9.0 8.90 6.4 15.30 10.7 10.1 10.40 8.0 18.40 8.2 1.6 8.3 8.1 24.6 0.1 74.65 Bridgemen 13.7 4.1 13.1 4.0 17.45 10.5 10.0 10.25 6.0 16.25 10.7 10.8 10.75 7.0 17.75 8.0 1.5 8.1 7.2 23.3 0.3 74.45 Blue Stars 12.6 4.2 11 .6 3.9 16.15 9.1 9.6 9.35 6.6 15.95 11.7 10.0 10.85 7.9 18.75 8.1 1.4 7.6 7.8 23.5 0.3 74.05 Cavaliers 13.5 3.9 14.3 3.7 17.70 8.8 9.6 9.20 6.5 15.70 11.6 10.4 11 .00 7.3 18.30 7.5 1.2 7.9 7.1 22.5 0.5 73.70 Boston Crusaders 13.3 4.0 15.0 3.5 17.90 8.0 6.9 7.45 5.4 12.85 10.9 9.1 10.00 6.6 16.60 7.7 1.3 7.7 6.8 22.2 1.1 68.45 O ffensive Lions 9.0 3.7 11.6 3.6 13.95 8.5 9.0 8.75 5.9 14.65 11.1 8.7 9.90 6.8 16.70 7.2 1.1 7.8 6.5 21.5 0.1 66.70 (Judges: M&M #1, Williams; #2, Grana; Drum #1, Goodhart; #2, Wojtena; PA, Roe; Brass #1, O lsen; #2, Pesola; MA, Rubino; GE M&M, Martin; GE Drum, Buck; GE Brass, Richards; T&P, Dadian) 56
The Allentown School District Sta- and 11 prelims, despite the rainy with an unprecedented six-point dium in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has weather. At the close of prelims, the spread. The neck-and-neck race was habitually served up drum corps ex- Blue Devils were far in front of their farther down the line, where the Blue citement, and the 1979 DCI Eastern closest competitors, the Madison Stars and Bridgemen took over the Championship was no exception. The Scouts, followed by the 27th Lancers, fourth and fifth spots from the North contest, chaired by Fred Windish, was North Star, Crossmen, Blue Stars, and Star and Crossmen, with all four corps barely a week away from the all- Bridgemen. During finals, the fans tallying within one and a half points important world championship, and (but not their enthusiasm) became of each other. I many corps were anxious to see how even damper, as a steady drizzle their last-minute show changes would evolved into a cold downpour. But And so .. . on to Birmingham, stack up against those of the other the show must go on, they say-and where the Southern sun would dry contenders. the Blue Devils, going on last, estab- out the uniforms and the question of Spirits of the crowd remained lished themselves as a definite na- superiority-at least for 1979-would undampened during the August 10 tional contender by winning the title be settled once and for all. DCI EAST - Allentown, Pennsylvania - August 11, 1979 M&M Drums Brass General Effect #1 Cre. #2 Cre. Avg. #1 #2 Avg. PA Total #1 #2 Avg. MA Total M&M CG Dru. Bug. Total T&P Score Blue Devils 15.7 4.7 16.5 4.7 20.80 10.7 10.3 10.50 7.4 17.90 13.4 13.1 13.25 9.5 22.75 10.0 2.0 9.1 10.0 29.1 0.2 90.35 Madison Scouts 15.0 4.4 15.1 4.419.45 10.5 10.410.45 7.1 17.55 12.4 12.412.40 8.9 21.30 9.0 1.8 9.0 8.5 26.5 0.3 84.50 27th Lancers 15.1 4.7 14.9 4,619.65 9.1 9.7 9.40 7.3 16.70 11.5 11.811.65 8.5 20.15 9.7 2.0 8.8 9.2 27.7 0.3 83.90 Blue Stars 14.3 4.2 13.1 4.117.85 10.1 10.310.20 7.1 17.30 11.6 12.311 .95 8.7 20.65 8.6 1.5 8.8 8.4 25.8 0.1 81.50 Bridgemen 14.5 3.9 14.4 3.9 18.35 10.4 10.3 10.35 7.2 17.55 12.0 11 .3 11 .65 8.0 19.65 8.9 1.7 8.2 8.2 25.3 0.5 80.35 North Star 13.5 4.3 13.1 4.0 17.45 10.4 10.6 10.50 7.3 17.80 12.3 11.4 11 .85 8.4 20.25 9.0 1.7 8.4 8.3 25.7 0.9 80.30 Crossmen 13.5 4.1 13.0 3.9 17.25 10.0 9.5 9.75 6.1 15.85 12.7 12.7 12.70 8.6 21.30 8.7 1.7 8.5 8.7 25.9 0.2 80.10 Cavaliers 14.0 4.0 13.8 4.117.95 9.8 10.1 9.95 7.0 16.95 11.7 10.611 .15 8.2 19.35 8.2 1.6 8.7 8.1 25.0 0.6 78.65 Freelancers 12.8 3.9 13.9 3.7 17.15 9.0 9.0 9.00 6.6 15.60 11.6 9.5 10.55 8.0 18.55 8.3 1.5 8.1 8.0 24.4 0.1 75.60 Royal Brigade 10.0 3.8 11.8 3.5 14.55 8.8 9.5 9.15 6.3 15.45 12.0 10.9 11.45 8.1 19.55 7.0 1.3 7.7 7.7 22.4 0.4 71.55 Boston Crusaders 13.4 3.4 13.2 3.4 16.70 8.0 8.5 8.25 5.4 13.65 10.7 8.0 9.35 7.2 16.55 8.4 1.6 6.8 7.6 22.8 0.3 69.40 Garfield Cadets 10.9 3.7 10.1 3.614.15 10.0 9.2 9.60 6.0 15.60 10.6 8.0 9.30 7.9 17.20 7.3 1.3 6.1 7.3 20.7 1.6 66.05 (Judges : M&M #1, Nee; #2, Johnston; Drum #1, Hamilton; #2, Mathe; PA, Buck; Brass #1, Pesola; #2, Richards; MA, Rubino; GE M&M, Oliviero; GE Drum, Roe; GE Brass, Opie; T&P, Kazazian) 58
- R e a • I D ... I n ◄ . . a : \",. • ~ • I -· ~ .,..._ s
~ DCI Championships The first championships to be All-Girl Prelims decided were in the Individual and 1. Ventures ................... 66.80 Ensemble competition, held at Bir- 2. Arbella . . . ................ . . 62.25 mingham Southern College on Au- The world-class prelims began gust 16. Out of a very large field, the August 15, with current DCI member winners of the eight individual and corps scheduled for the following two ensemble trophies, and their day. Excitement ran high on the 15th, scores, were : as a few of these corps would surely Snare: Robbie Robinson, bump some of the current 25 out of Crossmen ....... ..... .... 96.40 their membership spots-but no one Multi-percussion : knew for sure which ones it would Jay Pennisson, Blue Stars . .. 92.90 be. As it turned out, the many Keyboard : Cliff DeArmenti, faithful fans who attended this day's Blue Stars .... .... . . ...... 94.70 prelims were rewarded by seeing the Soprano: Kevin Noble, membership-qualifying performances Phantom Regiment .. ... ... 95.00 of six corps, although of course this Mellophone: Ken Votre, was not known until the next day's Bengal Lancers .... . . . ... .. 82.00 contenders had performed. French Horn : Pat Cavanaugh, A much larger crowd swarmed General Butler .. .......... 98.00 into Legion Field for the last day of Sunshine and Southern hospitality Baritone: Wilson Dale Warren, prelims. Would the top scores of the were the order of the day as 66 drum Guardsmen . ............ . 94.00 previous day hold up to make the corps converged on Birmingham, Contra : Cliff White, top 25? Would Phantom Regiment Alabama, to compete in the first DCI 27th Lancers . ....... .... .. 94.00 beat the Blue Devils? Would the Championships south of the Mason- Percussion Ensemble : Santa Clara Vanguard surge back to Dixon Line. The corps came for this Santa Clara Vanguard . ..... 93.80 defend its title? What about Spirit of eighth annual championship from all Brass Ensemble: Squires ..... . .. 90.00 Atlanta? And, farther down the line, parts of the U.S. and Canada to make Congratulations to these out- which corps would get those last few their ultimate effort of the season. standing soloists and ensembles, and spots in the top twelve, and which For some, the goal was to earn the to the many others who competed would just narrowly miss? When prestigious world-class trophy. For and, in many cases, came very close these questions were ultimately an- others, the realistic goal was to place to winning the championship. swered, the top twelve for '79 in the top four or five, to make finals, included no newcomers. Although to secure DCI membership by placing Meanwhile, back at nearby Legion two qualifying corps-the Cavaliers 25th or higher, or to reign as a and the Troopers-were not finalists champion or finalist in class \"A\" or Field, four intensive days of pre- in '78, both corps had qualified liminary competition for the various all-girl competition. Still others classes of corps had begun. As the repeatedly in the past. The prelimi- pinned some of their hopes on corps and crowds gathered for prelims, nary scores of the finalists were: entries in the individual or ensemble it became apparent that the heat of 1. Blue Devils .. ...... . ....... 91.75 competition. But for all, the pre- the Southern sun, which had merci- 2. Phantom Regiment .... . . ... 91.65 liminary and final events held on fully tapered off a little in deference August 14 through 18 would measure to unaccustomed Northern visitors, 3. Santa Clara Vanguard ....... 89.95 the season's success, and the results would be topped by the heat of the 4. Spirit of Atlanta .... ...... .. 89.85 5. 27th Lancers . ....... . ..... . 87.40 of these few days would stand in the competition at every level. 6. Madison Scouts .... ........ 86.85 record books for another year. On August 14 and 15, the class 7. Bridgemen ................ 85.00 The DCI Championships, then, \"A\" and all-girl corps locked horns in are really many contests comprised in a preliminary battle for the honor of 8. Blue Stars .............. .. .. 84.85 9. North Star ... ... ........... 84.45 one spectacular event. Many victories competing in their respective cham- 10. Guardsmen .. .... ... . ...... 83.65 go, not to the winners of the big pionship finals later in the week. 11. Cavaliers .. ..... . .. .. .. .. .. 82.00 trophies, but to those corps and Because of the new Associate Cham- 12. Troopers .................. 81.90 individuals who distinguish them- pionship to be held on the same selves by reaching or exceeding the evening, fewer would qualify than in Inevitably, the qualification of goal to which they realistically the past-only five class \"A\" corps the Cavies and the Troopers for finals aspired. and two all-girl corps. To the crowd's meant that two of last year's finalists The enormous job of chairing surprise, some very fine corps, in- hadn't made the cutoff. Astonishing- and coordinating the Championships cluding the defending all-girl cham- ly, one of these corps was the fell to the competent Pat Morrow. pions, Les Chatelaines, were elimi- Crossmen, whom everyone had The DCI event was enthusiastically nated. Prelim scores of those ad- thought to have a finalist spot sewed co-sponsored and hosted by Birming- vancing to finals were: up until they finished just .20 behind ham's WBRC-TV (Channel 6) and the the Troopers for 13th place. The Homewood High Band Boosters. Spe- Class \"A\" Prelims other corps was the trouble-plagued cial events chairpeople Tom Fletcher 1. Black Watch . ... . ......... .. 63.85 Kilts, long-time DCI members who and Edna McCune planned a full 2. Stardusters .... ....... . ..... 63.30 not only dropped out of the top week of corps-oriented events to 3. Conquistadors ... ... . ... .... 59.55 twelve, but failed to make the top 25. publicize the show throughout the 4. Fitchburg Kingsmen . . . ...... 56.45 The top 25 also welcomed some area. 5. Knights ...... . .. . .. .. . . . .. . 55.65 newcomers in '79. These included the 60
Royal Brigade, Avant Garde, the Long years, the finalists in this class proved Island Kingsmen, the Sky-Ryders, the to be excellent and entertaining Seattle Imperials, and the Florida corps, approaching the level of tech- Vanguard. Of these, only two-Avant nical expertise and showmanship Garde and the Sky-Ryders- had ever typical of the best open-class corps in made the top 25 before, and both the early '70s. The finalists retained had been absent from these ranks for their preliminary rankings, scoring as several years. follows: As in previous years, the prelim scores of the 13th through 25th corps 1. Black Watch .. ... .. . . ...... . 65.00 2. Stardusters ... . .. . . . ... .. .. . 62.95 demonstrated that a very fine line 3. Conquistadors ....... .... ... 59.85 separates these corps from the elite 4. Fitchburg Kingsmen ....... . . 58.55 twelve, and that they were of a very 5. Knights . . . ................. 54.35 excellent calibre indeed. Their pre- liminary scores were : The Associate Championship was 13. Crossmen . . . . . .. .......... 81.70 a new experiment in '79. It was a 14. Freelancers . . .... .......... 79.40 great success in terms of drawing a 15. Offensive Lions ........... . 76.85 large audience, in combination with 16. Garfield Cadets ............ 76.75 the Class \"A\" and All-Girl Champion- 17. Royal Crusaders ..... . .. .... 76.35 ships, and in terms of providing 18. Royal Brigade ....... . ... . . . 76.10 another much-deserved showcase for 19. Boston Crusaders .......... 74.75 the talents of the fine 13th- through 20. Avant Garde .......... . . . .. 73.85 17th-place corps. It was perhaps less 21 . Long Island Kingsmen ...... 72.70 successful in terms of motivation for 22.Sky-Ryders . . ... . .. . . . . . . . . 70.85 the corps themselves. These were, 23. Seattle Imperials . .......... 70.80 after all, corps whose goal had been 24. Florida Vanguard . . . . ... .. . . 70.35 to qualify for finals, and who had just 25. Oakland Crusaders . ........ 70.20 learned that day that they had not done so. The Crossmen were perhaps We congratulate these corps on hardest hit, psychologically, to find their achievement. All have the themselves in the \"consolation\" makings of a future finalist, or even round. They had only a few hours to a future champion. (Since the DCI choose : Would they remain dejected Championship began in 1972, all the and march a program that showed it, champions except one-Santa Clara- or could they pull themselves to- have failed to qualify for finals at gether and put on the show of their least once.) lives to prove they were better than When the last prelim perfor- their prelim score indicated? Much to mance was over on August 17, the their credit, they did the latter, excitement for the day was by no winning a decisive Associate Cham- means concluded, for that same pionship. Meanwhile, the Offensive evening saw the Class \"A\", All-Girl, Lions edged the Freelancers for the and Associate Championships de- second spot, while Garfield and the cided in Legion Field. Before a large Royal Crusaders retained their prelim crowd, the visiting Beatrix Showband positions. Scores were : from Hilversum, Holland, opened the show with a well-received exhibition. 1. Crossmen ...... . ..... .... .. 86.15 In the All-Girl Championship, 2. Offensive Lions . . ... ....... . 78.60 Arbella came from behind with an 3. Freelancers .... . . . ...... . ... 78.00 inspired performance to top the 4. Garfield Cadets ... . ... . ..... 77.30 prelim-leading Ventures and become 5. Royal Crusaders ............. 75.80 the new champion. Once again, these corps demonstrated that the so- called \"weaker sex\" is anything but weak on the contest field! Scores were: 1. Arbella .......... .. ... . . . .. 67.35 2. Ventures . . . .... ......... . . . 67.10 The Class \"A\" Championship was conceived several years ago to pro- vide challenge and recognition for smaller, younger, or less experienced corps who may still be in their developmental stages and unable to realistically compete against world- class contenders. As in previous
from the four-hour spectacle. The Troopers, lacking the sparkle that characterized their prelim effort, nevertheless had fans on their feet with the traditional sunburst, and the Cavaliers also evoked nostalgia by inserting \"Over the Rainbow\" into an otherwise thoroughly modern pro- gram. The Guardsmen's beautiful brass sound and majestic British style The weather, the field, and the boosted them from tenth to seventh large crowd were perfect on the place, and North Star's enthusiasm evening of August 18 when the DCI and spectacular drum line elicited the World Class Championship finals be- usual crowd approval. Always a gan at Birmingham's Legion Field. For consistent competitor, the Blue Stars the fifth consecutive year, the entire seemed to lack that \"extra some- finals were televised live on the thing\" and fell to tenth place, though Public Broadcasting System, so mil- their show was much more popular lions of home viewers could share in than in years past. the excitement. This time, WHA-TV, The Bridgemen, always full of Madison, Wisconsin, produced the special effects, outdid themselves and spectacular telecast. Jazz great May- left the Southern audience roaring as nard Ferguson, as guest commenta- the Confederates won the Civil War tor, provided color to the TV cover- battle. A sign reading \"Bye-bye, y'all\" age. He was joined by ABC-TV game and a dash across the finish line show personality Jim Peck and by added yet another surprise ending, Steve Rondinaro, director of the and helped move the Bridgemen up. Squires Drum & Bugle Corps and an The Madison Scouts had a new, experienced TV announcer, to make more subdued sound, and while it up the broadcast team. Together, the was nice, it wasn't Madison. Although three provided a wide range of com- the Scouts slipped to eighth place, mentary, running the gamut from their use of 30 rifles and their revival technical explanations of the activity of \"The Way We Were\" were through the observations of a musi- undisputed crowd-pleasers. cian from another discipline, and on The 27th Lancers brought the to the amazed reactions of a drum spectators to their feet with the corps novice. dazzling drill and guard work that The \"show of shows\" opened have become synonymous with 27th. with exhibitions by the class \"A,\" all- The Lancers' execution had finally girl, and associate winners, and an- reached a level worthy of their show other look at our guests from Hol- design, and the fans responded. land, the well-trained, drum-corps- The Dixie crowd went wild when style Beatrix Showband. But the real its \"hometown\" contender, Spirit of business of the evening was yet to Atlanta, took the field. As usual, come, and the tension mounted as beautiful brass renditions of Southern the Troopers took the field and the tunes captivated spectators, and help- ultimate competition finally began. ed Spirit keep fourth place. There is too little space here to The Santa Clara Vanguard made give a synopsis of even the highlights a valiant attempt to defend its '78 ,f
score that would have won in any other year. What can you say about the Blue Devils? Their GE score was a mere . 1 away from perfection. Their jazz repertoire and flowing drill were terrific. It was high horns, high GE, and the third DCI Championship for the \"Blue Crew,\" and we congratu- late them on both their excellence and their richly deserved title. The final scores were: 1. Blue Devils ............ . ... 93.55 2. Phantom Regiment ... . . . .. . 92.75 3. Santa Clara Vanguard .. ... . . 90.70 4. Spirit of Atlanta ............ 89.90 5. 27th Lancers .... ... . ....... 86.40 6. Bridgemen ..... . . . . .. .... . 86.20 7. Guardsmen ... .... .. ....... 85.30 8. Madison Scouts ............ 84.50 9. North Star .. ... ... . ... ..... 83.30 10. Blue Stars ....... . . .. ....... 83.05 11. Cavaliers ..... . . . . .... .... . 78.50 12. Troopers ......... . ..... . .. 77.90 All the trophies had been pre- sented. The champion Blue Devils DCI title, but fell just short despite had been saluted by the other corps, high percussion honors. To climax and had played their victory concert. the show, they revived the \" Bottle The 21-year-olds had left their shoes Dance,\" and the fans went wild. on the field to commemorate their Surely it was Phantom Regi- last performance. Another DCI spec- ment's turn to win. Right? Wrong! A tacular had ended. The corps board- beautiful show in their classical style, ed buses for the long ride home, to great execution, and high M&M were recruit new members, design new not quite enough, as the disappoint- shows, practice longer hours, and ed Regiment had to settle for second return to Birmingham in 1980 with a place three years in a row, despite a better program than ever before. _ • ..A .u
9 DCI Championships DCI WORLD-CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS - Birmingham, Alabama - August 18, 1979 M&M Drums Brass General Effect #1 Cre. #2 Cre. Avg. #1 #2 Avg. PA Total #1 #2 Avg. MA Total M&M CG Dru. Bug. Total T&P Score Blue Devils 16.7 4.9 16.7 4.9 21.60 10.6 10.4 10.50 7.7 18.20 14.0 14.1 14.05 9.9 23.95 10.0 2.0 9.9 10.0 29.9 0.1 93.55 Phantom Regiment 17.3 4.7 17.6 4.8 22.20 10.2 10.7 10.45 7.9 18.35 14.1 13.7 13.90 9.8 23.70 9.5 2.0 9.7 9.4 28.6 0.1 92.75 Santa Clara Vanguard 15.9 4.6 16.8 4.8 21.05 10.7 10.7 10.70 8.0 18.70 12.2 12.5 12.35 9.4 21.75 9.8 1.9 10.0 9.5 29.3 0.1 90.70 Spirit of Atlanta 15.9 4.1 15.4 4.3 19.85 10.6 10.5 10.55 7.8 18.35 13.7 13.513.60 9.6 23.20 9.3 1.9 9.6 9.8 28.7 0.2 89.90 27th Lancers 15.1 4.8 15.2 4.8 19.95 9.4 9.7 9.55 7.6 17.15 13.0 11.8 12.40 9.1 21.50 9.9 2.0 9.3 9.3 28.5 0.7 86.40 Bridgemen 15.6 4.2 15.9 4.2 19.95 10.1 10.3 10.20 7.7 17.90 12.8 12.3 12.55 8.9 21.45 9.2 1.8 9.0 9.0 27.2 0.3 86.20 Guardsmen 14.6 4.5 13.7 4.4 18.60 9.2 9.2 9.20 7.5 16.70 13.2 12.813.00 9.7 22.70 8.7 1.7 9.4 9.7 27.8 0.5 85.30 Madison Scouts 15.8 4.2 15.1 4.6 19.85 9.7 9.7 9.70 7.4 17.10 12.0 11.9 11.95 9.5 21.45 9.0 1.8 9.2 8.9 27.1 1.0 84.50 North Star 14.3 4.4 13.8 4.3 18.40 10.7 10.7 10.70 7.8 18.50 10.6 11.2 10.90 8.7 19.60 9.0 1.8 9.1 8.9 27.0 0.2 83.30 Blue Stars 13.6 4.3 14.0 4.5 18.20 9.5 9.7 9.60 7.3 16.90 13.1 12.4 12.75 9.0 21.75 8.8 1.6 8.7 8.7 26.2 0.0 83.05 Cavaliers 13.7 4.2 13.1 4.0 17.50 9.9 9.4 9.65 6.8 16.45 11.6 11.7 11 .65 8.3 19.95 8.3 1.6 8.4 7.9 24.6 0.0 78.50 Troopers 12.9 4.4 14.3 4.1 17.85 8.5 8.3 8.40 6.5 14.90 12.0 10.7 11.35 8.5 19.85 8.4 1.6 8.6 8.4 25.4 0.1 77.90 (Judges: M&M #1, Grana; #2, Williams; Drum #1, Blair; #2, Wojtena; PA, Goodhart; Brass #1, Opie; #2, Whitlock; MA, Baggs; GE M&M, Oliviero; GE Drum, Carey; GE Brass, Unrath; T&P, Kazazian) DCI ASSOCIATE/ CLASS \"A\"/ ALL-GIRL FINALS- Birmingham, Alabama -August 17, 1979 M&M Drums Brass General Effect #1 Cre. #2 Cre. Avg. #1 #2 Avg. PA Total #1 #2 Avg. MA Total M&M CG Dru. Bug. Total T&P Score Crossmen 15.0 4.4 14.3 4.2 18.95 10.4 9.9 10.15 7.0 17.15 13.1 13.2 13.15 9.3 22.45 9.2 1.8 9.0 9.4 27.6 0.0 86.15 Offensive Lions 13.3 3.9 12.9 3.7 16.90 9.9 9.8 9.85 7.1 16.95 11.1 9.8 10.45 8.3 18.75 8.7 1.7 8.7 8.6 26.0 0.0 78.60 Freelancers 14.0 4.2 13.0 4.0 17.60 10.0 8.5 9.25 6.8 16.05 10.1 11 .2 10.65 8.4 19.05 8.8 1.8 8.2 8.7 25.7 0.4 78.00 Garfield Cadets 12.5 4.0 13.1 3.9 16.75 9.8 9.2 9.50 6.4 15.90 11.6 11.3 11.45 8.5 19.95 8.2 1.7 8.3 9.0 25.5 0.8 77.30 Royal -Crusaders 13.3 3.8 12.6 3.8 16.75 9.4 9.1 9.25 6.3 15.55 12.1 10.1 11.10 7.9 19.00 7.8 1.7 8.5 8.3 24.6 0.1 75.80 Black Watch 9.3 3.5 12.1 3.7 14.30 8.8 7.6 8.20 5.2 13.40 10.0 8.8 9.40 7.2 16.60 6.8 1.4 7.6 6.5 20.9 0.2 65.00 Stardusters 9.0 3.8 12.7 3.5 14.50 9.1 8.2 8.65 5.9 14.55 8.9 8.1 8.50 7.7 16.10 6.2 1.4 6.6 6.4 19.2 1.4 62.95 Conquistadors 10.6 3.6 10.3 3.2 13.85 7.6 6.9 7.25 5.3 12.55 10.0 5.5 7.75 6.6 14.35 6.4 1.4 6.9 6.0 19.3 0.2 59.85 Fitchburg Kingsmen 10.2 3.5 11.8 3.3 14.40 6.4 5.6 6.00 4.8 10.80 8.0 7.9 7.95 7.0 14.95 5.8 1.3 6.1 6.6 18.5 0.1 58.55 Knights 7.1 3.1 12.7 3.8 13.35 7.2 5.8 6.50 4.2 10.70 10.0 6.8 8.40 5.8 14.20 5.7 1.2 5.1 5.3 16.1 0.0 54.35 Arbella 10.0 3.4 13.7 3.4 15.25 5.4 6.7 6.05 5.0 11.05 12.1 11.4 11 .75 7.7 19.45 6.5 1.3 7.4 7.7 21.6 0.0 67.35 Ventures 9.7 3.6 13.0 3.8 15.05 7.7 7.2 7.45 5.7 13.15 9.8 10.2 10.00 7.3 17.30 7.4 1.4 7.5 6.9 21.8 0.2 67.10 (Judges: M&M #1, Williams; #2, Kazazian; Drum #1 , Goodhart; #2, Wojtena; PA, Carey; Brass #1, Opie; #2, Whitlock; MA, Baggs; GE M&M, Grana; GE Drum, Blair; GE Brass, Unrath; T&P, Oliviero) Join us in 1981 when Canada hosts its first Drum Corps International Championships! The famous and beautiful Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, will be the site. So practice your French, and we'll see you next year! Soyez un des notres en 1981 ou le Championnat DC/ aura lieu pour la premiere fois au Canada! Le celebre et magnifique Stade- 0/ympique a Montreal, Quebec, sera le lieu choisi. A/ors bonnes etudes de fran'iais, et a J'annee prochaine!
cJa Yearbook, 1980 Birmingham, Alabama Championship Broadcast Produced by Television,Madison
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