Monday, January 18, 2010

1966

The outlook for ‘66 had to be the most promising ever in the long history of the Kingsmen Drum and Bugle Corps.

The instruction staff was named with the following:
Tom Heanle – Bugles
Doug Reynolds – Drums
Pete Brown – M&M

Officers:

Don Fleming – President
Elmer Morgan – Secretary
Sam Hutka – Treasurer
Senator – Skip Johnston
Corps Commander – Dick O’Dell
Business Mgr. – Jack Keller

Following open house which was held at the fire hall the Kingsmen had 48 horns on the roster with an average attendance of about 40. Once again a tremendous drum line was being put together which was becoming a Kingsmen trademark.

In November another fantastic banquet was staged at the fire hall with Jack Keller as chairman assisted by Dick Levesque. A delicious meal, a fine orchestra and a wonderful party until the early hours of dawn. Kingsmen of the Year – Tom Zimmerman. Rookie of the Year – Rick Olson.

New music was arranged and the Corps worked hard throughout the winter. Spring arrived and the corps took to the cold outdoors.

An indoor standstill contest took place in Syracuse, N.Y. in April. Although many members felt we were not ready we went and played a very good show placing 2nd just 2 ½ points behind the Crusaders and ahead of the Marksmen and Les Mets.

On Sat. April 23, 1966 the 2nd Annual Preview of Champions became history at Kleinhan’s Music Hall. Crusaders went home with the victory but the Canadian Commanders have notice they would be a Corps to contend with throughout ’66. Albion and Meadville also competed in a very successful affair.

With indoor shows out of the way the big push was to master our M&M drill and polish the drum and horn line.

June 4th and the first show were upon the Kingsmen only too fast. A 3rd place was the best we could manage as we went out with a fantastic G.E. Drill but the emphasis for the season was obviously going to be on execution for the season.
June 18th – Hershey, Pa.

The furthest trip ever taken by the Kingsmen. A tremendous send off from our friend Gene, from the ditch, as he put on a luncheon for the Corps and we departed at 1:30 A.M. Sat. morn. A fine rehearsal and a fantastic show in this new area for the Corps. Result was 3rd place but a penalty placed us there. Bucs 1st, Westshoremen 2nd, Archie 4th, Reilly 5th.

June 25th & July 2nd

Fine performances at both Lackawanna and Medina but the Commanders outscored us by 1 ½ pts in contests.

Kingmen present “Music in Motion” July 16

Another jam-packed crowd at Howe field in Hamburg. Everyone went home happy and excited except The Syracuse Brigadiers who, because of a penalty, came in 2nd behind the Commanders.

Aug 7th Drum Corps Picnic

What can be said about them that has not already been. Fun and good times were had by everyone in attendance.

The annual football game as usual and the annual bruises and sore muscles afterwards. Food and drinks a-plenty. Wow!!

We wrapped up the marching with 3 parade victories at the Fairgrounds and a fine 2nd place performance in Titusville, Pa.

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