| | Cadet History, 1971
The Cadets introduced the first total theme show, complete with libretto, during
the 1971 season. The program was entitled "America the Brave - 1776." Pieces of
various familiar musical selections were woven together to present a story-line
based on the Revolutionary War. Up until that time corps programs were primarily
formatted with a series of musical selections interspersed with percussion
interludes.
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| | The corps was segmented on the field with the heavy horns and heavy battery
carrying the melody during the British portions of the musical story; and the
soprano and french horns, reinforced by the snare drums, carrying the melody in
the American portions. Each of the two sections carried flags of similar
design, with small conceptualized Union Jack and Betsy Ross flags incorporated
in the top quadrant of the flags. It was necessary to obtain special
authorization from both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars to
use these flags in competition. During that era flag codes were strictly
enforced by both veterans organizations, and heavy penalties were assessed for
violations of the code.
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| | The Cavaliers and Madison Scouts, coincidentally, also introduced their versions
of theme shows the same season. The Cavaliers circus theme was limited to the
second half of their program. Madison used an "Alice Through the Looking Glass"
theme, with the daughter of their Director, Bill Howard, playing the role of
Alice. No one has ever determined why three different corps, without
consultation with each other or prior knowledge of their competitor's
programming intentions, all decided to move in a theme direction the same year.
Communication between corps during that era was very limited, and programming
direction was kept a closely guarded secret until the first competitions.
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| | America the Brave - 1776 was generally greeted enthusiastically by audiences,
but not by the Central States Judges Association in the midwest (Central States
dominated the judging panels at VFW Nationals). Bob Currie, percussion caption
head for Central States, and a highly respected and influential judge, was
convinced that the program was designed specifically to split the percussion
section so they could not be evaluated in total at any given time. It was an
erroneous interpretation of intent, but the scores given reflected his
conviction.
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| | The photo shown is the surrender ceremony following the battle segment of the
program. It was a very emotional portion of the program, and the stands were
usually respectfully silent as it was performed. L to R, Rich Chirichella, Alan
Himsel, Jim Messina, Judy Tomko. Innovation of many types has always been part
of the Cadet tradition!
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| | LIBRETTO - 1971
Cadets of Garfield
present
America the Brave – 1776
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| | The Cadets of Garfield are attempting to add an extra dimension to their routine this season through introduction of a story line based on America's struggle for Independence – 1776. This is not an easy task, since the Cadets must work without the benefit of spoken dialogue, scenery, costumes, or the special theatrical effects of the stage. Instead, the story line must be developed exclusively through choice of musical selections, sequence of presentation and coordination of drill and visual effects. In addition, they must somehow capture the imagination of their audience, and transport several thousand people back in time to another era. The period is 1776…thirteen proud, rebellious colonies, thirsting for collective identity and poised on the precipice of revolution.
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| | As the Cadets assume their positions on the starting line they are divided into two separate segments. To the right the British Forces of King George (heavy horns), to the left the American Colonists (sopranos). Times are troubled, and Garfield's story opens with the sound of drums and a burst of flags heralding the end of an era. Listen carefully for the prophetic tympani sounds of "LONDON BRIDGE'S FALLING DOWN" meshed into the percussion introduction. The British enter, then the Americans, and both sides combine to introduce the stirring theme of "YANKEE DOODLE". This unity of purpose and presentation is not destined to endure though, and as the final notes of "Yankee Doodle" echo into the bleachers the two segments split, and with heavy hearts and questioning minds drift apart to the sad lament of "CHACONNE IN Eb." For a second time drums command attention, as the simulated sight and sound of cannons with coordinated rifle drill transport us to Bunker Hill, and we witness the "Shots heard ‘round the world." At this point even a deceptively light-hearted social function becomes tinged with tension and challenge as the British "MINUET," the Americans "HOEDOWN," and "THE WORLD TURNS UPSIDE DOWN." The die is cast…..Revolution!!!…..and events begin to move ever more compellingly towards their chilling climax. To the tune of "THIS CRUEL WAR" both sides move to opposing sides of the field. The Americans, executing "CHESTER," drill and prepare for attack in the far right corner. The British meanwhile move to midfield to establish a sideline "CHRISTMAS EVE" encampment to a symbolic "SILENT NIGHT" carol medley in preparation for reenactment of the historical "Battle of Trenton." "Chester" builds into a direct challenge, answered by the awesome power and majesty of "RULE BRITANNIA." Both formations now break and expand as the two armies move towards each other, "AMERICA" and "RULE BRITANNIA" ringing in our ears. Simulated infantry lines drop to their knees…fire
…withdraw…reload…advance…fire again, until the battle banners clash head on, while the sound of drums crescendo into the dizzying, frightening, overwhelming sounds of battle. Once again the formation shifts, as the horns make their tumultuous contribution to the conflict. One by one brave men fall – a final cavalry charge – then silence…..
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| | Faintly, a soft chorale of horns cries up from the battlefield, and the graves of heroes give birth to a new Nation. Free men stand for the first time as Americans, while a funeral dirge of drums echoes a final farewell to the past. A new nation celebrates the joy of self-discovery in concert with Ives' "VARIATIONS ON AMERICA." Subtly the concert formation shifts. "America" soars into the familiar and spine tingling "BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC," and the flags of two great Nations are presented in their most familiar context…emblems of peace. This completes our story, and as Garfield prepares to exit, the dreams of mankind for dignity, freedom and self-determination are given expression in John F. Kennedy's moving musical memorial, "PROFILES IN COURAGE." One final statement of theme and reminder of origin in "YANKEE DOODLE," and the Cadets, preceded by the flags of Great Britain and America fluttering side by side in the breeze, cross the finish line.
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