News of Our Corps
Personals
YEA!
DCI
Listen to Don Angelica´s solo from
1957
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"Strong hands to weak, Old hands to young,
around the Christmas board touch hands.
The false forget, the foe forgive. Touch hands!"
William Murray, 1840-1904
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The alumni year of 2007 closed with a loud explosion of joy and gratitude from the alumni attending the final gathering-of-the-maroon at Garfield VFW Hall on Thursday, December 6th. Nearly fifty Cadets of all eras and ages joined voices in the final rendition of the Holy Name Hymn for this wonderful year of accomplishment and regeneration.
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Less than a year ago we gathered for the first time at Barcelona's in Garfield. We reserved a small side-room with the anticipation that our first gathering would be small, and hopefully would grow month by month. By 7:00 PM the room was packed, and we were off and running. The following month we moved into the main dining room of Barcelona's, and that too proved to be too small to accommodate the number of Cadets in attendance. By the fourth gathering we had moved to the VFW Hall in Garfield, as the guests of Brenda Roehrich Post 2867, our long-time sponsor in VFW state and national competitions. Month by month we continued the process of reconnection, and the happiness of those participating was palatable. Month after month we have welcomed and embraced new friends and Old. Month by month the tears have rolled down our cheeks as we sang our beloved O Holy Name
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Our numbers continued to grow as a huge turnout of alumni at Giants Stadium for The Cadets' Home Show, and the alumni reception that preceded it, turned Holy Name Cadets, Garfield Cadets, Cadets of Bergen County, and The Cadets, into BORN-AGAIN CADETS. The stands at the stadium were a sea of maroon, and as we looked around we realized that the only thing separating us was time and distance.
In our hearts and in our love for our corps, there was neither time nor distance. There was only our corps! We bonded, much to the surprise of most of us I think.
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We watched proudly as the marching members of our 2007 corps embraced our history, and heritage, and values. We marveled at their talent and performance ability. We took joy in their victories, and shared their pain in their disappointments. We watched as they covered our corps in glory through their talent, their determination, their hard work, and their dignity under assault. They earned our respect, our pride, and our unwavering support. Once again, thank you 2007 Cadets for a year none of us will ever forget.
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In September the Great-Gathering-of-the-Maroon in Atlantic City to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1957 American Legion National Championship gave us three days that none in attendance will ever forget. Not many people are blessed to have scaled the heights even once, let alone repeat the experience a second time fifty years later. Special thanks to Cadets Bill Kardash, John Avella, Bart Bartello, and Ken Shedosky for turning the dream into reality.
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Perhaps the most important thing we learned over the past year is that our history is not only where we have been, but also where we are going. History happens every day for The Cadets, and for all those that have ever worn the maroon and gold. Our long-ago experiences belong to the 2007 Cadets as much as to us, and their here-and-now experiences are ours as well as theirs. Throughout the year we declared: Four Banners, ONE corps. Now, as we close the year of our new beginning we realize how much those four words mean.
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The final gathering-of-the-maroon for 2007 was preceded by an organizational meeting of invited alumni to determine how to proceed with reorganization of the Cadets Hall of Fame. The intent is to ensure that the Cadet Hall of Fame will shine the spotlight on outstanding achievement and accomplishment beginning in 1934 and continuing to the present. George Hopkins led the way in placing responsibility for the reorganization into alumni hands. There will be an official announcement following appointment of the individuals to whom this responsibility will be entrusted.
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Another meeting within a meeting occurred as well. The alumni steering committee for our 75th Anniversary Year in 2009 (John Avella, John Hannigan, Bill Kardash, Greg Pych, and Doug Rutherford) met for the first time to begin discussions on construction of a blueprint for the events, projects, and celebrations that will be a part of this major celebration and rededication of the maroon. The hope is to not only celebrate the past, but to lay the groundwork for a secure future full of opportunity for many more generations of young men and women hoping to someday be a part of our corps. Many Cadets will be called upon to provide leadership and assistance, with events beginning in 2008 and continuing through until the grand climax in 2009. Once again, stay tuned for an official announcement.
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The last singing of O Holy Name for 2007
photos courtesy of Scotty McGarry (click on photo to enlarge)
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Those in attendance for the last gathering-of-the-maroon for 2007:
Tom Adamo, 1948-61
Paul Arthur, 1957-62
John Avella, 1957-61
Bart Bartello, 1948-58, drum major
Cindy Carozza-DeVivo 1969-73
Greg Cinzio, 1967-77, drum major
Jim D'Amico, 1949-76, former Director
George DeOld, 1964-70
Marie DiDomenico, former adjunct staff
Ed Frenzel, former Director
John Gangale, 1957
Margee Estelle-Gearhart, 1969-72
John Hannigan, 1974-79
Meg Healy, 1996-2000, Yea/Cadet Staff
George Hopkins, Cadets' Director
Fabian Izsa, 1958-66, drum major
Bill Kardash, 1952-61
George King, 1954-61
Maggie Lawrence-Temple 1985-87
George Lea, 1981-82
Beth Linkletter-McGarril, 1973-75
Tom Maiello, 1986, Director - The Raiders
Jim Mallen, former instructor
Gene/Jo Marotta, long-time friends of the Cadets
Owen McGarry, 1958-68
Scotty (Rich) McGarry, 1958-66
Jim Messina, 1966-73
Bob Messineo, Jr. , 1962
Nick Patrisso, 1934-42
Greg Pych, 1964-92
Ray Pych, 1954-63, drum major
Doug Rutherford, 1984-88, drum major
Eric Santo, 1977-82
Dave Shaw, 1950-58
Ken Shedosky, 1957-61
Lois Witte-Snure, 1969-72
George Staudinger, 1934-42
Andy Swiderski, 1955-57
Tony Tantillo, 1943-52
Doug Tenis, 1958-61
Stu Tomeske, 1958-61
Pat Vazquez, 1961-66, drum major
Paul Wall, 1964-71
Joe Wegrzyniak, 1943-50
Once again, if you neglected to sign the list or if I just flat out missed seeing you even though you were present, please forgive me. I'm Old!
DUE TO THE HOLIDAYS, THERE WILL BE NO JANUARY GATHERING-OF-THE-MAROON. THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH. We will be showing the 2007 Cadets Tour Video. SEE YOU THERE!!!
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| photos courtesy of Scotty McGarry (click on photo to enlarge) |
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George Hopkins framed by former
directors Jim D'Amico and Ed Frenzel
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Greg Pych, John Avella, Ray Pych
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Owen McGarry, George DeOld, Paul Wall
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Lady Cadets; talented and beautiful: L to R, Maggie Lawrence-Temple 1985-87,
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Meg Healy and Dave Shaw
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O Holy Name as viewed from the right.
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Beth Linkletter-McGarril 1973-75, Meg Healy 1996-2000, Cindi Carroza-DeVivo 1969-73,
Margee Estelle-Gearhart 1969-72, Lois Witte-Snure 1969-72, Marie DiDomenico - former staff
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As the Alumni were finishing off the 2007 season, the Cadets were beginning their 2008 season, with auditions and the first camp at Penns Grove High School on Fri. And Sat., December 7th and 8th. Since I was invited to the 2007 Corps Banquet the next day in Philadelphia, I drove down a day early to see what an audition camp is like.
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I was impressed! The Cadets' administrative staff really has their act together. Everything was perfectly organized with events right on schedule. Each applicant was issued a large laminated name tag so the instructors would be able to address them by name, and so they could get to know each other easily. They were also given a camp information packet, which included everything and anything they would need to know about the camp, the staff, the tentative summer schedule, the names of returning vets, the names of the volunteers present, the airport pickup and drop-off schedules, and I guess the price of anchovies in the Czech Republic (I just tossed in that last one to make sure you're still awake).
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I have no idea how many applicants were there to audition, but there were a lot...all of them remarkably talented. While individual auditions were being conducted, other instructors were conducting sectional and ensemble rehearsals; as well as teaching some of the new music for 2008. The young people present appeared to be enjoying the experience, and they were certainly fed well and treated respectfully. I was told that the staff was very impressed with the overall talent level of the applicants auditioning. The work ethic was obvious. Their first weekend with the Cadets, and they knew they were there to work...and work they did!
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There were three applicants present from Japan. I met one, but he didn't speak English and I don't speak Japanese, so he probably thought I was a janitor. There was also a young male snare drummer from Thailand with his instructor in tow. Apparently there is a drum corps in Bangkok...which I plan on visiting one of these days. Sadly the young man didn't make the cut after traveling so far for his shot at the brass ring. There were also five applicants from Canada...none of whom I had the pleasure of meeting. I'm sure our Canadian alumni, however, will be very happy to hear they were there, and will make themselves available to assist them in any way they can.
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Nutcase that I am, with curiosity aroused, I decided to check out the license plates on the cars in the parking lot: Indiana 1, Massachusetts 3, Vermont 1, Maryland (I stopped counting after 5), West Virginia 2, New York 8, Pennsylvania (after 15 I stopped counting), North Carolina 1, South Carolina 1, Arizona 1, Connecticut 1, Florida 1, Ontario 2, New Jersey (I didn't even bother... way too many).
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The banquet to honor the 2007 Cadets was held the next afternoon at the Philadelphia Renaissance Hotel - Airport. WOW...what an event! The hotel was beautiful, the kids were beautiful, the room was beautiful, John Avella and I were beautiful (are you still awake?).
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| photos courtesy of Scotty McGarry (click on photo to enlarge) |
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Jeff Sacktig, Visual Caption Head,
receiving award from George Hopkins.
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Color Guard members in reception area
outside banquet hall.
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Eric Kitchenman
presented with award by Cadets
Michael Terry (2007 ageout) and Ryan Tinker.
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John and I were invited by George Hopkins to represent the alumni as his guests. We were honored, coddled, showered with gifts, and lionized by George during his remarks. When I was introduced to say a few words I looked around the room at all the great human beings, Cadet ageouts, that our corps is sending out into the world; and I choked up. Between tears and with my voice cracking I managed to present Chris Castille, the drum major of the 2007 corps with a gift from the 1957 corp to the 2007 corps. It was a flag which was flown over our Nation's Capitol on September 14, 2007 to honor the 1957 Cadets on our National Championship won in Atlantic City fifty years prior. We presented the flag to thank the 2007 corps for being the catalyst that brought all of us, alumni and marching members, together again. My final words, barely heard I'm sure because by then I was a total emotional wreck, were an expression of thanks for making us all so proud.
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John read the proclamation that accompanied the flag, and he too was overcome with emotion. At least I wasn't the only basket case in the room trying to talk and cry at the same time (it doesn't work very well).
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The corps made the traditional awards to staff, Cadet of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and many others. The kids lightened things up a bit when they presented gifts to their caption instructors...gifts that I'm sure will be treasured, even if the recipients couldn't quite figure out what some of them were. Oh, one other thing. George Hopkins was master of ceremonies, and contrary to rumor, he does in fact have a great sense of humor. There were even hints of a smile from time to time. The Cadets love him and he loves the Cadets. That was inspirationally obvious.
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As the day drew to a close Meg Healy invited John and I to join her in passing out candles to the 2007 age-outs for their age-out ceremony, and their final singing of O Holy Name. John and I were honored beyond description to be asked to participate. This 2007 corps, and the young men and women that marched 2007, will always be very special to me and to John (and to Ken Shedosky who was unable to attend). They renewed my faith in the future. I have no doubt at all that they will move out into the world and in whatever their chosen field, will make the world a better place. The Cadet experience is a lifelong experience, which they are all about to discover. For Holy Name shall always be...
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| photos courtesy of Scotty McGarry (click on photo to enlarge) |
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Group photo of the Quads (better known
as the Quads of Bergen, QB for short).
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Tubas presenting gift to their caption tech.
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Group photo of the Cadets' brass caption staff.
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Thank you George, and Meg, and Rudy, and Caryn, and Christen, and the entire Cadet administrative and instructional/creative staff. You all occupy positions of great respect with the Alumni of The Cadets. If you can help to mold another group of young men and women like the Cadets of 2007 in 2008, the world will be in your debt.
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I had the very great pleasure of meeting the young lady who will join Chris on the field this year as our newest drum major. Since her name has not yet been officially announced by George, I will restrict myself to wishing her a wonderful experience in front of our corps.
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Cadets Alumni to Gather at Midwest Clinic
By: Christen Juel, Alumni Affairs Coordinator
Meet us in Chicago
In less than 2 weeks, about 14,000 music teachers, administrators, musicians, conductors, music students, music industry representatives, composers and arrangers will be in attendance at the 61st annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. The clinic features close to 100 topical clinics as well as performances by 30 groups from around the world.
Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!) will be one of the many organizations represented at the clinic and will be hosting a get together for all Cadets Alumni at 5:30PM, Wednesday, December 19 at the Chicago Hilton Towers. Come join us for a chance to catch up with other alumni as well as George Hopkins, Neil Larrivee, Jay Bocook, and others. Stop by the YEA booth at the event for more information.
We hope to see you there! For additional information: Christen Juel, 610-821-0345 X38
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A CADET WHO HONORS US ALL
This year the Cadets bid a reluctant farewell to age-out Cadet Michael Terry, an
eight year veteran of the Cadets, 2000-2007. Many times I hear people lamenting
the fact that modern-era Cadets do not have the extended years of membership
that earlier generations were privileged to experience. Like all
generalizations, there are exceptions aplenty...but probably none as pronounced
as the story of Cadet Terry.
Michael was a two time CADET OF THE YEAR...the most prestigious award available
to a Cadet for extraordinary achievement. In addition he was our 2007 Horn
Section Sergeant, as well as 2005 Baritone Section Leader. You have heard him
fronting the corps many times as the baritone soloist; probably without
realizing the pedigree of the outstanding musician you were hearing and
applauding.
I would like to share with you some words from his deservedly very proud Father.
"I am more proud of him than words can express, and I know that his years as a
Cadet will serve to mold and guide him for the rest of his life."
Michael, as you join our alumni in leading the rest of your life as a Cadet, we
would like to say thank you. You did us proud!
Pictured: Cadet Michael Patrick Terry with his proud Mom and Dad.
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photos courtesy of Scotty McGarry
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To all members of the Cadets' family, and our friends and supporters - Best Wishes for a joyful holiday.
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ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AND NEEDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
Contact
Christen Juel, Alumni and Volunteer Coordinator, at the YEA offices,
610-821-0345 for additional information. www.yea.org
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2009 - OUR 75TH YEAR: YESTERDAY - TODAY - TOMORROW...THE CADETS!!!
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