SSuurrffeerr’’ss DDrruumm && BBuuggllee CCoorrppss

AAlluummnnii AAssssoocciiaattiioonn Southeastern Connecticut

Volume 7 – Number 1 December 2010

Drum Corps – Decades of Fun in the Sun…

Full retreat of the twelve Open Class Finalists at the 2010 Drum Corps International World Championships held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 14, 2010.

(7th Regiment is 3rd from left – between the 10 – 20 yard lines)

How do you eclipse a fantastic 2009 season?... with a phenomenal 2010 performance! That is what the 7th Regiment accomplished this past year. Many new statistical achievements were attained as the corps reached for the stars. They finally pulled down their first, 1st place win over a full slate of corps in Virginia on July 24th and later ended the season with an all new high score of 86.90 and their highest placement of 7th in the Open Class at the DCI Championship Finals.

Editorial…

Drum Corps Future ???

First – Hats off to the 2010 7th Regiment for the Incredible Super Season that you gave yourselves and your supporters. The headlines of the 2010 off-season are interesting. First was the story of the “G7”… the top 7 corps in DCI, and their plans to lift up, once again, the top echelon of corps to a new status level. From a pure business sense, I understand this position and believe that it could be best for those top level corps. But let‟s be real, there are only a handful of corps that will ever reach that status anyways. I sat and pondered on what would happen to all the other World Class corps and the entire Open Class corps? Even to the 7th Regiment‟s future? The recent announcement of the DCNA (Drum Corps North America) may have been the answer. Now, I am an old drum corps advocate from the viewpoint that drum corps needs to be available to the little town youth and local circuits advance that cause, limiting the need for national tours and such. There have been advancements in drum corps the past 30 years that need to filter down to the small start up corps, and others I hope not! Electronics, huge pit lines, etc. should be exceptions, not requirements – too costly for small corps. My hope is that the DCI will provide mentorship to the DCNA and start-up corps in regards to financial responsibilities, revenue generators, contacts with instrument and uniform manufacturers, etc. As for the rules and regulations, that should be up to the DCNA. A small town corps cannot live up to the DCI regulations. I believe that and the economy is what killed off so many corps in the past. But again, this is just my opinion and time will tell the story. The 7th Regiment made me a believer in today‟s frame work of drum corps. They are the most talented bunch of youth I‟ve ever known in drum corps. I doubt if many of the old Surfers could have played and marched at the level that the 7th perform today. The instructor staff that the corps Board of Directors put together was second to none. So, if the DCNA becomes a reality, then maybe the baton will once again be passed, from the SAA staff to the ex 7th members who have the passion to see corps started in their own cities and towns. After all, they know it CAN happen – they lived it with their experience in the 7th Regiment.

2

Surfer’s Alumni Association P.O. Box 64

New London, CT 06320

Phone: 860-442-DRUM

Board of Directors

President: Birse Timmons Vice President: Paula O‟Neil

Secretary: Daisy Johnson Treasurer: Edgar Frazelle

Fundraising: Vacant

7th Regiment Director: Tim Rall

Asst. Director: Jim O‟Neil

Quartermaster: Jimmy Smith

At-Large-Members:

Jeff Dozier Lizz Adams

Media/Technology: Barbara DeLillo

Newsletter Editor: Carl Burnett

Letters to the Editor eMail: stampbiz@cfl.rr.com

or mail to: P.O. Box 1987

Melbourne, FL 32902

Newsletter Staff: Barbara DeLillo

Visit your Web Site…

www.7thregiment.org This site has all the news and activities going on with the Surfer‟s Alumni Association and the 7

th Regiment Drum & Bugle

Corps. Also, plenty of photos and links to other favorite Drum & Bugle Corps sites. Visit the guest book register and look up old friends – and don‟t forget to sign your name!

The 7th Regiment competed in 13 competitions in July through August of 2010. This included the DCI National Championships held again at Michigan City and Indianapolis, Indiana. As a 7th year corps, the 7th set records for high scores and thrilled all their patrons and followers with their second trip to the DCI Open Class Finals and a fine 7th place finish with an all time high score of 86.90.

For the Record…. Official 2010 Corps Scoreboard…

July 2, 2010 Bristol, RI

World Class Score 1. Carolina Crown 83.70 2. Bluecoats 82.80 3. Boston Crusaders 79.20 4. Phantom Regiment 79.20 5. Crossmen 71.60 6. Jersey Surf 66.80

Open Class 1. 7th Regiment 67.00

July 5th, 2010 Bridgeport, CT

World Class Score 1. Boston Crusaders 80.40 2. Spirit 73.50 3. Crossmen 73.35 4. Jersey Surf 69.45

Open Class 1. Spartans 70.80 2. 7th Regiment 65.75

July 16th, 2010 Bridgewater, MA

Open Class Score 1. Spartans 75.80 2. 7th Regiment 74.30 3. Les Stentors 66.00 4. Platinum 56.10 5. Blue Saints 52.40

July 17th, 2010 Groton, CT

Open Class Score 1. 7th Regiment 76.30 1. Spartans 76.30 3. Les Stentors 66.10 4. Platinum 57.85 5. Spirit of NJ 53.80 6. Blue Saints 49.80

July 18th, 2010 Manchester, NH

Open Class Score 1. Spartans 78.30 2. 7th Regiment 77.00 3. Les Stentors 66.15 4. Platinum 60.85 5. Blue Saints 51.85

July 24th, 2010 Warrenton, VA

Open Class Score 1. 7th Regiment 75.65 2. Legends 75.25 3. Raiders 74.50 4. Racine Scouts 68.25 5. Les Stentors 64.95 6. Spirit of NJ 52.40

August 3rd, 2010

Erie, PA

Open Class Score 1. Spartans 80.50 2. 7th Regiment 79.85 3. Legends 78.65 4. Genesis 75.55 5. Velvet Knights 71.20 6. Strangnas 68.30 7. Blue Saints 52.30

August 5th, 2010 Johnsonburg, PA

Open Class Score 1. Spartans 83.60 2. 7th Regiment 81.75 3. Legends 80.95 4. Music City 80.35 5. Genesis 79.80 6. Velvet Knights 73.95 7. Strangnas 69.40 8. Blue Saints 53.50

August 7th, 2010 Belding, MI

Open Class Score 1. Spartans 86.75 2. 7th Regiment 84.60 3. Music City 83.85 4. Legends 83.00 5. Genesis 82.00 6. Velvet Knights 76.05 7. Strangnas 70.95 8. Spirit of NJ 58.65 9. Blue Saints 56.55

August 8th, 2010 Dayton, OH

Open Class Score 1. Spartans 86.75 2. Music City 84.80 3. 7th Regiment 84.15 3. Legends 84.15 5. Genesis 80.15 6. Velvet Knights 75.20 7. Blue Saints 55.10

3

Continued on next page…

~ In Memoriam ~

Mr. Ernest Wallace, owner of Shipman‟s Fire Equipment and a long sponsor of the 7th Regiment passed away on October 13, 2010. We all extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Wallace.

2010 DCI CHAMPIONSHIPS

7th

Regiment 2011 Musical Score

August 10th, 2010 Michigan City, IN DCI Open Class Quarter Finals

Open Class Score

1. Blue Devils B 95.80 2. Oregon Crusaders 91.00 3. Spartans 89.75 4. Revolution 88.35 5. Raiders 87.40 6. Music City 85.45 7. 7th Regiment 84.55 8. Legends 84.20 9. Colt Cadets 81.55 10. Forte 80.85 10. Genesis 80.85 12. Velvet Knights 75.85 13. Racine Scouts 73.35 14. Les Stentors 72.50 15. Strangnas 72.20 16. Blue Saints 59.05

4

August 13th, 2010 Indianapolis, IN DCI Open Class

Semi Finals

Open Class Score

1. Blue Devils B 96.40 2. Oregon Crusaders 92.75 3. Spartans 90.35 4. Revolution 88.05 5. Music City 86.40 6. Raiders 86.00 7. Legends 85.25 8. 7th Regiment 84.60 9. Genesis 82.00 10. Forte 81.70 11. Colt Cadets 81.55 12. Velvet Knights 76.65 13. Racine Scouts 74.50 14. Les Stentors 72.50 15. Strangnas 70.60 16. Blue Saints 59.40

August 14th, 2010 Indianapolis, IN DCI Open Class

Finals

Open Class Score

1. Blue Devils B 97.55 2. Oregon Crusaders 94.00 3. Spartans 93.60 4. Revolution 92.20 5. Raiders 89.15 6. Music City 88.50 7. 7th Regiment 86.90 8. Legends 86.20 9. Genesis 84.00 10. Forte 82.90 11. Colt Cadets 82.30 12. Velvet Knights 76.15

7

th Regiment “2011” Home Show…

Drum Corps on the Thames July 16, 2011 -- Groton, CT

Corps in competition will be:

7th Regiment – New London, CT Les Stentors – Sherbrooke, QC

Platinum – Raleigh, NC Spartans – Nashua, NH

Plus more to come…

For any alumni planning a trip back home this summer, Keep July 16th open on your

calendar!

~ ~ IN MEMORIAM ~ ~ Nino Cocilo 1953 - 2010

Anthony 'Nino' Cocilo, of New London, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in Florida. He was born Jan. 14, 1953. Nino was a SAA Alumni, having marched in the early years with the Surfers. He was an accomplished drummer, playing for years with many popular groups in New England. He will be most remembered for his big smile, unending sense of humor and as a friend to one and all. We extend our condolences to the many family and friends that he left behind.

~ ~ IN MEMORIAM ~ ~ Raymond Rogers

1956 - 2010

Ray Rogers of Groton, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2010. He was born Feb. 20, 1956 in Virginia Beach, VA.

Ray marched in the drum line for the Surfers in the late 60’s – early 70’s. His passion for drum corps lasted throughout his life. He also spent 35 years employed by Electric Boat as a nuclear ships manager. Ray was also a Dale Earnhardt Jr. memorabilia collector and a NASCAR racing fan.

To all of Ray’s family and friends, we wish you our heartfelt condolences for your loss.

~ ~ IN MEMORIAM ~ ~ Carl Barnum

1955 - 2009

Carl Barnum of Waterford, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009. He was born Nov. 28, 1955 in New London.

Carl was a Drum Corps enthusiast having played in the brass line his early days with the Surfers. It was a family affair as his sister Dianne also marched and his parents were volunteer supporters of the corps.

Carl later had a long career in engineering working on submarines. To all his family and friends, we all send our

condolences – Carl will be missed by many.

5

Donate to the 7th

Regiment through your United Way Campaign If you contribute to the United Way at your job, then you have the opportunity to help out the 7th Regiment! When filling out the paper work for your donation, you can check off “Other” and write in the Surfers Alumni Association. Your contributions would then go directly to helping out the corps. There are several people doing this and what a thrill it is to know that your monies would be going to such a worthwhile cause.

Visit the 7th Regiment Website and click on the link “SUPPORT” on the left side and you will see other opportunities to help out with the corps… Thanking you in advance…!!! Raise money for the 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps just by searching the Internet GoodSearch - www.goodsearch.com - powered by Yahoo! Just type 7th Regiment in as

your cause & verify.

6

* * S.A.A. 2010 Member Spotlight * * Sean Corbett, a snare drummer for the 7th

Regiment, started his musical career in the marching percussion idiom when he joined a standstill indoor drum line to fill time between the end of school and the beginning of theatre rehearsals. Drumming quickly became an obsession, and he spent the vast majority of each day with sticks or mallets in hand. Under the encouragement of his band director, Scott Winship (2007 7th Regiment brass staff), Sean auditioned for and gained a spot on the 7th Regiment 2007 snare line, and has been marching there ever since. He recently aged out after his fourth season with the corps, the latter three of which he was the drumline section leader.

SEAN CORBETT

Sean is currently a senior at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he studies Computer Science and Music (with a focus on jazz drumset). He performs in many ensembles on campus, including occasional performances with Peter Sulski (London Symphony Orchestra, Worcester Chamber Music Society). He also performs in several rock and indie bands, and serves as a session drummer for many groups on campus. He has had many chances to teach thanks to the skills he gained at 7th Regiment, having taught East Lyme High School, CT (percussion caption head), East Bridgewater High School, MA (battery / front ensemble tech), and he is currently a battery/visual tech for Cheshire High School.

Aside from drumming, Sean spends his free time studying computer music and production, writing software, making electronics, and running, a lot.

2010 SAA - 7th

Regiment Banquet…

7th Members sing the traditional Corps Song one last time.

The 2010 Annual banquet was well attended with over 140 people, including 7th members, staff, volunteers, parents, and invited guests. The guest speaker was Ray Fallon, Sr., who has been a Consultant and Brass Arranger, with many corps such as the Boston Crusaders, Bridgemen, Crossmen, Hurricanes, and local high schools. Ray is also in the Hurricanes, Sunrisers, and Buglers Halls of Fame. Once again, it was evident that the 7th members were glad to see each other – this group exceeded all expectations over the previous year, evidenced by their 7th place finish in the DCI Finals. One feature of the night was the presentation of the

“Superlatives” as voted by members, with the following awards:

Best smile: Guy: Adam Lattimore, Girl: Erica Dozier

Best attitude: Guy: Jesse White, Girl: Rachek Timmons

Most spirited: Guy: Mike Vita, Girl: Jen Platts

Most talkative: Guy: Andrew Dressler, Girl: Nancy Killoran

The Corps Clowns: Guy: Travis Vanover, Girl: Alexis Waller

Most likely to put their kids through corps: Guy: Gage Brown, Girl: Alyssa Venuti

Most accident prone: Guy: Cristian Vasquez, Girl: Jamie Lenz

Most likely to be first in the food line: Guy: Will Stocker, Girl: Erica Dozier

Most likely to be the next super instructor: Guy: Sean Corbett, Girl: Christina Hood

Most likely to be the next Dana & Steve (a.k.a. Cutest Couple): Mike Vita and Victoria Smolenski

Best Bromance Couple: Adam Lattimore and Gage Brown

Most Likely to expose themselves (accidedntally or otherwise): Guy: Sean Longley, Girl: Yovana Karakitukova

Most „Macabre‟ (interpret it however you want): Guy: Bobby Langan, Girl: Caitlin Kenney

Mosted improved: Guy: Sean Johns, Girl: Lizzii Brayman

Rookie of the year: Guy: Joe Walczyk, Girl: Lesley Snay

7th

member of the year: Guy: Sean Corbett, Girl: Jen Platts

Staff Superlatives! (As voted on by the staff)

Most Improved: Adam Bobrowski

Rookie of the Year: James VanHoy

7th

Member of the Year: Sean Corbett

Note: Names in Bold represents the second year in a row that the 7th

members received such accolades.

7th

Regiment 2011 Camp, Rehearsals and Competitions

Schedules

Camps:

December 10-12 January 14-16 February 11-13

March 11-13 April 8-10 May 13-15 May 27-29

Rehearsals:

To Be Announced

Competitions:

June 27 - Bridgeport, CT June 29 - Glens Falls, NY

July 2 - Lynn, MA July 3 - Bristol, RI

July 15 - Bridgewater, MA July 16 - Groton, CT

July 17 - Manchester, NH August 2 - Dayton, OH

August 4 - Johnsonburg, PA August 6 - Erie, PA

August 8 - Michigan City, IN

DCI Finals at Indianapolis, IN Note: Additional dates for rehearsals, parades and other activities will be added – check the 7th Website, Schedule tab at the top of the home page for further information.

7

Surfer’s Alumni Association P.O. Box 64

New London, CT

06320

7th Regiment - 2011 Instructors

DRILL

Drill Designer/Program Coordinator: Steve Lyons

Visual Caption Head: Daniel Wyman (Techs TBA)

BRASS

Arranger: Jack Tully Caption Head: Ray Fallon Jr. (Techs TBA)

PERCUSSION

Arranger/Caption Head: Michael Blancaflor

(Techs TBA)

COLOR GUARD

Designer/Caption Head: Dana Lyons (Techs TBA)

The 2011 SAA Membership Dues are Due Yearly membership costs are $20 per individual Life membership is $100 – make payments to:

“Surfers Alumni Association” and remit to: P.O. Box 64, New London, CT 06320

Your continued support is MOST appreciated

7th

Regiment Corps Merchandise for Sale

Order your 7th Regiment T-Shirts, cinch bags, hoodies, and hats today!!! Contact Leta Madore at Camps, Rehearsals, and DCI Competitions or email Leta at psalm1381@gmail.com