WE'RE BACK!

First rehearsal set for 4 February 2001…The first Thunderbirds rehearsal of 2001 is scheduled for Sunday 4 February, 2-5pm at East High School (Rt. 5 & East Avenue) in Erie. Brass Arranger/Instructor, Jeff Gibbens requests that brass musicians are prepared with a music stand, pencil and a blank cassette. Please arrive by 1:45 and begin personal warm-ups. Be ready to roll at 2:00pm. Call the Thunderbird Hotline at 814-868-DRUM for updates and current schedule information.

Open House a Huge Success…The open house held at the Polish Sharpshooter's Club had a tremendous turnout. Party Chairman Tom Matczak reported attendance in the area of 60-70 people across the day. Communications Director Mike Adamus arranged news coverage through the local ABC and CBS affiliates along with pre-event PSA's on the local radio airwaves. Some new faces turned out, along with many of our seasoned veterans. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Officers for 2001 Season…At the December meeting, Officers of the Thunderbird Alumni Association, Inc., parent organization of the Erie Thunderbirds Drum and Bugle Corps were reconfirmed for the 2001 year. Long-time President Greg Davis will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board, Joe Salorino; President, Tom Matczak; Vice-President, Gary Matczak; Business Manager and Secretary, Jay Pius; Treasurer, and Fred Nicklas, Quartermaster.

Appointments include Jeff Gibbens as musical director and Mike Adamus, Communications Director. Members of the boards are Gibbens, Adamus, Ed Coleman, Mike Tarnowski and Larry Kownacki.

Business Manager's Report… Gary Matczak…As you may realize, jump starting the active member corps will not be an easy job after our brief hiatus. Large strides have been made by the Board, Committees, and the Members, in breathing new life back into the corps. All interested members must do their individual best to be at rehearsals and performances on time, ready to go.

We will be rehearsing at East High School, the newest facility in the City of Erie School District, courtesy of Band Director, Dave Stevens. School District rules include no smoking or drinking on school property. This is, and will be strictly enforced. All East facilities have video monitoring, so one recorded or witnessed screw up, and we are out. Use the parking lot off of Adkins Street; use the auditorium/band room entrance.

Rooms have been booked at the Wyndam, Syracuse for DCA weekend. Current plans for the trip this year include both the Mini Corps and Drum ensemble competitions. Mark your calendars and contact me for room reservations.

Show Planned for 2001…Musical Director Jeff Gibbens reports that we will start up with the new arrangements "Caravan" written by Donnie Allen, re-written by Gibbens, and Latin-rocker "Everybody's Everything" recorded originally by Santana and performed by the Cabs in 1972. The new drum solo performed in last years ensemble contest DCA weekend, will be slightly reworked and added to. Tom Davenport and Eric Nicklas round out the horn staff, Salorino will write the percussion book this year.

"In memory of our Thunderbird family members Gustave 'Doc' Mork and Angelo 'The Godfather' Pettinato. We thank you for your guidance, mentoring and most of all your friendship. Your contribution to drum corps is without measure or comparison. We will remember you always." -Joe Salorino

Corps Uniforms,Equipment & Apparel Available…Corps jackets, sweatshirts, polo shirts, caps, etc. as well as corps uniforms are available by calling Quartermaster Fred Nicklas at 814-456-7628. Also, brass musicians should direct any instrument inquiries to Fred. If you do not plan on active participation this season, please turn in your uniform and equipment or make arrangement to have them picked up so that others can use them.

Erie Thunderbirds 2001 Schedule of Events

Rehearsal Schedule

4 February - 2 to 5PM at East High School

18 February - 2 to 5PM at East High School

4 March - 2 to 5PM at East High School

18 March - 2 to 5PM at East High School

1 April - 2 to 5PM at East High School

8 April - 2 to 5PM at East High School

22 April - 2 to 5PM at TBA

6 May - 2 to 5PM at TBA

20 May - 2 to 5PM at TBA

Performance Schedule

17 March - 12PM Lineup, 1PM Parade at St. Pats Bus Tour

24 June - 1PM Warm up at Couneaut Lake Park Concert

14 July - 3PM Line up at N.E. Cherry Festival

? August - DCI Erie Show

? August - Fredonia Heritage Parade/Picnic

1-3 September - DCA Weekend Syracuse, NY

? September - Silver Creek Parade/Picnic

This schedule is an early draft and is subject to change. Call the Thunderbird Hotline at 814-868-DRUM for up-to-date schedule information.

2:30PM Performance & Picnic