THUNDERBIRDS TO APPEAR AT
2002 SERENADE IN BRASS

The Corps will be returning… to the long-standing Spring show, The "Serenade in Brass", being held Saturday 27 April 2002 at the Forum in the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex.The bus will depart Erie Friday the 26th; we have rooms booked at the Harrisburg Hilton, directly adjacent to the Capitol Complex.

Open house to be held on 20 January 2002…The open house will be held at American Legion Post 11 located at 2123 Peach Street from 2 until 6 P.M. Jeff and Joe plan to have as much of this year's book copied and ready to hand out that day. We will hold an informal discussion around 3:30-4:00 to discuss plans for the April 27th trip to Harrisburg. Of course we will have your typical drum corps videos and music, along with NFL football on TV. The corps is providing the food and the beer. We will also be running games of chance.

First rehearsal set for 10 February 2002…The first Thunderbirds rehearsal of 2002 is scheduled for Sunday 10 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 2:00 PM. Call the Thunderbird Hotline at 814-868-DRUM for updates and current schedule information. Join us at American Legion Post 11, located at 2123 Peach Street after every rehearsal for traditional post rehearsal festivities. All alumni are invited.

Officers for 2002 Season…At the January meeting, Officers of the Thunderbird Alumni Association, Inc., parent organization of the Erie Thunderbirds Drum and Bugle Corps were reconfirmed for the 2002 year, and they are: 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 board are Gibbens, Adamus, Ed Coleman, Greg Davis, Mike Tarnowski, Larry Kownacki and Rick Carr.

Thank you again, Dave Stevens… 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 and use the auditorium/band room entrance.

DCA 2002, Scranton, PA… Rooms have been booked for DCA weekend. Current plans for the trip this year include the Mini Corps competition. Mark your calendars and contact Gary for room reservations.

Show Planned for 2002… Musical Director's Jeff Gibbens and Joe Salorino have concurred on this year's book. "With the events of 9/11, it is only fitting that our emphasis will be on New York City, and the Skyliners fit that bill." So, we will pull out Elk's parade, not to mention that this years DCA Mini Corps book will be in the works early in February and will be built on a New York City theme.

For Harrisburg we plan on:
Big Band Blast (Last years Mini Corps book)
Elk's Parade
Legend of the One-Eyed Sailor
Drum Solo
Everybody's Everything
Tribute to the Armed Forces
Stars and Stripes
And maybe even: You'll Never Walk Alone (for an onstage warm up)

Tom Davenport and Eric Nicklas round out the horn staff, Salorino will write and instruct the percussion book.

 

Corps Uniforms, Equipment & Apparel Available…Jeff Gibbens' motion to the board to purchase some newer three valve horns received unanimous approval at the January Board meeting. We have located some melophones and baritones, and they are on the way. We are still pursuing some sopranos and hope to locate them soon. Also, the Board approved the purchase of two 3-valve conversion kits for two of the three other contras we own. Howard is chasing down the parts. 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 arrangements to have them picked up so that others can use them.