Thursday, 30 March 2006 - 2:01 PM EST

Looking forward to having another reunion. Our goal, as outlined by Collin is to make darn good and sure that EVERY person who marched, instructed or cheered for the Lancers/Cadet Lancers gets the opportunity to attend this reunion.

I cannot wait to see you all again!!

Dave the DM

Saturday, 22 April 2006 - 6:55 PM EDT

Count me in. Would be great to re-unite again. Forgot to moon the gang at the last reunion. Better do it now before the buns hit the floor, not getting any younger.

Just came back from California, business trip, stumbled out of a restaurant one night and I could hear drums, so I checked it out, guess what? Yes it was X (old farts) Drum Corps folk's from Blue Devils,& Santa Clara Vanguard just jamming away at the back of a strip mall. What a rush of memories, and they remembered Seneca Op & Oakland Crus. Asked if they rembered the Cadet-Lancers, they remember the 27th Lancers, yes they were older than I.

Cheers.

Bob

Tuesday, 25 April 2006 - 7:53 AM EDT

LMAO!!!

I am pretty sure I can live without ya mooning us, Bob, but would love to see you at the next reunion - assuming enough interest for having another is out there amongst our hallowed alumni members.

Well, folks? Is there sufficient interest to have another go-around for a reunion? Let us know for sure!! Don't be shy!!

David

Friday, 28 April 2006 - 5:03 PM EDT

With thoughts of another Lancer and Cadet Lancer reunion dancing in my head - I would like to state for the record that I owe Mr. Brown a debt of thanks for having the foresight and drive to form the Lancers. I learned far more about team work from my association with the Lancers and the Cadet Lancers than I ever learned through any sports team or even from school. I got to see "up close and personal" the evolution of a group that could barely squeak out "Perot" to an excellent ensemble that played a great rendition "MacArthur Park" and "British Grenadiers" just to name a few. I saw what hard work and dedication can do - from the corps executive, the talented instructional staff, the veteran corps members, right down to the newest, raw rookie. I look back at those years with a great deal of pride...and I thank Mr. Brown for allowing the opportunity to share in that tremendous life experience.

David

PS. I still to this day cannot call Mr. Brown by his first name. To me, he'll always be MISTER Brown.

Wednesday, 17 May 2006 - 9:32 AM EDT

I will definetely be in on this one. If I can be of any assistance in helping to organize please let me know. I am including my email adress if anyone wants to drop me a line.

Cheers

Wednesday, 17 May 2006 - 3:28 PM EDT

That's great news Joe.You can indeed be of assistance. We are searching for all members of our Corps. If you know of any members please make them aware of the plans for another reunion and put them in touch with us.

Thanks and it is great to here from you,

Collin

Thursday, 18 May 2006 - 7:28 PM EDT

I recently received the newsletter announcing the website and possible reunion this fall. Count me in! I have spoken with Thereasa (Sibb) already and we remembered old times and people. I will do what I can to assist in spreading the word. In the mean time I hope to hear from some old friends.

Brian Borg

Thursday, 18 May 2006 - 8:13 PM EDT

Welcome, Brian! Great to hear from you!

Your help in locating our 'lost souls' would be very much appreciated by the 2006 Reunion Committee.

DM Dave

(Older, Balder, Wiser.......Well two outta three ain't bad!)

Thursday, 18 May 2006 - 10:03 PM EDT

After I received an email from Dave a lot of great memories came flooding back to me. From the first song I ever remember marching to as a very young Optimist Cadet (My name is Michael), then there was the sacrificial burning of the running shoes. Does anyone remember that? And of course there was the year we won the Canadian National Championship. There is so many great memories, and I'm looking forward to the reunion and seeing all of you again. If you have any special memories, don"t be shy I would love to hear them.
Theresa

Friday, 19 May 2006 - 7:38 AM EDT

Howdy!!

Great to hear from Joe, Brian and Theresa!!! But where are some of you others? How about a posting or two from the likes of Lori Blackmore, Gary Mason, Dennis Rutledge, the Baker family, Scott McCabe, Carol Munro, Peter Price and Fred Weiss? What about Kevin Dunne and Cheri Inches? Come on, you OLD TIMERS from the Lancers and the Cadet Lancers! Make some noise!!! Y'all were never this quiet on the damn corps buses....*smile*

Time to step up to the plate. Don't be shy! You are always amongst friends when it comes to the Lancers and Cadet Lancers Alumni......*big smile*

Saturday, 20 May 2006 - 9:14 AM EDT

One of my favourite memories is standing on retreat in 1975 after our second show as the Cadet Lancers and hearing the announcer say the scores of the first and second place corps which were only 1/10 of a point apart. That was so exciting! We came such a close second behind the Midlanders (Who at time seemed like such giants compared to us) It was the first time I realized that we were really competitive in our class and that we could actually win!! I was only 10 years old at the time and if I can remember that I'm sure others probably can too!

Saturday, 20 May 2006 - 9:44 AM EDT

I remember that well. I also remember the stunned looks on the faces of the Midlanders who fully expected a 'cake walk' to the National title. *smile*

Say, Nancy, do you remember the night we BEAT the Midlanders at our contest in Etobicoke? What a night that was! I remember us trooping the entire stands to a THUNDEROUS standing ovation from the crowd (the stands stayed full until we cleared the seating area!) and how we got mobbed by our families and friends. One of the absolute best nights of my drum corps career!!

Tuesday, 23 May 2006 - 4:37 PM EDT

Great news!! We've heard from Scott Andrews!! Now how about you other Lancers and Cadet Lancers out there? We KNOW you're out there.....

Friday, 26 May 2006 - 5:16 PM EDT

I'm so glad to hear of so many of us on ROR.

Had a long talk with Teresa last night who asked, "Do you remember me?" How could I forget the only girl who drove my car up onto a snowbank.... and then we needed the drumline to lift it off.

It would be good to know who else is still marching. I know of Kevin Clancy and Kevin Casquenette from you "young folk". Plus Gord O'Halloran, Lorne Ferrazutti and myself from the instruction staff.

Looking forward to September...

Monday, 29 May 2006 - 11:37 AM EDT

Great to hear from John O'Leary!!

I have some other great news. I just received an email from Paul Irwin who marched with the Lancers in 71 to 73 (if my memory serves me...*smile*) before he joined the Toronto Optimists. He was one of our 'missing' and plans to attend the next reunion. Beautiful!! I am hoping he will help us locate his sister Nancy who also marched with the Lancers and has yet to be located.

In the meantime, if you know of anyone else who marched in the Lancers and/or the Cadet Lancers who we couldn' locate for the last reunion, let me know ASAP!!!

Dave

Monday, 29 May 2006 - 8:10 PM EDT

Wow David, reading your post of April 28 referring to learning "Perot" really sent me back! I remember my very first rehearsal at Dixon Grove school. I wanted to learn how to play the drums so badly!

My Dad had heard about this Etobicoke Lancers drum corps so he drove me in one night from Oakville. Upon entering the building I was told in no uncertain terms that they had enough drummers, how about playing a horn? Well being a kid of ten years old, I was too afraid to say no and was quickly handed something that at one time had probably resembled a musical instrument but was now a tarnished piece of bent tubing that didn't even have a valve! . . . just a slide!!! Holy smokes! This was about as far from a drum as a kid could get! (and pretty far from a horn too!)

Anyway, I bought my bag of Humpty Dumpty chips and a warm grape pop for break, and sat down in the hall of the school wondering what the heck had I gotten myself into.

I suspect now, that my Dad, who to this day is a carved-in-stone french horn player, probably would have steered the old Ford off the QEW to crash in a firey ball of flames rather than bring a pair of drumsticks into the house that night.

So the rest is history, and yes . . . I'm still playing the french horn.

Life is strange, and had I not kept that horn, I might not have met my wife of twenty years who is a mellophone player . . . . . . . . on the other hand . . . had I learned the drums I may have been the next John Bonham and been a rock'n'roll superstar with hot & cold running women 24/7 . . . but let's not end the story that way : )

Barry Oehm

Monday, 29 May 2006 - 8:20 PM EDT

David

Sorry I missed you on the weekend. Thanks for stopping by and I hope all was well. Next time I am in T.O. I will look you up for sure.

Cheers

Joe

Monday, 29 May 2006 - 8:31 PM EDT

Barry!!!

My ears STILL bleed when I hear the tune "Perot"!! I have never hated a (expletive deleted) tune as much as I have grew to hate that damn song.

I am laughing my ass off at the thought of you in the drum line. You were SO well mannered and polite - those 'sharks' would have eaten you alive! Besides, take it from me, you were (are?) one hell of a good french horn player.

Looking forward to seeing you at the next reunion - *huge smile*

Monday, 29 May 2006 - 8:36 PM EDT

Joe!!

I am sorry we couldn't hook up either but for you folks who will be in the Ottawa/Nepean area, you MUST stop by and visit Joe's most excellent bar and grill called "PJ Quigley's". The atmosphere was nifty, the food was terrific and and the service GREAT!!! I think the address was 250 Greenbank. Well worth a visit!!

The Lancer/Cadet Lancer Food Critic

Monday, 29 May 2006 - 9:31 PM EDT

Barry,

Right from the first time I met you I new there was something really special about you. I just could not figure out what that thing was. Now I know !!

You wanted to be a drummer. It is not too late.
We can still turn you in to a fine drummer.
Look at all the great times you missed in riding on that horn bus.

Just remember DRUMMERS RULE. If you doubt that just ask Mrs.Burgess,

Collin

Tuesday, 30 May 2006 - 6:22 AM EDT

Collin!!

I did ask Mrs. Burgess if "drummers rule" and she has asked me to have you call her or drop by in person so she can "discuss" this matter with you. LOL!!!

Dave

PS. I'd wear a cup if I were you....*wink* LMAO!!!

Tuesday, 30 May 2006 - 8:48 AM EDT

Thanks for the offer Collin, but I don't see riding on any drum bus happening in my immediate future. Actually, I'm pretty sure turning a horn player into a drummer is illegal in most of the provinces.

Barry

Tuesday, 30 May 2006 - 11:02 AM EDT

I don't think it is illegal but it most certainly would be immoral just about everywhere on this planet! *knowing wink*

The reason Collin and I are such good friends is due to the fact I have long since forgiven him his "sin" of being a drummer and have made him an honourary member of "The Sopranos" (bugles not the TV series of the same name...*smile*)

Wednesday, 31 May 2006 - 4:59 PM EDT

Hi All,

Great to see the chatter.I had a great time at the last reunion,it was amazing to see everyone.Those with and without hair.(what a difference 25 yrs make)Count me in for the next one.I'm hoping to see more chit chat from the girls (ladies) considering we were the glue that held it together!!

TTFN

Robbie

Wednesday, 31 May 2006 - 6:21 PM EDT

Hi, Roberta!

I am laughing my ass (can I use this word, Webmaster?) off over the comment about lacking hair. It was just the ravages of time and the severe stress of getting the first reunion off the ground. It hit both Collin and I really hard and that's why we are now bald. (Dan and Theresa - consider yourself warned!!)

I would LOVE to see more postings from the wonderful ladies I had the pleasure of marching with....but I am not sure if I would say they were the glue that held the corps together - *smile* - although their beauty and grace always held my attention......

Thursday, 1 June 2006 - 7:44 AM EDT

Received both the letter (a couple of weeks ago) and a call from Theresa (earlier this week). It was great talking to you Theresa.
I had a great time at the last reunion and OF COURSE will be thrilled to attend the next one.
Glenda Lister, Sheila McLaughlin and I have stayed in close touch since the 2003 reunion and I'm so happy to have reconnected with a couple of girls who were so important to me in my teenage years. Watching my 3 boys grow older always make my mind wander back to the very treasured memories I have of my drum corps years.
Hope to hear from some of you soon.
Take care
Jodi

Thursday, 1 June 2006 - 7:59 AM EDT

Yeah - where ARE the girls from the drum corps? Why haven't we heard from the likes of Carol Munro, Linda Coffey, the Anco ladies, the Dick ladies, and the fabulous Harrison girls of Snaresbrooke?? How about those Cadet Lancer women? What about Linda Baille? Hey, Laurie Blackmore - where is your posting?? Say, Karen Monkman (one of my personal favs by the way...) - how come we haven't seen anything from you? Sames goes for Loretta Deoni.

Okay you women from the Lancers and Cadet Lancers who were the "glue" that kept the corps together - time to 'pipe up'!

"Mr. Soprano"

Friday, 2 June 2006 - 3:16 PM EDT

ATTENTION ALL LANCERS AND CADET LANCERS -

The intention of the Reunion Committee is to make absolutely damn sure that EVERYONE who marched, who instructed and who cheered for the Lancers and the Cadet Lancers gets the opportunity to be invited to the next reunion.

Please do NOT assume that everyone has been located. Our records are good but not perfect and trying to find people after "30 some" years is a rather tricky process. PLEASE check with the Reunion Committee - especially me because I am heading the 'contact' part - to make CERTAIN that the friends you marched with and remember so well are on the list.

**It might also be a wise thing to make sure we have the correct contact information on you, too. Stranger things have happened**

A good example of this - everyone who marched with the LANCERS remembers Ross Nelson well and fondly. We have been completely unable to locate him. I would like to have Ross out at the next reunion. Another example? The Rutledge brothers from the CADET LANCERS - Dennis, Paul and Steve. They were like our rendition of the "Hanson Brothers" from the movie "Slap Shot" - but without the violence. I would like to see ALL the Rutledge brothers this fall at the reunion.

DB

Saturday, 3 June 2006 - 7:39 PM EDT

Hello (Dave)!!!!!
I do not recall many things other than my Dad watching over me. I am willing to work on my memory...I do remember that I lived for the Corp!

Monday, 5 June 2006 - 3:11 PM EDT

Hello to all.
Recieved the letter and have checked out the site. great job Ccollin!!! Really looking forward to the next reunion as the first was wonderful! Yes it would be wonderful for the ones that did not get an opportunity to attend the first one make it to the next. It will certainly be great to see all again!!! If there is anything I can do please let me know.

sincere regards
Peter Price

Monday, 5 June 2006 - 4:17 PM EDT

Careful, Peter!! One should never volunteer!! But I thank you kindly for the offer and we (the 'reunion crew') will keep you in mind......

Peter is ABSOLUTELY right. For those of you who weren't able to be at the last reunion, we really want you to come out to upcoming one this fall. It will be a BLAST!!!!!

Great to see postings from Peter Price and Loretta Rodrigues (Deoni)!! Always a treat to hear from valued friends from our drum corps days.

Sunday, 11 June 2006 - 11:44 PM EDT

Hey Dave - Our fearless leader!!!!!!
I am not recognizing to many familiar names from the past here...whats up with that?????
why are we not hearing from more of the people we came to love over the many hours, days, nights, years...I could go on! lol
I need to reconnect here folks...before old age sets in and my memory is no longer.
Oh and by the way Dave all the emails I send to you and Jan are coming back to me undeliverable.
I really enjoyed the last reunion - even tho the heels killed me! lol...guess you HAD TO BE THERE!
Cheers,
Loretta

Tuesday, 13 June 2006 - 8:53 AM EDT

LMAO!!! A lightning strike has 'fragged' my computer modem and I am SOL for any computer related "activities" until Bell Sympatico gets off their "oversized behinds" (trying to be polite here!) and sends me a new one. Having to access this site and my email remotely - well, it SUCKS!!! The date today is June 13th and with luck, I should be back and operational no later than June 23rd (hopefully of THIS YEAR!)

Any urgent matters - please contact the esteemed Collin Brookes! Rumour has it that his computer is still amongst the 'living'.......*smile*

Dave

Friday, 16 June 2006 - 12:38 AM EDT

Hi guys,
Some of my best drum corps memories are with the Cadet Lancers.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you in the fall. Collin, Dave and Dan did a great job a couple of years ago and I have no doubt that the next one will be even better.

I just hope my buds will be attending too.....Kevin, Jeff, Bobby, Blandford (Zimba Ungawa) and of course Robbie.


Jeff

Friday, 16 June 2006 - 12:57 AM EDT

Barry,
John Bonham has checked out and you ended up married to one of the prettiest girls in Oakland Crusaders. I can recognize that head of hair from 100 yards.

Shut up and be happy that you didn't go home with sticks!

Jeff

Tuesday, 20 June 2006 - 8:25 PM EDT

Actually Jeff . . . you might not be able to spot her hair that easily anymore as she's taken to cutting it off (twice now) and mailing it away to some place that makes wigs for kids with cancer. She's become a regular hair farm. Personally I think she's just trying to get into Heaven.

And I know John Bonham is gone, and that I hooked a good one (although gettin' her in the boat wasn't easy) . . . and . . . the only way they'll ever take my mouthpiece from me is by prying it away from my cold dead lips (or . . . something like that).

Thursday, 22 June 2006 - 5:03 PM EDT

Barry,
You may just be understating about hooking a good one when you speak about your wife.

As for the mouthpiece your wish is a drummer's command.
It is not too late to change your ways and become a drummer.
That will be your ticket to heaven....

CVB

Friday, 23 June 2006 - 6:45 AM EDT

Become a drummer? I'm positive that Mr. Oehm has far better taste than to do something as silly as that.

"Tony SOPRANO"

Monday, 26 June 2006 - 11:06 PM EDT

just looking forward to the next reunion. had a great time at the last one. Mary schuster will also be reattending. ofr thsoe that remember her she was a cook adn cahperone at times on the trips.looking forward to seeing you all.theresa schuster (greco)

Thursday, 13 July 2006 - 8:33 PM EDT

You ever wake up in the middle of the night because you can't sleep. You figure what the heck, it's 3AM (pacific) nothing good on TV, why not surf the net and see what interesting things are out there.

Imagine how amazed I was to find out I was "Missing in Action". Had me worried as I had retired from the Navy in 1999. Hate to think they lost me, but it was not to be.

Apparently the Optimist Lancers have misplaced a few of their long lost Corps members. Well.....the search is over. You found me. Live and well and living in Victoria BC.

I was totally awestruck that there was a Lancer Alumni. I jumped on the Band Wagon and contacted Dave.

It is hard to believe that 33 years have passed since my 73-74 season with the Corps. As quick as a flashs fond memories came flodding back. 

I look forward to hearing back from those who remember the glory days.

Yours in Music

Phil McKenzie

Optimist Lancer 1973-1974 

Thursday, 13 July 2006 - 8:39 PM EDT

Please circle in the colours of "Orange and Green" the date of Saturday October 14th, 2006 on your calendars and day planners.  That is the date for the Lancer and Cadet Lancer Reunion (Part Two)!!

Further information (time, location, ticket prices, etc.) will be posted on this Alumni website as soon as possible once the Committee has finalized the details.

Stay tuned!!

David

Friday, 14 July 2006 - 10:35 AM EDT

Welcome back, Phil!!!  Great to hear from you and it will be a pleasure to remove you from the "MIA" list!

 Phil has forwarded onto me a poster of the 1974 Lancers and it looks GREAT!!!!!!!!  I am hopeful that Collin can add it onto the website for all to see.  Say, Phil, if you have any more gems like that, PLEASEEEEEEE forward them our way!!!!  And if any of you other Alumni members have treasures like that, feel free to share!

     DM Dave

Tuesday, 22 August 2006 - 5:29 PM EDT

 Hi All

 I was hoping to see more talk since a day has been set. I guess it's the summer and no time for us parents to write.

I hope to see all that was at the last reunion plus all the Cadet Lancer people that have been found.We need more Cadets there this time, you were my first home until we grew. I hope to see you there.

Please come 3 yrs or 25 yrs has changed us all in a lot of ways.Doesn't matter how you look or feel you'll be glad you came.Truely

T.T.F.N.

Robbie

Monday, 4 September 2006 - 7:52 PM EDT

Dear Robbie and Alumni Members -

The invitations/registrations have been sent out via Canada Post and if you haven't received yours yet, the letter will arrrive at your home shortly.  The Committee would be grateful if upon receiving the letter, that you post a quick message onto this blog to let us know that Canada Post has done their job for us!!

Please keep in mind that the 'theme' for this reunion is to make absolutlely sure that EVERYONE who marched, instructed and cheered for BOTH the Lancers and the Cadet Lancers is afforded the opportunity to get together with some "old" friends and share those wonderful memories.

Here's to a successful second reunion and we are looking forward to seeing you all on October 14th!

Thursday, 7 September 2006 - 7:10 AM EDT

Been up to my elbows in 'stuff' but thought it was time to pop in and say Hi.

 Glad to see that so many of you are coming - be great to see all of you.  Bob, although my memories of being a member of the 'Moon Unit' are fond, I must admit that I am not looking forward to seeing you, there are parts of you that I could do without seeing! - LOL

Anyway, let's keep the chatter going!   Who do you most wish had kept in touch with?????