MSJ 4th of July etc……….

Our 4th of July turnout for both the Irondequoit parade and the Grace and Truth Park concert were a little smaller than usual. Even at that MSJ did not disappoint our fans. Thanks to those that made a day of it, we were very entertaining at both events. For a change the weather was exceptional throughout the entire day, a very comfortable parade down Titus Ave. and a pleasant evening at the park. Eddy and Bob certainly had the corps playing our parade music at an upbeat tempo and Donny, in town for the Empire Statesmen celebration, had the corps in a frenzy at the evening performance. Even with the limited numbers we managed to play all of our concert music and a few parade tunes for the large crowd in the park. Although we may appear to be a filler act just before the much anticipated fireworks, there were several comments about the quality of our show and with the size of the corps I thought we did exceptionally well. Also would like to say ‘Thanks’ to Brad and Marcie for opening their home to the corps for both the afternoon picnic and napping spot and also for the late evening bonfire, fireworks viewing and the rousing game of Buzz. Their place is such a convenient location, it makes doing the evening show so much easier especially for those that travel the longer distances.

The OATKA Festival parade, the following week, showed quite a different side of the corps. The numbers were probably the biggest of the year and shed a little relief on the rest of the season. Also the weather was a bit different with a very hot and steamy half mile parade. Certainly, again, we didn’t disappoint those that came to see their hometown corps. I have to say it was a good thing the parade was so short. Amy and I would like to thank all of those who stopped by our home after the parade to relax under the big maple tree on our Polish Patio. This was the 1st corps picnic we hosted and hopefully not to be our last. Sorry about the land minds some of you had to deal with during the afternoon games of bocce and soccer. That’s the life of living in the country and having dogs.

This past Sunday was probably our best summer practice so far this year. We seemed to iron out all of the rough parts in the drill and the music rehearsal went reasonably well. A special ‘Thanks’ go out to Vic G. for his work on the drill with Brad’s assistance and to Bobby L. and Kacy D. for their extra effort with the corps ensemble and also to Larry D. for his patience with the drum line as we work out a few of our own little wrinkles. And also ‘Thanks’ to Gracie and Sully for hosting the after-practice cook-out at their home and for all of the hard work put in to preparing the food for the corps. Gracie, your salads are delicious and your gardens are beautiful. (Someone please get a copy of this for her.) Sully, thank goodness you had a bocce partner, it would have been quite embarrassing loosing on your own turf, especially being the semi-pro player that you are. (And someone please get a copy of this for him.)

Now on to this coming weekend, we certainly have a loaded schedule with plenty of travel. Looks like the price of gas may have creeped down a bit so hopefully that will easy some of the expense. Also don’t forget there is a bus to Watkins Glen (Bernie Riley’s home town) which will certainly be much less expensive than driving your own vehicle. Thursday night is Hornell, our 1st field show of the year and Charlie Flanders’ home town. This will be a great opportunity to clean up our show and entertain the local crowd the way only Mighty St. Joe’s knows how before Sunday at the Ralph, a much bigger venue. We will be able to showcase our arranger in front of his own Jr. corps Pioneer. And he will be present to be part of it. Let’s make Donny proud of what he has done for our corps with a big, powerful and especially musical performance.

I look forward to a great weekend of drum corps and sharing it with friends. Hope to see you all for all of the events over the next few days. Remember we have the following weekend off so let’s lay it all on the line now. See you there!

Bob