Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 17 text:

CONCERT BAND Members in 1956 First Row: Ronczka, Wybranski, Becker, Nelson, Stone Second Row: Corridoni, Schoffstall, Miller, Taylor Third Row: Walendziewicz, Breault, Costello, Pearson It will be no easy task for the future Concert Band of Girard to surpass the record established by our band under the leadership of Captain Ralph Becker. The Concert Band of ' 56 has left us something to be proud of. They have left a good impression. The memorable music of the Christmas Concert will live in our hearts and minds forever. The resounding notes of Sleigh Ride drifting over the chapel at Christmas time, the inspiration of Washington Post and Semper Fidel is over the drill field, the popular music of the Saturday morning quartets, the band sounding off, the pass in review, our national anthem—these are the memories of the Concert Band that the Class will carry with them after graduation. The band, however, could not have been a success without the capable and experienced hand of our good director, Mr, Robert Morrison. We are all deeply grateful to him for all he did to make it a success. The officers chosen to lead the band in the school year ' 55 and ' 56 were elected with great care and consideration. They were Captain Ralph Becker, first lieutenants, Frank Pearson and Harry Taylor; second lieutenants, William Stone, Bruce Nelson, Mark Miller, and Peter Cos¬ tello. The drill sergeant was Peter Corridoni; the drum sergeant, Ted Breault. The remaining ser¬ geants were Joe Ronczka, Gene Walendziewicz, Allan Schoffstall, and Stan Wybranski. To these officers goes the credit for a job well done.

Page 16 text:

CADET OFFICERS Back Row: Richner, C. Brown Sixth Row: Smith, Jones, V. Brown Fifth Row: Newlin, Lyons, Lydic, Newton, Wood, Molumphy, Anton, Smeader Fourth Row: Tevin, Diorio, Gorman, Pudimott, Morgon, Harbison, Walker, Lawson, Houghton Third Row: Botalsky, Hodgson, Worrell, Craun, Chadwick, Havira, Steinhoff Second Row: Carola, McGhee, Briggs, Corbin, Pelagatti, Steinhoff First Row: Flanagan, Boell, Stalford, York, Shelesky The Battalion was led this year by a competent staff with William Stalford, who worked constantly to better our military organization as Cadet Major. Captain of Recruits William Boell, Captain Inspector Joseph Flanagan, and Quartermaster Raymond Shelesky backed Major Stalford through a succesful year. Sergeant-Major Richard Houghton gave the orders for our snappy Color Guard assisted by Sergeant Quarter-Master Robert Harbison. Marching in front of their respective companies were Company-Commanders Donald McGhee, William Briggs, Carl Corbin, and Gus Pelagatti. The tension was high on the afternoon of January 13, as the first Competitive drill of the school year was held. Although every company gave a fine exhibition, there was a rearrangement of positions. In first came Co. B, followed by Co. D, Co. A, and Co. C. Founder ' s Day found the Battalion in close-order drill displaying its fine military qualities. The Echelon Platoon commanded by John D ' Alesandro thrilled Alumni and guests with an outstanding performance. With Officers Center , the battalion was commended by the distinguished guests of honor for a job well done. On June 8, competitive drill brought to an end the Friday afternoon drills for the school year 1955-56. We sincerely wish to thank Colonel Hamilton for working so hard to make the Battalion the fine organization that it is.

Page 18 text:

The Corinthian SWING BAND Costello, Pearson, Becker, Breault, Nelson, Miller The Class of ' 56 will never cease to marvel at its Swing Band. The Serenades gave one great performance after another until they climbed to the top of the swing band history here. The Swing Band was led by the King of Music, Pete Costello. Pete was elected to his job in May, 1955 and he led his organization from the bottom to the top on a trail of musical glory. Pete wasn ' t just sat¬ isfied with a regular dance band; he searched and experimented with music and arrangements until he found the right effects. Pete covered the bass spot in the band with Ted Breault on the drums. Mark Miller, Bruce Nelson Ralph Becker, and Frank Pearson played the mellow notes of the saxophone section. Not to be overlooked were the capable managers of the band, Bernard Pudimott and Bob Wiggins. The vocalist was Bill Darling. A special feature of the Swing Band was the quintet of progressive-jazz musicians. It featured Ralph Becker, Mark Miller, Pete Costello, Frank Pearson, and Ted Breault. When intermission ap¬ peared at the Flum dances, the quintet took the floor to give a jam session that never will be for¬ gotten. The quintet captured the student body at the Revue with great favorites like the Saints their own rendition of Boch ' s Fugue , and Christopher Columbus. The quintet contributed to the reputation and accomplishments of the Swing Band. We appreciate all they did to make the Seren- aders a success. The Serenades gave so many wonderful performances that we will remember their music years after graduation. Remember the Senior class dances and Officers ' Hops? Remember the favor¬ ites like Intermission Riff, Saint Louis Blues, and Joshua ' ? This is the music that will ring in our ears for years to come. It will echo through the ballroom of Founder ' s Hall long after we have left Outclass is proud of them all. Thanks a million, Serenades, and all success and good luck be yours after graduation. We ' ll not forget you.