Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 25 text:

Swing Band First Row, Left to Right-. E. Hill, A. Fiore, M. Lane, M. Murphy, K. Hippie Second Row. D. Johansen, M. Messina, J. Diorio, D. P. Devlin, G. Vurlicers, S. Gedraitis, D. Jamieson, L. Michaluk, A. Bullock The Twilighters were fortunate to have both Michael Lane and Donald Johansen as co-leaders this year. Having played in the band for four years, both had the necessary musical know how for a good organization. The fact that two-thirds of the players were experienced seniors meant that the band was creating excellent music almost at the outset of the year. Three Swing Band dances were held this year—one more than usual. Enthusiastic attendance made these occasions memorable. The annual tradition of managing to break the large, potted fern in the small ballroom was carried on by Robert Himmelrich at the first dance when he attempted to open a window. The most enjoyable affair of the year was the trip to Woodstown, New Jersey, where the members were called upon to select the May Queen and her attendants. Because of the musicians’ experience and ability, numerous new and difficult numbers were added to their repertoire. The school dances were enlivened with the notes of Midnight Ride, Hawaiian War Chant, and Trumpet Blues and Cantabile. The slow-number favorites, Moonlight in Vermont and Har¬ lem Nocturne, also wrought their charm. The Alumni Association must be thanked for supplying the funds for new music and equipment. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Cunningham, the boys had the advantage of a new public address system for the dances. In addition to supplying excellent entertainment for many social events, the band gave its members many hours of pleasure and an appreciation of modern music. The Swing Band’s performances were tangible proof of its good work. The Band at a Dance 21 k

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Concert Band Front Row, left to right: J. Swantek, P. Jayne, S. Chapman, A. Fiore, D. Johansen, N. Chachkin Second Row: R. Friebel, J. Diorio, J. Baji, M. Murphy, S. Minemier, M. Messina, L. Giannini Last Row: Mr. Morrison, A. Bullock, L. Michaluk. E. Hill, D. Ross, D. Devlin, M. Lane, F. Rieg Polished trumpets blaring, huge cymbals crashing and the rolling of four drums. The Girard College Concert Band advancing up the Main Road, 65 men strong, was brazenly sounding off” w ith their old familiar Colonel Bogie March, for it was another Friday; another drill day for the Battalion—another out¬ ing for America’s second oldest high school band, this year so capably led by Captain Duke P. Devlin and First Lieutenants Michael F. Lane and Albert W. Bullock. On certain delightful Saturday mornings before the two-hour grinding study period, the chapel re¬ sounded with a variety of selections from such famous musical shows as Gigi, The Flower Drum Song, Brigadoon, and My Fair Lady; such old favorites as Gershwin’s Sumertime; or such well-known theme songs as the one played for San Francisco Beat—The March of the Three Oranges. The Christmas Concert was, of course, the first major highlight of the year. The 1959-60 Band suc¬ cessfully featured the beautiful but difficult Orpheus in the Underworld by Offenbach. The excited children and holiday atmosphere made our lively performance at the Philadelphia Zoo a memorable occasion. The recently innovated exchange concerts with the Hershey School and with Olney High School where we have enjoyed enthusiasic applause and warm welcome have been a source of satisfact¬ ion. Threaded through these events and through the hours of patient practice and teaching is the sense of accomplishment, of creating. The music becomes a reality. But behind this is the work of one individual, Mr. Robert W. Morrison. This al¬ ways friendly, talented, and understanding teacher has for twenty-four years given his intense energy, his interest, and his able instruction and direction to making the Concert Band an outstanding musical organization. This year’s group, led by twenty-one The Band at a Rehearsal seniors, is a part of that tradition. 4 20 h

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Battalion Under the leadership of Cadet Major James Stidham, the Battalion worked strenuously and persist¬ ently throughout the year to become an efficient military organization. Capably assisting Stidham was his staff made up of Captain Adjutant John Petronis, Captain of the Recruits Bruce Seaman, Captain Inspector Robert Kelly, and Captain Quartermaster Adam Deveney. Commanding the individual companies were Captain Richard Adams, Company A; Captain John Houghton, Company B; Captain Robert Himmelrich, Company C; and Captain John Myers, Company D. The color guard was led by Sergeant-Major Joseph Frigiola assisted by Sergeant Quartermaster Jacob Kutschera. The responsibility for the creation of a good unit was not limited to officers. Imbued through drill and training every member became aware of a growing morale and a sense of purpose. They became aware of the fact that they were competing with the standards of previous battalions. Through the whole process the ability of officers to lead and cadets to obey were tested day after day. Perhaps if we look at the world about us, we may realize even more how important this military training will be to us in the future. The high points of satisfaction came when we exhibited the skills and precise coordination which drilling and training had created. The competitive drills of January and June gave us confidence. The surge of pride as the Battalion marched up the Main Road and then demonstrated its accomplish¬ ments before Senator Hugh Scott and the Alumni on Founder’s Day will never be forgotten. The officers and cadets express their appre¬ ciation to Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton and Ser¬ geant Matthew McMillan for their devoted inter¬ est. Inspection Front Row: J. Stidham Second Row, left to right: R. Himmelrich, R. Adams, R. Kelly, B. Seaman, A. Deveney, J. Houghton, J. Myers Third Row: R. Barath, D. Paulson, J. Hagerty, J. Kostelnick, R. Killen, J. Kane, C. Snyder, J. Ritchie, E. Mitchell Fourth Row: P. Shoemaker, E. Coccagna, J. Johnson, C. Sehl, R. Saracini, J. Kutchera, J. Woods, J. Frigiola Last Row: J. Gearhart, M. Caplan, D. Ferro, B. Bertino, J. Alberici, D. Walsh 22 y