1980 experience the evolution

[Tony Connell]

Looking back at when the Corps turned around I think 1980 was the year that turned the Cadets on the trail we continue to march. I remember hearing"Elks Parade" at a show in Butler Pa. and said, This corps is going places".

[ALAN CHEZ-Goober]

1980. The greatest drum corps year for the CADETS.

Without us there would be no championships , no corps.

BE PROUD.


ALAN CHEZ

[Tony Connell]

I remember watching you play the solo in "Elks Parade" that year. You strode up, dragging your toes with each step. Being a golfer, all I could think was "Please replace your divots"...lol. Being a musician all I could thik was, How old is this kid?...WOW!

[Pete "Yodel" Skarzynski]

I remember that the parking lot near the stadium had a distint Jersey City smell to it. (Of course another discussion could be remembering the many practice locations we had throughout the years.) I also remember standing in a school in Garfield during the winter watching the USA Hockey team win. I'm not sure if it was for gold or if it was against the USSR.

[Sara Gardner]

I remember coming home from 2nd tour after having made finals (finally!!) and finding out that not only did my father purchase our first VCR (it was huge by the way!) he taped the show for me. Keep in mind that my father NEVER spent money on anything extravagant--we were the last to get cable tv!!!

[Scott Blamer]

Wow 1980 Birmingham Alabama. There were 39 corps in open class that year. I know this because I marched in the corp that took 39th. As a result I did'nt really want to be involved in drum corp anymore. I remember sitting in the hot sun watching prelims as the finalist block was underway. I could'nt help but notice that the Garfield Cadets had a certain energy and enthusiasm. that the others (although very good) just did not have. The next night at finals, Garfield and the 27th lancers were the only 2 corps that I watched. The Blue Devils won that night and could'nt have cared less. On my way home the only thing I was thinking about was how the Garfield went out "Nailed It"

Little did I know that a few months later, I would be in the back of a pick up truck, on my way to Jersey City for my first Garfield rehersal.

Without that group in 1980, the rest may not be history. Thank you.

[Greg Cinzio]

I remember seeing the first show, in the stands. The second half of the show was played in concert formation. It didn't matter. You can see that something was developing. A new breed of Cadets; talented, determined, dedicated, with an unbelieveable work ethic. You definately changed the direction of the corps, and set the stage and bar for all future Cadets. You all became a part of the Cadet folklore. Nobody gave you anything . . . you earned the activity's respect.

No van lift . . . no corps.
No dedicated members . . . no work ethic . . .
No work ethic . . . no future history.

You've now become part of the "ghosts" of Cadets gone by . . .

Be proud of your accomplishments. Be proud of your heritage.

FHNSAB

[Patrick Zampetti]

Thank you Greg. It means so much to hear you say that. Congrats on the Cadet HOF induction. Well deserved. See you at DCI East and Montclair 75th Gala I hope.

[Wilfred Charles Mellers]

That was a good year. I had a blast. Good memories. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heart beat. I love drum corps now and forever more. Holy Name Shall Always Be.