|
|
|
|
|
Toronto Optimists: 1964
|
|
| |
Andy & Vern lead the corps down Yonge St. in Toronto (1964) |
| 1964 was a challenging year. The fact that few
outside the corps were even aware of of our struggles
indicates the depth of the corps and why it was a
champion. Many members, including our drum major, aged
out or left at the end of 1963. In fact, a major part of
the horn line was gone. The Optimists Bantams closed
down and many of their members joined us. Andy
Henderson, who'd been our guard captain, became our Drum
Major. He was joined by Vern Johansson who had been Drum
Major of the bantams. We began the year with about 30
guys carrying horns, not all of them playing; however,
by year end we were fielding 34 horns and all of us were playing well
enough to win a seventh National Championship. 1964
wasn't a great year from a winning perspective but it
was an outstanding re-building year. |
| |
Somewhere in the Midwest (1964) |
Here are a few memories of 1964
- we got a mellophone and were the first Canadian
corps to use them. It was played by Larry Greenwood
and used for the 3rd soprano parts. At year end it
was shelved.
- I have a vague recollection that we did the
unthinkable and had to cancel an exhibition show in
Hamilton in June (does anyone else remember this)
- new summer parade uniforms, short-sleeved
and cotton. They were a real god-send when we did
the 100 mile Milwaukee Circus parade in temperatures
that soared into the high 200s (well, maybe I
exaggerate a bit). I do remember following elephants
(and what they left behind) and, when we stopped for
breaks, inserting ice cubes into our shakos in an
attempt to stay cool. I also remember being very
impressed with Jeff Shimotakahara who perfectly hit
the 16 count high "G" at the end of It's
Legitimate each and every time we played the
number.
- Menominee, MI where there weren't enough folks
to billet all of the corps members and some of the
lucky ones got to spend the night in jail
- Winning in Shawinigan, QC where the trophy was
so large that Vern Johansson fit in the trophy case!
- and, of course, winning Nationals!
Does anyone have other memories of this year,
or any other year, they'd like to
submit? If yes, please send an email to
Bob Carell (toronto_optimist at rogers.com) |
| |
In our summer parade uniforms, US mid-west (1964) |
|
Article on the Optimists from the April 23, 1964
issue of the Toronto Telegram (6.8 mg Acrobat File) |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
