History of Changes to this Website

The most recent changes are listed first.

February 1, 2012

• changed Our Members to includes photos and Bios for Andrew Flood, Bill Thomas, Brian Flood, Jackie Nicholls and Taunia Borsellino

January 26, 2012

• changed Combined Schedule and Upcoming Events to update the status of future shows.

January 23, 2012

• updated the We Remember Video to include Gene Chepswick.
• updated the We Remember Acrobat File to include Gene Chepswick.

January 21, 2012

• changed Instructors to include a photo and bio for Bill Thomas, Brass Instructor and Arranger.
• changed Contact Members and Our Members to include Jackie Nicholls, Andrew Flood and Brian Flood

January 13, 2012

• changed MP3 Downloads to include recordings from 1964, 1974 and 1975.
  • 1964: Recorded on August 22 in Titusville, PA
  • 1964: Recorded at Nationals
  • 1974: Unknown location
  • 1975: Unknown location

January 12, 2012

• changed Repertoire to include our tentative repertoire for 2012.

January 8, 2012

• Shannon Sweeney is, once again, a proud father!! And Terry Sweeney is a proud grandfather! On Sunday Shannon's wife Tina gave birth to baby boy. Mother and son are doing fine. News of Interest to Corps Members has been changed to include this info.

January 8, 2012

• changed Combined Schedule and Upcoming Events to correct the dates for the Annapolios, MD show in September.

January 6, 2012

• added a We Remember page for Gene Chepswick.

January 4, 2012

• Sadly we have to announce the passing of yet another friend, Gene Chepswick. Gene was a member of of the Toronto Optimists from 1962 through 1965. A memorial service will be held at the Turner & Porter "Yorke" Chapel on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 3pm. Details can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.

December 28, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule and Upcoming Events to show tentative rehearsals, parades and shows for the 2012 season.

December 13, 2011

• changed Music Downloads to include the Flow Studies Exercise (it can be found at the top of the Music Downloads page)
• added an MP3 of the Judy Garland Medley to Music Downloads

December 9, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule to indicate the start time for this Sunday's rehearsal (Dec 11) as 1:30 pm.

December 5, 2011

• added Scorch Files for "Judy Garland Medley" (dated December 4, 2011) to Music Downloads

November 24, 2011

• changed News to include a notice about the birth of Glenda Tokiwa's grandson.
• added a write-up on the 1960 Toronto Optimists. It was submitted by Terry Sweeney.

November 16, 2011

• added a We Remember page for Len Perrin.
• updated the We Remember Video to include Jim Taylor, Len Perrin and Sam Grosvenor.
• updated the We Remember Acrobat File to include Jim Taylor, Len Perrin and Sam Grosvenor.
• changed MP3 Downloads to include a recording from the 1965 Pow Wow in Kingston, NY

November 8, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule to mark this Sunday's rehearsal (Nov 13) as cancelled and added the Corps Christmas party on Sunday, Dec 11 (after the rehearsal).

November 7, 2011

• changed News to include visitation and funeral information for Len Perrin.

November 5, 2011

• changed News to include a notice about the passing of Len Perrin, a former member of both the Toronto Optimists and the Optimists Alumni.

October 15, 2011

• changed Instructions to include information for the London Midlanders' Alumni Show

October 5, 2011

• Due to scheduling problem with the Legion, the rehearsal on October 16 has been moved to the Royal Canadian Legion 111 Hunt Street Ajax, Ontario. L1S 1P3. Combined Schedule was changed to reflect this.

September 27, 2011

• changed Home Page and GCCs, Yearbooks & More to include a link to the September Issue of GCC.

September 26, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule and Upcoming Events to show tentative rehearsals, parades and shows for the 2011/12 season.

September 18, 2011

• changed News to include a notice about the passing of Doris Collingdon, Brian Collingdon's mother.

September 16, 2011

• changed Instructions to include updated times and place for the Saturday September 17th standstill show in Oshawa.

September 11, 2011

• changed Instructions to include times and place for the Saturday September 17th standstill show in Oshawa.

September 8, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule to include a standstill performance and recruitment day in Oshawa on Saturday, September 17th.

August 25, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances to include the London Midlanders Alumni show on Saturday, Oct 22nd.

August 17, 2011

• changed Instructions to include times and places for Saturday August 20th (Warriors' Day parade as well as rehearsal and performance info for the Scout House show).

August 14, 2011

• changed Home page and Combined Schedule to include links to the Scout House Tattoo on Saturday, August 20th.

August 15, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule to include the corps Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, Sept 25th.

July 30, 2011

• changed Home page to include a link to an MP3 file for the full score to "You'll Never Walk Alone"

July 21, 2011

• changed Home page to include links to Acrobat files for "You'll Never Walk Alone"

July 8, 2011

• changed News to include a notice about the birth of Rick and Cindy Tracey's grand-daughter.

July 3, 2011

• changed Home page to include a link for the Legends 3 Show on Saturday, August 6, 2011

June 27, 2011

• changed Home Page and GCCs, Yearbooks & More to include a link to the May Issue of GCC.

June 15, 2011

• changed Instructions to include information on Sunday's parade and show in Welland.

June 13, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule.
  • The July 1st parade in Caledonia has been cancelled but the Port Dover parade is still happening.
  • The July 8th performance in Kitchener has been cancelled as well as the parade in Sudbury on July 9th.
  • The Sudbury performance is still happening and the bus will leave at 9 am on Saturday. The show is on Sunday afternoon.

June 9, 2011

• added We Remember pages for Jim Taylor and Sam Grosvenor
• updated Our Members to include photos of John Dileo and Vern Robertson

May 30, 2011

• changed Instructions to include instructions for Saturday's parade and rehearsal in Bobcaygeon.

May 27, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule to include times, locations and links to Google Maps for upcoming rehearsals and some performances.

May 24, 2011

• It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Optimists Alumni member, Sam Grosvenor. Sam joined the corps just a couple of years ago and played Baritone. He passed away on Sunday, May 22. A memorial will be held for Sam on Friday, May 27. Details can be found on our News of Interest to Corps Members page.

May 20, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule to include times, locations and links to Google Maps for this weekend's rehearsals.
• changed Instructions to include information and a link to a Google Map for the Woodstock performance on Monday, May 23

April 19, 2011

• changed News to include a notice about the birth of Gord Brown's grand-daughter.

April 11, 2011

• changed Instructions to include instructions for Saturday's show in Simcoe.

April 5, 2011

• changed Home page to include a link for the Simcoe Show (And the Bands Played On - 7)

March 28, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule to reflect changes in our schedule.

March 21, 2011

• changed GCC for Feb 2011 to show the New Date for the Legends 3 show and to include Clare Reid's complete article on Dick Brown.
• added Scott Butcher to Contact Us as a Director at Large
• added Doug Darwin to Our Members

March 18, 2011

• added some new entries to Links to other sites

March 9, 2011

• changed Combined Schedule, Upcoming Performances and Notices to reflect changes in our schedule
• changed Upcoming Events to include some DCI and DCI shows for 2011

March 2, 2011

• Sadly we have to announce the passing of Werner Nuss who had been a founder, musical arranger and horn instructor for the De La Salle Drum & Bugle Corps. Details regarding the visitation and funeral can be found on our News of Interest to Corps Members page.

February 28, 2011

• changed Home Page and GCCs, Yearbooks & More to include a link to the February Issue of GCC.

February 20, 2011

• added photos of new members to Our Members and Staff.

February 12, 2011

• added a We Remember page for Frank Rivier.
• updated the We Remember Video to include Frank Rivier and Ron Gault.
• updated the We Remember Acrobat File to include Frank Rivier and Ron Gault.

February 8, 2011

• added a We Remember page for Ron Gault.

January 27, 2011

• updated Combined Schedule to reflect changes in Rehearsal Schedule (March 13 rehearsal changed to Parade)
• updated Upcoming Performances to reflect changes Performance Schedule (March 13, Toronto St Pat's parade added; Simcoe show on April 16, confirmed; Ogdensberg show on June 18 cancelled; and DCA show on September 4 confirmed).

January 26, 2011

• Sadly we have to announce the passing of Frank Rivier who had been a member of of the Optimists Alumni since 2003. A memorial service will be held in Burlington at 1 pm on Friday, January 28. Details can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.

January 24, 2011

• added a new video slideshow: 2010 In Review
• improved the quality of most of the "Flash 8" video slideshows.

January 21, 2011

• updated Scorch Files for "What kind of fool am I?" (dated January 20, 2011)
• added Scorch Files for "Battle Cry / Maple Leaf Forever" (dated January 18, 2011) to Music Downloads

January 19, 2011

• The May 21–22 weekend has been changed to a tentative rehearsal. Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances have been updated to reflect this.
• changed Our Repertoire to include our 2011 show. Our opener will be Lawrence of Arabia fanfare followed by the Love theme from "El Cid". Temptation will lead us into a Big Band Concert. Out of concert is our Colour Presentation of Battle Cry of Freedom and Maple Leaf Forever. We'll close our show with What Kind of Fool Am I?

January 14, 2011

• added Scorch Files for Temptation to Music Downloads
• updated Combined Schedule to reflect rehearsals and shows up to September 2011
• updated Upcoming Performances to reflect rehearsals and shows up to September 2011

January 10, 2011

• Changed Brass & Percussion Goodies to include a few new links. You'll find some video lessons from Warren Vaché, a Prof at the Julliard School in New York.
• There's also some Tips for Instrumental Practice from Barry Lynch, a Prof at New York University.
• You'll also find Rafael Mendez playing with two 17 year olds who've been his students for 3 1/2 years.

January 9, 2011

• Changed Brass & Percussion Goodies to include a few new links. You'll find some video lessons from Jens Lindemann, a link to videos of various trumpet players plus a couple of videos by Benjamin Zander (conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra).

January 4, 2011

• updated the "We Remember" Acrobat File to include a photo of Harry Prokop as well as pages for Bob Cook, Dick Brown, Fred Johnson, Ted Key and Wayne Dean.
• updated the "We Remember" slideshow to include a photo of Harry Prokop as well as pages for Bob Cook, Dick Brown, Fred Johnson, Ted Key and Wayne Dean.
• added "We Remember" pages for Dick Brown and Ted Key
• changed "We Remember" page to reflect the changes listed above.

December 18, 2010

• Changed Brass & Percussion Goodies to include a few new links. You'll find some video lessons on playing trumpet (from the US Army Field Band), a video lesson on playing high notes and a few versions of "La Virgen de la Macarena" that can be used for listening.

December 11, 2010

• Sadly we have to announce the passing of Dan Moloney who had been a member of Del, .DOCA, DCAT, Scout House Alumni and Bridgemen Alumni. Details can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.

December 2, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to show rehearsal on Sunday, January 16 at Northstar Studios in Kitchener.
• uploaded a new version of the November Issue of GCC (just contains some corrections)

November 24, 2010

• changed Instructions to include info for the Weston Santa Claus parade this Sunday, November 28.
• changed Home Page and GCCs, Yearbooks & More to include a link to the November Issue of GCC.

November 22, 2010

• changed Instructions to include info for the Uxbridge and Fenelon Falls parades this Saturday, November 27. Information for the Weston parade will be posted when available.

November 19, 2010

• changed Instructions to include updated info for this weekends parades.

November 17, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to include rehearsal schedule from January through May 2011

November 16, 2010

• changed Instructions to include info for the Oakville Santa Claus parade on November 21.

November 14, 2010

• added info for the 2010 Christmas Social

November 10, 2010

• changed Music Downloads to include a link to an Acrobat file for the warm-ups that we'll be using in 2011. Please have the music for "Deep Harmony" (page 4) memorized for the first rehearsal in January.

November 7, 2010

• made some changes to improve the way pages are printed.

November 3, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to include the Memorial for Dick Brown on November 13, Christmas the Party on December 4, a rehearsal on December 5th.
• added parades to Upcoming Shows
• updated How to Contact Us, Instructors and Our Members to reflect current staff & members.

October 30, 2010

• updated News to include an obituary for Dick Brown.

October 28, 2010

• updated News to include details for the "Celebration of Life" to honour Dick Brown. It will be on Saturday, November 13th at the Legion.

October 27, 2010

• updated Combined Schedule to include a rehearsal on Sunday, November 7th.

October 26, 2010

• Once again we have the sad task of telling you that another member of the Optimists family has died. Dick Brown (Midtowners, Toronto Optimists, Optimists Lancers, Optimists Alumni) has passed away. Details can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.

October 20, 2010

• Sadly we have to tell you that John Pachereva (Toronto Optimists, Preston Scout House) has passed away. Details can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.

October 10, 2010

• Unfortunately we have to tell you that Ted Key (Toronto Optimists, Ambassadors, York Lions, Seneca Princemen, DCAT) has passed away. Details can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.

October 5, 2010

• changed News of Interest to Corps Members page to include the results of our elections.
• updated Combined Schedule to include a rehearsal date for October as well as dates and times for our Santa parades
• changed Instructions to include information about the Midlanders Alumni Show on October 23
• added a "We Remember" page for Fred Johnson
• changed Home Page to include a notice for the London Midlanders Alumni show at 1:30 pm on October 23rd
• We Remember: we're missing photos of Doug Parker (former drill instructor) and Harry Prokop (former equipment manager and father of Ron Prokop). If anyone happens to have a photo of either of them and are willing to share you you please contact the webmaster? Thanks.

September 28, 2010

• Sadly we have to announce the passing of Alan Lowery, Terry Sweeney's grandson and Shannon Sweeney's nephew. Details can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.

August 29, 2010

• changed Instructions to include information relating to our rehearsal for and our performance in the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester on September 4th & 5th.

August 21, 2010

• changed News to include a notice of the passing of Fred Johnson, Co-Founder of the Toronto Optimists and Founder of the Optimists Bantams.

August 24, 2010

• changed Instructions to include information relating to our performance at our show on Saturday, August 28th.

August 20, 2010

• The Sparkies Reunion has been cancelled. Updated Home page, Combined Schedule, Upcoming Performances and Events to reflect this.
• Updated Acrobat file for Legends 2 show to include a bit of info relating to the availability of food.
• Our Annual General Meeting has been confirmed for Sunday, September 26th at the Legion. We will begin at noon.

August 17, 2010

• changed Instructions to include information relating to our performances at the Warriors Day Parade and Scout House show on Saturday, August 21st.

August 13, 2010

• added a video of the 2010 show (recorded by Al Hester in Buffalo on August 8, 2010)

August 10, 2010

• changed Home Page to include a link to the July Issue of GCC
• changed Newsletters to include a  link to the July Issue of GCC

August 3, 2010

• changed Home Page to include links to Acrobat formatted the parts for "You'll Never Walk Alone"
• changed Combined Schedule to include a rehearsal on Sunday, August 22.

July 26, 2010

• changed Instructions to include information relating to our performance in Buffalo on Sunday, August 8th.

July 22, 2010

• changed Home Page to include a graphic and link to info regarding our picnic this Sunday, July 25th.

July 16, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule, Events and Upcoming Performances to include links for Scout House's Show on August 21 and our show on August 28.
• changed News to include an obituary and funeral arrangements for Stan Biggs.

July 15, 2010

• changed News to include a notice of the passing of Stan Biggs of the Guelph Royalaires.

July 13, 2010

• changed Music Downloads to include Scorch Files for the Scout House Version of the Naval Hymn.
• changed Instructions to include some notes for the picnic on July 25th.

July 7, 2010

• changed Home Page to include a notice and a link to a Reunion for the Scarborough Firefighters Trumpet Band, Scarborough Firefighters Drum Corps, Scarborough Princemen, Seneca Princemen and the Seneca Optimists.
• The Dutch Boy Colour Guard marched with us in parades in Cambridge, Michigan City, Indiana and Whitmore Lake, Michigan. Changed Home Page to include a Thank You to the Dutch Boy Colour Guard and their staff.

June 27, 2010

• changed Instructions to include updated information relating to the Cambridge show and the Michigan City trip.

June 26, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to include preliminary info relating to the corps picnic on July 25.
• changed Upcoming Shows and Combined Schedule to show that our show on Aug 28th will now be held at St Michael's College in Toronto.

June 21, 2010

• changed Instructions to include information relating to the Cambridge show and the Michigan City trip.
• added a We Remember page for Wayne Dean.

June 16, 2010

• changed Instructions to include information relating to this Saturday's performance at Nathan Phillip's Square in Toronto..

June 15, 2010

• The Dutch Boy show on Saturday, July 24th has been cancelled. Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances have been changed to reflect this.

June 10, 2010

• changed Instructions to include information relating to this Sunday's parade and Picnic in Welland.
• changed Combined Schedule to include a tentative show on Saturday, June 19th, before our rehearsal at Seneca College.

June 7, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to include a drum line rehearsal on June 24 and a tentative performance at the Sparkies / Seneca Princemen reunion on September 11.
• updated the Acrobat Version of the schedule to reflect changes in rehearsal schedule.
• Upcoming Performances to include a tentative performance at the Sparkies / Seneca Princemen reunion on September 11

May 30, 2010

• added a few entries Links to Other Sites (and removed a couple that no longer existed).

May 28, 2010

• changed Instructions to include maps and addresses for June 5 show in Bobcaygeon & BBQ.

May 27, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to reflect changes in rehearsal schedule.
• updated the Acrobat Version of the schedule to reflect changes in rehearsal schedule.
• changed Instructions to include schedule for June 5 show in Bobcaygeon

May 20, 2010

• changed Instructions to include information about Monday's parade and show in Woodstock

May 19, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to reflect dates and times for the Michigan City trip.
• updated the Acrobat Version of the schedule to new info for Michigan City trip.

May 15, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to show May 22-23 rehearsal at Seneca College, King Campus and to include a link to a Google Map for the rehearsal site.

May 12, 2010

• Sadly we must tell you that Wayne Dean who was a member of both the Toronto Optimists and the Optimists Alumni has passed away. Details regarding the visitation and funeral can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page. We offer our condolences to Wayne's wife, Mary Ann, and to their family.

May 11, 2010

• changed Music Downloads to include the version of Over the Rainbow that we'll be playing with Cavaliers Alumni in Michigan City.

May 10, 2010

• changed  Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances to include a link to order tickets for the show in Michigan City, IN.
• changed  Home Page to include a link (near bottom of page) to the Optimists Alumni Facebook page.

May 3, 2010

• updated Instructions to include the schedule for this Saturday's show in Simcoe.
• The Rose festival Parade in Welland on Sunday, June 13th has been confirmed. Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances have been changed to reflect this change in status.
• Events has been updated to include an Advance Notice for the Scarborough Firefighters / Princemen 50th anniversary reunion on September 11, 2010

April 26, 2010

• added a page for the Grantham Reunion on Saturday, May 15th, 2010

April 21, 2010

• The exhibition at the Buffalo DCI show on Sunday, August 8 has been confirmed. Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances have been changed to reflect this change in status.
• added our new cymbal player, Dave Matts, to Our Members
• added "We Remember" pages for Bob Cook and Dave Parker

April 20, 2010

• Updated Newsletters and Yearbooks to include the April Issue of Green & Gold Capsule Comments.
• Added Sam Grosvenor to Our Members

April 7, 2010

• Sadly we must tell you that former Optimist, Bob Cook, has passed away. Details regarding the visitation and funeral can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.
• Changed Music Downloads to include updated Scorch Files for "You'll Never Walk Alone"

April 1, 2010

• The rehearsal scheduled for Tuesday, August 31 has been changed to Thursday, September 2 at the Legion. Changed Combined Schedule to reflect this.

March 29, 2010

• Changed Music Downloads to include Scorch files for our 2010 Concert
• A rehearsal has been added for July 18 and our Picnic has been moved to July 25th. Changed Combined Schedule to reflect this.

March 23, 2010

• Sadly we must tell you that Dave Parker who instructed Optimists drill in the early 1970s has passed away. Details regarding the visitation and funeral can be found on the News of Interest to Corps Members page.

March 17, 2010

• added a video slideshow showing photos from 2009
• changed Upcoming Events to include a few upcoming shows.

March 9, 2010

• Changed Instructions to include information for members relating to the Toronto St Patrick's Day parade.

February 25, 2010

• The Cambridge St Patrick's Day parade has been dropped from our schedule. Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances were changed to reflect this.

February 18, 2010

• updated the parts for Battle Cry / Patton in Music Downloads  The new parts are dated January 12, 2010.
• the Midlanders show has been changed from September to October. In addition, we are now confirmed for the Toronto St Patrick's Day parade. Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances were changed to reflect this.

February 11, 2010

• updated the parts for What Kind of Fool Am I? in Music Downloads  The new parts are dated February 10, 2010.

February 8, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances to reflect changes in our rehearsal and performance schedules.

February 3, 2010

• added video footage of the 1963 Toronto Optimists. You can see the Lawrence of Arabia fanfare and the wedge which formed our Off the Line. There's also a bit of concert. Unfortunately, there is no audio. (added February 3, 2010)

February 1, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule and Upcoming Performances to include rehearsal and performance schedule from February to September
• changed some photos in Our Members & Staff

January 29, 2010

• changed some photos in Our Members & Staff

January 22, 2010

• changed News of Interest to Corps Members to include a notice about the passing of Ted Wilson's mother
• changed the Acrobat file about winning the 1958 Nationals to include 3 photos taken during the contest.

January 15, 2010

• changed Combined Schedule to include rehearsal dates and times for January
• changed 1958 to include a photo of Optimists at the 1958 Nationals in Galt.

January 10, 2010

• changed Newsletters and Yearbooks to include the inaugural edition of Green & Gold Capsule Comments (G&GCC)
• changed Upcoming Performances to include confirmed and tentative shows for 2010
• changed Combined Schedule to include confirmed and tentative shows for 2010

January 7, 2010

• renamed GCC to Newsletters and Yearbooks
• changed Newsletters and Yearbooks to include yearbooks in Acrobat format for 1965 and 1975 Toronto Optimists as well as 1976 and 1977 Seneca Optimists
• changed Newsletters and Yearbooks to include the 1967 Toronto Optimists Corps Manual (under Yearbooks & More)

January 4, 2010

• changed GCC to include an acrobat file for the September–October 1967 version of Green Capsule Comments
• I've discovered that the video identified as 1965 National prelims is actually footage of the 1964 prelims. Thank you to Thomas Stelling of York Lions for letting us know. Now I'm wondering whether the video footage shown as the 1965 pre-Nationals parade might also be 1964. If you are sure of the year for the parade, please let me know the correct year and why. Thanks.

January 1, 2010

• added video footage recorded on September 11, 1965 in Toronto at the parade before the Nationals.

December 30, 2009

• changed Music Downloads to include Drum Charts for 2010
• changed Music Downloads to include updated Brass charts for "What Kind Of Fool Am I?"

December 24, 2009

• changed MP3 Downloads to include new versions of the 1959 and 1961 Toronto Optimists. Submitted by Ed Law.
• changed News to include a birth notice for Rick and Cindy Tracey's grand-daughter.

December 16, 2009

• added a write-up to the We Remember page for Dave Byrne
• changed the We Remember page for Clayton Keat to include a new photo
• updated the We Remember Acrobat file to include a version with Dave Byrne's bio and Clay's new photo.
• added video footage of Del, Opti, York Lions and Scout House recorded in 1965 at Varsity Stadium in Toronto during the prelims for the Nationals
• added the Preview Issue of Green & Gold Capsule Comments (G&GCC) to Green/Gold Capsule Comments

December 8, 2009

• added video footage of Grantham, recorded in 1965 in Toronto
• changed Links to include a link for the Niagara Memorial Militaires Alumni

December 6, 2009

• added the details for our Open House in Welland (January 10th)
• added video footage (no audio) of the 1961 Grape Festival Parade in St Catharines
• changed Instructions to include details for the Bobcaygeon parade on Saturday, December 12.

November 23, 2009

• the RVSP email address for the Christmas social should be Judy Davidson (davidsonjudy52 -at- yahoo dot com)
• changed Instructions to include info on the Uxbridge and Fenelon Falls Santa Claus parades on Saturday, November 28

November 18, 2009

• changed Combined Schedule to include the Jan 10th Rehearsal and Open House in Welland
• changed the photo for Clayton Keat

November 17, 2009

• changed Instructions to include info for the Brampton Santa Claus parade

November 16, 2009

• updated Links to other sites to included a few Facebook Links

November 15, 2009

• added a page for our Christmas Social
• changed our Home Page to include a link for the Christmas Social
• changed Instructions to include info for the Oakville and Milton Santa Claus parades

November 13, 2009

• changed the layout of the main website. If you discover any problems please send an email to the webmaster (see link at the bottom of the page).
• added a new page for Optimists who are in the Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

November 11, 2009

• We're sad to inform you that Rosamund Bosworth, Karen Bosworth's mother, has passed away.
• News of Interest to Corps Members has been changed to include details regarding the memorial service for Karen's mother.

November 9, 2009

• updated Instructions to include info on this Saturdays parade in Cambridge
• changed Home Page and Sales to include information on our annual Chocolate Fund Raiser
• added an Acrobat file for Chocolate Orders

November 6, 2009

• updated Links to include a link to the Grantham Police Boys Drum & Bugle Corps
• posted a revised version of our Constitution (Acrobat file dated September 21, 2009)

November 2, 2009

• the Streetsville parade on November 29th has been removed from our schedule.

October 29, 2009

• added "We Remember", a video showing the names and photos of corps members who have passed away.

October 28, 2009

• We've learned that Mike Tierney, a member of the Toronto Optimists in the 1960s, passed away in December of 2008.  In addition, we've added a "We Remember" page for Mike and we've updated the We Remember Acrobat file to include Mike.
• changed Combined Schedule to reflects changes in our rehearsal and parade schedule.

October 23, 2009

• changed News to include information about the Christmas Social to be held on Sunday, December 6th.
• changed Combined Schedule to add the Christmas Social to our schedule

October 20, 2009

• changed Music Downloads to included updated Scorch files for "Over the Rainbow". The new files are dated August 23, 2009
• changed Instructions to include information on the DCAT show, this Saturday in Vaughan
• changed Combined Schedule to add Thursday rehearsals in November and December

October 16, 2009

• changed Combined Schedule to reflects changes in our rehearsal and parade schedule.

September 20, 2009

• changed News to report on our board elections and How To Contact Us to include email contacts for new Exec.
• changed Music Downloads to include Scorch files for What Kind of Fool Am I? (for corps members only)
• changed Combined Schedule to included Confirmed and Possible shows for October through December

September 15, 2009

• changed Combined Schedule to add a rehearsal on Sunday, September 27th at the Legion.

September 12, 2009

• moved the video of Lawrence of Arabia / El Cid recorded at the 2009 DCA show in Rochester to a separate page
• added a video of Lawrence of Arabia / El Cid recorded at the 2008 DCA show in Rochester

September 9, 2009

• changed Videos to include a link to a video of Lawrence of Arabia / El Cid recorded at the 2009 DCA show in Rochester. This was included in a Drum Corps Planet discussion group for the 2009 DCA Alumni Spectacular.

September 8, 2009

• changed Videos to include a link to a YouTube Video of Lawrence of Arabia / El Cid recorded at the 2008 show in Hamilton

September 4, 2009

• changed Videos to include links to more YouTube Videos of last Saturday's show in Oshawa. Many thanks to Peter McCusker for doing these videos. By the way, Peter has begun posting videos of other corps at the Oshawa show..

September 3, 2009

• changed Videos to include links to YouTube Videos
• Combined Schedule has been changed to show that our Annual General Meeting has been confirmed for Sunday, September 20th

September 1, 2009

• changed our Home page to include information about Al Tierney being inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 5th, 2009 in Rochester, NY

August 30, 2009

• changed Instructions to include information regarding the Rochester show on Labour Day weekend
• changed Combined Schedule to show the addition of a rehearsal on Thursday, September 3rd at the Legion.
• updated Drill to point to the latest video files (for corps members only)

August 25, 2009

• changed Combined Schedule to show that the location for the rehearsal on Thursday, August 27th has been changed to the Legion.

August 24, 2009

• changed Instructions to include information regarding the Oshawa show on Saturday August 29th
• updated Drill to point to the latest video files (for corps members only)

August 18, 2009

• Updated Music Downloads to include Scorch Files for "Over the Rainbow"

August 17, 2009

• changed Combined Schedule to show that the location for the rehearsal on Saturday, August 22nd (after the Warriors Day Parade) has been changed to the Legion.

August 14, 2009

• Updated Music Downloads to include Scorch Files for You'll Never Walk Alone

August 12, 2009

• updated Upcoming Performances and Combined Schedule to include the DCAT show on Saturday, October 24th at the City Playhouse Theatre in Vaughan.

August 4, 2009

• added a slideshow of Optimists Alumni photos taken during 2008. There are two versions one in Flash 8 and the other in Flash 7 format. These are very big files and should only be accessed by those with higher speed internet.

July 27, 2009

• changed Instructions to include information relating to this Sunday's rehearsal and show in Buffalo
• updated Drill to point to the latest video files (for corps members only)

July 20, 2009

• changed Instructions to include information relating to this Saturday's rehearsal and show in Waterloo
• changed Combined Schedule to include a new rehearsal at Villanova from 10 — 4 on Sunday, August 16th

July 17, 2009

• Bernadette Stolte, Paul Thompson's sister passed away on Thursday. Details for the visitation and the funeral are posted on our News page.
• changed Upcoming Performances and Combined Schedule to include a link to an Acrobat file for the July 25th show in Kitchener.

July 9, 2009

• changed Combined Schedule to include rehearsal dates at the Legion and St Mike's for July and August

June 28, 2008

• changed Instructions to include information and link to a Google map for the parade in Cambridge on Wednesday, July 1st.

June 24, 2008

• changed Instructions to include schedule and driving directions for this Sunday's show in Lindsay

June 21, 2009

• updated scorch files for San Francisco to include the Rehearsal Marks that are being used by the drum line.

June 13, 2009

• The performance in Kitchener for the Dutch Boy show has been changed from July 18th to July 25th. The Upcoming Performances and Combined Schedule pages have been updated to reflect this change.
• The starting time for the August 29 show in Oshawa has been changed to 7 pm.

June 8, 2009

• added the 1972 field show to Download MP3 Files

June 5, 2009

• changed Upcoming Performances and Combined Schedule to include the Lindsay show on Sunday, June 28 at 2:30 pm

June 2, 2009

• changed Instructions to include information on the Bobcaygeon show on Saturday, June 6th and preliminary info on the Lindsay show on Sunday, June 28th.

May 25, 2009

• Updated Music Downloads to include Scorch Files for O Canada

May 20, 2009

• updated Upcoming Shows and Combined Schedule to include times and to reflect current status
• changed Combined Schedule to include updated rehearsal schedule, including May and June Thursday rehearsals at St Mike's.
• Thursday rehearsals for July and August will be posted once these are finalized.

May 16, 2009

• Emergency change: Sunday's rehearsal has been moved from Villanova to St Mike's. There will be no drill, only music! The times remain the same: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

May 13, 2009

• changed Drill to include a link for the drill file for Battle Cry - Patton used by Performers Practice Tools. All of the files for the Battle Cry - Patton drill are now complete and have been loaded onto the website.

May 9, 2009

• Ella (Eleanor) Carell, the mother of Bob Carell, passed away last night. Details for visitation and the funeral are posted on our News page.

May 7, 2009

• The drill for Battle Cry / Patton has now been finished. The Drill Sets, Individual Drill parts and animations can be found on the Battle Cry / Patton drill page.

May 4, 2009

• changed Instructions to include directions and rehearsal information for United Alumni's "And the Bands Played on...5"

April 24, 2009

• changed Music Downloads to include updated Scorch files for Battle Cry - Patton. The new versions are dated March 21, 2009.
• changed the Drill page for Lawrence of Arabia - El Cid to include an Acrobat file the drill parts for each individual (the file contains every members. Just print your own page). This file gives instructions from the performer's perspective.

April 19, 2009

• changed Instructions to include directions and rehearsal information for St Joe's Classic

April 16, 2009

• changed Combined Schedule to reflect changes in our rehearsal schedule for May and June

April 15, 2009

• changed Music Downloads to include a new MP3 file for Lawrence of Arabia - El Cid
• changed Drill to include a link for the drill file for Lawrence of Arabia - El Cid used by Performers Practice Tools
• changed the Drill page for Lawrence of Arabia - El Cid to include an Acrobat file with updated drill sets. The Acrobat file showing the moves for each individual will be updated once Gareth returns.
• changed Drill to include MS Word and Acrobat template files to create 3x5 index cards for each drill set.

April 12, 2009

• changed Our Members to include a photo of Kimiko Yamada
• changed Green/Gold Capsule Comments to include a copy of Information Drum Corps for October, 1976 (submitted by Enzo Marrella)

April 8, 2009

• changed the Our Instructors page to include a new photo of Kevin Matthew
• changed Music Downloads to include an MP3 for Lawrence - El Cid.

April 2, 2009

• changed Our Members to include photos of Cindy Tracey, George A. Anthony and Jeff MacKay

April 1, 2009

• changed Music Downloads to include updated Scorch files for Battle Cry - Patton (Brass and Drums). The new versions are dated March 19, 2009.I've also added an MP3 of the score with the battery (over 4 megs).
• change the Drill Page to include a link to the drill for Battle Cry, Patton and the drum solo in between these. At this point, the animation for the drill is not yet complete.

March 23, 2009

• changed Combined Schedule to add a rehearsal at St Mike's for Thurs April 16 and to cancel the rehearsal on Saturday May 16th.

March 19, 2009

• changed Upcoming Performances and Combined Schedule to include new performances (places where you can see the Optimists Alumni)
• added a few events to the Upcoming Events page (the Optimists Alumni may or may not be at these shows)
• changed the Members menu to include an option for our Drill page (for corps Members only)

March 3, 2009

• changed Links to include a new address for the Kawartha Kavaliers

March 2, 2009

• changed Music Downloads to include updated Scorch files for our 2009 Concert. The files are dated February 16, 2009. As far as I know, the only change is that count-ins have been included for each section. Also, in the full score, the parts for the battery now generate sounds; however, you may hear the occasional whistle! For you purists, Jeff has supplied an MP3 file in which you can hear the Brass and drum parts. Be warned though, it's a big file (over 5 megs).

• changed Music Downloads to add Scorch files for the battery San Francisco, a full score with the battery and an MP3 of the score with the battery (about 3 megs). As far as I know, the only change is that drum parts have been added to the old score. As a result, the Brass parts have not been updated. Brass parts are dated Aug 11, 2008 while parts for the Battery are dated Aug 11a, 2008.

February 20, 2009

• Shannon Sweeney is a proud father!! And Terry Sweeney is a proud grandfather! Shannon's wife Tina had baby girl on Wed. Mother and daughter are doing fine. Dad changed his first diaper during his Wed night sleep over at the hospital.

February 16, 2009

• changed Green/Gold Capsule Comments to include a copy of Information Drum Corps for March, 1978 (submitted by Enzo Marrella)

February 11, 2009

• Cindy Tracey, Rick's wife, is practicing for tenor drum with the corps. Welcome, Cindy. I've changed Contact Info for Corps Members and Our Members & Staff pages to entries for Cindy.

February 8, 2009

• changed Upcoming Performances and Combined Schedule to show all performances as confirmed.
• changed Contact Info for Corps Members and Our Members & Staff pages to show current members

February 3, 2009

• changed Music Downloads to include Scorch files for our 2009 Concert. Unfortunately the parts for the battery don't generate any sounds. When I discover why this is happening I'll make the necessary changes. In the meantime, Jeff supplied me with an MP3 file in which you can hear the drum parts. Be warned though, it's a big file (over 5 megs)

January 30, 2008

• changed Combined Schedule to include dates and locations for the camps. I also added a corps rehearsal at the Legion for the Thursday before the St Joe's show.

January 29, 2008

• changed Combined Schedule to include Thursday rehearsal dates for February through April. These rehearsals are for primarily for the Brass Ensemble. Drums are planning on using this time and other corps members are welcome to come and practice. All those in attendance will be asked to contribute for the rental of the Legion.

January 27, 2008

• changed Upcoming Performances and Combined Schedule. Added Mighty St Joe's Classic on April 25th and changed the Woodstock show on May 18th to Confirmed,.

January 26, 2008

• changed Upcoming Performances and Combined Schedule to include one confirmed and four tentative shows.

January 15, 2008

• changed Our Instructors page to include a write-up on Kevin Matthew
• changed Green/Gold Capsule Comments to include a copy of Information Drum Corps for June, 1976 (submitted by Enzo Marrella)

January 11, 2008

• changed Music Downloads to include updated music for Battle Cry / Patton (dated January 1, 2009)

January 10, 2008

• made numerous changes to the Join Us page
• added an Our Instructors page