Echoes of New Orleans will march 2 parades this year. JANUARY 26, Caesar in Metairie and FEBUARY 2, Isis in Metairie. Meet at the Clearview Shopping Center for 4 p.m.

3rd Annual Banquet 2007

Saturday October 13, 2007 -
**Annual Business Meeting 6:00 to 7:00 pm**
Banquet 7:00 to 10:00 pm

We all passed a good time.

The Greater New Orleans Drum Corps Association held there third annual banquet on Saturday, October 13, 2007. There were 27 people in attendance ranging from members from the New Orleans Cadets to a youth in the GNODCA. "Moe" Latour, inductee in the National Drum Corps Hall of Fame was the featured speaker. He spoke about the GNODCA, where we have been and what we need to do to thrive in the future. There was a door prize, 50/50 and parade of prizes drawings. And as planned, there were many who stayed till we were kicked out reminissing about their Junior Drum Corps days and planning for the future of GNODCA.

2007 Annual Business Meeting

Karen opened the meeting with a history of GNODCA. The By-Laws were voted in allowing us to begin filing for our tax exempt status. Randy Weaver had to resigned as Executive Director due to personal commitments, but will still support the corps. Three Board member positions expired last year and they were thanked for their time and support. David Callaway, and Mark Manguno were re-elected and Randy Weaver also will join the 2007-2008 GNODCA Board. Reports were given on groups under the GNODCA Umbrella: the Echoes of New Orleans, Synergy and Nova. Nova, a new entity, hopes to do more public standstills for members who would like to be more active. The first meeting will be held on October 20 at Bonnabel High School (Guard & Horns 1 - 3 PM and Drums 3 - 5 PM). Comittee reports were given: President (on Our Organization), Financial, History, Fundraising (a successful Jazzfest year), Public Relations and Social. Elroy Ingersol is working on the History of Drum Corps in Louisiana, and has begun compiling names and criteria to be nominated for induction into a Louisiana Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame. We are still trying to find some lost Drum Corps friends since Hurricane Katrina. If you have any information on them, please contact anyone on the Board.

NOVA

Nova is a performing unit operating under the auspices of the non-profit organization, The Greater New Orleans Drum Corps Association (GNODCA).  Membership in GNODCA is required in order to participate in Nova.  Nova encourages its members to participate in other GNODCA performance units.
 
Nova offers the opportunity for capable musicians to entertain the public by participating in mostly small non-competitive exhibition performance units, such as an ensemble or mini-corps, with limited rehearsals needed.  Performances will most likely occur in the southeast Louisiana region in the formative years, or just beyond that only on rare occasion.  Initially, the performance venues will consist of mostly non-traditional drum corps events so as not to be constrained by rules and regulations of competition, with a possible limited entry into more traditional DCA drum corps events.  Initially, Nova is intended to be a stand-still unit, performing mostly indoor, though outdoor events and some minimal marching can be considered as desired and deemed feasible.
 
Beyond the formative years, Nova may possibly branch into more competitive DCA arenas as the growth, support, and direction of the organization allows.  The organization is envisioned to also allow transformation from one type of performance unit to another, as deemed desirable and feasible.  Thus, Nova is formed without any sub-label in its name, though Nova's formation emerges from the drum corps activity, and may possibly stay within the drum corps activity.

Join Us

Drums Across Cajun Field
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 7:00 PM
Cajun Field - University of Louisiana
Lafayette, LA

Wear your gray T-Shirts.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival April 27-29 & May 4-6, 2007

Spring Fiesta Parade 2007
Thanks to everyone who participated!

Arrangements are made for Echoes of New Orleans to participation in the 2007 Spring Fiesta Parade. This year's Spring Fiesta will be on Saturday, March 31, 2007.

Echoes rehearsal, Sunday March 25, 1 to 3.  Place BONNABEL HIGH SCHOOL
 
Come march with us on Saturday, March 31st  
Line up 3:30 at Armstrong Park  the corner of N. Rampart and Saint Ann St.

MARDI GRAS 2007

Echoes of New Orleans once again marched the Corps De Napoleon Parade on Sunday night, February 18. Although a bit smaller than last year's group, this year's Echoes corps was every bit as entertaining, giving the appreciative crowds rousing renditions of Echoes' Mardi Gras standards, "Big Chief" and "Watermelon Man". The drumline kept the excitement going throughout the parade with their hot sticking, the color guard looked GREAT with their new flags and rifles, and the hornline broke out a little lagniappe during a couple of breaks on Severn Avenue, playing arrangements of "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans", "When The Saints Go Marching In", and "Tiger Rag".

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Banquet

The Second Annual GNODCA Banquet will be held on November 4, 2006 ( 7 – 10 PM) at the Lion's Club at 3239 Roman St., Metairie, LA (West of Causeway between W. Metairie & Metairie Rd.). Pot Luck, BYOL, 50/50 and Raffles (Any Donations welcomed). The Banquet committee & chosen members will be providing the meat dishes and paper products. Side dishes and deserts welcomed. Please contact Babette Staunton 504-885-0019 if you have any donations that can be used for the raffles.

Access the web site (http://gnodca.org), there is a banquet link and let us know how many will be attending. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Please sign on the forum and let us know how many will be coming to the Banquet.http://gnodca.org/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1161694050

Greetings Drum Corps Enthusiasts!

I'd like to take just a moment to introduce myself and welcome you to the world of drum corps in post-Katrina New Orleans.

My name is Randy Weaver and I am currently the Executive Director of the corps. I would like to thank Mike Poche for setting the standard and getting us this far in the rebirth of the drum corps activity in Louisiana. Mike has stepped down as Executive Director after three years and, along with the Board of Directors, has asked me to take his place.

I am currently the Director of Music at St. Edward the Confessor School in Metairie where I teach classroom music, band and chorus. I'm a native of Indiana and was a member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in the "golden days" (no, I'm not telling my age!). I was a high school band director in Louisiana and Indiana for 21 years and have been teaching elementary music now for 6 years. I have served on the staffs of the Bleu Raeders Drum and Bugle Corps, the Louisiana Southernaires Drum and Bugle Corps and the Pride of Cincinnati Winter Guard. I hope that this experience, along with my years of teaching high school bands and winter guards will qualify me to lead the corps.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding the corps and I will do my best to address them. We are presently working to set the goals and schedules for the corps's upcoming season and we welcome any ideas and suggestions that you might have. After all, this is YOUR corps!! Please check the website regularly for any notices about future rehearsals, meetings and social gatherings that may be planned. The web site is www.gnodca.org . I look forward to seeing all of you in the very near future.

Musically yours,

Randy Weave

 

Because you do know what it means............

A long time ago,
On a neutral ground far away,
You waited with your family,
For a show to which you didn't pay.

The excitement built,
As the grocery carts passed,
You bought a candied apple,
As the crowds, they did mass.

The first line of sight,
Was that big NOPSI truck,
With an antenna held high,
Checking branches to be cut.

Then came the sirens,
The motorcycles did roar,
In quiet anticipation,
You knew there was more.

The NOPD three wheelers,
Farhad grotto's red and black,
The other motorcycles escorts,
In green and gold were back.

We bought peanuts and cotton candy,
And hot Royal Castles,
As we waited for the marching groups,
In white boots and those tassels.

Either the King or Queen,
With a wave of the hand,
Made you realize it's great to live in N'Awlins,
Over anywhere else in the land.

No one on the title float,
We never understood why,
Perched on our Fathers shoulders,
We held our hands high.

They pushed into the street,
As floats rolled by,
While old men in the crowd saluted,
As the American Flag was held high.

We watched in excitement,
As marching bands played,
Time stood still in New Orleans,
We all had it made.

Stardusters and Rebels,
Masqueraders so bold,
Isn't that the drum corps,
In purple green and gold?

Then the Bleu Raeders,
and Regiment Millitare,
My God what a sound,
As those drum lines filled the air.

In one shining moment,
Somehow we knew,
One day we would march with them,
Whether in black, gold or blue.

CJ, and Dempsy,
Big Tank or Moe,
The names are all familiar,
That I do know.

We may be old,
And a lot out of shape,
But since this hurricane,
I'm really tired of black crape.

If only once a year,
D dust off your shoes,
Come out and join us,
If only to pay dues.

Some of us are cripple,
Some of us are lame,
But if you miss out on the fun,
You have only yourself to blame.

Things have changes drastically,
That much we do know,
Trailers from FEMA ,
And even some doe.

Most cried about water ,
And cold MRE's ,
It's NOTHING compared to corps,
All you cry- ba-bies.

From Arabi to Gretna,
From Gentilly to Met-air-ie,
The Association practice,
Is the only place to be.

It's not about politics,
Religion or wealth,
It's about guts and stamina,
No matter what our health.

We survived the bridge at Cairo,
And food at the Effingham truck stop,
I'm sure you have many stories,
Over mine, you can top.

So put down the drywall tape,
The gloves and the mask,
Your brothers and sisters are calling,
With just a small task.

Three short practices,
And one single parade,
think of the old days,
And the memories we have made.

Just like po boys ,
And pecan pralines,
YOU are the history of Mardi Gras,
YOU "ARE" ………. New ORLEANS.

Doesn't matter is you can't march far, doesn't matter is you have not picked up a horn or drum in 40 years. It's about the spirit and pride that made us who we were. Two simple songs, one street beat and some simple flag routines.

Can't perform ? We need people for the American Squad. Can't stay in step ? We need people to carry the banner and hand out business cards. No matter what, there is a place for you to be involved. After the parade we usually meet up at a local "watering hole" and relive our youth. We want to hear your stories.

It doesn't matter if you never marched drum corps, as long as you care, we want you to join us.

If you can't march the whole parade, just plan on jumping in 2 blocks before the stands and get out a few blocks after. Even if you can't do that we need people to shuttle marchers and their cars to the end of the parade and back to the beginning. We need people to meet us with ice after the stands. No matter what, we NEED you.

Come join us, we miss you.

 

Hurricane Katrina

Katrina and Rita put GNODCA on hold for a year.

The GNODCA as a combine group Echoes and S3 will be marching in the Corps de Napoleon parade on Saturday night Feb. 5. Meeting at the Clearview Shopping Center on the side of Sears for 4pm.

Rehearsal schedule for the parade will Sunday, Jan 23 form 1pm to 4pm and Sunday, Jan 30 from 12pm to 3pm at John Curtis.

The Greater New Orleans Drum Corps Association gathered recently for their first Reunion Banquet. Memorabilia from the hey days of drum corps lined the walls, and sounds of drum corps echoed the building. All who attended reminisced over old photos and recalled stories of the good old days. President of the Board of Directors Moe Latour announced the new members of the board, Karen Willingham and Carl Livermore.

Christine Bordelon, from the Time Picayune, walked around interviewing several people. Her article came out in the Sunday paper October 24 th . Thanks to her wonderful article we've received many inquires about the group.

Out of the 64 in attendance all the area corps were represented from the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's and 1980's. It was great to have parents Frank Sibley, Anna Olivier, and Silvia Bolden long time supporter of the activity and new members of our drum corps family Marcelle and John Waguspack among us. Mike Poche' meeting his goal, since his illness, walked into the banquet.

Door Prizes and 50/50 drawings were given away. A Power Point Presentation of the Associations activities this year displayed in one corner and large screen TV showing of DCA and Alumni groups in the other. Everyone there enjoyed good food and the company of old friends.

Southern Silver Star started practicing for the 2005 season. The music and staff are now set in place, and it looks to be an exciting new beginning for the corps first year in exhibition. Members come from a large area surrounding the Greater New Orleans area.

2005 Show Theme & Music Repertoire

The 2005 Southern Silver Star Drum & Bugle Corps show theme is "POP MUSIC"

Corps Director: Mark Ryan
Asst. Corps Director: David Calloway (temp)
Brass Caption Head: Anthony Villalobos
Asst. Brass Technicians: Charlie Hernandez & Randy Weaver
Percussion Caption Head: David Calloway
Asst. Percussion Technicians: Thomas Dean & Clay Ledbetter
Color Guard Caption Head: Mark Richards & Mark Rivero
Asst. Color Guard: Glenda Hernandez & Jody Merchan
M & M Caption Head: Mark Rivero (temp)
M & M Instructor: Jon DeSilva

Echoes of New Orleans Members have polished up on their rusty skills and are sharpening the edges for their 2005 Mardi Gras Parade season. The music and parade schedule will be out very soon.

Now is the time to start attending rehearsals.
This season is very important to both of the GNODCA units.
We must give 100% and keep moving forward.

Committees Chairperson Needed

Hall of Fame Committee: open
Fund Raising Committee: open

If you would like to be the Chairperson please contact us. She can fill you in on the duties.

BOD News
Everyone should have received an invitation to the Reunion Banquet in the mail by now. Enclosed is your copy of the Directors Nomination Form. Please complete the form to submit your name or the name of someone to serve as a Director of the Greater New Orleans Drum Corps Association. At a recent Board meeting, it was agreed that three Board members will be added to the current Board for the upcoming year. Each of these three new directors will serve a one year term. Nominations can be submitted by completing and returning the enclosed form by no later than September 30, 2004. Elections will be held on October 16, 2004, immediately prior to the banquet. All members in good standing (those 18 years and older who have paid their $25 membership dues by September 30, 2004) will be eligible for nomination and to vote at the October 16, 2004 meeting.

The Reunion Banquet, Sponsored by GNODCA is Saturday October 16, 2004 at 6:30 pm held at the Kenner Lions Hall 2114 Kenner Avenue, Kenner, LA 70062. A $15 per person admittance fee is due by September 19, 2004. Food, soft drinks and beer will be provided. Bring your old photos, buttons, flags, or memorabilia to share. Best Table decoration will be awarded; also we'll have Door Prizes and a 50/50 Drawing. Don't leave anyone out, if you know someone who hasn't received an invitation, please pass this along. We are asking everyone to fill out an attendance form with your name, past Drum Corps, and years you marched.

Remember to pay your $25 dues to be eligible to vote. Send checks payable to GNODCA and nomination information to 5212 David Drive, Kenner, LA 70065, or P.O. BOX 11232, New Orleans, LA 70123.
Hope to see you there!
Charlie

Mike's condition: Update
Mike is doing allot better. He is home and is making plans to see his students. Mike is planning on going to the banquet, so everyone will have a chance to talk with him.

-------------------------------------

Mike's recovery is progressing well. All of his tubes have been removed. He is having real meals, sitting himself up at his bedside. He enjoyed the company of Agnes his Dog and company from his DCA friends.

Babette presented Mike the GNODCA group photo framed with all our well wishes. It brought a tear to his eye. He said his progress has come from knowing that his drum corps family cares. At this time the goal is for him to attend the Banquet. He sends thanks for all your support.
Glenda

August practices have gone very well. We have several new members this month. The guard has agreed to do an exhibition performance for the upcoming 2005 Winter Guard season. They are gracious for the help they've received from those who have contributed to their improvement. The Drum Line has organized. They put a book of exercises together and picked a Drum Solo for upcoming exhibition performances. Attendance for the Horn Line has increased the most. Everyone has shown interest by practicing at home and rebuilding their chops. Performances are being addressed at this time. Remember everyone is welcome to attend sectionals on Wed. evenings from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Bonnabel High School.

Participation in our activity has increased so much in these short months. Let's keep on rolling in the right direction!
Charlie

BOD News
Everyone should have received an invitation to the Reunion Banquet in the mail by now. Enclosed is your copy of the Directors Nomination Form. Please complete the form to submit your name or the name of someone to serve as a Director of the Greater New Orleans Drum Corps Association. At a recent Board meeting, it was agreed that three Board members will be added to the current Board for the upcoming year. Each of these three new directors will serve a one year term. Nominations can be submitted by completing and returning the enclosed form by no later than September 30, 2004. Elections will be held on October 16, 2004, immediately prior to the banquet. All members in good standing (those 18 years and older who have paid their $25 membership dues by September 30, 2004) will be eligible for nomination and to vote at the October 16, 2004 meeting.

The Reunion Banquet, Sponsored by GNODCA is Saturday October 16, 2004 at 6:30 pm held at the Kenner Lions Hall 2114 Kenner Avenue, Kenner, LA 70062. A $15 per person admittance fee is due by September 19, 2004. Food, soft drinks and beer will be provided. Bring your old photos, buttons, flags, or memorabilia to share. Best Table decoration will be awarded; also we'll have Door Prizes and a 50/50 Drawing. Don't leave anyone out, if you know someone who hasn't received an invitation, please pass this along. We are asking everyone to fill out an attendance form with your name, past Drum Corps, and years you marched.

Remember to pay your $25 dues to be eligible to vote. Send checks payable to GNODCA and nomination information to 5212 David Drive, Kenner, LA 70065, or P.O. BOX 11232, New Orleans, LA 70123.
Hope to see you there!
Charlie

Mike's condition: Update
Mike is doing allot better. He is home and is making plans to see his students. Mike is planning on going to the banquet, so everyone will have a chance to talk with him.

-------------------------------------

Mike's recovery is progressing well. All of his tubes have been removed. He is having real meals, sitting himself up at his bedside. He enjoyed the company of Agnes his Dog and company from his DCA friends.

Babette presented Mike the GNODCA group photo framed with all our well wishes. It brought a tear to his eye. He said his progress has come from knowing that his drum corps family cares. At this time the goal is for him to attend the Banquet. He sends thanks for all your support.
Glenda

August practices have gone very well. We have several new members this month. The guard has agreed to do an exhibition performance for the upcoming 2005 Winter Guard season. They are gracious for the help they've received from those who have contributed to their improvement. The Drum Line has organized. They put a book of exercises together and picked a Drum Solo for upcoming exhibition performances. Attendance for the Horn Line has increased the most. Everyone has shown interest by practicing at home and rebuilding their chops. Performances are being addressed at this time. Remember everyone is welcome to attend sectionals on Wed. evenings from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Bonnabel High School.

Participation in our activity has increased so much in these short months. Let's keep on rolling in the right direction!
Charlie

The next rehearsal on September 12 will be at Bonnabel.

REUNION BANQUET
OCTOBER 16, 2004 at 6:30 pm
KENNER LIONS CLUB

By this time I hope everyone knows Mike is in the hospital. He has a condition called Guillain Barre' Syndrome. Mike's getting better everyday but it will be a long recovery period. Mike wants us to continue rehearsals, this was the last thing he said to Glenda right before our last rehearsal. Let's keep Michael in our prayers.

The last rehearsal was at Bonnabel High School, we had an increase in numbers in the guard and percussion sections but we had a decrease in the horn section. Every section has shown improvement each rehearsal. Even though there is concern about the low numbers, I feel since we're in the summer months some people have obligations with their families such as vacations, reunions, etc…

With no performance pending some people feel there's no reason to rehearse. One thing I heard from some horn players before the parade was it has been so long since I've played that I'm out of shape! Well, this is one of the reasons we are having a monthly rehearsal. If more people would attend rehearsals we would be better prepared for any up coming performances. And after we do a little playing or spinning then go out and socialize. At the end of last rehearsal a group went to Ground Patti and I believe some might have gone to the Spotlight. This helps rekindle old friendships and hopefully to start new ones.

The next rehearsal on August 15 will be at Bonnabel.

I hope to see everyone at the REUNION BANQUET on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 at 6:30 pm at the KENNER LIONS CLUB.

Announcement:
A group of us will be going to the following Shows wearing our T-Shirts to help promote GNODCA.
DCA SHOW in Rockmart, Ga on July 10.
DCI Show Red Stick Thunder Baton Rouge, LA on July 12
DCI Mississippi Gulf Coast MUSIC GAMES in Pascagoula, MS on July 13
Please come join us.

Next Practice Section for GNODCA will be July 18 at BONNABEL HIGH SCHOOL, 2801 Bruin Drive in Kenner.

It's official, we are now legally the "Greater New Orleans Drum Corps Association Inc."

Many thanks to Mark Manguno who is serving on the Board as Secretary/ Treasurer for the Association who put the paperwork together to file, as well as opening the bank account in the Association's name. Mark is now continuing the effort to file for the non-profit status. The approval for non profit status can take anywhere from five to 18 months. In the meantime we are in the grassroots level of putting together a fund raising committee to plan for the future.

Looking at the short term plans
The following practice schedule has been decided on through December

All practices are scheduled for Curtis but we will be more than happy to use any other venue offered. If you have connections to a facility that we can possibly use, please let us know.