MAY - JUNE 2004
500 RACE ACTIVITIES
Mini Marathon -- Saturday May 8
The Mini Marathon will be held RAIN or SHINE on Saturday, May 8. Once
again the band will be participating as course entertainment as we have
since this was started in 1999. The entertainment has grown over the
years and will feature over 142 groups along the 16 mile marathon
course. However, this year we will be in a new location.
We will be at entertainment location #1 -- just 100 yards from the
start line. This will mean several new arrangements for those of you
"experienced" marathon performers. Plan to arrive no later than 6:45 AM
-- as the streets around the start of the course will be closing
earlier than the other streets on the course. We are station at
Washington Street just east of Shumacher Way on the south side. We have
been told that we can park in the Victory Field Parking Lot which is
where Shumacher Way "dumps" into from Washington Street. Look for the
band truck and the fire trucks that have the large American Flag that
hangs over the street -- that is where we will be performing.
Race officials are suggesting that the easiest approach will be from
the west (Take I 70 to Harding Street; north on Harding Street to
Washington Street (US 40); turn East on Washington and follow to
Shumacher Way which is just pass the entrance to the Indianapolis Zoo
and at Victory Field entrance.)
Be in uniform (long Scout pants, Dark Green shirt (we have if you don't
have your own). We will start playing a little before 8:00 AM and will
be finished by 9:00 AM. After we are finished at the Mini -- we will
head to Camp Belzer for some fun activities and pizza. (See Pioneer
Cabin)
500 Race Weekend
Race Day is Sunday, May 30. Our friends from Michigan, Pennsylvania and
this year we add Madison, Wisconsin will be joining us for the weekend
beginning Friday May 28. Anyone from the band is invited (and
encouraged) to come and join us as we host our visitors for the
weekend. We will have breakfast on Saturday morning and an evening meal
on Saturday. Day activities will be varied.
On race morning (Sunday) you must be at Camp Belzer no later than
4:45 AM! We will be boarding the buses and leaving camp by 5:30
to rendevous with the other pre-race participants. Belzer will be the
only pick up and return point for the race. NO PERSONAL VEHICLES ARE
ALLOWED TO TRAVEL WITH THE BUSSES AND TRUCK IN THE ESCORTED CARAVAN.
Buses will return to Camp Belzer approximately two (2) hours after the
race is over. In the past we have arrived around 4:30 - 5:00 PM.
Cost is $20.00 per person which covers the cost of renting five
buses, etc. for the weekend. Keith Hartzog, BBBC Treasurer will be
available at Camp Belzer on Saturday to collect the funds and issue
tickets for you to board the bus on Sunday. If you don't have a ticket
-- you don't get on the bus. Each person will receive a ticket, box
lunch and track souvenir (once we finish at the track).
Arrive in uniform as time is short when we get to the track --
bring a change of clothes for after the parade around the track.
A permission slip MUST be filled out for ALL participants and
turned in PRIOR to boarding the bus. If you are NOT returning with the
band we must have a SIGNED statement from your parent/guardian or you
will NOT be permitted to leave by yourself. It is preferred that the
person who is meeting you meets us in the bus parking area inside Gate
9A (Northwest -- Turn 4 area) after we finish performing.
Remember you MUST ALWAYS HAVE A BUDDY WITH YOU WHEN LEAVING THE
PARKING AREA OF THE TRACK. NEVER EVER EVER GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT YOUR
BUDDY!
Be prepared to do some marching practice at the few rehearsals we have
remaining in May -- dress accordingly!
If you have questions about 500 Race weekend activities contact
Bob Wiker or Buddy McLaren at 356-9678 or Bill Schofield at 542-8057.
Pioneer Cabin Dedication -- May 8
The Pioneer Cabin at Camp Belzer will be formally dedicated on
Saturday, May 8. This cabin was built with funds pledged and raised
from Pioneer District volunteers during the Council's Leadership at the
Crossroads capital campaign.
Since the band's "home" and Crew 559 is chartered in Pioneer
District, it is appropriate that we show our thanks and be a part of
the dedication ceremony the council is sponsoring. The dedication time
is 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 8. Since a good majority of the band will
be performing at the Mini Marathon in the morning, the BBBC Board
figured we could head to Belzer after the mini -- have some fun
activities (planned by the Crew's Youth Leadership) and have some
pizza. We will then prepare to play from 12:30 - 1:00 PM to the Pioneer
Cabin. Once the dedication has concluded we will pack up and head home
for a long rest since there will be no rehearsal May 9.
Best Wishes to Graduates
Congratulations to all of the band's graduating Seniors! Good Luck in
your future endeavors.
Congratulations to the Wheat Family
Congratulations to Lewis and Debbie Wheat on the arrival of their
daughter, Victoria Louise (Toria) on April 1. Toria's vitals were 10
pounds 2 ounces and 20 inches. True to the "Miller" side of the family
history, Toria has attended her first band rehearsal and BBBC Board
meeting!
John - Doug and Debbie's Wacky Fun Coulmn
(Sponsored by Rockers Unlimited)
Answer to last published trivia question:
"Which Band Director played a trumpet while doing a handstand on
top of the old Gyro Center chimney?" Answer: Ray Oster
Doug tells us he only had one response and it was incorrect so there
were no winners of the 2003 Dodge Viper -- sorry.
This newsletter's almost unsolvable trivia question:
There have been 15 National Jamborees. How many has the Scout
Band attended?
Answer the question correctly -- your name will be placed in Doug's
Thing that Debbie controls. At a future rehearsal and before the next
newsletter is published a name will be pulled from Doug's Thing and the
prize will be awarded. Please email your answer to Doug Whitcomb at
pdw@iquest.net OR snail mail him at 1697 South 700 West; New Palestine,
IN 46163.
Top 10 Reasons to Attend Practice:
10. Practice makes perfect
9. Meet new friends
8. Educational -- where else would you learn that James K. Polk
was President in 1848.
7. Miss 1 practice -- you miss a lot
6. Get to find out where the mystery trip is
5. EVERYBODY picks on Doug
4. You can find out exciting happenings with Rockers Unlimited
3. School's almost over - so you might as well come to practice
2. You can apply for a job at Belzer Day Camp if you are 14 or
older -- Just ask Doug
and the number one reason to come to practice:
1. More family oriented then the half-time show at the Super Bowl.
Mystery Trip
Doug Whitcomb and the other members of Rockers Unlimited are planning a
Mystery Trip for the Band! At the last BBBC Board Meeting it was
mentioned that the mystery can't include the date -- SO we at least
have a date for you -- Saturday, August 21, 2004 -- meet at Camp Belzer
at 7 AM and will return by 12 Midnight. Cost will be between $20 - $30
per person. Can't tell you any more now -- but if you are interested
contact Doug Whitcomb (numbers above).
Texas Tour
The dates are set and we are getting applications turned in -- if you
want to go on the Texas Tour -- now is the time to come forward! As of
this writing, we have 17 applications in hand -- with a potential of 4
more that would bring the total to 21. We could use a few more -- so if
you have an interest please let Bill Schofield know as soon as possible
(542-8057).
Dates are July 10 -17 and the cost is $550.00 per person -- this
includes your transportation, lodging, meals and attractions along the
way.
Two highlights that everyone has expressed an interest in as a
"must include" are being arranged -- a trip to the new National
Scouting Museum and a trip to the Space Center in Houston. Plans and
reservations are being made based on our current numbers -- so if you
are to be included let us know soon.
Shakedown for tour will be Sunday June 13 from 12 noon - 5 PM at
Warren Central HS Orchestra Room. At that time all fees need to be
settled and tour shirts and information books will be distributed.
Annual Picnic
The BBBC set Sunday, August 29 as the date for the band's annual picnic
and awards ceremony in the Gyro Dining Room at the Center for Volunteer
Training. We will start at 2 PM with the annual BBBC Elections and
Award Ceremony and Cake Auction. We will then eat around 5 PM --
details will be in the next newsletter.
At the picnic the presentation of the Harvey U Gill Award to an
outstanding youth and the F. O. Belzer Award to an outstanding adult
will be made. If you would like to nominate someone, please contact
Debbie Wheat, President of the Harvey U. Gill Alumni Association to
obtain a nomination form.
Band Council Strip
In looking at past newsletters -- in 2003 we announced a contest to
design a band council strip to celebrate our upcoming milestones --
90th - 95thand 100th anniversaries. To date, no one has submitted a
design -- so the plea goes out again to all you artists -- give us some
ideas for a special Band Council Strip!
Dixieland to Perform In June
The Dixieland Band has been asked to perform at two functions in
June. On Wednesday, June 16 they will be performing for the
Woodworkers' Association event at Camp Belzer. The second date is
Thursday, June 24 for the annual Cookout on the Circle (rain date is
Friday, June 25). Rehearsal of the Dixieland Band will occur on
Sunday, June 6 at 1:00 PM prior to the full band rehearsal. For
more information please contact Debbie Wheat or Tom O'Nan.
Band Members Recovery
It's good to report that those band members who have had surgery and
accidents are making full recoveries and have been back to rehearsal.
Tom O'Nan had surgery and was out of commission missing eight
weeks of rehearsals! He was back with us on Sunday, April 25 and is
doing well, but not able to play the clarinet yet.
Carlton Harrison who had an accident on a Troop Ski trip in
February and broke two bones in his leg -- came in on crutches on April
18 -- he keeps trying to use that as an excuse to not march with us at
the 500 -- but we've assured him we can wheel him around the track in a
wheelchair!
And as mentioned earlier, Debbie Wheat was away for a while
giving birth to Toria.
All are back with us and it is great having them as "regulars"
again!
Indianapolis Star Article
Be sure and check out the May 2 edition of the Indianapolis Star --
Indiana Living Section. There was a feature about the Mini Marathon
course entertainment. We were selected as one of the ten groups for the
article since we have been involved with this project since its
inception. The entertainment for the mini marathon has grown to include
142 units this year -- more than any other marathon -- INCLUDING the
marathon that bills itself as the Rock and Roll Marathon!
Thanks to Daniel Alred and Dan Robbin (and their moms) for
getting down to the Star Building for the photo shoot on April 21. The
article can also be viewed at indystar.com
May Dates
2 2:00 PM Band Rehearsal WCHS Orchestra Room
8 Mini Marathon (check article for details)
8 Pioneer Cabin Dedication
9 NO REHEARSAL -- MOTHER'S DAY
16 2:00 PM Band Rehearsal WCHS Orchestra Room
19 7:00 PM BBBC Board Meeting Schofield's House
23 2:00 PM Band Rehearsals WCHS Orchestra Room
28 Guests arrive at Belzer for Race Weekend
30 500 Race REPORT TO BELZER BY 4:45 AM Return to Belzer between
4:30 - 5:00 PM Cost $20.00 per person
31 Clean up facilities used at Camp Belzer and check out
June Dates
6 1:00 PM Dixieland Rehearsal / Crew Meeting
6 2:00 PM Band Rehearsal WCHS Orchestra Room
13 Tour Shakedown 12 Noon - 5 PM WCHS Orchestra Room
16 Dixieland Performance
20 NO REHEARSAL -- FATHER'S DAY
24 Dixieland -- Cookout on the Circle
25 Rain Date for Cookout on the Circle
27 2:00 PM Band Rehearsal WCHS Orchestra Room
July Dates
4 NO REHEARSAL
10-17 TEXAS TOUR
11 NO REHEARSAL
18 NO REHEARSAL
25 NO REHEARSAL
Welcome New Members
The band welcomes the following new members who have joined us during
and since the Open House that was held in February. We thank them and
their parents for their interests and hope that they are enjoying the
experiences the Scout Band can offer to strengthen their musical
interests. If you have additional friends or members of your troop or
crew that plays an instrument -- invite them to join you some Sunday
afternoon.
New Youth Members:
Darius Burke -- Greenfield -- Percussion
Adam Floerke -- Troop 483 -- Clarinet
Ryne Friederick -- Troop 8 -- Trumpet / Bugle
Tyler Goodwin -- Troop 161 -- Trombone
Trey Grafe -- Troop 152 -- Tenor Sax
Christopher Lewis -- Troop 199 -- Alto Sax
Pat Miller -- Troop 161 -- Percussion
Kevin Owens -- Troop 443 -- Alto Sax (recruited by Christopher
Lewis)
Douglas Pescitelli -- Troop 236 -- Percussion
Mike Ramey -- Troop 218 -- Trumpet
Corey Rohl -- Troop 499 -- Tuba
Chris Ruddell -- Troop 199 -- French Horn
Robert Slemenda -- Troop 686 -- Trombone
Tommy Spears -- Troop 120 -- Alto Sax ( recruited by Daniel Alred)
Brandon Sutor -- Troop 265 -- Percussion
Brailon Wolfe -- Percussion
New (or returning) Adult Members
Cheryl Smock -- Trumpet
Larry Wheat -- Trumpet
Members we have welcomed back after not seeing them for awhile:
Dale Hamilton -- Clarinet
Gordon Hamilton (adult) -- Percussion
Daniel Robbin -- Trumpet
Ben Rowe -- Clarinet
Chris Wooten -- Percussion
Josh Wooten -- Alto Sax
We enjoy everyone's participation as frequently as they can make
a rehearsal or performance. If it's been a while since you've sat in --
come on by and join us and try some of the new music we've added to the
books.
Recently we have received email from Alumni band members that
need to be included in this newsletter. It helps the adults answer the
question Is it worth the time? And it might make the youth appreciate
the opportunities the band has to offer them (even though they might
not realize it until years from now).
Tom,
I enjoyed reading the recent newsletter as well as the comments
regarding the intimidation experienced by first timers. I remember my
first rehearsal in the old fire house as a young, skinny drummer with
borderline talent and wondered how in the world I'd fit in. Of course,
once I heard the Dixieland Band, I knew I was in the right place. I
learned many things while in the band, but the art of leadership has
been the most important to my profession today. I'm still wearing a
uniform, only this one is as a Colonel in the US Air Force. I've led a
100 member squadron while stationed overseas, coordinated a 2,000
personnel disaster exercise in Africa, and am currently preparing to be
a deployed medical commander in Iraq. I've had quite a bit of military
training, but my initial (and most important) experiences as a young
leader came through Scouting. I observed how the scoutmasters and
higher ranking Scouts led others and forged my own leadership style
along the way. After a few years in the band, I was challenged with
ever-increasing responsibilities. Progressing from section leader to
band tour quartermaster, to senior staff, the Scout Band gave me the
foundation my current career is built upon. I'm proud of being a
Colonel, but am just as proud of my Eagle earned while in the Scout
Band. The band changed my life and put me on the track towards a
successful career. It can do the same for others. Share this email with
other young, skinny, intimidated kids who may be wondering if the Band
is the place for them. For me there was no other place to be.
Regards.
Brian Deckert, Scout Band 1969 0 1975
Brian K Deckert, Col, USAF, BSC, FAAO
Tom & Debbie-
My son is an adult Scout Leader and sent me your web address
urging me to register as a band alum. I looked over your web pages and
all the history brought back a few but distant memories of my
participation in the band. My name is Jim Baldauf and I played cornet
in the band from 1944 - 1947. I remember my last year because we had a
new director (Harvey Gill) and we moved out on East New York Street to
the Indianapolis Fire Department Headquarters. My first three years
with the band we practiced at the old YMCA building at the corner of
New York and Illinois. Roger Reily, the chorale director at Broad
Ripple, was our director those years. During those war years, we played
in many patriotic concerts and events and my parents who attended many
of those events always told me the Scout Band's performance was
superior to any high school band in the city. I can understand that
because many members of the band played 1st or 2nd chair in their
respective school bands. I was 1stchair at Ben Davis.
I have two vivid memories about band events:
Each session of summer camp, a small band was recruited to play
and march to the various events of the day. Most notable was retreat at
the end of each day in full uniform and marching in review. One or two
of us also served as camp bugler and anything that required scouts to
assemble had a bugle call. From reveille to taps we were always blowing
some call. We also had a brass ensemble within the band and we
performed mostly during the holiday season. The Saturday before
Christmas we would play carols at a number of locations in downtown
Indianapolis. Some of the locations I remember was the Claypool Hotel,
the Lincoln Hotel, Block's, Ayres and we always finished at Wasson's
where our reward was a full course turkey dinner. One evening during
the holidays, the ensemble would serenade a few Scout officials
including Chief Belzer.
I'm impressed that the band has survived all these years through
the hard work and dedication of the leaders.
Jim Baldauf
Indianapolis, Indiana