Thanks to the efforts of Randy Decker, the band has a new location to call HOME for rehearsals. Beginning with the rehearsal on Sunday September 21st, we will be rehearsing at the Warren Performing Arts Center in the Orchestra Room. The WPAC is a part of the Warren Central High School Campus and is located east of Post Road between 16th and 18th Streets. Easy interstate access is via I-70 to the Post Road Exit. Take Post Road south to the 2nd stoplight (18th Street) and turn left. [There is a sign on the right side directing you to Warren.] Follow 18th Street to the school campus and turn right at the stop sign. Park in the Administration parking lot and enter the building via the west auditorium doors. The orchestra room is located down the "Hall of Fame" on the left side.
Be sure and join us in our new home and bring a friend! Many thanks to the people that have made this happen along with Randy Bob Albano, WCHS Principal, Bob Beckley, WCHS Orchestra and Penny Mitchell, WPAC Manager. Many positive band improvements can be realized with this move!
The 1997-1998 edition of the Band Book is available at each rehearsal. We are asking that each family take just one (1) so that everyone can have a copy. This year's book includes useful information about rehearsals, uniform, band history, awards presented AND a calendar for the year 97-98 with known performances and rehearsals, etc. for the year. Also included is a current roster of active youth and adults with the band. Be sure and get your copy at the next rehearsal!
Now that we have a new permanent home we can return to regular dixieland rehearsals prior to the full band rehearsal. Everyone who plays dixieland (trumpets, trombone, sax, clarinet and tuba) should arrive at 1:00 p.m. to practice for an hour before full rehearsal starts at 2:00.
Call Tom O'Nan at 255-6004 for details or e- mail him at tron@iei.net or access him through the band's web page at www.iei.net/~tron. TOM WANTS YOU!
After an absence for a long time, the President's Corner returns with this issue. Let me take this opportunity to thank all the individuals who served on the board of the BBBC this past year, but particularly to Nona Miller who asked to step aside so that some "new blood" could become more involved. Nona has diligently served this organization for over 30 years and still gives of her time tirelessly. You can see her at every dome event and still makes sure mailings get out on a timely basis. Thanks Nona for your devotion.
I look forward to an exciting "new" year as all indications are showing a healthy band! Membership is up and is consistent, enthusiasm is evident and we are enjoying support we've not had before. New members to the BBBC Board of Directors are eager to continue the band's growth and stature. Randy's efforts to secure a new home for the band are greatly appreciated and bode well for opportunities in the future. We are coming off a very successful tour with tentative plans and anticipation for the 1998 tour at an all time high. All in all, if we continue this trend 1998 will be a banner year for this band!
THANKS EACH AND EVERYONE! Bill
At the annual picnic on August 24th, the membership of the BBBC elected the following to a one year term on the Board of Directors:
President: Bill Schofield 542-8057 Vice President Admin.: Maurice Heitzman 849-1864 Vice President Memb.: Randy Decker 786-6868 Treasurer: Larry Wheat 765-675-3981 Corresponding Sec.: Nancy Thomas 846-6859 Recording Sec.: Linda Wheat 765-675-3981 Ways and Means: Sylvia Schofield 897-3809 Property: Pete Lindstrom 888-3769 Publicity: John Valdez 546-5874 Historian: Myron Reynolds 823-1967 Band Conductor: Howard Foster 891-8980 Explorer Post Advisor: Maurice Heitzman 849-1864 Explorer Post Pres.: Alumni President: Debbie Miller 545-0445
We look forward to a great year and ask for YOUR input so that we can make the band the organization we all know it can be! Thanks to Ed Herran who accepted the responsibility of heading the nominating committee to present to the membership.
During the annual picnic the current year's Belzer Scout Band Booster Club membership dues were collected. The BBBC is open to any adult (21 years or older) who is active with the band, or just has an interest in the band. The dues are $5.00 per year per member and can be paid to the treasurer (contact Bill Schofield). Dues help with awards presented by the band as well as maintaining the equipment of the band. Those who paid at the picnic will receive their membership card in the mail or at rehearsal. Also, a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws that were revised and approved at the picnic meeting will be made available to all paid BBBC members.
Again thanks to Maurice Heitzman and Nancy Thomas who worked on the revisions to the Constitution and By-Laws.
It is with great pleasure we re-introduce Brian Osborne to the band as our Council Representative. Brian recently accepted the position of District Executive for Northeast District. His first (or second) day on the job was July 15th when the band performed at Conner Prairie for the council's school night kick off and combined committee meeting. It was learned that Brian had been a member of the band as a youth and had a very rewarding experience with the band that helped him in his high school band. It didn't take much urging to have him sling the sousaphone over his head and stand on stage with the Dixieland band, and then join us for our concert. It has been rumored that when Scott Clabaugh witnessed this he knew then who would replace Dave Dominick as our council representative. (Although Brian was not aware of this.)
It was officially announced while the band was on tour that he would become our representative. Brian has experienced Scouting as a youth, is a 1996 graduate of Ball State University with a BS degree in elementary education. He is a native of Indianapolis and attended Arsenal Tech High School. It is with great pleasure we welcome Brian and look forward to working with him at rehearsals, board meetings or other events!
The NEW concession stand the band now operates is a BLAST! We are in stand #142 which is on the first level, just inside Gate One and the VIP seating area! We have worked two events now and can SEE the difference in the amount of people needed, but also the amount of money that can be earned! We need a minimum of 15 people at each event (event dates and times are published in the band book). Call Sylvia at 897-3809 if you can work. The BBBC Board recently approved a PAY RAISE for all workers, we are now paying [to your personal account] $25.00 for each event worked. This is a great way to pay for tour! We WILL operate a shuttle for workers from the MSE Corporation parking lot (where Maurice works). The lot is located on the east side of Meridian Street just south of 10th Street. Please park on the east side of the lot and NOT in reserved spots. Shuttle leaves ´ hour prior to report time for workers. "Uniform" is white shirt, black pants, band's GOLD hat and closed toe shoes.
The Harvey Gill Award was presented to Patrick Lindstrom at the annual picnic on August 24th. Patrick was cited for his three plus years of active participation in the band and his willingness to help when and where ever needed. He serves as a Patrol Leader in Troop 499 in Pathfinder District and recently attained the Life rank.
The Harvey Gill Memorial Award is presented annually by the Alumni Association to an outstanding youth member of the band. Refer to the criteria as well as a nomination form in the Band Book.
The F.O. Belzer Leadership Award was presented to Linda Wheat at the annual picnic. Linda was recognized for her continuous active service to the band over the last six years. She is also active at the unit and district level and has been awarded the District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver. She has served several terms on the BBBC Board of Directors and served as tour director for the 1995 Kentucky - Tennessee tour.
The F.O. Belzer Leadership Award is presented annually by the Alumni Association to one outstanding adult volunteer of the band. To learn about the criteria for the award refer to your Band Book.
Each year during tour, the youth members of the band meet secretly to select one or more adults they would like to recognize with a "Good Scout Award". There is no specific criteria for the award, it is a way the youth have devised to say THANKS to a special person that has made their participation with the band more enjoyable.
This year two adults were recognized by the youth. Debbie Miller and Ed Herran both received their recognition from Patrick Lindstrom during the annual picnic!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RECIPIENTS OF THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL AWARDS. IF IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU MISSED A LOT AT THE PICNIC YOU DID! PLAN TO BE WITH US IN AUGUST 1998!
What do these things have in common? They are part of the plans for the 1998 Central Region Tour! That's right, we are setting our sights for a ten (10) day tour July 9 - 18, 1998 through the states that comprise the Central Region of the Boy Scouts of America!
We will head north through Michigan, cross the seven mile bridge (sorry Linda and Sylvia) to the Upper Peninsula and then into Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and back home in Indiana. (We passed through Ohio and West Virginia on the way home in 1997!)
This trip will take us to states the band has never been to before, and we will be going through several Indian Reservations. Also planned is a stop at Mount Rushmore (Presidents) and a visit to Custer State Park, where the largest free roaming herd of bison is located.
See Bill Schofield for an application (we already have 18). Cost will be $350.00 -$375.00. Let's meet "Mr. Mike's" challenge and have TWO bus loads on the 1998 tour!
You can relive the great tour of 1997 thanks to Linda Wheat who did an excellent job of keeping the journal of daily activities and has compiled a memory journal.
It was truly an awesome experience aboard the USS Yorktown and reflecting via the displays and videos the history that took place on the ship. Imagine being on the flight deck when the crew recovered Apollo 8 the first manned spacecraft to have circled the moon!
Who wasn't inspired by the arena show at the National Jamboree when the helicopters bringing the President of the United States landed in front of the stage (and our own Lewis Wheat shaking Clinton's hand when he left the stage!) Or the closing laser show have the aliens left yet?
Finally, who wasn't inspired by playing God Bless the USA or Battle Hymn of Republic as you gazed down the Mall looking at the Lincoln and Washington Memorials! And how many Senators have you personally met, and received their autograph?
YOU can experience highlights like this if you attend the 1998 Central Region Tour. Start planning and saving now it can be done!
Setting a record bid at the annual picnic, Nick Herran was the successful bidder for the 1998 Tour. Nick's tour fee for the 1998 Central Region Tour will be paid for by the Belzer Band Booster Club! Nick's record bid was $19,000.00! (That's band bucks folks! see it pays to collect those band bucks!)
Congratulations Nick we'll see you on the bus in 1998!
Thanks to everyone that helped out on the band's workday on September 13th! Special thanks to John Stacy and Horner Electric who donated all the materials and labor to see this project through! We now have buried electric service to the band hut with 100 amp service in a new breaker box. Also receptacles, light fixtures and switches are conveniently located throughout the hut. Thanks also to Ranger Kevin for his help and guidance!
What's HUGSBAA? It's the Harvey U. Gill Scout Band Alumni Association that was formed in 1992 to locate and utilize alumni of the Scout Band as a resource for today's band members. The Alumni Association is composed of former (or current) adult members or other parties that have an interest in supporting the band. Membership dues are $10.00 annually or a Lifetime Membership is offered for $100.00.
Recently Debbie Miller was elected President of the Association and it is anticipated that she will take this group to its next level! She has been around the band since she was born! REALLY, after all you can't be the daughter of Wally and Nona Miller and not have been with the band. Debbie and Nona relate stories of how Wilma Gill babysat Debbie when her parents attended Board meetings at Harvey's home. Who better to lead the Alumni Association?
Debbie has pledged to work to continue to identify former band members, and to recruit them to help however they can, either as a resource financially or musically. If you know of any alumni, let Debbie know so they can be added to the records, call Debbie at 545-0445.
Sylvia Schofield wishes to thank ALL DOME WORKERS who have worked the first two events. Particularly the twelve who were broken in on the first game we won't do that again will we?
Charlie Dickson, trombone player who recently was presented his Eagle Scout Rank! Congratulations Charlie you name is added to the lengthy list of Eagle Scouts of the band!
Patrick Lindstrom who earned the rank of Life Scout this past summer.
Mike Reynolds who started off the new rehearsal year right by bringing a new member Drew Martin to the first rehearsal on September 7th!
Linda Wheat for the job she did in recording the events of the tour.
Mike Carpenter, "MR. MIKE" our beloved bus driver who gave us another exceptional ride this year! We look forward to working with you in 98!
ALL 1997 TOUR PARTICIPANTS! What a joy it was to travel with the group we had this year. Things went like clockwork (most of the time) and that is attributed to the fact everyone worked together and pitched in when things needed to be done! Isn't that the way it's suppose to work? Looking forward to '98
Randy Decker for making the arrangements for our new home AND for arranging for the new electric service at the band hut!
Maurice Heitzman for arranging with his employer to use their parking lot as our shuttle station.
Tom O'Nan who maintains our web page let Tom know your email address and we will email an advance copy of the newsletter!
7 Colts Game at Dome Report 9:30 am Shuttle leaves MSE lot 9:00 am Call Sylvia to work (897-3809) 7 1:00 PM Dixieland Rehearsal 2:00 PM Full Band Rehearsal at Gyro Center Camp Belzer 13 Work Day at Band Hut Camp Belzer 14 1:00 PM Dixieland Rehearsal 2:00 PM Full Band Rehearsal at Gyro Center Camp Belzer 14 Colts Game at Dome Report 12:30 pm Shuttle leaves MSE lot 12:00 pm Call Sylvia to work (897-3809) 21 BAND MOVES TO NEW "HOME" 1:00 PM DIXIELAND REHEARSAL 2:00 PM FULL BAND REHEARSAL WARREN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL - AUDITORIUM ENTRANCE 24 7:00 PM BBBC Board Meeting Schofield's house (5423 Mark Lane) 28 1:00 PM DIXIELAND REHEARSAL 2:00 PM FULL BAND REHEARSAL WARREN CENTRAL HS AUDITORIUM DOOR 28 Band Newsletter information / articles due to John Valdez or Bill Schofield
1 Crossroads article due at Scout Office 4 Circle City Classic at Dome Report 1:30 PM Shuttle leaves MSE lot 1:00 PM Call Sylvia to work (897-3809) 5 Colts Game at Dome Report 12:30 pm Shuttle leaves MSE lot 12:00 pm Call Sylvia to work (897-3809) 5 1:00 PM DIXIELAND REHEARSAL 2:00 PM FULL BAND REHEARSAL WARREN CENTRAL HS AUDITORIUM DOOR 12 1:00 PM DIXIELAND REHEARSAL 2:00 PM FULL BAND REHEARSAL WARREN CENTRAL HS AUDITORIUM DOOR 19 1:00 PM DIXIELAND REHEARSAL 2:00 PM FULL BAND REHEARSAL WARREN CENTRAL HS AUDITORIUM DOOR 20 Colts Game (MONDAY NIGHT) Report 5:30 PM Shuttle leaves MSE lot 5:00 PM Call Sylvia to work (897-3809) 25 IRVINGTON HALLOWEEN PARADE 3:00 PM Report 2:15 PM to Irvington Presbyterian Church in FULL UNIFORM 26 NO REHEARSAL 29 7:00 PM BBBC Board Meeting Schofield's house (5423 Mark Lane)