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of America Scout Band Newsletter |
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|
of America Scout Band Newsletter |
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2003
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BAND WELCOMES GUESTS AT OPEN HOUSE JANUARY 26th
The Crossroads of America Scout Band welcomes everyone who is joining us on January 26th! Your first exposure might be intimidating-- rest assured that as you attend rehearsals and begin to make new friends in the band you will gain confidence and have an enjoyable experience.
Many of the "old timers" felt just like you when they first joined, but now express how much the Scout Band has helped them gain confidence in their musical abilities and the great times they have had in performances and on tours. If you get a chance, talk with some of the members who have been around a while and you will find that they are glad they stayed with the band.
We know that you are busy with school, troop and church activities-- but come around on Sunday as often as you can. YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Your parents can stay and meet other band supporters, or they can take care of errands during the 1 hours we are at rehearsal.
For those that are new to the band and as a refresher for those that have been around awhile, its appropriate to take a snapshot view of the band's rich heritage. After all, February will mark the beginning of our 86th year of operation!
Celebrating 86 years of Scouting and music in central Indiana -- THE OLDEST continuously organized Scout Band in the world! The band was organized in 1917 as a drum and bugle corps by F.O. "Chief" Belzer to play at summer camp at Camp Chank-tun-un-gi as Camp Belzer was formerly named. In the 1920's the corps evolved into a full concert and marching band participating in many patriotic programs, displays, parades, and council functions.
The band takes its show on the road each year during its annual tour. Tours have taken the band to 47 of the 50 states in the US, Mexico, Canada and England. We have performed at Disney World, Universal Studios, Williamsburg, Washington, D.C., three World Fairs, National Order of the Arrow Conferences (NOAC) and National Jamborees in 1950, 53, 57, 60, 64, 69, 73, 77, 85, 89, 93 and 1997. The band performed at Kennedy Space Center in 1999 for the 30thanniversary of the first Lunar Landing. The band has played for five Presidents of the United States and the Queen of England.
In 2001 we headed east and visited Norfolk, Virginia and toured Williamsburg, Jamestown and the Norfolk Naval Base. Our last stop was in Asheville, North Carolina as we toured the Biltmore Estate. 2002 took us north to Canada! We left Indianapolis and headed to Erie, Pennsylvania, Sturbridge, Massachusetts and then to Portland, Maine where we traveled by ferry to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and on to Halifax, taking in the International Tattoo that features over 2000 entertainers in an inside arena. From Nova Scotia we head to Prince Edward Island (PEI). All along the way we performed concerts and had a chance to meet other Scouts and Scouters.
This summer (June 19 - 28, 2003) we will be heading west again to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Concerts will be played at each of these venues as well as a return to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to play prior to the lighting of the monument.
We welcome you and invite you to come back each Sunday. We know everyone can't be here each week (it's NOT like school), but that makes us unique too! We NEVER have the same band except when we go on our annual tour. Join
us when you can and if you have questions or concerns don't be afraid to ask.
RCA DOME CONCESSION STAND
The band's chief money earning activity is providing
manpower for a concession stand at the RCA Dome.Our booth is #142 (just
inside Gate 1).
Anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer to work an event. There is a limit to the number we can use -- so it's a "first-come first-served" for signing up to work. "Uniform" consists of black pants (no jeans), white collared shirt (we can provide one for $3.50) and band hat. Those that work an event earn at least $25.00 that goes into their personal account with the band. This account can be used for band tours, outings, or other scouting related activities.
There are several events coming up, so new members (or parents) can still earn money for your account.
UPCOMING DOME EVENTS:
Saturday, February 8, 2003-- Thunder in the Dome
Saturday, February 1,2003-- Supercross
Thursday, March 20, 2003 -- NCCA 1st / 2ndRound Playoff games
Saturday, March 22, 2003 -- NCCA 1st / 2ndRound Playoff games
BAND'S VENTURE CREW-- RECHARTER
The Belzer Band Booster Club sponsors Venture Crew 559. This unit was established (as an Explorer Post) in the early 1960's. As the program has evolved, females aged 14-21 were able to join the Exploring / Venturing programs
The Crew recharters in February, and all those youth and adult members whose PRIMARY registration is with the crew, must make arrangements with Keith Hartzog, Treasurer to pay the annual $11.00 fee. ALL females MUST be registered with this or another crew to participate in the band. Youths or adults who have a primary registration in another scouting unit may "multiple" into the crew if so desired.
Notices have recently been sent out to all registered members of the crew asking if they want to recharter. Current personal account statements have been sent also. If you do not have money in your personal account, but want to recharter you MUST send a check to the BBBC for the $11.00 by January 26, 2003, otherwise you will be dropped off the charter.
If you are a multiple member of the crew and you do not let us know of your intention to remain with the crew, you will be dropped.
Shirley Wiker -- Ways and Means
Deb King recently had to step down as Ways and Means
chair due to health problems. We thank Deb for the willingness to step
in when needed last year at the elections and hope that she is willing
to serve in a capacity again when her health permits.
At the last BBBC Board Meeting Shirley Wiker volunteered to be considered to fill the remaining term as Ways and Means Chair. The Board unanimously accepted the offer -- So CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to Shirley Wiker!
BBBC-- WHAT IS IT?
BBBC is short for Belzer Band Booster Club, Inc. which
is incorporated in the State of Indiana and is the band's "owner / sponsor."
the BBBC is comprised of the parents or any other interested parties of
the Band. Membership dues in the BBBC are $5.00 per person per year. Generally
dues are collected at the annual picnic; however ANY adult interested in
supporting the band may join the BBBC membership at anytime. Just see Keith
Hartzog, Treasurer to pay your dues.
The BBBC own all the band's equipment and manages all of its assets. In addition, the BBBC sponsors Venture Crew 559. The BBBC is managed by a Board of Directors that meets monthly and conducts the business of the corporation and the band. The board meetings are generally the last Wednesday of the month. Questions or concerns can be addressed to any board member, BBBC members are welcome to attend any board meeting. Current Board Members are:
Bill Schofield, President 542-8057
Bob Wiker, Vice President 356-9678
Keith Hartzog, Treasurer 897-5726
Carol Wiker, Recording Sec. 356-9678
Mary Jane Smock Corresponding Sec. 738-3595
Shirley Wiker, Ways and Means 487-9412
Dana Hanson, Property 818-0917
John Valdez, Publicity 546-5874
Doug Whitcomb, Historian 894-8547
Howard Foster, Director/Crew Advisor 891-8980
Buddy McLaren, Youth President 356-9678
Margaret Estes, Youth V.P. 297-1017
William King, Youth V.P. 765-866-0037
Debbie Wheat, Alumni President 541-0598
BAND BUCKS-- "Monthly Checks"
Several years ago the BBBC initiated a "Band Buck" program
where each YOUTHmember who attends an event receives a band buck. Periodic
auctions are held where only band bucks can be used. Items auctioned have
included patches, luggage, and camp stoves. The "BIG"ticket item auctioned
at the annual picnic is an EXPENSE PAID TOUR for the next year. Buddy McLaren
was the high bidder at our 2002 picnic and will be going on the 2003 expense
paid!
At a BBBC Board Meeting, the youth presented an idea to make changes in the band buck program. This was done to ensure an equal "playing field" for all youth members so that a single member has the same chances as "multiple member families" when it comes time for the auctions. The youth treasurer is responsible for maintaining a "band buck account" and issuing monthly checks to youth members. The amount of the monthly check is dependent on the amount issued at each rehearsal and the youth member's attendance at that month's activities. Each youth can bid on items based on the amount of band bucks available in their buck account.
Concert to Celebrate Scout Week
The band will have a Scouting Anniversary Concert on
February 9th at Warren Central High School. The band has traditionally
recognized Scout Sunday as the anniversary of the band's founding. Come
and join us as we celebrate our 86th birthday!
Pioneer District Dinner
Adults who would like to attend the Pioneer District
Dinner Friday, February 7th at the Indianapolis Marriott -- contact Keith
Hartzog (897-5726) to arrange for tickets ($15.00 each). Dinner is at 6:30
PM -- program starts at 7:45PM.
Our Director, Howard Foster will be recognized with the Silver Beaver Award! Congratulations Howard!
Kudos for the MonthPete Murphy for providing coupons to our new members for Laser Flash - A Game of Tag.
Doug Whitcomb who was honored as a Kentucky Colonel on New Year's Eve!
Chris Haskell who earned the Eagle Rank and was presented this honor at a November Court of Honor.
2003 Tour Plans being Made
The plans for the 2003 tour are progressing -- WILL YOU
BE A PART OF THE BAND'S HIGH ADVENTURE? Dates are June 19 - 28, 2003 and
the cost is $650.00 per person... Price includes transportation, all meals
and lodging and admissions to the attractions we will be visiting.
There will be concerts and sightseeing all along the way. The tour is limited to fifty people and playing members will have first preference.
If you are interested in joining the band on tour, please see Bill Schofield and pick up an application. Seats are going fast!
John & Doug's Wacky Fun Column
What is John and Doug's Wacky Fun Column you ask?!?!?!
Well, it is a spot designated to be entertaining as well as informative
about the band! I hope YOU enjoy it as much as we do! And remember it's
sponsored by Rocker's Unlimited!
Wacky Trivia
Answer the trivia question about the band and YOU can
win a prize! Please email your answers to Doug whitcomb at pdw@iquest.net
or mail him at 1697 South 700 West; New Palestine, IN 46163. Winner will
be listed in next newsletter.
This newsletter's question:
What was the color of the first band uniform?Answer will be in the next newsletter.
Last newsletter's question:
Who founded the band?
The person that is responsible for the existence of the band is also responsible for may other historical scouting mainstays. The person was the first Chief Scout Executive in Indianapolis and he founded Firecrafter. He has a scout camp named after him was well as a school. The person's name is Francis O. Belzer.
Did you get it right? Doug only had a handful of responses and he gave you EXTRA time! But the winner of the prize is Carol Wiker. Congratulations Carol! You won a $10.00 gift certificate to McDonald's! Who will be our next winner?
Thanks for visiting John & Doug's Wacky Column -- see you in the next issue -- and remember this column is sponsored by Rocker's Unlimited! (Editor's note: more was submitted for this column, but space was not available. Pick up copies of Jeopardy for BAND at rehearsals!)
January 2003 dates
26 2:00 PM ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
Warren Central High School Orchestra Room
28 NERF Party at RCA Dome 6:00 PM
February Dates
1 Dixieland Performance for Cub Pack 92 Blue & Gold
St. Mark's Catholic Church
2 2:00 PM Band Rehearsal
WCHS Orchestra Room
8 Dome Event (Thunder in the Dome)
Call Shirley Wiker if you can work 487-9412
8 Dixieland Performance for Cub Pack Blue & Gold - Christ United Methodist Church
9 2:00 PM Scout Sunday Concert
WCHS Band Room
16 1:00 PM Dixieland Rehearsal
2:00 PM Full Band Rehearsal
WCHS Orchestra Room
23 1:00 PM Crew 559 Meeting
2:00 PM Full Band Rehearsal
WCHS Orchestra Room
26 BBBC Board Meeting 7 PM
Schofield's House
March Dates
1 THQ World Supercross at RCA Dome -- call Shirley Wiker
if you can work (487-9412)
2 2:00 PM Band Rehearsal
WCHS Orchestra Room
9 2:00 PM Band Rehearsal
WCHS Orchestra Room
16 1:00 PM Dixieland Rehearsal
2:00 PM Full Band Rehearsal
WCHS Orchestra Room
20 NCCA Men's Basketball First / Second Rounds Call Shirley Wiker if you can work (487-9412)
22 NCCA Men's Basketball First / Second Rounds Call Shirley Wiker if you can work (487-9412)
23 1:00 PM Crew 559 Meeting
2:00 PM Full Band Rehearsal
WCHS Orchestra Room
26 BBBC Board Meeting 7 PM
Schofield's House
30 2:00 PM Band Rehearsal
WCHS Orchestra Room
