Oct
11

Welcome To The Official Website of the Belvedere Alumni

The Belvedere Alumni Association is to promote camaraderie among all former members and families of the Belvederes Jr. Drum and Bugle Corps and to provide a vehicle for members to promote the art form of drum corps and to participate in various social, musical and marching endeavors.

The Belvedere Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; all contributions are tax deductible.

It is the intent of the group to use this vehicle in lieu of a hard-copy newsletter and for news and info and sharing old pictures, and stories for former members, instructors and fans!

May
24

Message from past member…Greg McCarraher

This is a post from one of our past members. A lot of you might remember him, he was a snare drummer in past years. He also had a brother, which played in the horn line. It’s nice to know, that even if they are away, and not near us anymore, they still look back at the good times we all had in the corps. Not sure how to get it from facebook to here… so I’ll just type it in.

 

To All My Belvedere friends;

Many many years ago, right now we would be getting ready to go on the field at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pa.

This would be our first contest of the season. Always a special time. I remember my first, seeing Blue Rock, in their championship season.

All were special though. And so are all of you. Miss those times, and y’all

Greg

Aug
01

A Big Welcome, Rachel Ewaniuk, and a New Beginning for the Belvederes

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME RACHEL EWANIUK, AS THE CORPS NEW MUSIC/BRASS INSTRUCTOR. RACHEL HAS BEEN PLAYING WITH US FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, AS WELL AS INSTRUCTING THE HORN LINE IN THE PAST, AND HAS NOW ACCEPTED THE POSITION AS OUR NEW BRASS INSTRUCTOR. RACHEL HAS BEEN PLAYING TRUMPET SINCE THE 4TH. GRADE, FURTHERING HER EDUCATION AT MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, WHERE SHE GOT HER DEGREE IN MUSIC EDUCATION AND MUSIC TECHNOLOGY. IN 2018, SHE GRADUATED FROM INDIANA UNIVERSITY WITH A M.S. IN MUSIC TECHNOLOGY.

RACHEL BEGAN HER DRUM CORPS YEARS IN 2012, WHERE SHE MARCHED 3 SEASONS WITH THE BUSHWACKERS DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS, PLAYING LEAD TRUMPET AND SOLOIST. IN 2015, SHE WAS HIRED AS BRASS TECH FOR THE SKYLINERS. I CAN GO ON AND ON ABOUT RACHEL, BUT WE ALL FEEL THE SAME WAY, AND HOPE THAT ALL FEEL THE SAME AS WE DO, THAT RACHEL IS GOING TO TAKE US TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

RACHEL IS GOING TO BRING NEW LIFE AND PRIDE, TO THE BELVEDERES DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS, AND WE ARE ALL LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT RACHEL IS GOING TO BE DOING, AND TAKING US TO HIGHER AND BETTER LEVELS IN DRUM CORPS. IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE CORPS BEFORE, AND WOULD LIKE TO COME BACK AND BE A PART OF HISTORY, OF THE ” NEW” BELVEDERES, STOP DOWN AT THE LIBERTY FIRE CO. IN HAVEN, ON AUGUST 25TH, AND SEE ALL THE NEW ADVANCEMENTS WE ARE DOING.

THIS INVITATION IS OPEN TO ANY PAST MEMBERS AND FRIENDS THAT WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF US. BRING YOURSELF DOWN, AND FILL A POSITION IN OUR COLOR GUARD, DRUM LINE , OR BRASS LINE. NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY, WE WILL TEACH ANYONE. YOUTH IS ALWAYS WELCOME IN THE” BELVEDERES ALUMNI DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS.”

 

WELCOME ABOARD RACHEL

 

Jun
27

Sounds on the Susquehanna- Milton Show

On Saturday, June 22nd. , the Belvedere’s Alumni were invited to perform at the DCA show in Milton, Pa. The corps was to perform an exhibition featuring their Military Medley show. The response from the crowd was very positive, and compliments were given from the crowd, for recognizing our military veterans and those serving today.

This was the first time we ever opened for a senior corps show, and was a great experience. Thank You to all for the invite, and hope to do it again sometime. Attached are a pictures from Saturdays show.

May
04

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS 2019

THIS YEARS CONCERT HELD BY THE READING BUCS ALUMNI, WAS HELD APRIL 27TH., AT THE BLUE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL.THIS YEARS CONCERT WAS NOTHING BUT, FANTASTIC. THE CORPS PLAYED LIKE THE PROFESSIONAL’S WE ARE.THE BELVEDERES LEAD OFF THE CONCERT, WITH THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.THE SOUND WAS FANTASTIC, SEATING 30 HORNS, 6 PERCUSSION, AND 13 FLAGS.     THE MUSIC SELECTION WAS SPOT ON, EVEN THE NEW SONG…COME RAIN OR COME SHINE.THE MILITARY MEDLEY IS ALWAYS A CROWD PLEASER , HONORING ALL THE PAST AND PRESENT MILITARY PERSONAL.

THE NEXT CONCERT ON OUR VENUE, WILL BE AT THE READING BUCCANEER’S SPRING REVIEW, BEING HELD AT THE TWIN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, ON MAY 11TH., STARTING AT 6:30PM.THERE ARE 7 CORPS ON THE PROGRAM, SO IT SHOULD BE A GREAT NIGHT. HOPE TO SEE ALL YOU FAITHFUL DRUM CORPS NUTS THERE, AND FOR SUPPORTING THE READING BUCCANEER’S.

 

Jul
16

New drum slips from ON2 . Thanks to Bill on awesome job.


For all Belvedere Alumni, we will be sporting a new look for the 2018 season. Bill Bataglia has taken on the task of,making the drum line look awesome, and patriotic, as we walk down the streets, and perform at our concert venues. Thanks to ON2 drum skins, for providing this great look.
As the season continues, we are always looking for new members,young and old, to help us spread the sounds of our past.
If you can play an instrument,carry a flag,or simply want to play in standstills, we need you.
Our next practice will be Aug. 26th.,at the Liberty fire Co.,in haven @ 2 pm. Stop in and see what we’re all about.

Sep
18

Hazleton Fun Fest 2014

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HAZLETON FUNFEST PARADE 2014

THIS YEARS PARADE IN HAZLETON, PROVED TO BE OUTSTANDING FOR THE ALUMNI. NOT ONLY IN APPEARANCE ( THANKS TO PINKY, WE SPORTED OUR NEW HATS). THANKS TO ALL THE ALUMNI MEMBERS THAT SHOWED UP TO HELP OUT. HATS OFF TOO, THE HIGHLANDERS, SKYLINERS, EMMAUS, AND THE BELVEDERES. WE MARCHED DOWN THE STREET WITH 32 HORNS,( AND WHAT A SOUND WE HAD), 9 PERCUSSION,16 IN THE GUARD, AND A MAIN GUARD TO ROUND OUT ONE GREAT LOOKING ALUMNI CORPS. WE HOPE THAT ALL THOSE THAT HELPED OUT, WOULD CONSIDER RETURNING, AND CONTINUE TO DO WHAT WE ALL STILL LOVE TO DO.

A LIST BELOW IS OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT THE PARADE:

1ST. PLACE- OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT BAND

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL PARADE PARTICIPANT OVERALL ( THE ENTIRE PARADE)

CHECK THE LINK BELOW OF OUR PERFORMANCE AT THE PARADE

Mar
10

St. Patty’s Day in Jim Thorpe

HERE ARE A FEW PICTURES FROM TODAY’S ANNUAL ST. PATTY’S DAY PARADE, IN JIM THORPE.

ALTHOUGH THE WEATHER WAS A BIT CHILLY IN THE MORNING,LEADING UP TO THE PARADE, THE SUN CAME OUT, AND WARMED US ALL UP. IF YOU NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PARADE, IT IS PRETTY COOL. YOU START OUT WAY UP THE MOUNTAIN, OUTSIDE JIM THORPE, AND PATIENTLY WAIT, TO START YOUR WALK DOWN THE MAIN DRAG, TILL YOU FINALLY SEE CIVILIZATION. THE CROWDS ARE LIVELY, AND VERY FRIENDLY, AND WILL GLADLY GIVE YOU SOME BELLY WARMING LIBATION…IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

ONCE YOU MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE MAIN CROWD, THINGS GET A LITTLE CROWDED. AND AS BRIAN SAYS…18″ ON DRUM STICKS TO CONTROL THE CROWD. SO, ENJOY THE PICTURES, AND LOOK FOR US ON T.V.IMG_20140309_135442_610 IMG_20140309_135617_427 IMG_20140309_135638_275 IMG_20140309_135742_532

Sep
21

” OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT BAND “

Hazleton Funfest Parade

That is the title we received , while parading in Hazleton,Pa.

“OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT BAND”

WHAT AN AWESOME VIDEO TAKEN FROM ATOP A ROOF IN HAZLETON,

THIS WAS THE FIRST OF MAYBE MANY PERFORMANCES IN THIS PARADE. IT WAS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN TWO GREAT ALUMNI CORPS, DOING WHAT WE ALL ENJOY DOING. THANKS TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE EMMAUS SENTINALS, AS WELL AS OUR VERY OWN BELVEDERE ALUMNI MEMBERS, FOR PUTTING ON ONE GREAT SHOWING AT THIS PARADE.

WHEN YOU WATCH THE VIDEO, YOU CAN GET  THAT FEELING , WE ONCE HAD ,WHEN WE WERE ALL YOUNG, AND PUT MANY LONG AND HARD DAYS OF PRACTICE, TO BECOME ONE OF THE BEST IN DRUM CORP HISTORY. WHEN YOU WATCH THE VIDEO, AND I MEAN WATCH IT, PICK OUT , STARTING FROM THE MAIN GUARD, LEAD BY OUR OWN,”WALLY”, TO THE FABULOUS RIFLES ( GREAT JOB DEBBIE & DONNA), TOO THE GUARD, WHO ALWAYS LEAD US DOWN THE STREET. DRUM LINE, WHAT CAN I SAY BUT, AWESOME. MAYBE A LITTLE PREJUDICE, BUT GREAT JOB BRIAN. OUTSTANDING HORN LINE BRINGING UP THE REAR, BECAUSE WITHOUT YOU GUYS AND GALS, WE WOULDN’T HAVE THE FANTASTIC SOUND THAT WE HAVE., AND LOOKING FORWARD TO MANY MORE SHOWS LIKE THIS.

MAYBE WHEN YOU SEE WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE FEW YEARS SINCE FORMING, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER COMING DOWN TO A PRACTICE, AND SEE WHAT WE DO. BY THE WAY, NEXT PRACTICE, SUNDAY, SEPT. 22ND.,2:OOPM. AT THE LIBERTY FIRE CO., ALL ARE WELCOME. STOP DOWN JUST TO SEE SOME OLD FRIENDS, AND MEET SOME NEW ONES. I DID FORGET TOO MENTION, THIS IS OUR SECOND TROPHY, THE FIRST, FOR THE SIX COUNTY FIREMAN’S PARADE IN HAVEN.

SO ENJOY THE VIDEO, AND KEEP UP THE GOOD JOB.

Nov
04

Emmaus Halloween Parade

This years Emmaus Halloween Parade was a huge success, because two Alumni Corps joined forces to be one, and perform to a very large crowd in Emmaus Sentinals home town. Great reviews have been received, anything from the” Best Performance” in the parade, to Outstanding musical performance. I will say myself, we sounded outstanding. Thanks to both Corps, and all the Alumni that participated in both the Haven parade, and the Emmaus parade. Lets keep up the great work, and hopes of getting more past and future members to join and perform great music.

Below is a post video of this years performance, courtesy of “Jeff Schantz

 

 

Oct
16

King Frost Parade- Saturday, October 29 th., 2011

This years King Frost Parade is Saturday,November 5th., 2011. This is the second year as the United Alumni marching together as one. All Alumni members are asked to report to the Kings IGA lot, like last year at 6:00 pm. Parking is available at the lot, but is limited. This year members from the Belvedere’s, Emmaus Sentinal’s, and the Reading Buc’s Alumni will be participating.

This years musical numbers will be “Hang Em’ High“, and “America.” We were a big hit in last years parade, and are looking forward to this years parade. Temperatures are expected to be chilly, so dress warm. Dress attire will be black pants, shoes, jackets, and your Corps hat. Practice will be done before the parade starts, and all are urged to attend so we can get that great sound we had last year.

Hope to see all our girls in the guard, as well as our great drum line. Horn line is always well represented. Keep up the tradition of what drum corp use to be. Remember, lets have fun !!!

Click on link below to view last years performance. I still get chills when I hear that first note of America.Hope to see you Saturday.

 

Alumni Corps United Drum & Bugle Corps

featuring

Belvederes Alumni from Schuylkill Haven, Pa.

Reading Buccaneer Alumni from Reading, Pa.

Emmaus Sentinals From Emmaus, Pa.

The Alumni Corps United Drum & Bugle Corps is comprised of three local drum corps from past and present times. The 2010 King Frost Parade will be the corps inaugural performance with many future performances anticipated for the 2011 season.

The Belvedere Alumni Corps is the reincarnation of a chmpionship drum and bugle corps that flourished for many years beginning in the late 1960’s. The Schuylkill Haven Belvederes Jr. Drum & Bugle Corps were organized in mid- 1965, to provide young people from the Schuylkill County and Lebanon County, something to do after school and during the summer. In 1967, the corps, under the direction of Kenn Greene, began competing as a full fledged marching and music group against other junior corps. With expert caching, practice, and experience, the Belvedere’s on-field performance progressed to the point where the corps rose to the top ranks of junior corps in the Mid- Atlantic states and beyond. The corps won the National Association Championship in 1973 and 1974. The corps continued to performed for another five years at which time, it was dsbanded due to declining membership.

The Buccaneer Alumni Association was founded in February 1981. Our parade corps was formed October 1986, and began it’s frst marching season on Memorial Day 1987. Today, the Buccaneer Alumni Association has 200 members located all across America, and currently 55 of these members  are marching in the Buccaneer Alumni corps. The Corps attire in the traditional Buccaneer Blue, White, and Black accent trim. This year marks the 24th. anniversary of the Buccaneer Alumni Corps, and are very proud to state our performance at this years 34th. anniversary of ” Serenade in Brass ” will mark our 23rd. consecutive apperarance in Harrisburg.

The Buccaneer Alumni is one of only two drum corps with an active DCA competitive corps. With our parent corps, The Reading Buccaneers, being the DCA Champion for the past 6 years. The Buccaneer Alumni Association’s management is the administration contact for the Alumni United Drum & Bugle Corps.

The Emmaus Sentinels Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps were reformed and have been marching for two years. The original corps was started i 1924, and continued and competing for 55 years until 1976. Since reforming, they have been entertaining audiences by participating in parades and concert performances. They have played the National Anthem for the Iron Pigs, a Triple A ball team of the Phillies. We are an all age corps, and welcome any new members interested in the activity.

Alumni Corps United Drum & Bugle Corps is very proud to perform for you the very popular patriotic ” America “, as our featured song and the famous and popular Hang Em’ High, for this years event. Sit back and enjoy the 110 member, 2010 Alumni Corps United Drum & Bugle Corps.

Click on video, to experience something you have never heard before. Hope you enjoy it as much as we have performing it…