Interesting topic. I would like to acknowledge 2 high schools for consistently producing outstanding parade drum majors. The first one is Magnolia High of Anaheim during the John Hausey era and Rubidoux High during the Charles Grey era (Gee, what ever became of those guys??? Hmmmm...) Their drum majors always looked excellent and they represented their schools with pride. We didn't see them at the L patterns very often but they always gave my drum majors a "run for the money" on the street.

"I think your entry about Rob Suh is a little off, but then again, I am 41 years old and I may not have the sterling memory I used to have . . . ."

That's as close as I could get to Robert's dates. I was an SCSBOA DM judge while in college in the mid-1970s -- I believe I did one of the All Westerns when he was with Pasadena HS. But you're right-- it's been a very, very long time.

"George Gullet from Arizona State University, 19.. ??
He was my inspiration for his 26th and 27th year (His last years before transferring to Nogales HS Administration) working as the band director for John A. Rowland HS. I don't know much about his spinning capabilities, or what he accomplished as an active drum major. What I do know is that his experiences then helped him through the 27 years that he served for the Rowland Unified School District."

George is a very, very good guy. Taught and later ran the DM camps at Redlands with him in 1970s, first when the camp was a "Roberts Enterprise" camp, and later when it was his, I think under the "Southwestern Enterprises" banner (or something like that). Not what you'd call an expert spinner -- he was from an earlier era. But he did a wonderful job running the camps and working with the students.

That's always great to hear about my old band director that I looked up to before he left
I had him for two years, the second being the one that he had to transfer over to our sister school. From there, we were under the direction of Jim Thompson to finish off the second year, Mr. Kalantarian during the summer, and finally Vince Banim to take over.

OK...first off, I'm flattered that someone even mentioned me. Thanks Jazzgeek. Who are you by the way?

Second, let's take the way back machine and do some Dr. Who time travel shall we? This will be lengthy so move on, young ones, if you get bored.

1. Montgomery HS: Vic Bianes and Ron Dimicali....still great as they followed in line from me. I think MHS produced some great DM's back in the day.

2. Sandy Vega from Montebello: A good friend and a terrific DM. We hung out (see #3 below) at Santa Barbara camp and at awards ceremonies whenever our bands were at the same competitions.

3. Bob Lazzarini from Arcadia: One of the rat pack that was part of our fun little group. Also a great DM.

4. Rick Clough from Arcadia: Great friends and still wonder what he's up to. Agreed...Rick marched everywhere he went.

5. Jim Mahr from Glendora: Very cool guy and did that British thing really well.

6. Greg Solomon from Glen A. Wilson: Always good to see him at SCSBOA events where we judge together. Another one of those British guys that did it up right.

7. Chris Gauger from Castle Park HS: Tall guy and had the control on that mace that was effortless.

8. Randy Hage from Villa Park HS: Way, way talented guy. Street, field, L-pattern (several categories)..you name it...Randy did it and did it well.

9. The Late Buddy Gilbert from North Torrance HS: Still remember him at L-pattern comps and the control he had on military baton.

Great DM's are instructed by great people as well...

1. Kim Burdick from Arcadia: Hibbard and USA Camp instructor. Kim was the "cleaner". While some taught tricky flourishes (see #2 below) Burdick always asked the questions, "What's the thumb doing?, What are your shoulders doing?, What is the free hand doing on the inverted flip? Is the arm aligned with the wrist on the palm roll?, Where's count 1? Is your first beat clean?". Invaluable.

2. Bob Naeve from La Canada: Always really tough on me when I would ask him for advice but it paid off. At several reviews I would always scope out who was judging as we approached "The Line". When Bob was up there (that screaming red hair...how could you not miss it?) I knew I had to nail it just because he made me work at summer camp. Still remember at one comp when I passed in review and he mouthed the word, "Wow" at me. I wanted to bust out laughing, but held the tight lip.

Some of my best memories from growing up in band was going to camp at Santa Barbara and Hibbard's at Loyola Marymount in LA. My senior year at Santa Barbara I won some award for leading a squad of people and writing drill and having them perofrm it. I had a great squad.

Mom (of course) saved all the stuff...the trophies, the ribbons the plaques and recently got them back when she moved from Otay Mesa to Eastlake. I couldn't believe the names on the trophies... Chino...La Mirada....Maytime...El Primero...SD Autumn Band Review. Chino is the only review that is still in existence from my collection.

Wish I knew what some of these kids were up to.

The Tardis now returns to 2008. I'm off to Vista HS to watch Phantom do their thing.

Thanks for listening.

gd

I could be your cousin from another HS.

Don't forget Jennifer Tran....State Champ....Mighty Oiler band...to here list of accomplished students!

ummm dunno if she's been mentioned...well this isn't my expertise...but Danielle Battisti of Atwater HS swept every band review she's been to in nor cal as drum major...i think that's pretty legendary

Hello I have been watching this post for a long time, there is one person who has been overlooked. He has over 30 years experience, and has judged every drum major who has ever competed or who is now a judge.
Ill give you a little time before i give the answer. you can try if you like. when you see the answer youll say Wow how did we forget.

I'm going to go with Tom Peacock. DM out of Savanna High in Anaheim around 1967 (I think). A bit before my time but he would critique me any time I went to his shop.

If he's not who you were referencing, he should be.

Well... there are a couple of us who have done this for that period of time for SCSBOA and other independent drum major contests.

That would include Tom Peacock (Savanna HS 1966) and myself (Anaheim HS 1965). Diane (Cornwell) Maclear taught Tom and many other drum majors back in the 1960's and is still one of the top active SCSBOA drum major judges. Most of us back then studied with Diane, Bob Roberts (who ran the only major drum major camp at the time), and/or Terry Certain. Terry was a SCSBOA adjudicator and former instructor for the now defunct USMC Drum Major school.

Other strong active SCSBOA drum major adjudicators such as Kim Burdick, Dr. Collette Hausey, Kim Kruger, Greg Rochford, and Russ Sperling have been judging for a number of collective years.

Dr. Collette Hausey and Greg Rochford wrote the current updated drum major adjudication form for SCSBOA a couple of years ago.

Prior to that, Tom Peacock and I wrote the previous drum major adjudicaton form for SCSBOA way back in the 1980's.

Been there... done that...

vore
John Hausey

It's good to see Greg's (Rochford) name here. He was the DM at my high school just prior to me. I learned a great deal from him in spinning, organization and leadership capabilities. He was passionate at both his position as DM as well as his instrumental skills.

The best instructors I've worked with are Randy Hage, Rick Clough, Bob Lazzerini and Kim Burdick and feel they were all excellent at leading, teaching and technical abilities. Others have been good on the street and/or L pattern comps but I would put these at the top of their field in the early 80s.

It just occurred to me that, without reading all the prior posts to see if he was noted, Rick Wilson from Nor Cal should be included too here. Definitely a more unique style of teaching, he has been in the field performing since he was a mere few years old. After his stint as SJSU DM in the 70s, he began his own DM Academy for Nor Californians. I remember going up for a competition my Sr year and finding it a great experience. His words of wisdom to me just before stepping off the line were: "whatever you do, don't think about sex". Pretty much sums it up. I also remember him selling his Excellon batons from an address that had "Suite G" included as part of the address. I asked him once what that was when I was at his home and he told me it meant "garage".

I like this...

vore

I think my favorites are
Israel Benavidez
Elizabeth Connelly
Jennifer Tran
Alan Riley
Rocky Ehrich
Brennan England
Jason Paguio
Miriam Lieu

And others that I cant remember x]