Dear Sunrisers, past and present, hopefully future and friends
As I write this introduction to all of you, the first thing that comes to mind is the camaraderie of this activity w e are all a part of called drum corps. Though we all do not know each other, we all played a part in a family known as the Sunrisers. Whether it was in the beginning at the American Legion Post on Sunrise Highway in the ‘50’s; the move to Queens during the ‘60’s; then the move to Brooklyn in the ‘70’s. Later, in the ‘80’s the corps wound up in New Jersey or now, where the corps resides in the town of Orangetown, NY.
Funny and ironic if you think, the corps was named after Sunrise Highway with the colors being orange, blue and with that came the French theme. Now over 40 years later, the corps is back in NY in a town called Orangetown and playing a French show called Les Miserables.
I can go on and on, as I think most of us can, with stories of my @# years with the Sunrisers. From my first practice where Ted Sasso pulled a shako out of a garbage can, taped it up and made it fit my head; gave me a cadet jacket that didn't fit too bad, and then gave me one of the Stalzers’ pants. Now I am 150 lbs, 160 if I am soaking wet, and Ted says, “Just take them in a little and they'll fit you fine.” To finally getting the respect back that we fought SO hard for in the mid-seventies, and then in 1977 winning our first DCA Championship.
There have been so many GREAT times since then too! The corps went on to win another 5 Championships. Working with GREAT instructors, all too numerous to mention, meeting GREAT people and having GREAT parties. I say GREAT because a lot of those things were GREAT. And I feel that is why the corps has the tradition and pride it has today. Because of the GREAT people, every one of you played an important part of making the corps what it is today.
My proudest moment with the Sunrisers sadly was caused by my worst experience with the corps. You see, I was the person that made the corps inactive in 1993. It was the hardest, toughest decision I have ever had to make with the drum corps. But I felt that for the future of the corps, for the respect of the members, we had to go inactive. That brought my proudest moment. Standing on the field in Scranton at the 1994 DCA Championships, in uniform with the Sunrisers. Knowing that the drum corps was alive again. That meant more to me than winning all the championships the corps had won.
Two people I especially want to acknowledge that played an important part to keep this corps alive and well and to change the Sunrisers. I know their watchful eyes are upon us today and I am forever hurt that both of them could not be with us today.
Tony Cataneo, drum major, leader, instructor, administrator, and friend. Sadly, I don't not know many other Sunrisers who might have passed on, but I am proud and honored to have known Tony. When the corps was going through really struggling times or when the corps had tremendous success, there was always one common denominator in front leading the corps, Tony Cataneo.
George Zingali was another person who helped change the corps’ personality. The love he showed and gave the individual members. His enthusiasm, spirit and desire, not to make the corps good or the best, but to make the members believe in themselves. That was important to him and he shared that feeling with all of us. That we all care for each other that we all felt like family.
God bless both of you for giving your all to make us believe in ourselves, make us proud of ourselves and each other. God bless you both for caring and giving.
And thank you, each and every one of you that has shared a bright moment you had with the drum corps. With our family, the Sunrisers. Sit back, enjoy the book, enjoy the stories and hopefully come around and share these same stories personally with the current Sunrisers. I hope that during the course of the year, we all take a moment to thank Nanci for all the effort she put into making this book a success. From experience, I know that something like this is a tremendous task to accomplish.
Let me also take this time to thank the current members. You are the ones that make this corps continue, to give the Sunrisers the life that is needed to compete and succeed. The staff that works so hard to make the Sunrisers competitive by today's standards and also to remind the corps of the past and instill the pride of wearing orange, blue and white. The current administration, Dave Freoni, Larry Visconti and Nick Yaworski. Without these people, this corps would not be here today to continue and regain, rebuild and start its new life. These individuals continue to supply the Sunrisers with the equipment, guidance and experience needed for any drum corps to succeed today.
Most of all let me thank everyone of you who were and are involved with the Sunrisers. I want to thank you for letting me wear your colors, wear your uniform and perform with you. But I want to especially thank you for accepting me and making me be a part of the wonderful, loving, caring family called the Sunrisers.
Gary Williams, AKA Mr. Nuts, 1973-2000: horn line, Director, Administration
