We traveled to Wildwood, NJ for a return engagement to the Jersey Surf junior corps show. The beautiful beach resort area has been part of drum corps lore for decades, since it once hosted the American Legion contests. The area has come to embrace its dated neon signs and laid back atmosphere, popular with vacationers.

At midday, we pulled together for a productive rehearsal and the chance to see each other again. Executive Director George Lavelle fired us up with the determination to max this show out. He reminded us, “We only have three performances left and then the season's over!”

Drill rehearsal gave way to sectionals, then runthroughs, which solidified our show so we could “sell it” again. Our productive day in the sun paved the way for the entertainment we'd unleash at night.

Evening came and the show began. After meeting up at the equipment truck, we started up our engines again and prepared for the night performance. Soon we were standing at the gates, enjoying the Jersey Surf's spirited performance for the home crowd. We patiently waited our turn and cheered the Surf as they filed past. Then it was our turn to begin moving our box along the back track. When the streetbeat kicked in, we whooped and hollered to show “Bridgemen in the house!” As we crossed the 30-yard line, our pre-show antics treated the audience to the Bridgemen “knock” and “shuffle.” The audience yelled their approval to welcome us to the stadium.

Once we formed our opening set, we turned backfield and let ourselves get charged up playing our warm-up, as we kept boosting our volume level with each pass through the chorale. Drum Major Brian Law got fired up and got our blood pumping to give a great performance. Some of us noted the aggressive sound we've put out after a few hours working with Brian.

We turned around to let the fun begin. The opening count-off led to an early, bad note clunked out by Jerome Kimbrough as we stood there and ridiculed him. Referee George Ruse came out to declare an “Early start” to the game and slap the lead baritones with a five yard penalty!

The brass impact and demanding passages of “Ritual Fire Dance/Sabre Dance” let the crowd know we meant business. “Mr. Clown” displayed the technical prowess our hornline first demonstrated in the early 1970s. Our tribute to the St. Andrew's days continued with “My Favorite Things,” which kept pouring it on and building the intensity until the crowd roared its approval. “Danny Boy” gave them a touching tribute to the 27th Lancers and was a hit with spectators again. Our send-up of “The Bottle Dance” gave the crowd a good laugh with the Referee's “Delay of gag!” call as we put our creative spin on a Santa Clara Vanguard classic by showcasing “elderly” males doing the Bottle Dance with walkers!

“In The Stone” had the crowd clapping along and soaking up the good vibes. The “William Tell Overture” (or “Billy T.” as we call it) gave us one more chance to give our all for this appreciative audience. What the audience lacks in numbers, they more than make up for with their enthusiasm and applause. This intimate setting gave us a great opportunity to connect with the audience, one on one.

Our younger comrades in blue, black and white (The Jersey Surf) came out and joined our ranks. Then they presented us with a humongous stuffed animal: a smiling banana! The combined Bridgemen & Jersey Surf corps let loose a rousing ensemble performance of “Battle Hymn” to demonstrate the bond that exists between us. After finishing, we thanked them and wished them well this season.

We ended our night partying and laughing with friends, blessed to have been a part of this experience. And thankful for the electricity that runs between us and the audience.

Now on to Rochester for another adrenaline rush!