Open House Launches the New Season!
October 14-15, 2006

We gathered at St. Andrew School on Saturday, back among friends and mingling with new people ready to get in on some Bridgemen magic. Executive Director George Lavelle got the new season underway discussing the successes of the 2006 season. George briefly recounted how our hard work paid off as we improved as the season progressed and added, “We received 25 standing ovations at our performances this past season.” And that was at only 5 shows! The crowd welcomed us back into their hearts and we had the time of our lives. George reviewed the material in our membership folders, talking about our obligations and our reasonable schedule of rehearsals/performances for the new season.

Next, drum arranger and instructor Dennis Delucia spoke about the great songs we played in our junior corps years. “in Allentown, the audience really connected with In The Stone. They were clapping along to it and soaked it up in a way that showed us it's a classic that we can't put to rest. At least not THIS year.” The enthusiasm of fan and player alike demands that My Favorite Things will also return. Dennis said there were MANY great songs of our heyday to choose from. They decided the 2007 Season will also pay tribute to our legacy, beginning with the opener of Ritual Fire Dance/Sabre Dance from 1978. Some of our classic New York-themed songs, Traffic Jam / New York, New York / 42nd Street / Harlem Nocturne (1977-1978), are being discussed. With the possibility of A Chorus Line and perhaps Spanish Dreams. William Tell will again close our show. George Lavelle then introduced Larry Kerchner and reminded us that Larry was our horn arranger and instructor from 1972-1982. Larry expressed his enthusiasm for the new season and what a thrill it is to be back. He pointed out the difficulty of choosing one chart over another. “They're all my babies and I love them all, so it's tough to choose which are my favorites.” Next, Drum Major John Richard talked about the comraderie of the St. Andrew's years and the level of showmanship of Bobby Hoffman's years. The new Bridgemen are the lasting legacy of these two eras and have become an amazing group of tight-knit performers. George inspired us to have faith in our instructors and let them guide us to greater heights for 2007.

To preview our music, visit the Multimedia gallery that Kevin set up: choose the photos for 1977 and then 1978 to hear the music we're challenging ourselves with for the 2007 season.

Soon we peeled away into our respective sections and rehearsal was underway. We began by covering familiar ground, practicing the songs we would be playing in the parade the following day: the shortened version of Pagliacci (from an Italian Opera, chosen to commemorate Columbus Day) and our standard Battle Hymn of the Republic. Afterward, Larry unveiled the opening statement to Ritual Fire Dance to give us a taste of what we would begin learning in November. Afterward, we met up with the Color Guard in the gym to practice our parade routine and pull together all sections into a cohesive whole. At the end, George rewarded our efforts with some kind words, then Drum Major Jim Jordan marveled that of the past three first rehearsals beginning each new season, “this was by far our strongest yet!” So we know we're Raising The Bar for 2007.

The next day, we were blessed with beautiful weather for the Columbus Day Parade in Bayonne and we made the most of it. The memorable moment of the day had to be when young Anthony Rubino (Debbie's son) stepped in front of us wearing a miniature version of the white coat drum major uniform and helped conduct! We had a good turnout for the parade and played our hearts out for the home crowd. Once we got underway, the blast of color of our Guard's Rainbow flags let people know The Bridgemen were coming even from a distance. Our smiling guard girls made Bayonne's residents smile as they gave us all the enthusiasm they could muster; even when our drums were just playing our funky streetbeat! As tradition demands, we stopped at 9th Street to give an up-close-and-personal performance to family, friends, and fans. With a long parade route full of starts and stops, we took every advantage of our stops to mingle and joke around with each other. In no time, we arrived at the Reviewing Stand by Stephen Gregg Memorial Park to give the waiting audience a dynamic performance of the day's chosen songs.

Afterward, we circled up around Director Lavelle as he thanked us and welcomed our new members into the Bridgemen Family. Many of our members headed back to the Post to catch up with each other, get to know new members, and soak up the good vibes. Next rehearsal can't come soon enough!

You can see photos of us in the Columbus Day Parade at John Nadrowski's Bridgemen Tribute site, as well as other performances & rehearsals.

We're having a Beefsteak Dinner Fundraiser at St. Andrew on Saturday, November 11th at 7:30pm that promises to satisfy your hunger! Then the next day is rehearsal at St. Andrew (4th & Broadway in Bayonne, NJ) on Sunday, Nov. 12th beginning at 12pm. Guard members: please wear loose-fitting, warm clothing that you can workout in.

Are you ready to sign on for a year with the consummate entertainers? Fill in our online Pre-registration Form and tell us a little about yourself. And if you're coming down to Bayonne, why not bring a friend to share the fun with!?

If you'd like to speak to someone here about traveling in or to ask questions, feel free to speak with John. See you November 12th!