THE - 1997 - YEAR - IN - REVIEW
THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS)
SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND NEWS FOR THE YEAR 1997
The above is a picture of the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Oriental Band Team that went to the Shrine Imperial Session in Saint Louis, Missouri in 1997.
The Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Oriental Band began the current calendar year by participating in a Shrine Ceremonial at the Aleppo Temple premises in Wilmington, Massachusetts. At the Ceremonial, the Oriental Band was proud to present to the newly installed Potentate of Aleppo Temple four first place trophies which the Band had won at the Northeast Shrine Association Meeting which was held in September, 1996 in Worcester Massachusetts. The trophies represented first place awards in all categories of competition. At the Ceremonial, the Oriental Band also had the privilege of conducting the candidates who were being initiated into and around the Ceremonial Hall. A good time was had by all and several of the candidates expressed interest in joining the Band.
The winters in the Northeast are not too conducive to performing, nonetheless, that does not diminish our practice efforts - "practice makes perfect" - so says our Director.
In February we had our annual business meeting at which a new slate of officers was elected for the current year. We wish the officers the best in their respective offices and look forward to a productive and fun year under their guidance.
The Oriental Band commenced its parade schedule by participating in the Patriots' Day Parade in Lexington, Massachusetts which commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord which were at the start of the American Revolutionary War. At the start of the parade route lives a group of families who traditionally welcome the Shrine paraders (including the Oriental Band) to a picnic. This year was no exception - food and friendship were both quite good. Our thanks go to our hosts whom we look forward to seeing again next year. The Patriot's Day Parade in Lexington is always well attended and received. Weather this year was exceptional which made things that much more pleasurable. The Oriental Band looks forward to the Patriots' Day Parade as a semi-official start to each new parade year. If you are ever in the Lexington, Massachusetts area around Patriots' Day, please be sure to take in the parade.
On May 26, 1997 the Oriental Band performed one of our (becoming increasingly more common) "double-headers" when we performed in two Memorial Day Parades in Wilmington, Massachusetts and Medford, Massachusetts. As hectic as these double-headers often are, we take solace and comfort in knowing that our efforts support the noble and worthy objectives of the Shrine. In the case of the Memorial Day parades, we also feel privileged to participate in honoring the memories of those people for whom the day is set aside. We also take considerable satisfaction in feeling that, based on crowd response, we gave two winning performances for the day.
On June 7, 1997 we performed at an Aleppo Temple (Initiation) Ceremonial and had the privilege of escorting the new Shrine candidates into the ceremonial hall for initiation.
On June 8, 1997 we performed at the Grand Master of Massachusetts Masons Country Fair. We always enjoy our trips to the Massachusetts Masonic Home in Charlton, Massachusetts where the Fair is held. Weather has occasionally been a problem for the Fair, but this year the weather came through for us. In addition to a formal performance, many of the members of the Masonic Home and the visitors for the day also enjoy a bit of camraderie with the Band members. We are always happy to accommodate and explain to people that we are able to wear our curled up gold shoes "only because our toes also curl up!" So, if anyone out there has curled up toes then you are a natural candidate for the Band - please contact us at your earliest convenience.
The only thing consistent about our schedule is that it is ALWAYS - SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Due to a number of scheduling conflicts and other reasons, several of the events previously anticipated to be performed at have, unfortunately, been cancelled. We did not participate in the June 15, 1997 Charlestown Parade commemorating the 200th anniversary of Old Ironsides (USS Constitution). Also, our participation in a parade at Kennebunkport, Maine for June 21, 1997 was cancelled because of logistics involved in preparing for the Shrine Imperial (National) Convention. Indications are that Middle Eastern Night is also going to be cancelled because of some conflicts. We are a bit disappointed that we will not be participating in these events, however other opportunities will undoubtedly arise.
Just as some opportunities to perform are cancelled, others presented themselves. The Band firmed up its commitment to perform for the 150th anniversary of the Town of Orleans, Massachusetts on August 31, 1997 as well as for the Marblehead, Massachusetts Firemen's Muster Parade on September 6, 1997 and some others.
The Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band left Boston on June 28, 1997 to participate in competition at the Shrine Imperial (National Convention) Session in St. Louis, Missouri. Many friendships were renewed or made there and competition was stiff. Despite an exceptional performance on stage, the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band failed to place in that competition. Fortunately, we redeemed ourselves with a second place finish for our parade performance. We all enjoyed our trip to St. Louis and especially enjoyed meeting fellow Oriental Band players and listening to their Bands. Our congratulations go to all who prevailed in competition.
Having returned from St. Louis on July 3, 1997, the Oriental Band pursued and scheduled a number of events throughout the remainder of the year.
On August 9, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band took part in the parade which preceded the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Game in Hanover, New Hampshire. The Maple Sugar Bowl Game is a Shrine sponsored football game of high school all-star athletes from Vermont and New Hampshire. The parade which preceded the game saw many units from many different Shrine Temples throughout New England and other places parading. Included in those units were other Oriental Bands from the region. The Band always looks forward to supporting this Shrine effort and we enjoyed seeing our fellow Bandsmen from other Shrine Temples. A good time was had by everyone including the spectators. This event is regularly scheduled for the second Saturday in August, so if you should find yourself in the Hanover, New Hampshire area on the second Saturday of August in the future, do yourself a favor and take in the day's events.
On August 31, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band performed in Orleans, Massachusetts in a parade commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of that Town. Though the weather was quite warm and humid, the breezes off of the Cape reminded us of why Cape Cod is a mecca for summer enjoyment. The Band's performance was enthusiastically received enhancing our enjoyment of the day that much more. On the way back from the Cape, the Band stopped at one of the Cape's infamously fabulous restaurants and ate heartily and well - no complaints were heard from anyone, except as to the extra weight that a few members put on as a result of the repast.
On September 6, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in the Firemen's Muster Parade in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The weather was hot and humid and a new parade route, which tested our hill climbing ability, made for a challenging day. Nonetheless we always enjoy going to Marblehead and participating in their parade. We are always intriqued by the old fire equipment which also participates in the parade and later in competition - they are fascinating to see and watch. This year saw a team from Kloten, Switzerland making their first international appearance - they were most interesting people to talk with. What also makes Marblehead so enjoyable is the wonderful hospitality put on by PHILANTHROPIC LODGE, AF&AM and we would be remiss to not thank them for it. Their home becomes ours for the day and they provide us with refreshments before and after the parade. They did an exceptional job again this year and we are most appreciative of that.
On September 6, 1997 the newest member of the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band made his parade debut in the Marblehead parade. We were all delighted to see Robert Lemerise join his father, Richard Lemerise, and march side-by-side with him. Robert was heard to say, after the parade, "I do a lot of trail hiking and this parading is a lot tougher than it looks - I never realized it, I'm sore all over!" Despite the comment, Robert came back the next day for the Norwood Parade described below and put in a fine performance there too. The Band extends its most sincere welcome to Robert and its congratulations to his father on his decision to join the Band. We are confident that Robert will make a good contribution to the Band and look forward to his participation in our many events.
On September 7, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band paraded in a 125th Anniversary Parade in the town of Norwood, Massachusetts. The weather continued to be hot and humid and it was threatening to rain throughout the parade and a few sprinkles did seem to make it through. That didn't dampen our spirits or that of the crowd and a good time was had by all. Following the parade, a very nice collation was prepared for us and the other marching units and all enjoyed the goodies and were appreciative of the same.
The above is a picture of GERARD (JERRY) NEAULT and his wife, DORIS.
PRESIDENT and FIRST LADY of NESOBA, 1997-1998
The Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in the Northeast Shrine Oriental Band competition in Bangor, Maine this year between September 18th and 21st. The Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Oriental Band had much at stake at this competition because of the success we had last year in Worcester, Massachusetts. The competition provided us an opportunity to meet and compete with and against other regional Oriental Bands as well as an opportunity to make and renew some friendships. Bangor, Maine was a bit chilly and it was theatening to rain constantly. The city was also celebrating Paul Bunyan Day. But neither the weather or Paul Bunyan detracted from our efforts. We were all up early Saturday morning for the stage competition. We drew the last slot to perform in - a hush fell over the crowd and the competition began. As band after band completed their routine, the crowd hung on. Anticipation grew and finally our Director, Charlie Salie (a three time co-winner of the duet competition with John Shallah, the brother of our former Director, George Shallah), on the musette (a Middle Eastern horn) and fellow Bandsman, Robert Browne, on the doumbek (a Middle Eastern drum) performed their duet number. The crowd responded favorably and was warmed up for the entire Band's presentation. Just as in St. Louis at the Imperial (National) Session, the crowd loved us and asked us to perform beyond our allotted time. As should have been the case in St. Louis, judging concluded and to satisfy our fans and the crowd (which is what performing is all about - lest it be overlooked by certain parties) we performed some additional numbers. The audience joined in dancing the macarena and performed assorted other movements. Our Potentate, Richard Shaw, came to the stage with his young daughters who also enjoyed the show. We finally left the stage to thunderous ovation and no complaints of having overstayed our welcome. The rain had held off so far as we prepared to participate in parade competition. The early units of the parade got off to a good and dry start, but by the time we stepped off it was raining. Neither rain nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail deters a determined Oriental Band - we have marched in all of the foregoing and a little rain was not about to stop us this time. We finally stepped off and got soaked, but somehow the rain merely added to our enthusiasm. Awards were presented later in the evening by NESOBA's new President, our own, Gerard (Jerry) Neault - SEE THE SEPTEMBER, 1997 BANDSMAN OF THE MONTH SELECTION AND THE ABOVE PICTURE. There was no question in anybody's mind that the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Oriental Band reigned supreme again in the Northeast as it took a FIRST PLACE AWARD for its STAGE competition; a FIRST PLACE AWARD for its DUET competition - making Charlie Salie a four time consecutive winner of the award and a winner of the award for each year since its inception; a FIRST PLACE AWARD for its PARADE competition; and a FIRST PLACE AWARD for its OVERALL performance. We had set out to repeat our performance in Worcester, Massachusetts and that is precisely what we did - we were happy and the crowd was pleased as well. Even other bands acknowledged our prowess. So the challenge is on to repeat our performance again in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1998 - we'll be ready, so take due notice thereof.
The above is a picture of CHARLES SALIE (left) and ROBERT BROWNE
Accepting the FIRST PLACE AWARD for a DUET PERFORMANCE at the NESOBA Competition in Bangor, Maine - 1997.
On September 24, 1997 we participated in the installation ceremony of one of our members, WEBSHEIK (Arron Budnitz), as Master of Mount Scopus Lodge, A.F. and A.M., one of the Masonic Lodges he belongs to. Several members of the Band participated in the evening's ritual as installing officers including Robert Johnston as Installing Master, William Manchester as Installing Marshal and Jack Zimmerman as Installing Chaplain - all of whom did an excellent job. The Band also showed up in force and performed in uniform for the audience - much to their pleasure. It was an opportunity for the Band to just lay back and have a good time and that is what they did. It is one thing to see us in competition, formally performing or parading, but it is something else to see us up close and realize our dedication to the Shrine principles and objectives. WEBSHEIK promised the performing Band members a good meal after the Installation and no one was heard to complain about that afterwards. A good time was had by all.
The above is a picture of WEBSHEIK (ARRON BUDNITZ) -
also known as: THE WORLD'S GREATEST CYMBALS PLAYER
and THE SUPREME CYMBALS BEING -
taken in uniform in St. Louis, Missouri at the 1997 Shrine Imperial (National Convention) Session.
THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS) ORIENTAL BAND MOURNS THE PASSING AWAY ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1997 OF SOPHIE MARKOS, WIFE OF NICHOLAS MARKOS, A MEMBER OF THE BAND.
On October 5, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a parade in Roslindale, Massachusetts. Advance information indicated that the parade route had two gradual areas of incline. What they didn't tell us was that it was really two or more areas of constant climbing. The parade route was more like climbing a spiral staircase with twists and turns and inclines at every corner. Clearly such a route was not conducive to our best performance, but we took on the challenge and persisted. In general everyone seemed to enjoy us despite the difficulties we had and we enjoyed putting forth the best effort we could for the day.
The stress of parades such as the one in Roslindale, had been gradually getting to one of our senior members, GEORGE GIBNEY - SEE THE AUGUST, 1997 BANDSMAN OF THE MONTH - for a while and, at our first rehearsal following the Roslindale parade, George announced his retirement from parading. George alluded to retiring from the Band altogether arguing that if he could not parade then his usefulness to the Band was marginal - we quickly set him straight, pointed out the many opportunities to participate on stage, indicated our continuing need for someone to keep making the coffee which fuels our rehearsals, and pointed out to him how useful he could be in keeping some of the other musette players in line. So, in essence, we refused to let him resign - we are a mean bunch of guys and we aren't about to let as good a musette player as George just walk away without a fight. Needless to say, George agreed to stay on for stage performances and to do whatever he could for the Band - for which we were all most appreciative and thankful to him.
On October 12, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a 100th Anniversary Parade in Westwood, Massachusetts. After our experience in Roslindale, we were quite skeptical of advance reports indicating an easy parade route. Westwood does not do parades too often and we were told that they hadn't done a major one for some 25 years. We were also told that there would be good bus service to strategic drop off points and coffee and donuts before the parade. Well, the weather was perfect (maybe a little on the warm side, but not bad at all - a great New England fall day) and bus service from parking facilities to strategic points seemed to work fine. We arrived at our initial dressing area to find coffee but no donuts - a bad sign - even if everything else was going great. Lack of donuts cast a palor over the morning hours and shades of Roslindale haunted us for a while. After dressing we were taken to our staging area - on the way down the crowd looked thin and we were beginning to wonder what we were doing in Westwood. We got to our staging area and mingled about for a while before stepping off. By the time we did step off the crowd had grown significantly and had become quite enthusiastic. The parade got under way and, to our surprise, the route was relatively flat and straight and the parade itself moved along at a reasonable pace. It turned into one of the best organized and coordinated parades we have seen in a while. The route was great, the marching and performing units were plentiful and entertaining, the crowd was enthusiastic and receptive, the weather was fine and the collation at the end made up for the lack of donuts in the beginning. We congratulate Westwood on putting on such a nice event and urge them to not wait another 25 years to invite us back - we enjoyed the parade and the crowd enjoyed us - you can't ask for too much more from a parade. Our only regret was that this was our first parade without George Gibney and that is going to take us a little time to get used to.
On October 19, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band entered into a horrid conspiracy to surprise one of its members at a special Surprise Birthday Party for him which was contrived and sponsored by his wife. Congratulations go to Philip Keane, our Secretary, and his wife, Pat, for reaching this milestone of life and for the wonderful time put on. It was also our pleasure to be able to informally perform at this special event and everyone enjoyed accordingly.
The above is a picture of CHARLES SALIE (left) and PHILIP KEANE (right)
taken at PHIL'S Surprise Birthday Party.
On October 26, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in the annual Woburn, Massachusetts Halloween Parade. It was an ideally cool autumn day with temperatures in the 50's and some threatening overcast which held off for the entire day. The Band had a good turnout and the crowd, many dressed in Halloween costumes, was large, enthusiastic and receptive. Woburn is and always has been a fun parade, it is also relatively flat and straight, which makes things that much easier as well - we enjoy doing the Woburn Parade and insisted on doing it this year when others were thinking otherwise of our participation - we fortunately prevailed and had a great time and think that the crowd enjoyed our presence as well. Following the parade, the Band assembled at WEBSHEIK'S humble oasis for a cookout - which many of the older members (by way of longevity) said was reminiscent of some past times when the Band was much larger and even more active than it currently is - though it is a bit hard imagining being more active than we have been in the last few weeks. The occasion was also the birthday of the wife of one of the Band members and we were all happy to be able to join her for this event. Everyone had an enjoyable time and expressed an interest in similar get togethers in the future.
On November 1 , 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a unique Shrine Ceremonial (Initiation) which permitted candidates to advance through the Scottish Rite Bodies and become a Shriner in one day. There were approximately 850 candidates who showed up for this event - bringing back some fond memories for many present. The Band's performance was appreciated by all in attendance and we hope some of the new inductees might be interested in joining us as members as well.
Some of the Ladies of Aleppo Temple put on something of an annual fair to raise funds for a variety of reasons. This year that event was scheduled for November 16, 1997. The Band traditionally plays for the assembled crowd during this event and this year was no exception. We enjoyed helping the Ladies in their efforts, appreciate those efforts on our behalf and recognize that they reciprocate those feelings.
On November 22, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a Thanksgiving Parade in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The weather was ominous throughout the days leading up to the Parade and there was some concern as to whether the Parade would be cancelled. Though there was some rain, snow and sleet shortly before the Parade, it nonetheless was held and we were delighted to participate in it. Thanksgiving at Plymouth, Massachusetts is a very different experience and one that everyone should partake in if given the chance to do so. Parading past Plymouth Rock and the replica of the Mayflower that sits in the harbor are impressive reminders of the sacrifices and hardships endured by the early settlers to our shores. We enjoyed the parade and were impressed with the number of other participants in it. We also believe that everyone enjoyed our presence as well and that made our Thanksgiving Holidays a little more enjoyable knowing that we had made others' holidays somewhat more pleasant in our own way. The Plymouth parade also marked the return to parading of our Business Manager, Hiram Shorter, who had been away from parading since shortly after the Hanover, New Hampshire Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Parade. It was great to see Hiram back in the ranks and we look forward to his continued recovery from a knee procedure.
On November 30, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in the 45th Holiday parade in Quincy, Massachusetts. We have been doing this parade for the last several years and traditionally regard it as the conclusion of our outdoor parade schedule for the calendar year and this year will be no exception to that rule. We have done the Quincy parade in some of the worst of weather, so we always look forward to it with a bit of trepidation. This year our concerns were unjustified and the weather held out for us and provided us with a very pleasant marching day. The crowd was as large and as enthusiastic as it has ever been - that is usually the rule for Quincy and that is what makes the parade so enjoyable. This year we were led by our Parade Director, William Manchester, because our regular Director was ill - this is a rare happening for Charlie, but this has been a strange autumn season in New England and the efforts of some last minute leaf removal got the better of him and his back.
With the conclusion of the parading season and the onset of the Holiday Season, we will not be practicing through the month of December. We also have no formal performances planned during that period of time.
On December 12, 1997 the Band got together for its annual Holiday Party at a local restaurant and had a tremendous time. The turnout was one of the largest in recent years and everyone was in a festive mood. Hiram Shorter demonstrated that his recovery from knee surgery was continuing to do well as he entertained us with his belly dance rendition. The food and other entertainment were also exceptional. Congratulations go to our Vice President, Thomas Short, Jr., and those people who helped him for arranging such a nice event. The only cloud lingering over the event was recognition of the fact that one of our Bandsmen, John (Jackie) Shallah, was grievously ill.
The above is a picture of JOHN (JACKIE) SHALLAH taken in 1997.
On December 13, 1997, notice was received from the SHALLAH family that the BLACK CAMEL had visited them and had taken our Fellow Bandsman, JOHN (JACKIE) SHALLAH to the eternal oasis. There to be re-united with his brother, GEORGE, and undoubtedly to set the groundwork for another Oriental Band.
THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS) ORIENTAL BAND MOURNS THE PASSING AWAY ON DECEMBER 13, 1997 OF JOHN (JACKIE) SHALLAH, A MEMBER OF THE BAND.
We anticipate doing an impromptu performance at the Boston Shriners Burns Hospital when the young lady we have adopted as our special cause goes there for some procedure - she is making good progress and we are hoping to get a chance to meet her more formally and cheer her on - no date has been determined for this.
This HomePage will be next updated in January, 1998 unless circumstances warrant otherwise.
In January, 1998 we will be beginning our new year with a Shrine Ceremonial where we will have the pleasure of awarding our new incoming Potentate with five (5) trophies which we have won over the past year.
In the meantime, we would like to wish all HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND SEASON'S GREETINGS.
The above is a picture of THE MEN IN THE BAND who attended the December 12, 1997 Holiday Party.
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