THE - 2001 - BAND - NEWS
THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS)
SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND NEWS FOR THE YEAR 2001
The above is the official logo of the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Oriental Band.
After surviving the year 2000, we recommenced our practice sessions on the first Thursday in January, 2001 and found ourselves facing the need to prepare for a unique Ceremonial on short notice - hopefully, we will have more time to prepare for other things this coming year and it does look like another busy one for us.
The above is a picture of (PAST) IMPERIAL POTENTATE, ROBERT N. TURNIPSEED.
Computer related problems continued to plague our HomePage, but WEBSHEIK(c) set aside his cymbals and took up the challenge with a steadfast determination to get everything back in place within a reasonable period of time. Threats of reduced Oriental Band pay, revocation of his National Cymbals Standing and hiding of the cymbals were also "instrumental" in bringing about the renewed effort. Can you imagine trying to perform with only one cymbal! There's only one person we know that would even try that and that is because he gets too much sun each year in Sarasota! (Can anyone guess who we are referring to?) Even our NILE friend, Norm Wold, knows better than to try that trick (or, at least, we hope so)!
On January 27, 2001 the BAND participated in an Aleppo Temple Ceremonial which saw the installation of new officers for the Temple for the ensuing year. Our congratulations go to the new Divan, headed by ILLUSTRIOUS SIR ALTON MOORE as POTENTATE, whom we look forward to working with. The Imperial Potentate was present to attend and participate in the Ceremonial and we feel that he had a good time and enjoyed our performance as well as the other events of the day which included what we were told was only the second presentation of the ARCH PRODUCTION and the first presentation of it outside of Tampa. Everyone was pleased with the performances of the day - especially ours.
On February 13, 2001, many members of the BAND attended the annual Aleppo Temple Uniformed Units Re-Enlistment Dinner. This is an opportunity for all the uniformed units of the Temple to get together on an informal basis. It is also when officers are announced for the upcoming year - no changes in our ranks, we still have to put up with Charlie Salie for another year as DIRECTOR. This Dinner is also an opportunity for the new Divan to present their plans for the year and it does look like an enjoyable year with some differences.
On February 22, 2001, the Band held its Annual Business Meeting at a local restaurant which was a new location for us and at which we all had a great time, heard such business reports as were scheduled to be made, and set about making plans for the upcoming year.
On April 16, 2001, the Oriental Band commenced its more formal parade schedule by participating in the Patriots' Day Parade in Arlington, Massachusetts - yes, ARLINGTON, not Lexington this year. The Arlington Parade is very similar to the Lexington Parade and usually occurs in the morning before the Lexington Parade. There have been years when we have done both parades. But this year the call came from Arlington and we all looked forward to returning to the Town to show them our stuff. The Parade went off without a hitch - weather was perfect, dressing facilities were fine, parade route was relatively level and the crowd was happy to see us back. Uncertainties of timing precluded a BAND get together after the parade, but now that we have a better feel for the parade, perhaps next year. As a BAND we very much enjoyed the parade and hope that our return brought some renewed vigor to the parade. Everyone enjoyed the parade and we enjoyed doing it - it doesn't get much better than that. If we should do the parade again next year, and, if you are in the neighborhood, please come by. Meanwhile back in Lexington, the town was abuzz with disappointment that we did not do that parade as well and many people confided that they did not go to the parade simply because the BAND was not participating. Next year, who knows - we may wind up doing both parades, if invited.
From May 1, 2001 to May 6, 2001, the Circus was in town and we did our bit to support and assist in this wonderful fund raising event including participating in the opening ceremonies. The Circus is always fun and entertaining and we would like to encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the show whenever it is in town.
TOWARDS THE END OF APRIL, THE BAND WAS SADDENED TO HEAR THAT THE BLACK CAMEL HAD VISITED THE HOUSEHOLD OF HERBERT NICKERSON AND HAD TAKEN HERB TO THE ETERNAL OASIS - HERB WAS A WELL LIKED MUSETTE PLAYER, WHO, IN HIS LAST FEW YEARS WITH THE BAND MADE SOME STRONG EFFORTS TO TEACH SOME OF OUR YOUNGER MUSETTE PLAYERS HOW TO PERFORM. HERB'S LEGACY CARRIES ON AND HE WILL BE MISSED.
ON MAY 17, 2001, WORD WAS RECEIVED FROM THE GIBNEY FAMILY THAT THE BLACK CAMEL HAD VISITED GEORGE GIBNEY AND TAKEN HIM TO THE ETERNAL OASIS. GEORGE WAS (TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE) THE LAST SURVIVING ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE BAND. HE HAD PUT IN SOME FIFTY (50) YEARS WITH THE BAND. HE WAS A GREAT MUSETTE PLAYER AND MADE SOME OF THE MEANEST COFFEE YOU COULD IMAGINE - "NAVY BREW" HE CALLED IT. IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS BEFORE HIS DEMISE, GEORGE'S COFFEE MAKING AND CONCESSION ROLE HAD BEEN ASSUMED BY OTHERS - IRONICALLY, ON THE DAY OF GEORGE'S DEATH, WE RAN OUT OF COFFEE AND CONCESSIONS. WHEN HE WAS ACTIVE, GEORGE MADE EVERY EVENT AND EVERY REHEARSAL - HE SET A STANDARD THAT NO ONE WILL EVER BE ABLE TO MATCH - HE WAS A TOTALLY DEDICATED BANDSMAN - AND HE WAS LAID TO REST IN HIS BAND JACKET AND TOOK HIS MUSETTE WITH HIM! WE SUSPECT THAT GEORGE HAS JOINED WITH MANY OF HIS FELLOW BAND FRIENDS WHO HAVE PRE-DECEASED HIM AND HAS PUT TOGETHER THE BEST ETERNAL ORIENTAL BAND IMAGINABLE. GEORGE WILL BE MISSED FOR HIS AFFABILITY, DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO THE BAND - THEY JUST DON'T COME BETTER THAN GEORGE. COFFEE WILL NEVER TASTE THE SAME.
On May 28, 2001, we performed in a Memorial Day Parade in Wilmington, Massachusetts. It is always our pleasure to participate in this parade and contribute in honoring those people for whom the day is set aside. It is also our pleasure to assist our hometown of Wilmington, Massachusetts. This year's parade initially took on an ominous outlook as weather reports were for rain. Fortunately the weather held off, but many of us overdressed and were somewhat overcome with the oppressive humidity that prevailed. Fortunately, one of our newer members, Robert Johnson (not Robert Johnston) had us over to his house for a most enjoyable picnic luncheon after the parade. Everyone was most appreciative and this year's post-parade get togethers are now well under way.
On June 2, 2001, we participated in the 350th Anniversary Parade for the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts. The day started off ominously, with heavy rains which continued throughout the morning. There were some serious concerns voiced about even doing the parade, but the decision was made to go ahead. The parade started roughly on time and it was still raining, but by the time we rounded the first corner, the weather cleared and stayed that way throughout the rest of the event. Much to our surprise the crowds came out to show their support and they were enthusiastic about it. The parade route was fine and organization was generally good. Overall, the parade turned into a fine one which we enjoyed doing and believe all enjoyed having us there.
On June 9, 2001, we participated in a Shrine Ceremonial (initiation) event. Everyone enjoyed our performance and all went well.
On June 10, 2001, we participated at the Grand Master of Massachusetts Masons Country Fair in Charlton, Massachusetts. The Masonic Home where the Fair takes place is something which we are proud to be associated with and something that is well worth seeing. If you are ever around the Charlton area when the Fair is being done make it a point to come by - it is always a fun day and we think that you will be quite impressed with the facilities.
On June 12, 2001, word was received that the STORK had visited the residence of one of our DIRECTOR'S daughters and left behind a new son, ANTHONY JAMES CASINO. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL. Rumor has it that CHARLIE already has his grandson signed up for the BAND and has already begun musette lessons with him.
On June 24, 2001, we participated in a 275th Anniversary Parade in Stoughton, Massachusetts. This was a new event for us and we anxiously looked forward to doing it. As the day commenced, clouds lingered and drops of rain greeted our early morning preparations - however, by the time we lined up, everything had cleared up and the parade went off quite nicely. The crowd was enthusiastic and the route was about as level as they can come. We hope that everyone enjoyed the parade as much as we did and it was our pleasure to perform. After the parade, one of our BAND members, LESTER OSHRY, who lived in the neighborhood of the parade, had us over to his oasis for a collation. Food galore and good camaraderie prevailed for the rest of the afternoon. Everyone left with some goodies and we are told that the OSHRY tribe survived the rest of the week on some of the other goodies that had been prepared. We are all considering asking Stoughton to have another parade next year - just so we can all get together at the OSHRY oasis again!
From July 8, 2001 to July 13, 2001, a small contingent of BAND members participated in the SHRINE IMPERIAL SESSION in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was our privilege to finally bring to that Town some "good" entertainment - and that we did. The flight from Boston to Vegas was long and circuitous, but in final preparation for competition, a rehearsal was called for on Sunday night. After the lengthy flight to Vegas and without having had a chance to adjust to the new time zone, we sounded pretty bleak. Threats of having to walk home worked miracles. We showed up for competition and were placed in the Small Band category - where we managed to win First Place Awards in both the Fantasy and Parade competitions. We had our doubts, but we were able to prove our versatility and we were happy with the outcome. Members who went to Vegas also indicated that overall competition was good - our congratulations go to all who participated and to all who prevailed as well as to PAUL GLUCK from MELHA TEMPLE (our sister TEMPLE in Massachusetts) on his year as President of The Association of Shrine Oriental Bands (ASOB).
Success at the 2001 IMPERIAL has already stirred thoughts of going to VANCOUVER next year for the 2002 IMPERIAL - talks are tentative, BUT our Director REALLY, REALLY wants to go on the post-session Alaskan Cruise - so the prospect exists of our being there - take due notice!
On Saturday, August 4, 2001 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band took part in the parade which precedes 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 precedes the game sees many units from many different Shrine Temples throughout New England, the Northeast Shrine Association and other places parading. Included in those units are other Oriental Bands from the region. The Band always looks forward to supporting this Shrine effort and we enjoy seeing our fellow Bandsmen from other Shrine Temples. A good time is always had by everyone including the spectators - and this year was no exception. If you should find yourself in the Hanover, New Hampshire area when the Parade is scheduled, do yourself a favor and take in the day's events.
On August 11, 2001, the BAND got together at a local sea food restaurant for what is turning out to be an annual summer get together. NICK MARKOS was instrumental in putting the event together and we all enjoyed the event. Food and entertainment (local yarns of Gloucester, Massachusetts history) were good. We are already looking forward to next year's summer get together.
On August 19, 2001, the BAND participated in the annual SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Parade which was also the 375th Salem Anniversary Parade this year. We tried hard to determine if the ending point of this seemingly never ending parade moved this year, but were unable to do so. Weather was great except for a bit of humidity and we all managed to get to the finish line more or less in one piece and undoubtedly spurred on by the prospects of a picnic get together at Charlie Salie's whom we had prevailed upon to make amends for not having us over last year after the parade. Food was plentiful and good and camradarie was great - we always have a good time at Charlie's and look forward to being invited back again next year - hint, hint! We do continue to believe that steak and lobster would be nice!
On or about September 1, 2001 the Aleppo Temple newspaper came out featuring a great picture of ARTHUR FINK, ROBERT GOODWIN and RUSSELL STOUFFER parading in Las Vegas on the front cover and a very nice article by one of our newer members, ERIC HOLT, about his experiences with the BAND to date. The enthusiasm voiced in the article is something that we try to take pride in with our BAND and encourage every other ORIENTAL BAND to try to emulate the same. The opportunity to participate in a good cause with a good group of individuals who are also engaged in having a good time is something that every UNIT should try to foster and ERIC'S article gets that point across and provides some insight as to why we have been able to maintain the membership and standards that we do and of which we take considerable pride.
At our September 6, 2001 practice a preliminary vote was taken on the prospects of going to VANCOUVER for the 2002 IMPERIAL SESSION - depite CHARLIE SALIE'S fondest wish to participate in the post-session Alaskan Cruise, overall cost considerations seem to be gravitating the BAND to a decision to not make the trip, much to our disappointment. By the same token, preliminary indications are that the BAND will not be attending the MOUNTAINEER JAMBOREE next April to which we have been invited. If all that comes about then our travel schedule for next year will not be too extensive, but we will be looking into going to St. John, New Brunswick for the Northeast Association Meeting if the Temple will be going - a decision as to our participation remains pending but we have a year before that event and a lot can happen in the meantime.
This year logistical matters will be precluding our participation in the 2001 Northeast Shrine Oriental Band Association (NESOBA) Meeting in Connecticut. It is our understanding that there will be no Oriental Band competition this year at NESOBA and we are quite disappointed to hear that. We have always had fun at these get togethers and hope that future plans will include competitions for us to participate in and opportunities for us to perform.
ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 THE IMPACT OF WORLD EVENTS WAS VERY MUCH FELT BY THE BAND AND THAT CAST A BIT OF A PALOR OVER OUR VERY FUTURE AS A UNIT OR HOW WE MAY BE CONDUCTING OUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE.
On September 29, 2001, the BAND performed at the TOPSFIELD FAIR, by agreement, out of uniform. We did this Parade last year and had a lot of fun doing it. After performing, most of us stayed around to enjoy the FAIR - it always is a nice one.
On September 30, 2001, the BAND participated in a parade in SHREWSBURY, MASSACHUSETTS. JIM HARVEY had us over to his place following the parade and we all enjoyed that - JIM always throws quite a spread and never disappoints and this year was no exception. Here is an event that should motivate those who are considering joining the BAND - join before the annual SHREWSBURY parade and plan on going to JIM's place after the parade - extra large portions can be reserved for prospective musette players!
On October 7, 2001, the BAND participated in the EAST BOSTON COLUMBUS DAY PARADE. There are few places in this country where Columbus Day is taken more seriously than it is in East Boston and it is truly a privilege to participate in this Parade for that community. If you are ever in East Boston on the Sunday before Columbus Day, make it a point to partake of the festivities.
On November 10, 2001, the BAND participated in a Shrine Ceremonial which included the new ARCH DEGREE PROGRAM - which is something that all should see.
Following the November, 2001 CEREMONIAL, we took a break for the rest of the year other than to get together for our ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY which was an enjoyable event in itself as usual.
DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR YAHOO TOOK OVER GEOCITIES, THE HOST OF THIS WEBPAGE, AND THAT HAS FRUSTRATED OUR ABILITY TO UPDATE AND MAINTAIN THE PAGE THOUGH EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO DO SO.
THE IMPACT OF SEPTEMBER 11th REMAINED WITH US AS WE CLOSED OUT THE YEAR AND, THOUGH IT IS HOPED THAT THINGS WILL NOT CHANGE APPRECIABLY, AS THE YEAR ENDS, "UNCERTAINTY" REMAINS.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES TO ALL!
The song which accompanies this PAGE is called AVINU SHALOM. WEBSHEIK(c) humbly respects all rights to the song and no effort is made hereby to circumvent those rights by including the song herein.
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