7RYPAO Newsletter July 2016

7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps

NEWSLETTER JULY2016

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Letter from the Editors:This edition was more difficult to create than the

previous ones. Erick has been working tirelessly as tour manager for 7th Regiment, and Jamil is finishing up graduate work this summer. What has made it even more difficult, however, is 7th Regiment’s recent loss of an important member of our family: longtime volunteer Ms. Daisy Johnson. We decided to commemorate Daisy in this issue, and we hope you can join the entire 7th Regiment family in celebrating her legacy.

We choose to extensively share the thoughts of our 7th community to celebrate Daisy and because, as Director Tim Rall said in the announcement of her passing, 2016 will be a season dedicated to her. Daisy volunteered for 7th Regiment since its first year in 2002 and worked tirelessly to see our corps succeed. We hope our community can honor her by doing what she would do: volunteer. If you have the time, we invite you to come and volunteer at 7th Regiment for any amount of time you can donate. We believe it’s what Daisy would want—to see her family come together and continue doing what she has spent decades of her life doing for all of us.

Rise as one,Jamil & Erick

Table ofContentsLetter from the Editors…………………2Family & Friends Show &Alumni Weekend………………………3Show Announcement………………….42016 Performance Schedule……………5 In Memoriam: Ms. Daisy Johnson………6From the 7th Regiment Family…………8“New London Grandmother Marches to a Busy Drum”……………………………17Alumni News…………………………19

7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Association

2016 Executive Board

Arminder SinghChristina Nadeau

Kerry ValleyDaisy Johnson

Tim RallJim O’Neil

Erick Mancebo

PresidentVice PresidentTreasurerSecretaryCorps DirectorAssistant Corps DirectorMember at Large

NEWSLETTER STAFFJamil Jorge

Erick Mancebo

/7thRegiment

@7thRegiment

@7thRegiment

7thregiment.org

Do you have something to share? If you are a member of the 7th Regiment, Sword Excalibur, or Surfers community, let us know! We love to keep our community updated on engagements, marriages, kids, new jobs, internships, awards, graduations, big , photos, stories, or whatever you might think of! Email [email protected]

7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts AssociationP.O. Box 64New London, CT [email protected]

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7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Association Newsletter I July 2016

Join us for the annual free

Friends and Family Show!

Sunday, July 17New London High School490 Jefferson Ave, New LondonTime TBD

We invite all 7th Regiment’s family, friends, alumni, and community to watch a free performance of the 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps before they leave for the last summer tour. Keep a look out online for more details to come!

7th Regiment RafflePrice: $10/ticket

1st Prize: Two tickets to the Newport Jazz Festival on July 30, 2016. Jazz Club Level. Includes reserved parking. Reddemable at Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI.

2nd Prize: Apple Watch

3rd Prize: $100 Visa Gift Card

The drawing will be at New London High School during the Friends and Family show (July 17) at 5:30 pm. Winner need not be present to win.

To purchase tickets, contact any current 7th Regiment member, or contact Jim O’Neil [email protected] or (203) 206-5782.

Friends and Family Show

Alumni-Keep a lookout on facebook for an alumni weekend event. We hope to gather as many alumni as possible to volunteer and spend time with the corps on July 16 and during the Friends and Family Show on July 17. Details will be in the Facebook event!

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2 0 1 6 P e r f o r m a n c e S c h e d u l eJune 12 Bunker Hill Parade Charlestown, MAJuly 2 DCI East Coast Classic Chestnut Hill, MAJuly 3 DCI The Beanpot Invitational Lynn, MAJuly 4 Independence Day Parades Hingham, MA

Duxbury, MANorwood, MA

July 5 DCI Summer Music Preview Cranston, RIJuly 9 Old Home Days Parade East Hampton, CTJuly 17 Family & Friends Show New London, CTJuly 23 DCI Fiesta de Musica Manchester, NHJuly 29 DCI Music on the Mountain Sheffield, PAJuly 30 DCI Legends Drum Corps Invitation Troy, MIJuly 31 DCI Legends Drum Corps Open Three Rivers, MIAugust 2 DCI Ft. Wayne Ft, Wayne, INAugust 5 DCI A Blast in the Burg Johnsonburg, PAAugust 6 DCI Shoremen Brass Classic Avon Lake, OHAugust 8 DCI Open Class Championship Prelims Michigan City, INAugust 9* DCI Open Class Championship Finals* Michigan City, IN*August 11 DCI World Championship Prelims Indianapolis, INAugust 12* DCI World Championship Semi-Finals* Indianapolis, IN*

Jack Tully Program Coordinator / Brass ArrangerMark Maguire Visual Designer / Staff CoordinatorJeff Bickford Battery Arranger / Percussion Caption Head

DESIGN TEAM Mike Nevin Front Ensemble ArrangerColin Mason Front Ensemble CoordinatorKevin Lowery Brass Caption HeadCarly Sheehan Color Guard Caption HeadJesse Burbank Visual Caption Head

*Contingent on placement

6 In Memoriam

Daisy M. Johnson7th Regiment is sad to announce that our beloved longtime volunteer, Ms. Daisy Johnson, passed away

at the age of 87 on Tuesday, July 28th, 2016, in the Beechwood Rehabilitation and Care Center in New London.

Ms. Daisy was born in Providence, RI on September 1, 1928. Her career in drum corps began when she moved to New London and discovered the local drum corps. Daisy’s neighbor asked if she wanted to see a local drum corps show featuring two of her daughters. Daisy asked, “So, what is it?” to which the neighbor responded, “you’ll see.” Daisy brought her daughter, Michele, with her.

The color guard’s “sparkly skirts and boots” captivated Michele. Daisy laughed when she remembered how she gave her daughter a firm “no” when Michele asked to join the color guard. She was too young at the time, but Daisy also assumed Michele wouldn’t like it. Instead, they continued to attend shows as spectators until Michele turned eight and became eligible to join the Whalers. At the first rehearsal, Michele wanted to spin a flag, but Daisy liked the horn. Michele played the horn.

Daisy began volunteering and her involvement in drum corps began to increase. She moved from corps to corps with her daughter, volunteering for the Whalers, Surfers, Sword Excalibur, Fantasia, and the Cadets of Bergen County. She served as assistant director for Sword Excalibur and Fantasia.

In 2000, the Surfers Alumni Association (SAA) was formed, and in 2002, a reunion of over

300 Surfers attended. Daisy remembered that in the guest book, many comments wished that southeastern Connecticut had a youth activity comparable to the Surfers, to give back to the community, “what they got out of it.” At the end of the reunion, with overwhelming support, it was decided a new drum corps would be formed, supported by the SAA. 7th Regiment began in 2003 and Daisy served as their secretary and volunteered for the corps every year since.

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Daisy recalled membership suffering until 2009 when 7th Regiment reached the twelfth place in open class semi-finals and, for the first time, could compete in the finals. She remembered working the souvenir booth, but leaving it twice to hear 7th Regiment perform. After watching the show, Daisy had chills and questioned, “Oh, my goodness, what’s going on?” Veterans from that year often say that their final show was not about competition, but just a celebration of making finals together for the first time. Daisy remembered:

“I’m waiting for them to give the scores. Hit that 80, whatever 80-something. I’m in front of DCI [score table], and it’s crowded. Tears are just rolling down my eyes. The lady behind me said, “Don’t you feel good? Are you sick?” I said, “I’m sick, but it’s not the kind of sick that you’re feeling.”

7th Regiment scored an 81.35, moving up one slot to finish in 11th place with their highest score ever. From then on, Daisy was impressed and full of pride with how far 7th Regiment had come.

In 2011, Ms. Daisy was awarded a volunteer of the year award from Drum Corps International after being nomintated by the corps director and staff members of 7th Regiment.

This biography was mostly taken from a 2012 interview recorded by the editor, Jamil Jorge.

Calling Hours for Daisy are from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 6th, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. Mass will be celebrated at the St. Mary Star of the Sea Church at 11am on Friday, July 7th.

“In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps”

Full Obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theday/obituary.aspx?n=daisy-m-johnson&pid=180550528&fhid=4346

8Remember that time in 2011 when we found out that Ms. Daisy was going to be named one of the volunteers of the year? I remember when the corps gathered around her to reveal the news and she almost fell over because she was so overwhelmed with emotion. Ms. Daisy was an unbelievably kind woman, but she could also put you in your place if you were stepping out of line. She had a passion for drum corps that transcended generations and she will truly be missed by everyone she came into contact with. Thanks for making me drink Airborne even when I tried to escape the food line Ms. Daisy!

Adam Lattimore

From the 7th Regiment Family...

I remember my first camp EVER. Dori and I got in super late and Ms Daisy signed me in. She took one look at my allergy form and said "You're allergic to peaches?! How are you supposed to eat?!"She was one of a kind. An incredible and inspiring person and I loved her so much.

Maddy Ventresca

One thing I will never forget was from last season. Back in June, I made a coffee run for the support staff. I asked Ms. Daisy how she liked her coffee. She said, "Just give me a little sugar. I like it dark and sweet, just like me." Priceless.

Derek Sexton

Miss Daisy was like another grandmother to me. She was my mother’s best friend’s mom, so I knew her before I even started marching. I am so honored to have gotten to know her and have my own relationship with her. Whenever I showed up to 7th, she was the first person I greeted. I would ask her about her granddaughters, and she would ask me about school. I had the pleasure of seeing her a few weeks ago, and even in a moment where she seemed so weak, she was still cracking jokes and being her witty self. Miss Daisy, thank you for everything you have taught me. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you.

Rachel Timmons

Miss Daisy WAS 7th Regiment.Brendan Welch

Ms. Daisy was such a fantastic woman and such a big influence on me as a member of 7th, as well as many others. You will be missed, Ms. Daisy. RAO

Brandon Chapter

Rest in peace Ms. Daisy, you are loved!!!

Kelly Clancy

Rest in peace Daisy "Boom Boom" Johnson.

Jennifer Platts

Miss Daisy, I love you and all that you have done for me and the 7th Regiment. Words can't describe how sad I am today but I know you will still be watching over all of us no matter what.

Gage Brown

We are all saddened by the loss of a great woman today. Ms. Daisy, affectionately known as "Miss Daisy" to all of her drum corps children, including the grown up ones, passed away today. There was not a more dedicated, hard-working and caring individual in this activity that she loved so dearly. Daisy always made it a point to get to know the corps members and to take care of them. She also was free to share her candid advice to anyone who needed guidance! We love you Daisy! Our hearts go out to her family at this difficult time.7th Regiment is proud to dedicate their 2016 season in honor of Daisy, a true legend in the drum corps activity!

Tim Rall

We lost this beautiful woman today. I will forever be grateful for her wisdom, kindness, and friendship. There is a piece of her in very person she knew. She loved drum corps and all the kids in drum corps. She volunteered countless hours to the corps. She skinned and cleaned, I do not even know how many, hundreds of pounds of chicken to fry to feed our children and cared for these kids like they were her own. She taught me how to make corps coffee, sleep sitting up, and the fine art of dining on Hershey Kisses, Good & Plenty, and kettle corn on a moving bus at 3am. Here's to your medicine in the sky Daisy. You will forever be my bus buddy. I love you and miss you already RIP xoxoxoxoxoxox

Bambi Rowland

May she rest in peace. She was a phenomenal role model and I always appreciated everything she did for me and the corps as a whole.

Michael Sandoval


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The news of Miss Daisy passing has just reached me. She was the first person we met when

Cara and Michael joined 7th Regiment in 2011. She embodied all the corps stood for...work hard, be prepared, love what you do, accept good times and bad, love everyone even when they're being "little monsters", and together we'd all Rise as One. I will miss our long conversations, your sage advice, and wonderfully fun evenings in the Evergreen Lounge...wherever that might be. My deepest sympathies to Daisy’s daughter and family. We've all lost our angel.

Polly Zajac

Tuesday, I was saddened to hear that Daisy Johnson, "Miss Daisy," passed away Tuesday, June 28th. I have only fond memories of her and my time spent with 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps in their early days. Her kindness and counsel were irreplaceable and her dedication to the corps was second to none. Although I had not seen here in many years I know she would have given me a hug had I met her at a show. I will miss her.

Steve Surina

I'm extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Miss Daisy. She was truly a wonderful woman and supporter of the 7th Regiment. I have many great Miss Daisy moments from my time with 7th Regiment, her honesty, understanding and humor were a source for many great times (including her busting my chops for always being single).My favorite memory was the moment she was told in front of the rest of the 7th organization that she had been awarded the DCI Open Class Volunteer of the Year award. I know that honor meant a lot to her but I also know that the experience of those students and the growth of that organization were her foremost cares. I loved Miss Daisy, and while I haven't worked for 7th Regiment since 2014, my heart is with them as they dedicate this season to that amazing woman.

Ray Fallon

It's taken me all day to grasp that one of the most beloved, hard working, and kindest women I've ever had the privilege of knowing has passed. Miss Daisy has and will always have a special place in my heart, thinking of you all today and always, 7th Regiment. RAO

Alyssa Venuti

RIP Daisy. Your friendship meant so much to me and I'm missing you terribly right now. You've touched so many lives and were loved by so many. Thank you for all the laughs over the years and all the great memories that I'll always hold dear to my heart. Your never ending love and support for all the members of 7th Regiment and their families will never be forgotten. Like so many others my heart is breaking. I love you Miss Daisy. Thanks for being a great friend for the past 16 years. I'll end this message with one of your favorite sayings "I ain't got a nickel in that quarter".

Barbara DeLillo

RIP Miss Daisy. You will be missed by so many lives you touched over the years of volunteering for 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and your many family members and friends.

Susan Palmer

10Saddened to learn of the passing of Ms. Daisy. Ms. Daisy was truly the heart and soul of the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Whether it was making us laugh and smile with her warmth and wittiness, or ensuring that we were properly fed, housed, and clothed, she always did it with a smile, and so much passion and love. Thank you for everything Ms. Daisy, may you rest in eternal peace and may your memory be for a blessing.

Andrew Dressler

Rest in Peace, Ms. Daisy. You were always a pleasure to talk to, and a treasure to everyone who knew you. I'm glad to have known you and honored to consider you part of my family. RAO.

Kyle Conrad

Just learned of the passing of Ms. Daisy. That woman was a rock for the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, and she took care of every single one of us like her own. She was there for me when I felt sick or was hurt, and she was always there with a smile or some silly phrase.One of my favorite memories was of her every time she saw me in the food line and she'd always come up to me and say "Now, I know you don't need reminding but eat as much as you like! Oh, you just have no end to your appetite!"You'll be missed. I know my heart breaks with everyone who had the pleasure of marching with you and with every member of the 7th Regiment and the Surfer's Alumni Association. Thank you for being who you were and taking care of us when we went on the road.

Grayson Merriman

Today the world lost a true angel on earth.. Daisy, you did so much for the corps you loved. You were always there for the kids, us staff members, and the parents. The drum corps in heaven just gained an amazing support staff.

Shari Kuzel

A beautiful women went to heaven today to join her family! I loved her like she was my adopted mother! We got up every morning no matter what time we and the corp went to bed at 5:30 am to make her special coffee and smoke our cigarettes before the kids woke up! After tour we talked all the time at night after 6 pm while she cracked open that coors lite! She always said, "Tracy, you are trouble,” with a giggle! And we always said, "love you and goodnight!” Daisy, you will so be missed!!! But NEVER forgotton! You were that corps rock and ours toooo!!!!

Tracy DeFrancesco

I am so grateful to have had the privilege and tremendous blessing of knowing Ms. Daisy. She was there for me in a really hard time - calling to check on me and lifting my spirits just by being Daisy. She will always have a special place in my heart.

Leta Madore

One of the nicest members of the support staff. I'll miss her.

Nicholas Pastor

I know she will be very missed by this corps and the surrounding community. Rest In Peace Miss Daisy.

Tyler Campbell

I never thought that I would not see Ms. Daisy at a corps event! I loved this woman from the time I met her. She was an amazing woman! I will miss her!

Lynn BustamonteI have no words. R.I.P. Ms. Daisy. You'll be greatly missed

Tyler Morin


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Ms. Daisy was such an instrumental part to my drum corps experience. She mothered every single person who walked through the doors, making sure they were fed, had a place to sleep, and had at least one smile in their day. So many of my days with 7th were spent with her. When I was feeling overwhelmed with whatI had to do, when I was confused, when I just wanted to take moment, she was there for me. For my countless injuries, she put up a chair for me to sit next to her. I still laugh remembering the summer I had a seizure, as she chased me down every hour, on the hour, to give me more apple juice. The time she literally barred the door on me when I tried to go outside in the pouring rain the next day because I was still weak. When she, for some out of this world reason, made the uniform team bring in my pants EVERY SINGLE SHOW for a whole season. Ms. Daisy, thank you so much for everything you did for me. For all the stories and all the laughter and all the food and all the gifts and all the wisdom. You took every joke with such good nature and gave just as well back. Thank you for making my drum corps years one where i really felt like I was part of a family. The image of you I will always choose to remember is the moment you won Volunteer of the Year. There never has, and never will, be someone more deserving.

Emily Milner

I didn't join 7th Regiment because I wanted to. I joined because Ms. Daisy Johnson said I was joining and I was too shy and scared of her to say I wasn't ready. For that, I am eternally grateful.This woman changed my life, and countless others during her lifetime. From fitting uniforms, to living on a bus with a bunch of rowdy teenagers, to waking up before the sun to make us breakfast, Ms. Daisy devoted her life to drum corps. She loved us whole heartedly and without a doubt, was our biggest fan. Ms. Daisy taught us about responsibility, like when she made me do push-

ups to get back a marching shoe I had lost. She taught us about taking care of ourselves, when she'd chase us down to make sure we drank our airborne and ate our tuna sandwiches. She taught us how important it is to take your "medicine." Most importantly, she taught us about passion. Ms. Daisy had an undying passion for drumcorps, and showed it every day. She was always repping that 7th pride, with her jacket and hats. There is not a soul on this earth who was more proud of this organization than she was. We are the strong community we are today, because we had her. RAO.

Cristina Hood

From the Whalers, to the Surfers, to the Sword Excalibur, on to Fantasia and to the 7th Regiment...She lived a great life. She'll surely be missed.

Kimberly Tobey

In 2011 for the first few parades I couldn't march because for some reason my uniform pants were comically big on me, so I got to hang out and watch the parades with Miss Daisy and her funny comments on the different things in the parade definitely made up for the disappointment I felt not getting to march with the rest of the corps and ended up being some of my favorite memories of parade days in drum corps. I also appreciated how she knew every member and would always remember them even years after they last marched, every time I visited 7th she'd ask me how I was doing and ask how my "brother" Jeff was doing, Jeff is my uncle who used to write drill for 7th when they were first starting out.

Katy Watkins

God speed Miss Daisy! She will watch you from the heavens, 7th Regiment!

Sharon Lowe-Chapman

12This lady, Miss Daisy, is one of the sweetest, most loving women I know. For all the time my son was in the 7th Regiment Drum Corps, she was like a second mom to my son, Gage, and she also held my hand as I watched my son go away from home to travel with the corps in competition. She loved 'her kids' and make no mistake- they all held a very special place in her heart and she in theirs. You couldn't help but love her right back. She gave great hugs and though quite camera shy, she loved being with everyone and gave her all for the corps. I don't know if the Lord could ever make another Miss Daisy… my only consolation is that she is with her sweet Lord. Amen. You did great Miss Daisy. Love you forever.. thanks for everything

Debbie Brown Hudd

I am so sorry to hear about Daisy. She was another mother to me and others for many years performing with the Sword Excalibur Drum & Bugle Corp. She always had a pleasant quiet spirit I really loved and appreciated! Her knowledge and love of life helped me in shaping my thoughts for my future after high school. My condolences to the family!

Eric Adams

I volunteered for the first time for 7th regiment today. I never realized how much hard work went on behind the scenes. I want to say "thank you" to all of the staff who was a part of my experience when I was a member. I especially want to thank Miss Daisy who passed away today. She will always be in our hearts.

Becky-Jo Schwetz

Ms. Daisy was one of the most dedicated person in drum corps I know. I will miss her greatly.Cheers and rest peacefully, Ms. Daisy. You did fabulous in your time here..Evergreen will never be the same without you. I love you.

Gis Montreal

The world lost an incredible women this week, Miss. Daisy. It was because of Miss Daisy I began my journey with 7th Regiment 4 years ago. Her laugh, her stories and her jokes will always be remembered. Miss Daisy, You will always have a very large piece of my heart and every other 7th and Surfers member around. Rest in Peace.

Christina Nadeau

I've known Daisy since 1980 when my sister's marched with Fantasia .. she was the secretary for them as well. She gave her love to everyone she came in contact to. This is a huge loss to the Drum and Bugle Corps world. What an amazing soul. RIP Daisy. I am sure you're already talking about starting up a drum corps where ever you may be right now.....

Kevin Clark

I'll miss Ms Daisy. You were an amazing person in the short time I knew you.

Dirk Mendis

I just found out that we lost an amazing member of the 7th Regiment family today. Every year she showed up and made sure every member had everything they needed, just like we were her own children. She always knew how to make you smile even when you were at your lowest. Daisy was truly an amazing role model and I regret future members won't get a chance to meet her. She was the heart and soul of 7th and shes had an everlasting impact on the members and volunteers she came in contact with. Thank you for everything, Daisy. We miss you. Rest in peace.

Ray Smith

My sympathies to all her family and 7th family. She was a remarkable woman and made me feel so very welcome at camp.

Michelle Johnson


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An amazing woman who touched so many lives (children and adults). I always admired her energy and commitment. She is the soul to 7th regiment as it is today. We toast you tonight in the Evergreen Lounge Daisy. My family is to the better because you were in our lives.

Dawn Davis

Ms. Daisy was always extremely friendly and helpful to anyone and everyone, and could always make me laugh on a tough day.

Joe Walczyk

Ms Daisy was the 1st Person to Welcome us into the 7th Regiment Family. Our prayers go out to her family at this difficult time. RIP Ms .

Janet Vita

I am sadden by the news but am so grateful to have known Daisy. Thank you for all you did for so many. RIP

Irving Matchen

Miss Daisy was an amazing woman. Although i only got to march one season with her, she was a blessing to my corps experiance. I like to think she rests easy in a place as wonerful as she is.

Sam Sweikata

Miss Daisy was the sweetest woman who always had a compliment to share whenever I said hello to her. She will truly be missed.

Nick OttalaganaShe truly did make it a point to get to know all the kids and really enjoyed all the members.

Donna Douglas

So sorry for the loss of Miss Daisy. She was a kind hearted woman and will be truly missed but I'm sure never forgotten by the 7th family. She made a lot of lasting memories for all that knew her. God rest her soul.

Amy Salvemini

Up at the crack of dawn and always making sure there was plenty of coffee. Tenacious with her beliefs... I wouldn't be surprised if this was her way of planning on going on tour come hell or high water. She hasn't missed a tour and certainly won't now. She will always be with us in "spirit" .... I chuckle thinking of her views on my career and her "medicine". She had a very unique angle on life- marching to her own 7th drum beat . I remember her "Daisy- isms" with great fondness such as .... " I ain't got a nickel in that quarter" . We had our own special greeting me and I would kiss her on the cheek hello. I imagine and hope our Miss Daisy is at peace but I will can never picture her resting . I will miss you dearly Miss Daisy!!!

Jen Stuckman

From those of us that had the privilege of "Driving Miss Daisy " it was indeed an honor and she made all of us feel loved as we loved her. RIP MISS DAISY

Steve Crowley

She was so much more than a friend or advisor. She was our drum corps mother!

Vernaud Shamsideen

As a rookie mom and occasional volunteer in 2015, Daisy made me feel like 7th Regiment family immediately. I really enjoyed having lunches with her and hearing wonderful stories of seasons past. She taught me the ropes and eased my rookie mom nerves. I'm glad I met her. I will miss her.

Susan Panariti

We lost an amazing woman today. A mother and mentor to us all and the sole of the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Rest In Peace now Daisy. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Birse Timmons

Rest in peace Ms. Daisy. Thank you for the stories, the lessons, the laughs and for your never-ending love and support of my children and so many others.

Rosemary Littlefield

I'll never forget Ms. Daisy. Such a wonderful person and a blessing to the Regiment.

Jeffrey Murray

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The drum corps universe lost someone very special. This woman saw 7th Regiment through the very highs, and the very lows, and she gave everything to us and the corps. I'm very happy I got to see her win volunteer of the year because that is the least of everything she deserves. Performers get all the credit on the field, but the activity we all know and love would not exist without our volunteers, and it would not have the spirit it does without people like Ms. Daisy to lead the charge.

Bobby Langan

Lost another wonderful friend today Ms. Daisy. You will be truly missed by me and the rest of the drum corps family. R.I.P. my dear friend.

Josephine DaCosta

Words cannot describe how I feel right now. My dad and I have known her long before I was involved with 7th Regiment.My best memory was back in 2010 when she received the volunteer of the year award. I can't think of anyone more deserving of that award than her. We were all her children, took care of everyone, and was the big force that made 7th Regiment succeed. 87 years, and you lived more than many people who made it longer combined. My dad had a great quote that I must use. "If we only lived to be half the person Miss Daisy was, the world would be a much better place." Rest in peace, Daisy.

Matt Torres

She was such an encouragement to Mississippi. So proud we got to meet her. Praying for her 7th family and know that this season will be awesome.

Sherry Jobe

One of the most amazing and caring people I've ever met it my life. I'm grateful for the 2 seasons of 7th regiment I was fortunate enough to spend with Ms. Daisy. The world lost an incredible person today.

Wes Parker

My heart is crying since I've learned of the passing of Ms. Daisy. Daisy was a long time drum corps volunteer with the Surfers, Sword Excalibur, and 7th Regiment. I met her when I first began marching in 2010, and since then she has been a source of friendship, guidance, inspiration, sass, laughter, and love. She used to call say "my son" whenever we met or talked on the phone, and I called her mom right back. Daisy indulged in and helped me out in a lot of drum corps research. Her passing is going to leave a huge hole in my heart, and while it makes me sad, I can't help but take joy in all that Daisy accomplished and her life and how many people she has touched. One of my favorite memories of Daisy was when Erick and I were driving her around on the golf cart to take her back to the buses after a competition. We had to go on the main road, but there were no lights, and the cart didn’t have any. Daisy was so scared we were going to get hit, so we told her she had to be the horn to warn people where we were. At the top of her lungs, Daisy yelled, “Beep, beep! Beep, beep!” The entire drive back. When I was drum major, Daisy told me, “treat everyone as if they’re your children.” It was one of the best pieces of advice I received, and I know Daisy did the same for her corps family. I love you, Daisy!

Jamil Jorge

Rest in peace, Daisy!! I can't believe this is still real! You will forever be missed by everyone you've touched. RAO

Yovana Karakitukova

A huge loss for the regiment indeed. Miss Daisy was there from day 1 for so many of us. We all loved her! Rest in peace Miss Daisy!

Sean Bowers


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I loved Miss Daisy. I would always take every chance I could to talk to her- she had so many stories and her love for the corps was so genuine.

I was a poor planner and a bit of a space cadet when I was marching. It was always difficult for me to remember everything- instrument, mouthpiece, towel, valve oil, gloves, music, shoes. It doesn't seem like much now but for an ADD-raddled 16 year old it was asking a lot.

Of course I would always forget something- most often, my shoes. In 2007 I showed up to a local performance without my marching shoes and had to borrow Jordan Roberts' black skate shoes because they sort of blended in. It was awful. A couple of other times I would show up to NLHS to board the bus for a performance only to have to frantically call my parents to swing by with my shoes before we could leave.

Miss Daisy would rip into me every time. I deserved it, too. My parents would never be too upset because they knew Miss Daisy would scold me far worse than they ever could. Eventually, it became a running gag between her and my parents, and every time I would be dropped off Miss Daisy would yell at me "Brendan! Did you forget your shoes?" It became an endearing joke between us. When she would get loud at me, I always knew it was just because she cared.

The worst was after a rehearsal at Bennie Dover. I ended up

leaving a mellophone in the band room. I can't remember the specifics, but I think it belonged to another school, and I was frantically stressing about my inability to find it. Finally, I emailed Mr. Rall and he told me Miss Daisy had found it. As happy as I was that it was found, I was dreading getting it back. I knew Daisy wouldn't make it easy.

Sure enough, at the next rehearsal, I gingerly approached her. "Miss Daisy, I think you have a mellophone for me?" I've never seen her blow up like she did. "Boy, you're gonna make me lose my mind! You ain't gettin' this back easy, no sir! I need 50 pushups or you ain't gettin' nothin!"

So there I was doing pushups while the entire support staff heckled me. It was equal parts hilarious and humiliating, and looking back, one of my favorite memories of 7th and of Miss Daisy.

Maybe it was the times, since the corps was just getting off the ground and surviving on nothing more than the love and care of ragtag drum corps lovers like her, but in my seasons of 7th, that blue and black never seemed to look as right on anyone as it did on Miss Daisy. She gave all of herself to the dream of 7th becoming what it is today. We all owe her a heap of gratitude.

It's a sad day, but when I imagine her in heaven sitting in her lawn chair yucking it up on the sidelines with Gerke and

Harold, it makes it much easier.

Love to all of you and the amazing instructors and volunteers we've lost.

Brendan Welch

You'll certainly be missed, Miss Daisy. We love you!

Madeleine Mullon

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This article originally appeared in The New London Day on December 29, 2007.BY: Kathleen EdgecombURL: http://www.theday.com/article/20071229/DAYARC/312299942/0/Search

DAISY JOHNSON JUST WANTS TO keep busy. That's why the retired grandmother spends a lot of time helping the 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps of New London organize practices, schedule parades and competitions, write grants, maintain attendance records, collect fees, balance books, call other volunteers, bake cookies, fill out paperwork and wait for packages to be delivered to her house.“It's 24/7,'' says the New London resident, who in 2003 retired from Pfizer after a 261/2-year career to devote all her time to the corps. “You don't want any down time,'' she says, calling herself “a jack of all trades and master of none.”“It keeps me busy, and I love it.''Johnson first became involved in the world of brass, percussion and precision marching in the early 1970s, when her daughter was a member of Sword Excalibur, once known as the Surfers Drum & Bugle Corps. When Sword Excalibur disbanded in the late 1970s, Johnson was heartbroken. But in 2002, when Surfers alumni decided to reactivate the corps, naming it the 7th Regiment, she was first in line to volunteer.“If we can keep a youth out of trouble and give him a constructive example,” she says, “it's worth it.''One weekend earlier this month, Johnson chaperoned overnight tryouts for the 7th Regiment at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, sleeping on the gym floor in a sleeping bag along with five other chaperones and 57 teenagers.In addition to arranging a meal of shepherd's pie for the band members and keeping the kitchen spotless, Johnson sat at a folding table in the foyer of the school for most of the weekend, keeping things in order. She collected audition fees, handed out membership handbooks (which she

put together herself), made sure parents signed the necessary papers, dispensed ibuprofen for aches and pains and kept order among the other volunteers, many of whom are former Surfers and used to pay their dues to her.Inside the school, about 60 kids were trying out for the 2008 season. A couple of dozen girls were twirling flags in the gym. In another room, the brass section was rehearsing. Somewhere off in the distance, the percussionists were practicing.As the drum major for the 7th Regiment, Michael Gentile, 19, of Salem is the one who orders pushups if there's a misstep in the marching line.“She's the ultimate corps mom,'' Gentile says of Johnson, pointing out that she sews uniforms and cleans them, provides snacks and fills water jugs. “She keeps me in line.”“You make friends here for life,'' Johnson says as a handful of men and women gather in the hallway to tease their longtime friend and sing her praises.“She's probably the hub of the drum corps,'' says Jeffrey Dozier, director of the 7th Regiment and a former Surfer. “I think it would take three or four people to replace her.''Johnson disputes this statement.“It's not just me,'' she says. “We all wear different hats. We all do a lot.”•••••Johnson sends out e-mails at 3:30 in the morning and an hour later wonders why no one has responded.She puts out a clear plastic jug in plain sight and orders donations if she hears anyone disrespecting another.Daisy? Oh, she's making inroads to heaven, that's what she's doing, one says.Do you know her nickname is “Boom Boom”? another adds.Johnson eyes the jug.Oh, we'll be paying for this, they say.

New London GrandmotherMarches to a Busy Drum

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“A lot of people work behind the scenes,'' says Edgar Frazelle of New London, chairman of the 10-member board of directors. “But Daisy Johnson does it all.”“We couldn't do this without her,'' says Harold McKelvin of New London, a 7th Regiment volunteer and a former Surfer.Johnson keeps up with the latest news from the Drum Corps International and is willing to drive any distance to attend a competition or hear good music.Well, she doesn't drive actually, she asks others to drive her.“Daisy called me one Sunday in July. 'Harold, take me to Newport,' ” says McKelvin, mimicking Johnson. “So what did I do? I took her to Newport'' for the Newport Jazz Festival.On Labor Day, Johnson called again and wanted to go to Rochester, N.Y., for a Drum Corps Association competition.“So I took her,'' McKelvin says. “It was a 61/2-hour drive. ... If Daisy calls, you take her. And you're glad to do it.”The adults remember who was there keeping them in line when they were growing up in the Surfers, and they'd do anything for Johnson today. Jimmy Smith, a pipefitter at Electric Boat and co-quartermaster, has gone to her house to help with a plumbing problem.“She's a nice person,'' says Dozier, the drum corps director. “And I believe she would do anything for you if you were in need of help.''During the annual Bunker Hill Parade in Boston, Johnson plodded along the four-mile route — which included 11/2 miles uphill — alongside the band.“It was stifling hot,'' Dozier says. “There were some kids who didn't make the start. But she walked the whole parade to give kids water.''•••••Johnson grew up in Providence and traveled the world with her husband, who was in the Navy. They lived in Panama, the Argentia Naval Base in Newfoundland and Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba before settling in the area in 1963.Throughout her career as a Navy wife, Johnson

raised two sons and a daughter and volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and helped out at Red Cross blood drives.Once in Connecticut, Johnson and her husband divorced, although she still keeps in touch, having him over for holidays and taking him to doctors' appointments.She was the consummate drum corps mom while her daughter, now Michele-Lynn Swain, worked her way through Sword Excalibur. When Johnson retired from Pfizer, where she did office work in the research services department as well as payroll and mailroom duties, she had accomplished a list of goals she had set out for herself: sending her daughter to law school and buying a house on Thames Street.When she looks back, she wonders how she did it all — working, raising children, doing housework and volunteering. But she has no regrets and, she says, there are always people more in need.“I enjoyed it. I really did,'' she says.Although she swears she will be volunteering with the 7th Regiment as long as they need her, she is also trying to delegate some of her duties.“I'm not going to ever get out. But coming this year, I'm trying to train someone to take over some of my jobs,'' she says.And why is she called “Boom Boom?”Well, Johnson says, someone cut-and-pasted her head on a photograph of a young drum and bugle corps woman dressed in what was described as a “Rockettes-like'' costume. The image flew through everyone's e-mails.“I was really mad,'' she says. “But I'm not anymore.''She collected a lot of “donations” for the “disrespect jar.''“They put $10 in that jar,'' she says, smiling. “They put it in gracefully, too. They were surprised I wasn't charging more.''

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Alumni NewsBrandon Chapter (Front Ensemble ‘14-’15) is

being sent to school cost-free by Fiat Chrysler of

America for Business Management through his

job at Atlantic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. He

was also recently promoted to Off-Lease

Manager/Lot Coordinator.

Andrew Dressler (Battery ‘08, Front Ensemble

‘09-’10) is continuing his service as an Assistant

State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, FL. He

recently finished his third trial and got his first

guilty verdict.

Nate Gomes (Battery ‘12-’13) graduated with a

Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering

from the University of Rhode Island. He will also

be staying this upcoming fall to continue on in

the Master’s program.

Meena Khayami (Colorguard ‘13 and Trumpet

‘14) is writing drill for WPI’s Pep Band for the

2016 season.

Adam Lattimore (Mellophone ‘10-’12) began a

new job as Volunteer and Internship Programs

Coordinator at ArtsQuest, a non-profit based in

Bethlehem, PA who uses access to arts and

cultural programs to bring growth to the local

town.

Emily Milner (Baritone ‘10, Assistant Drum

Major ‘11, Front Ensemble ‘13) graduated from

Indiana University School of Public Health with a

Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation,

majoring in public, nonprofit, and community

recreation management, and a minor in

fundraising. She now works for Middle Way

House, where she previously interned for.

Christina Nadeau (Tuba ‘12, Drum Major ‘13)

was named New London High School’s (New

London, CT) Teacher of the Year.

Brendon Rebello (Trumpet ‘10-’11) graduated

from the The University of Rhode Island with a

Bachelor’s degree in music. He also married his

wife, Erin Marnane, on May 28, 2016. Brendon

will be going to Missouri to begin basic training

for the Army National Guard in June.

Zach Rubin (Front Ensemble ‘10, ‘13) was hired

as a full-time photographer for Donner

Photographic and will be be attending Western

Connecticut State University in the fall to obtain

a Bachelor’s degree in business management.

Derek Sexton (Trumpet ‘13, Baritone ‘15)

graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art degree in

journalism and a minor in music.

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Rachel Timmons (Colorguard ‘05-’11)

graduated with honors from the Osborne College

of Audiology at Salus University with an Au.D.

(Doctorate in Audiology). She will soon begin her

career as a doctor with University Otolaryngology

in Providence, RI as an audiologist.

Jake Tomaso (Trumpet ‘13) recently became

the Director of Creative Project Development for

Surefire Creative Studios under the Boston

Grammy Committee.

Katy Watkins (Baritone ‘11-’12) graduated from

the University of Connecticut at Storrs with a

Bachelor’s degree in human development and

family studies, and a minor in women, gender,

and sexuality studies.

RAO

© 2016

7RYPAO Newsletter July 2016

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Transcript of 7RYPAO Newsletter July 2016