THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS) SHRINE
ORIENTAL BAND NEWS FOR THE YEAR
1999
The above is the official 1998 picture of the Aleppo Temple
(AAONMS) Oriental Band.
The Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band recommenced
its practice sessions on the first Thursday in January, 1999. It looks like we
are going to have a busy year.
The above is a picture of IMPERIAL POTENTATE, JOHN C.
NOBLES.
On January 30, 1998 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 whom we look forward to
working with. The Imperial Potentate was present to attend the Ceremonial and we
feel that he enjoyed our performance as well as the other events of the day.
With the Imperial Potentate present, things ran a little slower than usual and
trophy awards were dispensed with at this Ceremonial in order to conserve time.
We were a bit grateful for that because some our stronger members of the Band
were unable to attend the Ceremonial and we were, in all modesty, a bit
concerned as to how to get all the awards we won last year down to the podium -
such a problem, we all should be so afflicted. At the Ceremonial we also
received part of our new uniforms (new pants). We will not be using the new
uniforms for a while until they are completely done, but remember to be on the
look out for them - they will be
stunning.
On
February 20, 1999, in coordination with the Scottish Rite Valley of Boston, the
BAND participated in a performance of the ritualistic 29th Degree or "SULTAN'S
DEGREE" in Natick, Massachusetts. We enjoyed participating in the festivities of
the day and believe that the other participants and candidates were pleased with
our performance as well.
On February 25, 1999, The Band was scheduled to
hold its Annual Business Meeting at a local restaurant. This is always an
enjoyable and productive event, where we go over events of the previous year,
hear such reports as are appropriate and elect a new slate of Officers for the
ensuing year. This year a winter storm required that we re-schedule the event to
March 11, 1999.
On March 11, 1999, The Band held its Annual Business
Meeting which was re-scheduled from February 25, 1999 because of a winter storm.
We all had a great time at the meeting and made some major decisions concerning
the governance of our Band as well as some serious plans for the upcoming
year.
On April 19, 1999, the Oriental Band commenced its more formal
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. The Weather was about as perfect
as you can get for this time of year in New England and the crowds were as
enthusiastic, if not more so, than ever. This year was a warm up year for next
year’s 225th anniversary of the events surrounding the day and a larger crowd of
participants and viewers was the order of the day. Next year we anticipate an
even larger event and the traditional rule of "the more the merrier" will
undoubtedly prevail. If you are ever in the Lexington, Massachusetts area around
Patriots' Day, please be sure to take in the parade - it really is something
worth seeing.
The above is a rendition of the SHRINERS' HOSPITAL in
BOSTON.
On
May 1, 1999, there was a gala re-dedication of the newly renovated and
refurbished Boston Shriners' Hospital. The BAND was privileged to play at the
evening dinner associated with this event. At that dinner was the Imperial
Potentate whom we serenaded with our own rendition of “The Eyes of Texas” - only
to be informed later that the song was a “fighting song” for a rival Texas
school which the Imperial Potentate had not attended. Nonetheless, we were
complimented on our performance and our rendition of the song and believe that
everyone enjoyed seeing and hearing us. At the event we were also pleased to
have in attendance, the young lady from Maine whom we have adopted as our
special cause. She was called to the podium and gave a moving speech about her
experiences and her future plans and, though we would like to think that our
performance was the highlight of the evening, even we must admit that her
appearance surpassed our efforts. In our opinion, she was the hit of the
evening.
On May 2, 1999, we participated in the 350th Anniversary Parade
for the City of Malden, Massachusetts. It was a beautiful day - the weather was
ideal. The crowd was as large as any we have ever seen - 10 people deep on both
sides in many spots on old New England walkways built for no more than 4 people.
Participants in the Parade were too numerous to count - talk of 8 to 10
divisions of paraders prevailed - even our turnout of Bandsmen was about as
large as we can do for a parade. We stepped off, relatively on time, to the
blare of whistles and sirens that were nothing short of deafening - only the
frequent applause from the crowd was louder. The route was relatively straight
and flat and we all made it through with little to complain about. It was about
as perfect a Parade as one can get - after all they had 350 years to prepare for
it and they got it right. It was our pleasure to participate in the Parade and
we would like to compliment everyone on putting on such a fine event.We have all
agreed to return in another 350 years for the next such Parade! Following the
Parade we got together at the house of Jack Zimmerman for a very nice collation
which we were all appreciative of and had a good time there as well. It is
always a good time when Oriental Bandsmen get together! Come JOIN THE
FUN!
From May 10, 1999 to May 16, 1999, the Circus was in town and we did
our bit to support and assist in this wonderful fund raising event. 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.
On May 29, 1999, one of
our Director's daughters had her wedding and we were there just like last year
when another daughter had her wedding. Last year's wedding was a great time and
this year's lived up to the same standards. (We continue to try to encourage
Charlie to have some more daughters so that annual weddings can become a part of
our routine - Charlie's wife wants no part of that and Charlie is pleading
poverty, so the prospects don't look good here). If you missed this year's
wedding then you missed a great time. If you think that royal weddings are
grand, you haven't seen anything until you have seen an Oriental Band
wedding.
On May 31, 1999, we performed our traditional "double-header"
duty for Memorial Day by performing in two Memorial Day Parades - one in
Wilmington, Massachusetts and another in Medford, Massachusetts. It is always
our pleasure to participate in these parades and contribute in honoring those
people for whom the day is set aside. The weather and crowds were warm and the
Parades went off well. The Parades marked the street debuts of two new members
of the BAND, MARC L. FREEDMAN and HOMER SHELLENBERGER, both of whom are in our
percussion section and are assisting with Bass Drum duties. Their addition to
our parading forces made for that much more of a pleasant day - it always nice
to see someone get out on the streets for the first time - the experience is
always something to look forward to and MARC and HOMER approached parading with
a positive attitude which reflected on their performances. We welcome both of
them to our parading ranks and look forward to many future events with
them.
Sometimes during the year we hope to have new uniforms made for our
use - be sure to be on the look out for the NEW and IMPROVED Aleppo Temple
(AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band Uniform. Work has begun on the new uniforms and
progress is being made.
On June 5, 1999, we participated in a Shrine
Ceremonial (Initiation) Meeting. As with all Ceremonials, this one proved to be
an enjoyable and fun time.
On June 12, 1999, we participated in the 350th
(yes, that's 3-5-0) anniversary celebration Parade in the Town of Marblehead,
Massachusetts. Marblehead is a quaint New England town with a strong seafaring
tradition. We have paraded in Marblehead before and have always enjoyed it and
have always been well received there - this year was no exception to the
standards we enjoy in Marblehead. In fact, this year’s parade far outdid itself.
Headed off by a Marine Corps Marching Band from Camp LeJeune in North Carolina
which was impeccable in their presentation and flawless with their music and
parading skills - everyone looked on in awe as this Unit went by. Even we have
to admit that this was one of the finest marching units we have seen in a long
time and were proud to see their presentation and thankful that they do not
compete against us on any level. Anyone planning a parade should seriously
consider inviting these people to participate. After the parade, ROBERT HALEY,
one of the newer members of the BAND had us over to his place for a
cookout/picnic get together which we all enjoyed. Our thanks go to BOB and his
family for this wonderful time.
On June 16, 1999, we assisted in the
initiation of JOHN E. KELLEY'S son into the Fraternity of Masonry. It is always
our pleasure to assist in such events and our degree team, headed by ROBERT
JOHNSTON, a GRAND LECTURER for Massachusetts' Masons, was proud to show their
stuff. We would like to congratulate JOHN and his son on achieving this
milestone. We are also hopeful that JOHN'S son may someday join our ranks and
carry on the great KELLEY Oriental Band tradition.
On June 27, 1999, we
participated at the Grand Master of Massachusetts Masons Country Fair in
Charlton, Massachusetts. It was an incredibly hot day and performances suffered
accordingly, but the overall day was one of fun and merriment as it usually
is.
CHARLIE DUFFIN (R), ASOB PRESIDENT 1998-1999 (being
congratulated by PAUL PANTE, ASOB PRESIDENT 1997-1998).
The Aleppo Temple
(AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band ultimately decided to not attend the SHRINE
IMPERIAL SESSION in Dallas, Texas during the first week of July as a BAND. One
of our individual members did attend and reported back favorably as to the
various Oriental Band events that went on there. Our congratulations go to
Charles Duffin on an excellent year as President of our National Organization
(ASOB) and to Al Zumpe on becoming the new President of ASOB.
AL ZUMPE, ASOB PRESIDENT 1999-2000 (with PAUL GLUCK, ASOB
1st VICE PRESIDENT in the background).
In Dallas, Ill. Sir Ralph W. Semb
was elected to the position of Imperial Potentate. Ill. Semb is a member of
Melha Temple located in Springfield, Massachusetts and he has decided to bring
next year's IMPERIAL SESSION to BOSTON. Work is currently underway to provide
information regarding the 2000 IMPERIAL SESSION and for a preview, we encourage
everyone to go to our IMPERIAL 2000 PAGE by Clicking on the following:
On
July 11, 1999, the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a
Salute to Youth Parade in the City of Lynn, Massachusetts. It also gave us an
opportunity to get our rickshaw back into our parade routine and it and the BAND
were favorably received. Following the parade, our Director, CHARLES SALIE, had
us over for a picnic/cookout - our third so far this year (with some others
tentatively planned for later this year) - one way or another, we definitely are
going to be a “bigger” BAND next year! Everyone had a great time at the SALIES
and we thank them for the experience.
On August 14, 1999 the Aleppo
Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band took part 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 precedes 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 enjoy seeing
our fellow Bandsmen from other Shrine Temples. A good time is always 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.
From
September 16, 1999 to September 19, 1999, the Band participated in the Northeast
Shrine Oriental Band Association (NESOBA) Competition in Portland, Maine and
hope continued its streak of winning performances by taking first places in all
categories in which it competed. New England is beautiful that time of year and
we feel that we did our bit to add to the natural beauty of the season with the
beauty of some Oriental Band Competition and a Shrine Parade. We hope that
everyone who came by enjoyed the festivities.
The Aleppo
Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a Founder's Day Parade in
Attleboro, Massachusetts on September 26, 1999. We were the guests of Bristol
Lodge, AF&AM who did an excellent job of making us feel at home.
Refreshments before and after the parade, transportation to and from the parade
areas and parade organization in general made this a most pleasant event. Our
congratulations go to all who were involved in organizing and running this
parade - it was a pleasure to be involved with it.
ON OCTOBER 13, 1999
WORD WAS RECEIVED THAT THE BLACK CAMEL HAD VISITED OUR FELLOW BANDSMAN, ROY
HASKELL. Roy was a dedicated member of the BAND and a darn good musette
player.
ON OCTOBER 18, 1999 WORD WAS RECEIVED THAT THE BLACK CAMEL HAD
VISITED OUR DIRECTOR'S FATHER-IN-LAW, ROY ANDERSON. Roy was reasonably well
known to the BAND especially through his presence at the weddings of his grand
daughters and at some other occasions. The members of the BAND very much felt
that Roy was like one of them because he too had to endure our
DIRECTOR.
ON OCTOBER 20, 1999 WORD WAS RECEIVED THAT THE BLACK CAMEL HAD
VISITED OUR WEBMASTER'S MOTHER-IN-LAW, HANNA STARK. Hanna was well known to many
of the members of the BAND who undoubtedly sympathized with the fact that she
spent her last few years with WEBSHEIK.
On October 31, 1999 The Aleppo
Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in the annual Woburn,
Massachusetts Halloween Parade in October. Woburn is always a fun parade and
this year was made that much more fun because it fell on Halloween - crowds were
as enthusiastic as ever - if not more so and the many costumes in the crowd made
us wonder just who was putting on a show for whom.
We concluded our
parading season with the Woburn Parade. However, we did participate in another
Ceremonial on November 13, 1999 which we all enjoyed. This Ceremonial brought
our schedule for the year to a nice conclusion.
In December we took a
break from practice but nonetheless remained overwhelmed by the prospect of our
anticipated forthcoming involvement in the BOSTON IMPERIAL. During the month we
did get together for a Holiday Party on December 10, 1999 which was enjoyed by
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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