THE - 2007 - BAND - NEWS

The year 2007 got off to a good start with our return to practice on January 4, 2007 after a shorter than usual Holiday Break. Though schedules remain to be finalized for the year, we are looking forward to increased participation in whatever will come along.

Our first performance for the year was at The Gate of the Temple Masonic Lodge in Stoughton, Massachusetts where we were invited to perform on January 17, 2007. We were well received there and everyone enjoyed the entertainment. We are anxious to do more activities such as this and welcome any inquiries or invitations to do them. We thank Gate of the Temple for having us perform and for their hospitality.
WOW! What a turnout and what a performance! The BAND had one of its largest turnouts in recent years to participate in the ALEPPO SHRINE CEREMONIAL held in Wilmington, Massachusetts on January 27, 2007. CONGRATULATIONS to all who were involved. This CEREMONIAL is the traditional time when we install the new officers for ALEPPO and this year's POTENTATE is named AL FLIGHT. His slogan for the year is "TAKE FLIGHT WITH AL". Based on what we saw during the CEREMONIAL, we were impressed and are confident that the year has "taken off" well and is headed on a good course and in a good direction. We are looking forward to a great year and encourage all to come out and see us perform. Enthusiasm around ALEPPO and the BAND is at a significant renewed high. Speaking of performance, there is no other way to say it but that we were truly awesome. We haven't sounded as good as we were at the CEREMONIAL for some time and, even though we were a little unbalanced because we were missing a few horns, we were able to tone down the other sections of the BAND and the music came through superbly. We were able to cover every area with multiple people and, when two of the members became a bit ill (there was something going around), others were able to step in to cover for them at their positions as well. It was an incredible showing which was appreciated by all. Some relatively new members even made their first performance appearances at the CEREMONIAL and their contributions were also well appreciated. As has been the case for the last few CEREMONIALS, we did have a few people come by to see what the BAND was all about. We are hopeful that some of these people might consider eventually joining us as well. But, for right now, we seem to be in fairly good shape - it has taken a little time to get us back to this point, but it really has been worth the time and effort. We are looking forward to the upcoming year with enthusiasm and a very positive attitude and encourage all to come out and share it with us.

On January 31, 2007, a good number of members attended the Annual Re-enlistment dinner which is a way of thanking those members who do participate in the various units and an opportunity where new unit officers for the year and some additional plans for the new year are set forth. At the event John Kelley received his new fez as our new Secretary/Treasurer and Lester Oshry received his new fez as our new Assistant Director - Congratulations are extended to both. Overall plans for the new year also look exciting and a generally good time was had by all.

On February 4, 2007, much of the world gathered around their TV sets to watch the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS win SUPER BOWL XLI. For many in the Northeast the COLTS are, and always will be, a Baltimore team and their quarterback is, and always will be, JOHNNY UNITAS or, at least, his spirit. Nonetheless, we also reluctantly acknowledge the reality of the situation and CONGRATULATE the COLTS on a great year. We fully suspect that, without the efforts of our friend, AL ZUMPE, the Team would not have done as well - way to go AL! HERE'S ONE FOR JOHNNY and his spirit!

Neither rain nor sleet nor snow or hail may prevent the mail from going through, but the same can't be said about parades. Weather in New England has been a bit strange this past Winter and Spring. Our Winter was about as mild and snow free as one can imagine (chock one up for global warming). For a while we were on a heading to set a new record for the least amount of snow ever recorded...then we got closer to Spring. March was listed as the second warmest on record, but April came in like a lion and dashed hopes for recording our lowest snowfall year. To add injury to insult, April was quite cool and wet (rain is expected, but not the type and amounts of snow we experienced) and on April 15, 2007 a late season Northeaster paid us a visit which resulted in Parade and event cancellations galore. We were scheduled to do the Patriot's Day Parade in Arlington, Massachusetts this year but the event organizers deemed it prudent to cancel it. Paul Revere didn't even do his re-enactment of his famous "midnight ride". Without Paul to call the alarm, it is little wonder that the day turned into a wash out. One can only wonder what might have happened some 232 years ago had there been a Northeaster then! This is the first time we ever remember the cancellation of this event - hopefully, it will be the last.

CLARENCE E. "LENNY" KELLEY

On May 17, 2007 the BAND was informed that the BLACK CAMEL had visited the KELLEY abode on May 16, 2007 and taken our fellow BAND MEMBER, CLARENCE E. "LENNY" KELLEY, to the sublime oasis. LENNY was a long time member of the BAND who, together with his brother JOHN, formed an impressive dynamic duo of drummers on the front line of our parade formations. LENNY was the gentle giant of our BAND with a spirit and personality that will be greatly missed.

Circumstances beyond our control necessitated our not participating in the Newton, Massachusetts Memorial Day Parade on May 20, 2007.

On May 28, 2007 we participated in the Wilmington, Massachusetts Memorial Day Parade. Due to the recent "passing" of LENNY KELLEY there was some discussion beforehand as to whether it would have been more appropriate to have not done the Parade in Honor of him but, when all was said and done, it was deemed to have been an even more appropriate Honor to do the PARADE. It was felt that, just as LENNY made as many PARADES as possible, he would not have wanted us to cancel one because of him. In deference to his memory, a fellow Band member, ARTHUR FINK, carried and played LENNY'S drum (adorned with a black ribbon) in the front line of our UNIT. LENNY definitely was missed nonetheless. As for the PARADE, the weather reports were a bit ominous with threats of thunderstorms. The storms held off but it was a bit humid and there were some brief (refreshing) sprinkles. Transportation to the start of the PARADE and from the end of the PARADE was a little off the mark, but more than adequate - it seems that more people showed up to participate in the PARADE than was expected (we should always have such a problem) so the buses were packed, but the distance to travel was short and no one seemed to mind. Crowd enthusiasm was as good as it ever has been for this particular event and MICHAEL TUCKER was at the head of our UNIT continuing his entertaining gong performances. MIKE gets our nomination for a TOP TEN GONG PLAYER. All in all it was a good start to our PARADE season even though a number of injuries, illnesses, and conflicts kept several of our members out of commission for this particular event. As usual, it is also our pleasure to participate in the Memorial Day Parade to honor those for whom the day is set aside and it is especially pleasing to do so in our home town of Wilmington - it's our way of thanking them for putting up with us for the rest of the year!

In order to encourage greater participation by the BAND in events and for the benefit of some of those who are finding it increasingly difficult to parade, there has been some recent discussion about our performing on a float in parades. There are a lot of pros and cons to the suggestion and we will let you know, if and when, any decision is made. So far, the BAND voted to pursue the matter at its May 31, 2007 rehearsal. It is generally believed that the potential benefits to be realized for the BAND and our audiences in going to a float substantially outweigh not doing so. Anyone liking to register an opinion is welcome to do so in our Guestbook - we look forward to hearing from you.

On June 2, 2007, we participated in an ALEPPO CEREMONIAL in Wilmington, Massachusetts. There was a good turn out and the BAND performed quite admirably. Prior to being called out to the floor to entertain, mention was made by the master of ceremonies for the day of the recent "passing" of LENNY KELLEY and all were appreciative of the comments.

Our June 7, 2007 rehearsal was reserved to accept an invitation from Aleppo's Potentate to enjoy an informal get together with him. This year's Potentate has made a concerted effort to make this a year of the UNITS and his cordiality, candor, and interest in and to the UNITS is being well received and appreciated by everyone and it shows. We hope that all future administrations will continue along the path being blazed this year and thank the Potentate for the opportunity to get together with him in the fashion done. A good time was had by all.

On August 18, 2007 the BAND held its Annual Clam/Lobster Bake at The Gloucester House in GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS. As usual, the event was well attended and everyone had a great time. Our Thanks and Congratulations go to NICK MARKOS who traditionally sets this event up for us and who, once again, came through with flying colors this year. Way to go NICK - keep up the good work!

Our August 30, 2007 rehearsal brought a pleasant surprise to the BAND as one of our former members returned to the fold. We welcome back ROBERT HALEY and look forward to his participation with the BAND. BOB is a strong musette player and a talented musician who essentially picked up where he left off with little practice - we can't wait to see him perform after some practice. WELCOME BACK BOB.

On September 3, 2007 the BAND took a monumental step in its historical development by participating in the MARLBORO, MASSACHUSETTS Labor Day Parade on a float. Though we do not have pictures to show yet and still have to do a bit of work decorating the float, the venture was a resounding success which was applauded by everyone - members and onlookers alike. As a result of utilizing a float, some of our stronger performers who are otherwise sidelined for health reasons were able to participate and we were able to put a strong parading BAND onto the streets of about 20 performers. We were delighted to be able to do that and the quality of our performance came through superbly. We literally had them dancing in the streets and begging for more - and we are not exaggerating when we say that! As a matter of fact, two young ladies even climbed onto part of the float when we made a stop! Had we known that we would have had such an impact we would have gone to a float a long time ago! It had been a while since Aleppo had done the MARLBORO Parade and we were all looking forward to doing it. Someone just forgot to tell us how large a Parade it is. So, we waited, under the blazing sun, for about an hour until we finally even got going and then we found ourselves in the SIXTH DIVISION of the parade which we found to be quite an impressive thing because usually we are in the FIRST or SECOND DIVISION. The route wasn't great and it was quite long but the crowds were enthusiastic and receptive all the way throughout the parade. Some two hours later we completed the route and all acknowledged that, had we not been on a float, given the blazing sunshine, people would have been picking some of us up from the streets along the route - it was a hot, long, and slow parade - even if we were on a float. But we did enjoy it and hope that everyone who came out to see us enjoyed our performance as well and we think that they did. It was a turning point for the BAND and one which we hope to be able to capitalize on and we hope that everyone will appreciate and benefit from it as well. With some few exceptions, we anticipate doing our future parades on a float and encourage all to come and see us.

On September 9, 2007 the BAND returned to AMESBURY, MASSACHUSETTS to participate in the Third Annual Firemen's Chilli Cookoff and to spice up things in our own special fashion. There was a bit of off and on rain during the day, but nothing like the deluge of last year and all had a great time. As the day wore on a bit, some fall chill crept into the air and the heat of the chilli was welcome all the more because of that. This event continues to develop and grow in volume and intensity each year and we all look forward to the day when there will be even more choices and competition to be had even though it is anything but timid and mild as it stands now. If it keeps up as it is going eventually some of the fire hoses may have to be turned on and used to sooth some of the throats that have tried some of the chillis - we are talking about one "hot time" in the town! Congratulations to all who participated and especially to the winners. Remember - NEXT YEAR, AMESBURY FIREMEN'S CHILLI COOKOFF - BE THERE and BRING AN ANTACID.

Our September 20, 2007 rehearsal brought another pleasant surprise to the BAND as yet another former member of the BAND returned to the fold. We welcome back FERNANDO PALOMO and look forward to his future participation with the BAND. WELCOME BACK FERNANDO.

During the first few weeks of the month of September, 2007 we conducted a poll on the homepage of this website to determine the public interest or response to our doing our parades on a float. The results are in and 62.5% of the responses were favorable to our performing on a float; 25% were oppposed; and 12.5% were indifferent. As a BAND we were pleased with the results supporting our going to a float and are also pleased to see that the public does support the move. Thank you to all who participated in the poll and for supporting our efforts. As noted above, the BAND anticipates performing its future parades on a float with some exceptions every now and then as necessitated by circumstances.

Hopes for a weekend triple-header for the weekend of October 6-8, 2007 were dashed when word was received that the logisitics of doing a Columbus Day parade on October 7, 2007 in the NORTH END of BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS precluded our performance there. We were all disappointed to hear this.

On October 6, 2007 the BAND participated in an ALEPPO CEREMONIAL in WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS. Somehow the sun, moon, and stars must have been in a strange alignment because our musette section outnumbered our drummers. All went well and all enjoyed the festivities of the day.

On October 8, 2008 the BAND participated in a Columbus Day Parade in REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS. With a large local population claiming Italian heritage, Columbus Day and its Parade are taken quite seriously and the ceremonies concerning it were something to behold. We continued to have a strong showing of musettes and the sound came through superbly. We did the parade on a float and, again, we kept the large and enthusiastic crowd singing and dancing in the streets - literally. Apparently there was also a strong showing of people who had seen us perform before as some members of the crowd placed song requests - which we tried to accommodate as well - it is comforting to know that we have some loyal fans - and where there are fans, can stardom be far behind! If that wasn't enough, we had members of some other bands join in from the sidelines as we were starting the parade. An individual with a tuba and two other individuals on saxophones separately made for some interesting harmony with the BAND and a jazzed up version of one of our songs on one of the saxophones added something to the day as well. We would consider a petition to appropriate powers that be to get tubas and saxophones recognized as Oriental Band instruments, but we suspect that we already know what the response to that would be and it would most likely not be one of approval. Though the day started off with a bit of ominous rain and clouds, it cleared in time for us to peform without getting wet and all appreciated that. Planning and logistics for the event left something to be desired as there seemed to be an inordinate amount of confusion following the parade regarding certain tranportation matters. But overall, it was another good showing by the BAND and the enthusiasm shown by the crowd made it all worthwhile and confirmed our belief that going to a float was a wise decision. We hope and believe that everyone enjoyed our performance. We certainly enjoyed doing the parade.

On November 5, 2007 the BAND participated in a SCOTTISH RITES event in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS. Everyone seemed to enjoy our presence and we enjoyed being there. A good time was had by all. We continue to seek out other interested organizations which might like to have us perform for them. Any that may be interested are encouraged to contact us.

On December 1, 2007 the BAND held its ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY on Cape Cod. A strong turnout and convivial atmosphere produced a most rewarding and enjoyable time for us all to get together and enjoy the results of the year. However, we didn't come to the CAPE just to indulge or reminisce and on December 2, 2007 we participated in the Annual FALMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS HOLIDAY PARADE. It was a very cold day but the turnout of spectators was large and the enthusiasm of the Band and the crowd warmed things up a bit and all had an enjoyable time. Threats of an early season snowstorm loomed but it held off until well after the parade and all were thankful for that because it gave us an opportunity to return to our respective homes without any problems.

Our last performance for the year, similar to our first, was at The Blue Hill Masonic Lodge in Canton, Massachusetts on December 4, 2007. We were well received there and everyone enjoyed the entertainment. We continue to be anxious to do more activities such as this and welcome any inquiries or invitations to do them. We thank Blue Hill Lodge for having us perform and for their hospitality.

We hope to spend some time over the winter months finalizing and decorating our float. Any decorating suggestions would be appreciated (it looks like we are going to be having a thirty-plus foot float which has rails on the sides and two platforms on the rear with rails on their sides and rails behind the rear platform - each platform being deep enough to accommodate one row of three to four performers; a large flat area big enough to accommodate from 8 to 12 rows of performers; and a raised lip area in the front which does not have rails but which might be able to accommodate one or two rows of performers or a single performer). Feel free to be creative and also feel free to submit your ideas, for which we thank you in advance, to our GUESTBOOK or via email to the following email address:

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