Saturday, June 18, 2011

From the Streets of Salem; Reuniting the Arbellas of Salem, MA

Salem, MA. - The searing heat of the sun, the beat of the drummers, the voices of the horns, the magic of the color guard, the stomping of the feet all marching together in unison is a sound that is lost to our city.
This sound has a rich history stemming from the military era after WWI, through sponsorship of the VFW and the American Legion during the 1960s to become what was once known finally as the Arbellas. Named after the famous vessel that sailed as the flagship of Gov. John Winthrop’s Arbella fleet in 1630, the Arbella Drum and Bugle Corp was derived from the consolidation of Salem’s IC Rockettes and Comets due to financial purposes around 1976.




The decline leaves an empty space in the local communities that once heralded their drum and bugle corps such as the fans and supporters of the once existing Arbellas from Salem. That space is not void, however, in the hearts, souls and memories of the grown men and women who were once members of the Arbellas.
I can recall many wonderful, yet very rigorous tryouts, practices, parades and competitions with a militaristic theme to them, a theme that taught us at a young age discipline and most importantly to be the best that you can be. Yes, there were tears of sorrow and tears of joy, but the tears just made us all that much stronger. It is a strength that that I know is still within me today.
It was teamwork and dedication that made us as the Arbellas what we were to become as a unit and also as individuals. And help in keeping everything together was our parents who carpooled us back and forth to practices, parents that cheered for us, and parents that were our shoulders to not only lean upon, but to cry on whenever it was needed.
We were a community that grew together and a community that is still together, a youth activity that is missing within our city that included support as well as entertainment for people of all ages. When the Arbellas marched locally the crowd loved us and as young adults the pride we felt when people clapped is indescribable.


http://www.wickedlocal.com/salem/news/opinions/x1260732546/Tammy-Callanan-Reuniting-the-Arbella-Drum-and-Bugle-Corp#axzz1Pe4YLcWM


18 comments:

  1. Christine Guido Yeah Tammy. Drum Corps was a good thing

    I am sure the Boston Crusaders will appreciate your mention of them

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  2. Mayor Kim Driscoll likes this.

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  3. Joyce Cass Pratt Hey...did I hear a rumor that there will be a reunion? Also...anyone from the old COMETS or Rockettes?? Would love some pics from them!

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  4. Gail Jalbert
    Thank you for writing the article. I marched from 71 - 81. I can honestly say it was some of the best times of my life. It's a shame there aren't many local corps around anymore. Thank you again for the article. I'm really looking forward to reading it.

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  5. Susan LeFrancois Puleo I will be watching for it.. and thanks again!

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  6. Anne Malloy Soo So cool. Tammy you rock!!!

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  7. Susan LeFrancois Puleo Thanks for doing this!

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  8. Lauren Poussard Awesome! Thank you so much Tammy!

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  9. Susan LeFrancois Puleo can't pick one up.. so looking forward to seeing it on line.. Thanks again!

    Pattie Remon Sue if you can't get it on line let me know and I will pick you up a copy and send it to you.

    Susan LeFrancois Puleo Thanks Pattie -

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  10. Monique Constant Wonderful article; victorious and strong we shall remain; no matter where we are near or far :-)

    Gail Jalbert i agree. Sisters connected at heart and in memories forever.

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  11. Tina Fullerton WOW well said Tammy and Betty I still look back on what it was and how it felt to be part of such a great family and what I took from that for life. We the arbella's were great and each and everyone of us had a hand in that and the people who taught us. wish I had had that for my children.

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  12. Betty Crotty-Sutherland the magic that we created together ...as a family of musicians...the marching machine that we were...the flash of the color guard...the wow of the rifles pinwheeling through the air...we were ONE...Salem will never be as rich as it was to have had the unit known as the Arbella Drum and Bugle Corps.... I will never forget the pride and life long lessons I learned having been an Arbella.... WOOT!!! =)

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  13. Eileen Gauthier Crowley Nice story Tammy! Awesome job!

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  14. Melanie Linehan Great artical Tammy! Thanks for writing it.

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  15. Lauren Poussard I grabbed 5 papers, 3 are already snagged, I will bring the others to the BBQ....

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  16. Hey Tammy,
    Awesome job, great article. wish I could have been there!
    Penny (Wear) Rouleau, we now live in TX

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