Norwich Record - Alumni Magazine Summer 2016 - Let the Music Speack

Let the Music Speak THE NORWICH STORY, IN MUSIC

THE MOUNTED BAND How do you play a sousaphone on horseback?

If this question has never occurred to you, you’re not alone. But to the members of the Norwich University Regimental Band in this 1937 photo, to play on horseback was a privilege and unquestioned duty. Do you remember the Mounted Band? Send your recollections to record@norwich.edu.

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NORWICH RECORD | SUMMER 2016

Special thanks to Norwich history professor Gary Lord and C. T. Haywood ’12 for your expertise and research, and to Crystal Drown ’19 for your writing contribution. And, to Christopher R. Spencer ’96, whose paper, “The History of Music at Norwich University from 1820–1864” opened a magical window for us into that period of Norwich music history, serving as proof that your professors (in this case, Professor Lord) remember the good work you do. The Norwich Archives and Sullivan Museum and History Center provided many of the photos, documents, and artifacts pictured in this story.

Submitted; Mark Collier; 123RF; arinahabich / 123RF Stock Photo

By Diana L. Weggler and Jacque E. Day

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN famously wrote, “Where words fail, sounds can often speak,” and how right he was. Music transforms. It wields an influence far greater than spoken language. The story of Norwich University’s relationship with music is nearly as old as the institution. Archival records strongly indicate that Captain Partridge created the first cadet band because he felt that music was an essential component of military training. Like many of Partridge’s ideas, it was practical genius.

But Norwich’s musical heritage goes far beyond the Regimental Band. It was, indeed, a short-lived music “major” that, in 1847, first brought civilian students to campus. The first Norwich Glee Club appears in records as early as 1862. From the Estey Organ that graced the parlors of 19th-century gentleladies to the practice of live bugling that endures on the Hill to this day, music has been an integral part of Norwich culture for nearly two centuries. It is our pleasure to present you with this glimpse into the Norwich story, in music.

Follow the Music

1820

1823

Captain Alden Partridge’s prospectus for the American Literary, Science, and Military Academy includes music as a course of study. Tuition: $10 per quarter. Cadet Truman Bishop Ransom, Class of 1825, fbWoi j^[ Æ\[ je Yel[h ^_i jk_j_ed$

William W. Baylay is appointed j^[ 7YWZ[co¾i Æhij fhe\[iieh e\ instrumental music. The Sullivann Museum collections include this is keyed bugle believed to havee belonged to Baylay.

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Let the Music Speak MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS: THE ESTEY REED ORGAN LONG BEFORE THE advent of radio and phonographs, wealthy families entertained themselves at home by making their own music, usually on a pipe organ, harpsichord, or piano. In the mid-1800s, with the introduction of the mass-produced home reed organ, this form of entertainment became more accessible to families of moderate means.

Indeed, the epitome of domestic ambition for many middle-class Americans was to have an Estey reed organ installed in a music room or parlor.

The mastermind behind this late 19th-century icon of consumer culture was Jacob Estey, a runaway orphan and founder of the Estey Organ Company, a multi-generational family enterprise that marketed its products worldwide.

Launched in 1853 and incorporated in 1872, the business thrived for more than a century.

Born in 1845, Jacob Estey’s son Julius aspired to a military career.

He convinced his father to send him to Norwich University, where he matriculated in 1861, joining Theta Chi fraternity. While at Norwich, Julius became “very fond of the school” and was “very anxious” to complete his course of studies and graduate with his class. However, his father had other plans for him. He attended for less than two full years before the burgeoning family business called him home to Brattleboro, Vermont.

Young Julius proved to be instrumental in the expansion of his father’s company. He oversaw a new

1825

1843

Future Norwich president Truman Ransom takes over as the Academy’s music instructor.

As a cadet, future General Robert H..

Milroy, Class of 1843, earns his tuitionn by fbWo_d] j^_i meeZ Çkj[ eeZ Çkj[ in the band.

1829 “Captain Partridge’s Favorite Quick Step,” a lively tune, is published by E. Riley, 29 Chatham Street, New York City.

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factory opened in Chicago to meet the rapidly growing Midwest market, and later became a sales representative in Europe, where he played a key role in developing an international reputation for the Estey brand.

When Jacob Estey died in 1890, he left his oldest son in charge of not only the organ business, of which he was already president, but also the Estey Piano Company in New York City and the Estey Manufacturing Company, which made case furniture in Owosso, Michigan. Under Julius’ guidance, the Estey Organ Company reached the pinnacle of its success. In August 1892, 500 workers and their families joined in a great celebration commemorating the production of the 250,000th organ by the company. At this time the Estey Company was represented by 2,500 agents at home and abroad.

An active public figure, Julius also held positions of leadership in the Vermont state legislature and the Baptist church. A generous patron of education, he served as president of the Board of Trustees of Vermont Academy from 1880 until his death in 1902.

Throughout his life, Julius Estey remained keenly interested in military affairs, rising to the rank of brigadier general in the Vermont National Guard.

One can only speculate how the history of Norwich University, Vermont, and our nation would have been altered had Julius had been allowed to shrug off the mantle of “captain of industry” in favor of a life of active military service.

NORWICH RECORD | SUMMER 2016

Adapted from the spring 2003 Record article, “Julius J. Estey Industrialist and Soldier (1845–1902),” by Professor Gary Lord.

By the time the Estey organ factory closed its doors in 1960, it had produced and sold half a million reed organs. This Estey original is housed

1847 Mu is listed as a separate “subject of instruction.”

Music Music students live with the Corps of Cadets, but are Musi not part of the Corps and do not participate in the military lifestyle. The civilian music program is phased mi oout the following year.

1855 Henry O. Kent, Class of 1854, publishes the song “The Old South Barracks, Oh!” It becomes the most famous Norwich song of its era. (See page 20.)

Julius Jacob Estey was elected captain of 9ompany I later called the Estey =uard , 1st Regiment, of the Vermont National Guard in 1874. He was promoted to colonel in 1887, and in 1892 was elected brigadier general in command of the Vermont National Guard.

The Estey Reed Organ, heavily marketed to women, was a symbol of afÇuence and good taste in post¹9ivil Mar American consumer culture. 9ourtesy of Angela S. Borenp

in Norwich University’s Sullivan Museum and History 9enter.

Mark 9ollier

Much of the Estey Organ 9ompany building complen, depicted on the wall in both illustrations, still survives in Brattleboro, Vt. 9ourtesy of Angela S. Borenp

1857

1860

1891

Russell & Richardson of Boston publishes the “Norwich Cadets Polka” by legendary 19th-century composer and bandleader, P. S. Gilmore.

Wallace A. King’s depiction of the Old South Barracks adorns the cover, which also reads “Dedicated to the Norwich Cadets, Norwich University, Vermont” above the title.

At the advent of the Civil War, music is cut from the curriculum, along with many other subjects, due to low enrollment.

The Regimental Band disbands and will remain dormant for nearly two decades.

J^[ Æhij ijkZ[dj#eh]Wd_p[Z Dehm_Y^ University orchestra of record is formed

by George E. Donnelly, Class of 1895.

The ensemble includes a violin, two cornets, trombone, and pianist.

1862 Dehm_Y^ Kd_l[hi_jo \ehci _ji Æhij =b[[ Club, with nine cadet members under the directorship of George A. Folsome. The club will phase in and out over the years.

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Let the Music Speak NORWICH IN SONG THE EARLIEST RECORD we have of an organized Norwich vocal group is the Glee Club, founded in 1862. But from the time of the Academy, our ranks have been singing.

Although our rugby teams no longer serenade their opponents after games, the singing tradition is alive and well at today’s Norwich. Walk into White Chapel, and you may encounter the Choraleers in rehearsal, or a duo seated in the pews, humming as they work out a tune on the guitar. One day this past spring, while building amplifiers in Professor Mike Prairie ’83’s electrical engineering lab, his students burst into an a cappella interpretation of Europe’s “The Final Countdown.” There even exists, on YouTube, a 2011 music video produced by Norwich students, performing “The Classroom of Donald Wallace” set to the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”

Such stories could fill a book, and several songbooks, as well. Here are two yesteryear glimpses of Norwich in song, and we hope they inspire you to share more with us.

Manuscript: Kent’s original handwritten and hand-stitched manuscript for “The Old South Barracks, Oh!”

1896

1908

John Lewis Tupper serves as the NU Bugler from 1896 to 1897.

897.

He carried this bugle with him during the Spanish-American War, during which he died off typhoid fever.

A May Reveille editorial calls for the revival of the Regimental Band, arguing, according to Ellis, “the advantages e\ ikY^ Wd eh]Wd_pWj_ed at the University.”

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HENRY OAKES KENT, Class of 1854, is perhaps best known as the author of “The Old South Barracks, Oh!” But his contributions to his alma mater extend far beyond that of “college bard.” A native of Lancaster, New Hampshire, Kent entered Norwich in 1851. As an undergraduate, he was a member of the University Regulators and Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, and one of the founders of the Friendship Club (a precursor of the alumni association).

After his graduation, Kent read law and was admitted to the bar. One of the original founders of the Alumni Association in 1860, he served as a university trustee from graduation until his death. In addition to his involvement in a variety of businesses— primarily financial—he was active in local, state (New Hampshire), and national politics, and served as a colonel in the 17th New Hampshire Volunteers during the Civil War. Written in the summer of 1855, “The Old South Barracks, Oh!” comprises nine stanzas with chorus. It was instantly adopted as the college song, sung at reunions and gatherings, and purportedly chanted by alumni fighting on both sides in the Civil War.

Henry O. Kent as a cadet.

1909

1917

The Regimental Band is revived. The Glee Club, orchestra, and mandolin club combine to become the Musical Clubs.

William G. Wilson, Class of 1918, (right) plays the violin on tour with the Norwich Musical Club. After his junior year, Wilson leaves Norwich to serve in the First World War. He goes on to co-found Alcoholics Anonymous, and will be known to millions throughout the ages as Bill W. Right: Wilson with his violin.

9Wfj$ B[ib_[ 7$ ?$ 9^WfcWd _i j^[ Æhij YWlWbho e\ÆY[h Wii_]d[Z je Dehm_Y^ Xo the War Dept. For decades to follow, the Regimental Band performs on horseback.

“The Old South Barracks, Oh!” Æhij WdZ bWij l[hi[i Sung to the tune of “The Wearing of the Green.”

Come, pour the ruby wine, my boys, and give a loud bravo, For our tried and true companions who have left us long ago; They are scattered on the ocean of life’s pleasures and life’s woe, And ne’er again may shout with us in the Old South Barracks, oh!

In the Old South Barracks, oh!

In the Old South Barracks, oh!

And ne’er again may shout with us in the Old South Barracks, oh!

To the coming year of jubilee ekh Ykfi i^Wbb [l[h Çem" When we hope to gather once again in eighteen sixty, oh!

To mourn each patriot fallen, to share each brother’s woe,

A VOCAL REVIVAL When James Bennett arrived on the Norwich campus in fall 1983 as the newest assistant commandant and director of bands, President Todd asked him to revive the Glee Club, which had gone dormant in the decade since Jon Borowicz’s departure.

That next spring, the Regimental Men’s Chorus began rehearsals.

“It was a really good group and it was great to get that ensemble started,” a now-retired Bennett recalls from his home in West Paris, Maine. “Adam Lazinsk ’87 (pictured below, top row, center) was in it, and Cedric George ’87 (front row, center), who is now a brigadier general in the Air Force. We started performing regularly on campus almost immediately. In 1989 we took our first trip to England.”

The Regimental Men’s Chorus performed extensively during its active

years, 1984 to 2007, and made several overseas tours. Bennett, who retired in 2008, recalls an emotionally stirring experience in Belgium, where they had gone to perform at NATO: We met a Belgian couple who was adopting an American soldier’s grave to maintain it. And we visited with them.

We sang at the gravesite dedication. It was kind of a rainy day. We were tired. They invited us to their farm, which we learned is a WWII combat museum called the Remembrance Museum. The couple— their names are Marcel and Matilda— invited us in to have lunch. I remember that one of the gentlemen who joined us was a singer, and he had learned to sing our national anthem in English, which he sang. And when we all sang “God Bless America,” he joined us. We sang all these songs around the table.

And once more to join in chorusing in the Old South Barracks, oh!

Regimental Men’s 9horus: Adam Bapinsk ’87 top row, center vividly remembers “traveling all over and singing lots of Broadway show tunes and patriotic songs” under the leadership of director James Bennett far right . Bapinsk later donated his sheet-music collection and several recordings to the Norwich Archives.

1920s

1946

The Regimental Band earns its legendary moniker, the Zoobies.

The Grenadiers dance band is formed by GIs returning to Norwich after WWII.

1930 The Norwich Rhythm Kings (right) lineup includes George Chapin, Alfred House, Richard Knowlton, John O’Brien, Hugh McKay, William Poirier, Ed Polidor, and John Howland.

<or many years, music professor Brian Mebb seated at piano directed the 9horaleers, a mined group of men and women, 9orps and civilian.

Mhile the Regimental Men’s 9horus disbanded in 2007, the 9horaleers remain a vibrant musical offering today under the direction of Todd Edwards.

1956

(B. Benton Barker)

Thanks to the patronage of Sue Adams Boyer, a tower is built to house a carillon, the bells of which had sat uninstalled at Harvard University from 1934 until their subsequent donation to Norwich.

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Let the Music Speak TOOTING OUR OWN HORNS: MUSIC TRIVIA FROM THE HILL PA-RUM-PA-PUM “REVEILLE” In the early days of the Academy, “Reveille” was sounded not by a bugler, but by a cadet drummer.

WHITE CHAPEL’S SECRET MUSICIAN If you are up and around campus very late at night, you just might hear the soulful strains of an acoustic guitar emanating from White Chapel. For the last ten years, self-taught musician Mike Rake has been strumming his six-string there in the wee hours of the morning, his only audience the rows of empty pews. Although the hardworking father of four finds solace in practicing his craft in the solitude of the chapel, he aspires to play his compositions for wider audiences. When that day comes, remember his name.

WNUB TO THE RESCUE One day, Norwich alum and Northfield resident Dave Jennings ’82 came into the WNUB office with a flier for a missing six-month-old puppy that he and his wife had recently rescued from the shelter. The skittish black Lab mix had made her escape and hadn’t been seen since. WNUB station manager and NU faculty member Doug Smith banged out a quick announcement to air during automated times and placed the flier in the studio with a big note for students to read on air during their voice tracks and live evening shows.

A week later, Jennings returned to let Smith know they had their pet back, and it was all because someone heard the announcement on WNUB and called them with a sighting.

BATTLE OF THE NU VOICES Now in its third year, the Battle of the NU Voices pits some of Norwich’s best crooners against each other to see which vocalist will be the last left standing on the Dole Auditorium stage. Founded in 2014 by Katie Diego Whitney ’09 & M’13 and longtime English professor Helen Caudill, the popular competition has showcased some amazing talent.

Whitney says that in facing their fears on stage, students “gain more confidence in other areas of their lives.”

WINDJAMMERS The term “windjammer” appears in the captions of bugler photos in several early-20th-century cadet scrapbooks.

WHERE MUSIC LIVED, FROLIC FOLLOWED Members of the Norwich band in the post-WWI era threw wild parties on the lower floors of Jackman Hall, which (in part due to its barred windows) came to be called the Zoo. Thus was born the legendary nickname, Zoobies. The caption in this scrapbook photo (at left) reads, “One morning in Jan. 1919 when mischief was afoot,” which leads one to wonder, had the festivities lasted all night? Perhaps they were getting an early jump off of the Prohibition bandwagon.

As identiÆed in the archival scrapbook l-r : “Battey, Doc, Barton, Mang, Malt, 9lary foreground , June, Buck, Bunkie, and ?” To the question of the mystery man: Mas he a photo-bomber, or did the scrapbooker suffer a frivolity-induced memory lapse?

1958

1959

Naval war veteran and noted musician @ed 8ehem_Yp `e_di the Norwich faculty.

He will lead the music programs for the next decade and a half.

@ed 8ehem_Yp WdZ Ik[ 7ZWci 8eo[h found the Vermont Philharmonic. The debut performance, Handel’s Messiah, takes place in Plumley Armory.

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1961 The Regimental Band performs at the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy.

1960s

April 1968

Throughout this decade, headline musical acts grace the stage of Plumley Armory, including the Ronettes, famous for “Be My Baby,” saxophone virtuoso King Curtis, and `Wpp ]h[Wj 9ekdj 8Wi_[$

»D$K$ _i \ehjkdWj[ _d ^Wl_d] cWdo Æd[ cki_YWb eh]Wd_pWj_edi" ed[ e\ m^_Y^ _i @Wa[¾i 8WdZ" cWZ[ up of Dick Jacobs, Bob Faulkner, Blaine Parker and Ralph Trapasso. Jake and the boys have just wound up a very successful winter season, made up of trips to Nahant, Mass., Yankee Tavern, Stowe, and Oneonta, N.Y., not to mention all the house parties they livened up.” – Gordon R. Sullivan ’59 in his Norwich Guidon column, “Sully’s Scratchings.”

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NORWICH PIPES & DRUMS If you live or work on the Hill, and are sitting near an open window on a mild September evening, when the days are still light enough and the air still warm enough to lull you into thinking winter will never come, you might just hear the Norwich Pipes & Drums band practicing outside. The group got its start more than a decade ago as a club under the leadership of Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts Director Iain MacHarg, and it has since grown into an official course offering, with MacHarg as the ensemble director. According to early Pipes & Drums member Andrew McGlinchey ’10, the idea came about because “VMI, the Citadel, and USMA all had bagpipe bands, so why not Norwich?”

Currently a U.S. Army artilleryman deployed to South Korea, McGlinchey has played his bagpipes there and in Afghanistan, introducing a new musical experience to locals. As for his bagpipe legacy at Norwich, he says, “It feels great leaving a lasting impact on the Hill, something that future students can learn and share.”

In 2012, the Pipes & Drums announced the creation of their unique tartan, designed by Hal Grout P’12. MacHarg says he hopes to one day raise enough funds to outfit the entire group in traditional Scottish dress. d ne ig

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SNAFU On November 29, 2001, a group of Norwich University professors held a small concert in Milano Ballroom. The event signaled the debut of SNAFU, an eclectic musical ensemble that grew out of the trio of Reina Pennington, Jim Ryan, and Jason Jagemann, who began performing together in 2000.

The group’s original configuration included Jim Ryan, criminal justice professor (trumpet), history professor Reina Pennington (piano), Jason Jagemann, political science professor (tenor sax), Fran Chevalier, French professor (vocals), and Victor Ehly of Vermont College (bass). Over time SNAFU’s repertoire expanded from eight selections to more than one hundred, enough to have concerts featuring specialized themes such as show business, blues, jazz, and classical genres.

Soon to join and become permanent members were Fred Tallman, professor of physics (trombone), and CGCS dean Bill Clements (drums). All of SNAFU’s members were trained musicians with serious performance experience. Many other talented faculty and staff—and even Norwich student musicians— would make valuable contributions to SNAFU during their nine-year run, which ended in 2009.

SNA<U in its heyday l-r : Mike Boponi, Victor Ehly, Reina Pennington, Fred Tallman, Fran 9hevalier, Bill 9lements, Jason Jagemann, and James Ryan. Diana Meggler

1969 The Regimental Band performs at the inauguration of President Richard M. Nixon.

1974 Brian Webb joins the Norwich faculty as a professor of music. He will later direct the Choraleers, a mixed vocal group of men and women, Corps and civilian.

1977

1983

The Regimental Band performs at the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter.

Professor Webb takes the XWjed \hec @ed 8ehem_Yp Wi principal conductor for the Vermont Philharmonic, and will remain on the Norwich faculty for many years.

James Bennett joins the Norwich faculty as assistant commandant and director of bands. At President Todd’s request, he revives the dormant Grenadiers as well as the Glee Club, renamed the Regimental Men’s Chorus.

1985 The Regimental Band travels to Washington, D.C., to perform in President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration, but the event is canceled due to frigid temperatures. The men’s chorus travels to the National Fire Academy in Maryland for a memorial service for the Æh[ i[hl_Y[$ »? h[YWbb i_d]_d] j^[ DWlo >ocd"¼ iWoi 7ZWc BWp_dia ¾.-$

1988 The Grenadiers tour Cold War Germany.

(See story, page 30.)

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Let the Music Speak HEEDING THE CALL: NORWICH BUGLERS EVEN AS MILITARY institutions and bases across the nation have gradually transitioned over to recorded bugle calls, Norwich University maintains a daily regimen of live bugling. Though the practice has evolved since the days of Captain Partridge— when the calls signaled essential shifts in the day—the cadets of the Norwich Bugle Squad nonetheless approach this nearly 200-year-old tradition with great passion and dedication. Here are some reflections from buglers who heeded the call.

PLACING THE CALL FIRST Bugle Squad prides itself on placing the call first before anything else. …[It] will forever hold and bear the weight of this tremendous honor. I have only the utmost respect for [the squad] and my heart swells with pride to know that my university has live buglers to pay respect to our flag and our country.

Christie J. Cajina ’15 In a 2013 blog post

During the 2015¹16 academic year, 9adet 9orporal Evan Shortsleeve served as the trumpet section leader for the Regimental Band and trained up-andcoming buglers in the Bugle Squad. Mark 9ollier

BELOW-ZERO REVEILLE On two separate occasions when the temperature was below freezing, my trumpet mouthpiece froze to my lips. I had to go into Jackman Hall to get the mouthpiece to thaw off my mouth. Each time, I was greeted by Commandant Wadsworth, who enjoyed a hearty laugh at my expense.

James Fisher Army Lt. Col. (Ret.) ’77 ON “TAPS” Taps is the most important call, the easiest call to play but the most difficult one to understand. We spend a lot of time teaching “Taps” to BITs (buglers in training), the history of it, the meaning behind it. By “understand,” I mean “Taps” is a very emotional call. When you play mess call, you play it because it’s 1200 and you have to play it. You never go out to play “Taps” just because it’s 2200. Even if you play a less-than-perfect “Taps,” people will forgive you.

Whereas if we play a less-thanperfect formation call or mess call, everybody on the campus is like, Did you hear the bugler today?

Ben Boylan ’18 Regimental Bugler

1989

1993

2002

The Regimental Band performs at the inauguration of President George H. W. Bush. The Men’s Chorus tours England _d _ji Æhij e\ cWdo overseas trips with director James Bennett.

Former Norwich music Z_h[Yjeh" @ed 8ehem_Yp" appears as a musician in the Æbc" Gettysburg.

“A Soldier’s Dream,” written and scored by Major General Reginald Cram, ANG (Ret.) ’36 and Norwich director of bands James Bennett, is performed at the Homecoming alumni parade.

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2001 The Regimental Band performs at the inauguration of President George W. Bush.

NORWICH RECORD | SUMMER 2016

FIRST “REGIMENTAL” BUGLER In August of 1972 I arrived at Norwich to begin my freshman year. I had played trumpet in high school, but had no intention of playing formally in college.

Little did I know that I’d be “drafted” into Band Company. On my college application I had mentioned playing in my high school band and orchestra— needing all the ammunition I could to help convince the admissions office to accept me. When I learned I’d been drafted, I mentioned to the cadre that I didn’t really want to be in the band. He replied smoothly, “O’Connell, get your *** over to Band Company.”

Toward the end of my freshman year, Colonel John Wadsworth—the commandant to whom I am most grateful for convincing me to stay at Norwich when I had a rough patch in my rook experience—told me that I would be Norwich’s first “Regimental” Bugler the following year (1973–74). He said the position was needed because of the haphazard way buglers had been selected and trained in the past. I’ve wondered since if I was indeed the first; there certainly had not been one recently. So I reported as cadre the following August, bugled during Rook Week, and selected and trained the freshmen buglers for that school year.

I enjoyed being a bugler. And I have to thank the Norwich band “draft” for it and so many more of my life’s rewards— I’ll always be proud to be a Zoobie!

Brian O’Connell Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) ’76

2006 Donald I. Richmond ’52 and his wife, Barbara, establish the Norwich Bugler Scholarship. Sadly, Donald passed away in April 2016. Memorial contributions in his honor can be made to: The Bugler Scholarship c/o Norwich University.

2007 The Regimental Men’s Chorus tours Belgium and performs a goodwill concert at NATO.

April 2009 The Norwich Regimental Band opens for Bruce Springsteen at the legendary musician’s “Stand Up for Heroes” concert.

2010 Todd Edwards joins the Norwich faculty as assistant commandant, director of bands, and conductor of the Choraleers, a vocal group that remains a part of Norwich to the present day.

ALL QUIET FOR “TAPS” As Regimental Bugler, I was responsible for playing “Tattoo,” followed 15 minutes later by “Taps.” One particular evening was relatively warm, so all of the windows on the UP were open.

Not a minute after I finished “Tattoo,” a cadet decided to scream out his window “F-YOU!” In no time the entire UP had broken out into a cacophony of “F-Yous.”

It was still going 15 minutes later when it was time to play “Taps.” Of course, me being a bugler, “Taps” is more than just a call to me. But the instant the first note rang out, a total silence fell across the UP. The silence endured for the entire call. As the final note echoed through the Hill, the Corps still remained silent for a moment longer, until the peace was promptly broken by a cadet yelling “F-YOU!” out his window.

“Taps.” The only thing known to completely silence an “F-You” war at Norwich.

Kurt Franke ’13, Regimental Bugler

NAKED AT NINE One evening late in my freshman year, I was in my room studying for upcoming finals when one of my upperclassmen burst through the door.

“Phillips! Phillips! Come quick—we need a bugler!”

I checked my watch. Surely I hadn’t missed a call. Call to Quarters had been at 1930, and “Taps” wasn’t for another two hours.

“No time for questions!" he urged.

“Hurry!”

So I followed him to his room. He pointed toward his window facing the UP. “Quick—play Charge!”

Hold on, I thought. Charge wasn’t a bugle call on the official repertoire— what on earth do they need this for?

Without delay I positioned myself with my head out the window and sounded Charge. At the first note, barracks doors flew open all over the UP, and out ran cadets. To my surprise (and dismay) they were completely in the nude. I withheld a shriek, closed my eyes, and finished playing.

Little had I known (and I think they used my ignorance to their advantage) that the Corps had an early spring tradition called “Naked at Nine.” It would have gone off without a hitch, except that particular evening the Commandant of Cadets had been taking a nice evening stroll around campus— with his wife.

As a result, the entire Corps was called out for an emergency formation.

First the regimental commander, then the battalion commander, and finally our company commander (a woman I idolized) gave us stern reprimands.

The order to all those involved: On your honor, report to the battalion commander directly following the formation.

I was crushed. In one fell swoop I felt like I had lost everything: my honor, my bugling position, the respect of my leaders. Dutifully, I fell out of the formation, and marched up to the bricks where our battalion commander stood.

“PHILLIPS, YOU DIDN’T!!”

“Sir ... I’m sorry sir ... I didn’t know what was going on!”

He cursed at me, and then barked: “You’re not a recruit any more, Phillips— act like it!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Get out of here!”

At the time of the “Naked at Nine” incident, Lisa Phillips ’11 had just been selected as the Regimental Bugler. She did not get fired and instead went on to write the “Bugler’s Creed” and assemble the Bugle Squad’s Standard Operating Procedure, still in use today. Captain Phillips, USAF, just returned from a deployment in Qatar and is currently stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. -

Bisa Phillips ’11 was the Ærst woman to hold the position of Regimental Bugler in recent memory and was perhaps the Ærst in Norwich history. Do you know of a woman who achieved a Norwich “Ærst?”

Email record@norwich.edu. (Jay Ericson Bugler Albert Murpberger ’60 front row, left started this dapper ensemble in 1957. Did you participate in the Drum and Bugle 9orps during this era? Send your memories to record@norwich.edu. (War Whoop

2013

S9HEDUBE of BUGBE 9ABBS

The Regimental Band performs at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

0740 0745 1200 1700

First Call Reveille/First Mess Second Mess Retreat/To the Colors Third Mess 2145 Tattoo 2200 Taps S U M M E R 2 016 016 | NORWICH RECORD

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