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1976 would be the final season for
Starcher's Marchers
"So what do the initials S. L. stand for?"
This question was posed to Starcher by long-time booster
and future two time booster president Jimmy Smith (father of Karen
and Pam). Starcher answered, "Winning Through
Intimidation".
Ok, there were too many words and none of them started with an
S
or an L, but his point was clear, S. L. Starcher believes
in Winning Through
Intimidation, and for his three years as director, the Raiders did just that.
Starcher was a hard case who seriously believed you won or lost before you
stepped on the field based on how you presented yourself.
Jimmy Smith remembers that when other bands first
arrived at contests their members all exited their buses in something akin to
disorganized chaos, but not Starcher's Marchers. They unloaded
one bus at the time and did so in single file. Starcher brought his
version of militaristic discipline to the Raiders, which would
stay in place for many years even after his departure, and would result in some
of the Raiders' most successful seasons.
*click on images to view larger versions when available*
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Assistant Director John Kime's yearbook photo from the
Treasure Chest
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Assistant and Director together for one of their final times
as Raiders
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Mr. Kime starts the warming process which is so
important to great tonality
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The 1976 Marching Raider Band
Since all the posed yearbook photos from this year were taken in the gym, I have
to wonder, was it raining on picture day? Surely a Marcher
of Starcher's can email me with the answer.
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The Woodwinds
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The Brass
Which includes not only brass, but a high
percentage of fiberglass as well thanks to the tuba section.
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The Color Guard
Yet another photo with a staple in proverbial belly button of
a Raiders' centerfold
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Drum Major
Tim Blanton |
Majorettes Tammy Chance
and Sherry Warner |
Drum Major
Wanda Langley
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"It's Strong enough for a man, but made for a Marcher"
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Somebody's Trippin'
The culprit appears to be Drum line Trips
Player Mike Dyson.
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Drum Major Tim Blanton believes it is
time to sustain this particular note. I say we go with the idea.
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These guard member wait their turn to snap their flags up
during a half-time show at Raider Stadium
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Majorette Tammy Chance high steppin' on the field of
competition
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Drum Major Wanda Langley directs the elephant of
instruments, the marching tympani
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This thing is heavy even if it is sixty percent fiberglass.
If you don't believe me, just ask this guy.
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Homecoming 1976
The Raiders work up the crowd in the gym in
preparation for tonight's big game. |
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 Contact Me With Questions, Comments, or Ideas! |
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