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Eastern Tennessee State University at Johnson City
Preliminaries - Friday-Saturday November 4-5th
Finals - Saturday November 5th beginning at 7PM
For their second visit to the MBA Nationals, the Raiders' drew an early preliminary performance slot.
At 2:30 that Friday afternoon the Raiders would be the first band to perform in the competition.
*There are three columns of pictures here, so scroll to right*
*as always, click on images to view larger versions when available*
On The Road Again
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All AboardAllen Lewis (checked shirt), Donna Cozart (sweater tied around shoulders), Kandi Price (white shirt), ? (back turned), Vikkie Smith (flannel shirt), and Bill Eubanks (in bus door),
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Jason Perakis looks on as Michelle Davis says a brief prayer in the hope that a seat has been secured for her on the bus that is close to the rear, but not too close to the onboard bathroom.
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The most pleasant way to pass the hours of a long bus trip was to... entertain one another. Above Ron Barnes and Scott Mimms pass the time playing chess.
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Steve Menedez, who had taken part in the MBA program for several years, directs the Raiders during rehearsal for their preliminary appearance. Despite his experience with the MBA, this will be his first visit as the director of a competing band.
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Rye Cove High SchoolThis school, near Duffield, Virginia, was generous enough to give us the use of their football field. You can see Menendez on the sidelines wearing a trench coat.Remember how cold it was that afternoon? I certainly do! It was cold enough to freeze a man's lips to his tuba's wet mouthpiece! Gross, but true!
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Drum Major Dean Mullis warms the band up before field practice begins.
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Drum Major Lonnie Robinson works hard to perfect his sax appeal.
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One Of My Sexier MomentsNot everyone can make the 'I've got something caught in my teeth *look*' seem attractive and here I prove the point.Aldo (the artist formerly known as Allen Simmons), Ronald Sullivan, Kandi Price, and Ronnie Brigman
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Bundled up bells player Kim Yarborough tries, without much success, to stay warm during practice.
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Suited Up And Ready For Business Terry ? (bass drum), Jimmy McLean (snare), Missy McNeil (bass drum), Band Boosters John Cockman (Terry) with white cap, Hector Phifer (Dean Mullis) in green jacket, and ? in yellow shirt.
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As other Raiders wait their turn, director's assistant, Hamlet Junior High band instructor, and wife of Steven J., Judy Menendez checks (future drum major) Oland Stokes' tone with this highly sophisticated thing-a-ma-jiggy.
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Somebody Is Going To Get It!Color Guard Captain Michelle Davis' hand on hip glare says it all. My guess is, the soon to be punished party was just out of the camera's view.
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Rifle co-Captain Bill Eubanks practices a few final moves before our competition Friday afternoon.
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Talia Worth adjusts the uniform of band mate Matthew Carroway (baritone) while junior, and future drum major, Carol Ingram looks on.
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A Moment Of PrayerWhen we were in high school, prayer at school events wasn't a problem, and it's funny, I don't remember a single person being emotionally damaged by the experience.Teresa Scruggs (facing away), Mandy Parker (facing away with rifle showing), Bill Eubanks (head bowed facing left), Tommy Harrington (far right with no hat)
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Senior Jeff Bullard plays his trumpet solo at the center of an expanding circle of Color Guard members.
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Showing OffWe can even play sideways!
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Annnnnnnnd
Kick, 2, 3, 4...
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Getting Into ItThe horns are stretched back and reaching for the crowd.
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Raider Drum Line During Yakety Stixquads - Ryan Hall, Marty Long, snares - Glenda Sowders, ? , Jimmy McLean, ? , Chilly Bill Harrington, bass - ? , Terri ?, Missy McNeil, ? cymbals - ? , ? .
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Watch Out For Those CymbalsThe field judge in the purple shirt covers his head apparently surprised by an unexpected cymbal solo.
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No Holding BackWhen the bass line starts getting into it this much, you know you're jammin'.
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Strike A Pose
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If One Is Good, Two Is Better Drum Major Lonnie Robinson plays his saxophone solo during the Raiders' preliminaries.
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To Each Their Own After Yakety Stix the bass line heads back to its natural habitat, the backside of the field.
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Day One Comes To A CloseAfter an entertaining afternoon of bands competing in the preliminaries, it was time for the crowd to enjoy an exhibition by a group that exemplifies marching and musical professionalism and excellence.
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The Commandant's Own,
The Marine Drum And Bugle CorpsYou'll find more photos and information about the MDBC in the MBA Grand National Championships Program
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At the end of the second day of preliminary performances, the top twelve bands were announced. After each had performed in the finals competition, it was time for the awards ceremony.The Presentation of the FlagsThe Marine Drum And Bugle Corps has set up on the fifty yard line as the twelve finalist stream onto the field.
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UnfortunatelyIn order for us to attend the MBA's 1983 Grand National Championships' Finale Saturday night, we needed one of these.
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Wonder Who Finished Where And What They Scored?Click on the image of the competition program to view the Score sheet, Awards, & Judges page. In the upper right hand corner there is a 69.2, which represents the Raiders' final score, and the number 28, which is where we placed. This was another great experience, but disappointing that despite improving 3.7 points over the previous year's score, we actually placed seven positions lower in the final ranking.
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