Jan
1, 1998 - 18:10 EST -
My
name is: Vern Tallman (email: vtallman@aol.com
)
Member years: 1992-'98
Section: Booster
Comments: Great, fun experience for all. Looking forward
to '98.
Jan
3, 1998 - 08:32 EST -
My
name is: Brad Hawkins (email: OmarBudley@aol.com
)
Member: 1980-'87, 1990-'91, 1993-'95
Section: Founding Band Director
Comments: Too many fond memories to put down, but here
are a few of the highlights of my experience with "my first
child":
1) 1985 "Victory Concert" in L.A.- the band pulled up from behind
to beat the Santa Ana Winds for the second year in a row wuth
their fieldshow "Tribute to the '40s". Spirit had gone undefeated
UNTIL the last regular show of the season, where we came in
2nd to The Commodores. In all my years with Spirit, I never
saw the band so determined to win as they did at this championship.
2) Playing "Jerusalem" in the lightening, thunder and pouring
rain in Penticton, Canada (1984) - Powerful, emotional 3-4 minutes
for all who were there.
3) Coming in 2nd place at the band's first-ever fieldshow contest,
(1982) the VFW National Championship in L.A. - Our kids shocked
9 other youth bands who had never heard of us with this beat-the-odds
second place finish to the Santa Ana Winds. We had by far the
youngest age average, since at that time the age requirement
for Spirit of Sunnyvale was 11-14 years-old. Due to popular
demand, after the championship the Board of Directors agreed
with me as Band Director that we should change the age requirements
to 11-18 year-old, to be more in line with the other youth bands
in the Pacific Coast Youth Band Association, which we joined
after that contest.
4) Having our wind ensemble come in 1st place on the Drum Corp
caption sheet in the GE Brass category, beating out the Cavaliers,
Suncoast Sound, the Troopers, and several other top ranked Open
Class Drum Corps with our 1986 fieldshow (my all-time favorite)
featuring music from "The Natural" and "Silverado".
5) Going on the Cadet Band's first-ever over-night trip in 1995
to Lompoc, CA, where the band shocked its far older competitiors
(as in 1982) with a 2nd place finish in the parade. The age
range for the Cadets at that time was only 4th-6th grades, as
well!!!!
Jan 6, 1998 - 06:32 EST -
My name is: Erik Olsen (email: eolsen@montereytechnologies.com
)
Member: 1984-1896 (3 seasons)
Section: Trumpet, Mellophone, Base Guitar
Comments: Fun stuff maynord....40's show, Blickman Turkus,
the Edminton Mall, buzzing our heads, Klondike Days, Expo '86
in B.C., Santa Ana Winds, drill downs, band camp, burnt, peeling
noses, Eric, Jeff, Judy, Kirstin, Melvin, Thor, Dan the Man,
Joe, Glenn, and of course Rob Buckley and Steiny. Check out
the Music for Minors gig coming up June 20, 1998 at http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4316/mfm.html.
Me? Graduated from Long Beach State in '90, San Jose State in
'96 and am now livin downtown. My Page:http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4316/
ErikO
Jan 6, 1998 - 11:31 EST -
My name is: Jon Steinwinder (email: jmsteiny@aol.com
)
Member: 1981-1989
Section: Assistant Director/Director
Comments: Hello!!! Great to see spirit has got a web
site now!!! There are so many wonderful times that I had witht
the band, it's hard to pick out just one - but for the REAL
old-timers, remember hot dog surprise, and the 80 or more sandwiches
floating down that creek in Canada in 1984???? It's a story
I STILL tell to this day! (I never will forget the sun gleaming
off of the plastic bags the sandwiches were in!) It would be
great to set up a history area on the web site - there's A LOT
of history to this band, almost all of it great - the public
should see that! Again, great to see this web site finally -
kep it going!!!!
Jan 6, 1998 - 14:45 EST -
My name is: Eric Geffon (email: Egeffon@pdo.co.santa-clara.ca.us
)
Member: 1982-1987
Section: Saxophone/Drum Major
Comments:
Jan 12, 1998 - 13:23 EST -
My name is: Stantons, William, Melanie and Andreisha
Bennett (email: stanton@aerotherm.com )
Member: 97, 96, 95, 94
Section: Saxaphone, Clarinet, Trumpet, Color Guard, all
Cadet Band
Comments:
Jan 14, 1998 - 00:44 EST -
My name is: Rick Garcia (email: SF49ers99@aol.com
)
Member: Spirit Hopefull
Section: Hopefully Drum Major
Comments: Love the Pictures!!!
Jan 18, 1998 - 15:02 EST -
My name is: David Hundsness (email: dhundsness@amosed.com
)
Member: 82-86
Section: Saxophone; Asst. Director 92 & 93
Comments:
Jan 21, 1998 - 01:14 EST -
My name is: Mike Adrian (email: I would if I knew
what it was )
Member: 2 going on 3
Section: Low Brass (Baritone)
Comments: You're doing a fine job. Lyssa could use some
help with her grammar.
Jan 27, 1998 - 13:37 EST -
My name is: Rachelle Dimaya (email: rdimaya@haywire.csuhayward.edu
)
Member: 1991-1993
Section: Flute and Picc
Comments: I was surfing the web and decided to see if
there was any web pages on youth bands. I look back and remember
the good times that I had in Spirit...I'm happy to see that
Spirit did well in competitions...I'm now a senior at Cal State
Hayward and it's nice to look back and see an organization that
I was a part of still thriving and growing...Feel free to sent
information to my email address on any upcoming events...Best
of luck to the upcoming season...
Jan 31, 1998 - 12:44 EST -
My name is: dave gary jr. (email: no )
Member: i don't 'member much
Section: director(ha,ha,ha)
Comments: lots of stress,lots of joan,some fun,championships.
Feb 1, 1998 - 04:09 EST -
My name is: Tami (Bray) Brown (email: tomasa_brown@hotmail.com
)
Member: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984
Section: Color Guard Instructor
Comments: Teaching Spirit was one of the greatest experiences
I had. It was enriching, and fun. I feel blessed to have been
part of this wonderful organization at such an early stage of
it's life. Any old folks (alumni) still around???? The web site
is wonderful, and I am glad to have stumbled into it.
Feb 7, 1998 - 17:24 EST -
My name is: mike jones (email: gregmike@juno.com
)
Member: 1980-82
Section: french horn
Comments:
Feb 19, 1998 - 02:29 EST -
My name is: Tony Rivera a.k.a. California Tony
(email: rivera623@aol.com )
Member: 1995
Section: Bottom Bass
Comments: Tour was cool and so were most the people.I
had a great time and hope that everyone enjoys their time in
"Spirit" as much as I did.Drum line....Keep rockin'!!!!!!!
Mar 7, 1998 - 00:25 EST -
My name is: Greg Humphreys (email: Greg.humphreys@worldnet.att.net
)
Member: 1986
Section: Tenor Sax
Comments: Stumbled across the web site by accident. Spirit
was a great experience, and I have many fond memories of the
organization.
May 27, 1998 - 21:58 EST -
My name is: Sol Rosenberg (email: )
Member: 1980
Section:
Comments: Hello?!!!? Oh boy! Saw the Riverside show and
lost my hearing for a week! Expect a call from my attorneys.
I'm gonna sue you for all you're worth. My wife wont talk to
me and my kids left town
May 30, 1998 - 14:26 EST -
My name is: John-David Cisneros. spice guy (email:
dont have one )
Member: 97'
Section: trumpet
Comments: it was great i really enjoyed being on tuor
with everyone. I also liked just going out and having fun playing
my horn on the field. it was a great eperience. im doing Vangaurd
Cadets now so maybe youll be able to see me during one of our
shows. c-ya john-david cisneros
Jun 8, 1998 - 00:07 EST -
My name is: Chris Thompson (email: cthomp99@ucla.edu
)
Member: 1993, 1996
Section: Tenors 93, snare 96
Comments: Spirit was a really cool beginning and a really
cool end to my marching expiriences (with some other "stuff"
in between not really worth mentioning). I saw the group through
the eyes of a green rookie and then through the eyes of a "seasoned"
veteran. To spike and corey from 93 and Denny from 96.... 664,
lets chub
Jun 25, 1998 - 21:15 EST -
My name is: Brent Nelson (email: brent@physics.berkeley.edu
)
Member: 1984, 85, 86, 87, 88
Section: Clarinet
Comments: It was a richly rewarding experience -- I especially
miss the 1986 ("Silverado") show and playing tenor sax in the
stage band. Reading the comments of past staff and members sure
brings back a flood of memories. By the way, what ever happened
to the RATT Fan Club?
Jun 29, 1998 - 03:11 EST -
My name is: Jason B. Asuncion (email: Jasuncion@aol.com
)
Member: 1989, 1990 and 1992
Section: Low Brass Trombone and Baritone
Comments: It would be nice to see some pictures from
earlier years of Spirit. 80's and '90s. Is there ever going
to be another Spirit Alumni Parade?
Jun 30, 1998 - 02:59 EST -
My name is: Mickey Helms (email: mhelms2@aol.com
)
Member: 1986-1992
Section: Clarinet (1986-1988), Baritone (1989-1992)
Comments: Spirit was by far the greatest experience of
my life. I learned teamwork, cooperation, pride in myself and
in the group, loyalty, what honor really means, love, compassion,
and so many other things. There are too many great memories
to list here, and I honestly enjoyed every year I was in Spirit,
especially my first (1986 - The Natural & Silverado) and my
last (1992 - Total Recall). I wouldn't trade those memories
or my time in Spirit for anything in the world.
Jul 6, 1998 - 14:22 EST -
My name is: Todd Oliver (email: kahunapte@aol.com
)
Member: 1992, 1993
Section: cClarinet, Bass Clarinet
Comments: Well I joined in Oct 1991 at the age of 12.
I learned basics in a day and the thrown out onto the field
the following morning and it just went from there. 1992 was
a great fieldshow and hasn't been paralleled since. The following
year was a huge let down and as the band dwindled to 39 from
90 I left too.
Jul 6, 1998 - 14:22 EST -
My name is: Todd Oliver (email: kahunapte@aol.com
)
Member: 1992, 1993
Section: cClarinet, Bass Clarinet
Comments: Well I joined in Oct 1991 at the age of 12.
I learned basics in a day and the thrown out onto the field
the following morning and it just went from there. 1992 was
a great fieldshow and hasn't been paralleled since. The following
year was a huge let down and as the band dwindled to 39 from
90 I left too.
Jul 21, 1998 - 03:16 EST -
My name is: Brian Huen (email: Allwrong@aol.com
)
Member: '85, '86, '87, '88, '90
Section: The Phones: Alto/Section Leader '90, Bari Sax
Stage Band Player
Comments: I litterally grew up here! This organization
changed my whole life! I wanted to be an olympic ice skater
and then I joined Spirit. Ive taken everything Spirit has given
me and apply that to my current gig, being on the radio for
Radio Disney (1310 in the bay) Too many menories to list but:
"Since 1985, for over four consecutive years, I performed a
'show' underneath a huge red tent. Within that time, I witnessed
many memorables experiences: '85 victory concert; 'L' Days;
cockroaches; Burns Wyoming; I was interviewd on Canadian TV;
Expo '86; Talent Oregon...and hearing such stories as 'Jerusalem
in the rain'; the Corny 4; and Hot Dog surprise. I came back
to the SHOW in 1990 to a set of All new set of cast members
which was rewarding, knowing that I was able to pass on the
education that Spirit taught me to a new generation. After the
last emotional show durring Spirit's 10th Anniversary, I packed
my bags becasue a circus will come and go, leaving only memories..."
Spirit: "Ill see you in my rear view mirror." check out the
web site: www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Studio/1722
Aug 18, 1998 - 18:13 EST -
My name is: John Le Mieux (email: razzi@ix.netcom.com
)
Member: 84-88
Section: Trumpet
Comments: I had so many great, memorable experiences
in Spirit in the dawn of YBI, that I think anything I say here
would be too long winded. Please update the website. I'm always
interested in the current happenings.
Sep 30, 1998 - 18:11 EST -
My name is: Mike Adrian (email: HeyBD@aol.com
)
Member: 1996, 1997
Section: Baritone
Comments: I was really sad when the '98 season got canceled,
I was looking forward to a hat trick at championships. I just
want to say Spirit was the most fun, I miss everyone. Please
write to me and let me know what's up with you. 664
Oct 3, 1998 - 22:22 EST -
My name is: Mary Jane Coombs (email: coombsmj@whitman.edu
)
Member: 1993
Section: phones
Comments:
Oct 13, 1998 - 05:35 EST -
My name is: Beth Crall (email: crall@scf.usc.edu
)
Member: 94, 95, 96
Section: Flute
Comments: Spirit was the bomb. Some of my best memories
from high school came from my experiences there. I would go
back to those days in a second. Well, maybe not. But only because
then I would have to go back to high school. Well, I have one
final comment and that would be...RED IS BRIGHTER THAN BLUE
BUT BLUE IS NOT AS BRIGHT!!!
Oct 13, 1998 - 05:35 EST -
My name is: Beth Crall (email: crall@scf.usc.edu
)
Member: 94, 95, 96
Section: Flute
Comments: Spirit was the bomb. Some of my best memories
from high school came from my experiences there. I would go
back to those days in a second. Well, maybe not. But only because
then I would have to go back to high school. Well, I have one
final comment and that would be...RED IS BRIGHTER THAN BLUE
BUT BLUE IS NOT AS BRIGHT!!!
Oct 31, 1998 - 22:45 EST -
My name is: Jessica Quon (email: Slky4lyf@aol.com
)
Member: '93-'95
Section: Pit, flute, baritone
Comments: I had some of the nost fun I had in years.
It was a great time to spend our youth. Although I haven't kept
in touch with anyone from the band, I still cherish the memories.
My brother met his best friend there and I had a best friend
there too. Some people got lost in the pretentiousness that
other people brought in, but I loved eing with those who knew
who they were. I loved the band and I movedon from it with a
life lesson and a wonderful talent. Thank you to Melissa Tagatac,
Mark Shwartz, my cousin Matt, Paul Paulino (for makin me laugh)
Sid for makin it fun, Christie and Nohemi, and never forget
Elmo who is an SOS legend. Thanks Sean for all the lessons and
thank u to Will who's probably cleaning someone corporal's eyes
out. Thank U spirit.
Dec 20, 1998 - 22:45 EST -
My name is: Matthew "Somolien" Enslow (email:
EnslowMatt@aol.com )
Member: 93
Section: PIT
Comments: Spirit of Sunnyvale boosted my self confidence.
My playing improved tremendously!
Dec 31, 1998 - 13:26 EST -
My name is: Carla Kaun (email: leftbraindp@hotmail.com
)
Member: 1990-1992
Section: Colorguard
Comments:
Feb 4, 1999 - 13:03 EST -
My name is: BOBBY HELMS (email: helmsisay@aol.com
)
Member: 87, 88, 89, 90, 91
Section: DRUM LINE87-91, BRASS 90
Comments: I cannot thank mr. Brad Hawkins enough for
all of the great memories. I wish that I had the space to wright
about all the things that we shared in my years with spirit.
I wish I was 16 so that I could do it all over again. One thing
that really sticks out in my mind is the unstoppable 88 Drum
Line, and eating at Chicago's Pizza in Seattle, and my thanks
to Devin Hammer for all his instruction. I cannot thank spirit
enough, to many good memories!
Feb 4, 1999 - 17:23 EST -
My name is: Amy McDavid (email: amcdavid@facstaff.wisc.edu
)
Member: 1981-1986
Section: flute, piccolo, mellophone
Comments:
Feb 7, 1999 - 03:47 EST -
My name is: Dave Watrous (email: Neovisguru@aol.com
)
Member: '86-'91
Section: Low Brass & Drum Major
Comments: Are you old school?
Feb 7, 1999 - 14:50 EST -
My name is: Alexa Westre (email: Alexadave@aol.com
)
Member: '92-'93
Section: Tenor Sax
Comments: I had lots of fun in the band and miss my old
friends. E-mail me!
Feb 7, 1999 - 14:50 EST -
My name is: Alexa Westre (email: Alexadave@aol.com
)
Member: '92-'93
Section: Tenor Sax
Comments: I had lots of fun in the band and miss my old
friends. E-mail me!
Feb 9, 1999 - 17:56 EST -
My name is: Carlo Casuga (email: Aro27@Juno.com
)
Member: 1
Section: Baritone Saxaphone
Comments: I think this is a great program and wish to
return. Do you think Spirrit will start up again.
Mar 25, 1999 - 23:14 EST -
My name is: John Aaron Atkins (email: jatkins679@aol.com
)
Member: 1980-81
Section: Tuba
Comments: Played in Spirit during the tour to the Pacific
Northwest during the year of the baseball strike. I remember
playing to a rousing standing ovation for an NASL game in Portland
and "forcing" our way into the Kingdome to play. Also remember
some of us getting jumped by a bunch of local hillbillies at
the Medford A's minor league game, a sobering introduction for
many of us to racism and rednecks. Ironically, not long ago
I ended up living just down the road from the stadium there
in Medford for about a year... Trino, Jones, Stoney, Chuck,
and Andy Takatasuka were bandmates... Brad was band director...
Me: graduated from Sonoma St. (1991), traveled all around the
country, lived in Idaho and Alaska, and have ended up here in
Indianapolis, working on my master's degree at Butler Univ.
in pharmaceutical chemistry... Was asked to play tuba in the
BU marching band when I got here, which I got a laugh out of...
Apr 26, 1999 - 17:42 EST -
My name is: Sarena Jaggia (email: seena@ucla.edu
)
Member: 93, 94
Section: Color Guard
Comments: Some of my favorite memories, and favorite
people, are from Spirit.
May 30, 1999 - 14:25 EST -
My name is: ????? (email: ????? )
Member: ?????
Section: ?????
Comments: WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL THE MEDFORD STORY!?!?!?!
Jun 8, 1999 - 15:38 EST -
My name is: Christina "MAV" Mavroudis (email:
corpswriter@earthlink.net )
Member: Mom of Emily (guard '95)
Section: Booster
Comments: Good morning: Emily's first experience with
'field' drill ('95) was this "Abyss" year. New direction, new
friends, and a tour to Denver. I couldn't go, but saw the video
tape and will never forget the sight of our staff members jumping
and hugging each other when SOS won second place and Drum Major.
Thanks for the memories Spirit! And on another note...I am saddened
by the announcement that SBI has disbanded. What a horrible
day for our youth! I wish all the bands luck - with or without
a governing body - and look forward to seeing them on parade
routes. Best and blessing.... MAV
Jun 20, 1999 - 19:27 EST -
My name is: Linda Harris (email: robandlinda@juno.com
)
Member:
Section:
Comments: I was never a member of Sunnyvale, but I am
looking for info about a youth band called Los Cabelleros. I
was a member from 1982 to 1988. If anyone can give me any info
whether they are still together or not, it would be greatly
appreciated.My years in a youth band were the greatest experiance
of my teenage years. I hope that someone can help me out.I would
love to contact some old friends.
Jun 30, 1999 - 01:18 EST -
My name is: Gordon Taft, Jr. (email: gordochan@mailexcite.com
)
Member: The Only year 1990
Section: Phones
Comments: It was a great memory.
Jul 13, 1999 - 18:13 EST -
My name is: Zoe Meyer Banchieri (email: peatzoe@aol.com
)
Member: 82-86
Section: colorguard, instructor 93?
Comments: Nice web site. Is the band still around? I
was thinking of putting up an alumni site. Zoe
Aug 11, 1999 - 13:12 EST -
My name is: KARA (email: )
Member: NEVERBEEN-VISITOR
Section: BARITONE
Comments: MARCHING BAND IS SO FUN. IT'S ONE OF THE BEST
EXPIERENCES I'VE HAD IN HIGH SCHOOL!! GO JHS!!!!
Aug 15, 1999 - 18:33 EST -
My name is: Stacy (Rider) Stevens (email: none!
)
Member: 85-87
Section: Colorguard
Comments: Web Site? How many choc. bars did y'all have
to sell for this? Hello Eric, Dave, and Amy! Good to see your
names here. Haven't thought about Spirit days in years...now
feeling very old.
Aug 31, 1999 - 23:44 EST -
My name is: Stacie (Fischenich) Curutchet (email:
scurutch@pacbell.net )
Member: 1982-1986
Section: Color Guard
Comments: There are so many great memories I would not
know where to begin. Zoe it would be great to have an Alumni
page!
Oct 4, 1999 - 17:31 EST -
My name is: ALUMNI (email: )
Member: ????
Section: Low Brass
Comments: Will someone start a Spirit of Sunnyvale Alumni
Association? It would be nice to march in a christmas parade
again...
Nov 19, 1999 - 00:32 EST -
My name is: Jeremy Spike Van Wert (email: Spikethescv@earthlink.net
)
Member: 90-94
Section: Drumline Tenors
Comments: Where is the guest book? I wanna read it. Spirit
was the perfect place for me to start. I ended up accomplishing
increadible things in the feild that Spirit introduced me to.
It offered me some fun times and some memories of the old me.
I wish that the organization could still offer that to young
people. It makes me sad that it is gone. SPIKE
Nov 19, 1999 - 00:53 EST -
My name is: Jeremy Spike Van Wert (email: spikethescv@earthlink.net
)
Member: 90-94
Section: Drumline Tenor
Comments: I remember some good times, some great times,
and some not so good times. I remember being a dumb ass little
punk that couldn't keep his mouth shut. I first started to learn
about myself in those beginning years of my teens. I met my
first true love in Spirit. Over all I made some really good
friends and was introduced to an activity that lead me to an
increadible marching career. I believe that Spirit helped keep
me out of jail for the first couple of years of my teens.:)
It was a good program. I enjoyed my few years there. I feel
I could have done a better job being a good vet, but I guess
hind sight is 20/20 isn't it? Much love, SPIKE
Nov 24, 1999 - 21:09 EST -
My name is: ALUMNI (email: ------- )
Member: ------
Section: -----
Comments: If someone actually puts up an alum page, please
put a notice in this guestbook---it seems to be the only way
of getting a message to us scattered folk who would love to
get in touch with old friends.
Dec 1, 1999 - 21:12 EST -
My name is: Raul Sanchez V. (email: vivache@hotmail.com
)
Member: 1990-1992
Section: Tenor Saxophone
Comments: Thanks for the dear memories and to all of
those who made those times a riot! It was because of programs
like "Spirit" that music became an important aspect of my life.
I now do a little touring and playing of my own. I live and
study in San Francisco as well as play drums for The Damsels...for
music and tour info check out www.thedamsels.com...see ya at
the next one with lots of love.
Dec 19, 1999 - 16:05 EST -
My name is: Jon Culbertson (email: jon316@flash.net
)
Member: '85-'90
Section: Low Brass
Comments:
Jan 5, 2000 - 00:25 EST -
My name is: Tim Foley (email: bearatone@hotmail.com
)
Member: 1992, 1993
Section: Drum Line, Pit
Comments:
Jan 5, 2000 - 00:30 EST -
My name is: Tim Foley (email: bearatone@hotmail.com
)
Member: 1992, 1993
Section: Drum Line, Pit
Comments: I dearly wish Spirit would come back with an
alumni band. I learned a lot from my time in this band. I will
never forget the tours I went out on, and the times I had in
rehearsals. Even at 24, I still have a desire to do it again.
Even my marching experiences after Sunnyvale will never be as
memorable as my time in Sunnyvale.
Feb 10, 2000 - 08:27 EST -
My name is: James Floro (email: jhembhoy@earthlink.net
)
Member: '92
Section: Trumpet
Comments: Ah, the memories. So many to recall even though
I was just a member for only 1 season. But hey, the bus rides,
practices, and people I met made it worthwhile. Here's a preliminary
start for an "alumni page". It's not much but it's a start eh?
http://sites.netscape.net/baguongboy/spirit
Mar 6, 2000 - 22:38 EST -
My name is: Ginger Ellis (email: ginger@best.com
)
Member: 81 to 86
Section: Color Guard all the way!
Comments: I had so much fun being in Spirit and everytime
I watch DCI or old video's of Spirit it brings back such fond
memories. I have started a Spirit Alumni web site. There's really
nothing on it yet (considering I just got the domain name a
few days ago). It's at http://www.spiritalumni.com. Visit it.
I hope for it to be up soon. Please e-mail me and let me know
if you would like to know when it's updated. Take Care! (what's
this Medford story?? never heard of it)
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