San
Diego, California
w.nowosad@sbcglobal.net
Marched:
1979-1980 Woodwinds (Flute, Piccolo)
Hey, Emerald Regime!! This is
"Gilligan" class of 1980. I recently viewed some OLD footage of the
Emerald Regime, which brought back memories. Here are some interesting
tid-bits of information and personal observations for those of you
young-uns reading this:
The class of '1979 was the first
graduating class of the 'new' Live Oak High school.
The Emerald Regime was HUGE in the 70's. It had multiple bands under
Mike Rubino - an 'A' band; 'B' band; orchestra; pep band, and subset of
other bands spawned from the Emerald regime that could occasionally be
found wandering the streets of Great America with the talents of Vernon
M. and others.
There were approximately 800 students at L.O.; and half were in the
band; and all of them walked around like they were floating...if you
were in the band, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. A band member
could easily be spotted, with or without their jackets; by the way they
GLIDED around campus. Remember? It's kinda funny now that you think
about it, isn't it?
You had to AUDITION for the band in the first place. If you didn't know
your minor/major scales, arpeggio's, etc. M. Rubino wouldn't let you in;
however, you were given the opportunity to learn in the 'B' band, where
Rubino and his hoard of first-chairs from the 'A' band and other minions
schooled your aspiring musical desire until you became a real musician.
Thank you musical minions of the 70's for your mentoring efforts!
In the late 70's, the band room was so full of trophies that they had to
decide which ones to dust off and which one's to keep. The decision was
made based on which ones were broken as a result of all the horse-play
that took place in the band room. "Awe, this one's busted...get rid of
it...we'll need room for the next State or National
or...whatever...trophy we earn". nod, nod, wink, wink. Dontcha miss high
school? It was so much simpler back then...for those of you reading this
that are still in high school, enjoy it while it lasts!
Thanks to the baby-boomers, Live Oak in the late 1970's was under
double-sessions. If you were an underclassman, that meant you started
school at noon and got home in time for dinner. Homework was done on the
bus, or in the mornings IF you got up in time. Upperclassmen started in
the morning at the same time working stiffs were lining up at the pumps
to pay an obscene price of 75 cents for a gallon of gas. If your license
plate ended in an even number, you were allowed to gas-up on even number
days of the month.
Muscle cars: Mustangs, Chevelle's, Cameros, Firebirds, Trans Ams were
the popular sports cars to own. Jacked up rear ends and 70 series tires
with chrome rims were hot. Remember the rock station KOME..."Don’t touch
that dial, it's got KOME on it." Dr. Demento!
It cracked me up to see in the you-tube video a Chevelle being
push-started in the parking lot adjacent to the band room/Little
Theater. I drove a boxy-looking, 1962 yellow coverable Corviar that my
dad paid fifty bucks for. I remember once taking a friend on a date in
that thing. It started to rain...and she got splashed with water due to
the rusted out floorboards. Push starting that heap was a fact of life!
Oh, and NO airbags!
Back to memories of the band.
Does anyone remember the Local Chevy Dealership Sponsorship that I
believe M. Rubino or his wife garnered? The Emerald regime had at its
disposal the use of a custom painted pick-up truck with 5th wheel &
Horse Trailer. Both were white in color and emblazoned with green and
gold stripes, the band name, and a long list of titles that the band had
earned - sort of an in-yer-face testament to their excellence. I didn't
see any pictures on the site of this beautiful rig.
This band, if I'm not mistaken, was also the first Marching Band in
history to march on the Great Wall of China (as reported in the San Jose
Mercury News, c. May 1978-ish?). I am unaware of any other band that
has.
Also, after winning a Grand National title, where the band's style was
described as that of a Drum and Bugle corps, I seem to recall the
Emerald Regime being invited to Ireland to march in a St. Patrick's Day
parade, as well. While invited, I don't think they mad it, because,
there was a problem coming up with the funds to take advantage of this
wonderful travel opportunity.
I remember the pride that each band member had in being par of the 'A'
band. They worked very diligently during Saturday band camps.
Well...being the high school students they were, they also did their
fair share of goofing off too...but hey...it's band camp, right?
Chalk markings were made at 5-yard intervals on the concrete walkways
around campus to practice spacing their steps to the number of beats in
a measure. OK, so this one's a mundane observation; but, it speaks the
level of attention to detail paid by the Director and members of the
band. "By Mom, I'm going to band camp to learn how to walk exactly 8
steps in a space of 10 yards!"
That's nice, dear. See you for dinner?
Fer-sure, mom...I love you...bye.
OK, so it wasn't 100% "Leave it to Beaver". This IS the 70's we're
talking about.
For those of you in the band today, enjoy this time. You are part of a
long legacy that I am proud to have been a part of...and yes, I still
own my band jacket and yes, it still fits...never mind I ordered it two
sizes too big when I was in High School; but, I'm glad it still fits. I
will wear it with pride the next time I come see the Emerald Regime.
With warmest regards and fond memories,
Walter Nowosad
Live Oak Class of 1980 |
