The
South Brevard County Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps was organized in 1961. I joined this
ragtag band of high school kids in 1962. We practiced playing
single-value bugles and old drums in various old buildings around
Eau Gallie and Melbourne. Usually we rehearsed weekly. There was
also marching practice at the old Melbourne mall on Babcock St. From
1961 to 1965 the Hurricanes developed into a first-class
organization with about 40 members.
I don't know where the money came from, but
we had pretty good bugles, some new, and new drums and color guard
equipment. Our manager and director was Mrs. Mamie Barnes. Her daughter,
Terri, was our Drum Major. Nancy Kendall was also Drum Major at one
point, along with Pat Owen as Color Guard Captain. Our uniforms were made by
Mrs. Barnes (and
with the help of our mothers). She did everything. Without her there
would be no Hurricanes. Tommy Obst was the most talented musician,
along with David Borst and Pat Slattery. Some names I remember are
Terri and Dale Barnes, Ann Nobles, Dale Borst, Tony Williams, Frank
Williams, and the Parks brothers. We marched
and played in just about every holiday parade in Brevard County at
that time. We also made a number of bus trips to different areas in
Florida for competitions. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes became
lost in time. No more. The world wide web has resurrected the memory
of that time!
Discipline, commitment, endurance, pride,
teamwork, and a lot of fun: this was the Hurricanes Drum and Bugle
Corps!
