During "rookie" trials in 87 the new gang was dressed as the veterans wished. To show me that even a long time drum corps man would not escape their wrath, the soprano line dressed me in a "ballerina" costume complete with wig, skirt, and wand. It was supposed to be my alter ego, from being a former Marine, and of course an ex Skyliner. When we were told to hit the field for drill practice I thought George Zengali would fall out of the stands when he saw me. We all had a good laugh and of course went on to win that night at DCA.
It was not until the next year at that very same time that Gary "Mr. Nuts" asked me to reprise the character again for the corps, as the tension at practice that day was very great.
I let the corps get to the field , and made my entrance while they were in a drill set. Needless to say it had the desired affect and the corps settled down to a more stable and lighter rehearsal. It was funny to watch the people from other corps come over and watch us to see the reigning World Champion and their soloist having such a fun filled time under these conditions. I actually have this episode on video tape and have shown it occasionally during the years. It was great fun and was probably one of the best run thrus before finals that the corps ever did. God, how proud I was to be a part of that corps.
Bobby Burke soprano 87-2000
