Fall 2006 - Cal Band Alumni Association

fall 2006
THE official NEWSLETTER OF THE University of california marching Band
and the CAL Band ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
IN MEMORIAM
Abe Hankin, World War II Hero, Dies at 86
Mike Anzis,
Trumpet ’62, StuD ’65
Abe was commissioned
in the Army Air Corps in
1941 upon his graduation
from Cal, and, after the war,
Lt. Col. A. L. “Abe” Hankin
stayed in the Air Force where
(bass ’36, SM ’39) succumbed
his assignments took him
to cancer on July 11, 2006 at
around the world, including
his home in San Mateo. Abe
two tours of duty in Germany
remained a great friend of Cal
and the Pentagon. Abe grew
and of the Band throughout his
up in San Francisco, and later
life, and was actively involved
lived in Berkeley, always callafter his retirement from the
ing the Bay Area home. Upon
Air Force as an advance man
retirement from the military
for the Band’s 1965 American
in 1962, he returned to the
Tour. He served as a Tellefsen
Bay Area, first to Kensington
Hall Board member, and was
and later to San Mateo. After
also a frequent organizer of
the ’65 American Tour, he
class reunions for the Class
became “Uncle Abe” to
of ’41.
Abe was a survivor of the infamous “Bataan the children of Jordan Bloom (trombone ’61),
Death March” in 1942 and was a POW of the Mike Anzis (trumpet ’62, StuD ’65), and Bruce
Japanese until the end of World War II. Thanks Benzler (peckhorn ’62, PRD ’64)..
Abe was frequently on campus for events
to long time friends Sylvia (Rogers) Benzler
and Bruce Benzler (peckhorn ’62, PRD ’64), such as Charter Day and alumni gatherings.
Abe belatedly received his Purple Heart and This author can personally attest to the fact
POW medal at the Cal ROTC commissioning that, among the 300,000 or so who claim they
ceremony in Barrows Hall in May of this year, were in Memorial Stadium for the “The Play”
shortly before his death. The event was highly against Stanford in 1982, Abe was truly there.
publicized, including front page coverage in He took great pride in his Cal roots and was
(continued on page 6)
the San Francisco Chronicle.
Susan Lin (trumpet ’97) and Geoff Wool (clarinet ’98) perform
in the stands at Alumni Band Day 2006.
Reflections from
Alumni Band Day 2006
Rob Rawson, Trombone ’78, ExSec ’81
What a marvelous day! The large home
crowd (surely not our harshest critic) was
absolutely thrilled with our show. Once a Cal
Bandsmen, always a Cal Bandsmen! I had
intended to simply play with the Alumni Band
in the stands, owing to a bum foot, but I found
myself out in the middle of Maxwell Field, horn
(continued on page 7)
Rocky Top Tennessee!
Reunion 2006
Mary Parrish, Piccolo ’04
Planning the trip began in early May. Even then,
all of the hotels were almost full. All summer the
pre-season tension kept building and building.
Merely two weeks after our initial meeting at
FTP Davis, 52 band members, plus Bob, were on
a plane headed to the South. After a two hour
bus ride from Nashville to Knoxville, we arrived
at Calhoun’s Bar and Grill for a pre-game party.
Along with the other Cal spirit groups, we played for
and entertained over 300 really happy and excited
alumni until a little past 11 PM. We then booked
it to our hotel. Hup party, Hup sleep.
One of the first things you notice in the South is
this thing called “Southern hospitality.” Many don’t
believe that such a thing exists, but the moment you
step off the plane, you can feel it. Everyone was
exceedingly nice to us, the Tennessee fans were
very polite, and often you could hear a soft drawl
when they spoke. People go out of their way to
open doors for the ladies, to say hi when you walk
by, and everything just goes a little bit slower.
Another thing that you notice is the green, the
trees, the warm nights, fields where you can just
imagine Civil War battles taking place, lightning
bugs, crickets, and the beautiful environment.
I grew up in the South (North Carolina), and I
www.calband.berkeley.edu
Straw Hat Band members nervously watch the game at
Neyland Stadium in Tennessee.
would camp in the Smoky Mountains every
summer about a half hour out of Knoxville. The
landscape is breathtaking, the only drawback
being mosquitoes.
We began Saturday with a lazy morning,
(continued on page 4)
Photos courtesy: Abe Hankin (top left), Jason Clark (top right), and Jason Lee (bottom)
You’re invited to the Cal Band Big Game
Reunion 2006. On Friday, December
1st come on down to Pyramid Alehouse
on Gilman Street in Berkeley and honor
Tony Martinez Award winner Robert O.
Briggs. A special call goes out to all Cal
Band tour participants, especially those
celebrating the 30th anniverary of the
1976 tour.
How to register? Sustaining members
of the CBAA should have recieved printed
invitations in the mail around November
1st. Or, any Cal Band alum can log onto
www.calband.berkeley.edu/cbaa and
register on line. The party starts at 6:00
pm, but if you arrive at 5:30 pm you can
join a free tour of the brewery.
We’ll appreciate the festive atmosphere
at Pyramid, while enjoying a dinner buffet,
soft drinks and no-host wine and beer.
But most of all we’ll re-connect with old
friends and enjoy a performance by the
Cal Band. If you’re a tour participant,
special tables will be provided for you
to reminisce with those who share your
experiences.
Questions? Contact Barbara Goodson
by e-mail, [email protected] or by
phone, (925) 872 - 0275.
Page The North Tunnel Echo
Page Emil (trumpet ’94) and Kristin Jo (Warren)
Bliss (clarinet ’96, SM ’99) write to share
their good news! Elijah
Lafayette Bliss was born
on October 6, 2006 at
approximately 4:40 am.
He weighed 8 lbs, 1 oz
and was 20 ¼ inches
long. Both Elijah and
Kristin are doing fine
and are happy to finally
be home.
C a m e ro n B l a ck ford (percussion ’88)
Elijah Lafayette Bliss
and Evelyn (Warheit)
Blackford (trombone ’89) were married in
September 2005 in a small ceremony in Oakland. There are now five Cal Band alumni in
the Blackford clan: Cam’s dad Mike Blackford
(alto ’57), Cam’s sister Tavie (Blackford) Knapp
(mello ’81), and her husband Steve Knapp
(bass ’82). In addition, Robert Poy (trumpet
’88) was also
present to watch
the bride and
groom exit to the
sound of “Palms
of Victory” from
the Cal Band
Centennial CD.
The Blackfords
currently reside
in Union City,
California, and
rarely miss a Cal
home game.
Chris (bass
’86) and Kristen
(Keith) Hulett
(piccolo ’88) The Blackfords
The North Tunnel Echo
______
Erin Proudfoot ’92
Hanadi Shatara ’03
CBAA Communications
Cal Band Public
Committee Chair
Relations Director
______
Jason P. Clark ‘99 Editor
Tristan Harward ’02 Assistant Editor
______
Contributors
Laura Ackley ’88
Dorothy Proudfoot ’92
Mike Anzis ’62
Casey Randall ’56
Nichole Barlow ’04
Rob Rawson ’78
Juliette Bettencourt ’76
Doug Roberts ’74
Robert Calonico ’72
Allison Shultz ’03
Daniel Chapman ’02
Kathryn Skorpil ’04
Barbara Goodson ’77
Ben Smith ’04
Erika Gonzalez ’03
Alec Stewart ’01
Jason Lee ’03
Carol Suveda
Mary Parrish ’04
Renie Yuen ’03
______
Please address comments to:
The North Tunnel Echo
University of California Marching Band
72 César Chavez Student Center # 4280
Berkeley, CA 94720-4280
e-mail: [email protected]
The North Tunnel Echo is a joint publication of the
University of California Marching Band and the
Cal Band Alumni Association, Inc.
© 2006 Cal Band Alumni Association, Inc.
celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary
last July. Their oldest son William is four years
old and is already a fervent Cal fan. He and
Daddy watch all of the “bear games” together.
Younger brother Bryce turned two years old this
past May. Bryce is already holding his own in
physical contests with his big brother and
will clearly be the larger of the two when
all is said and done. Kristen is a structural
engineer with Paragon Structural Design in
Phoenix, Arizona and works on projects
around the world. She has supervised the
engineering of several schools, computer
fabrication plants, parking structures, and
various commercial buildings. Chris recently completed his Doctorate in Music
Education (at ASU) with an emphasis in
instrumental conducting. For the last four
years, Chris has been working as the Fine
Arts Coordinator for the Scottsdale School
District, after a five year stint as a high school
band director.
On July 8, 2006, Erica Sato (trombone ’01)
married Darren Byrd (percussion ’01) at Hs.
Lordships Restaurant in Berkeley. Bridesmaid
Jen Yokoyama (piccolo ’99) was joined by
mom and P.T.O. queen. On a recent trip back
to the Bay, she loved catching up with Jennifer
Morse (clarinet ’86) who just passed the bar,
Darren Busing (clarinet ’85) and “Stretch”
(okay, Jim) Armstrong (trombone ’85). Vanessa
would love to hear from friends at vanessa@
drummondcattle.com.
Douglas Fouts (trombone ’75) reports that
he has just been promoted from Professor
of Electrical and Computer Engineering to
Associate Dean of Research at the U.S. Naval
Postgraduate School in Monterey. Somehow,
he still finds the time to play trombone in 2
different brass quintets. Also, his 3-year old son
can already play an F and a low B-flat on the
trombone, much to his wife’s displeasure.
Continuing the parade of Cal Band weddings, Jenny Fox-Manaster (alto ’99, StuD ’02)
married David Wagner (alto ’98, SM ’01) on
August 13, 2006. The wedding ceremony was
held on campus at Faculty Glade, followed by
a reception at Alumni House. Maid of Honor
Megan (McDonald) Symonds (clarinet ’98)
was joined by bridesmaids Lauren Dempsey
(piccolo ’99), Marjorie Mansilla (percussion
’00), best man Chris Wagner (baritone ’96),
The Byrds
attendees Shereen Madjd-Sadjadi (trumpet
’99, PRD ’02), Liz Unger (percussion ’00),
Eddie Kim (clarinet ’00), Dan Naylor (tenor
’00), Jake Gardiner (trombone ’98), Wesley
Arai (trombone ’01), Ryan Palapaz (trombone
’03, StuD ’06), Hiro Hiriawa (trombone
’00), Sam Lam (percussion ’01), Matt Naylor
(trombone ’02), and Heather Handa (trumpet
’03, DM ’06).
Brent DeHart (trumpet ’79) asks for prayers
as his 13 year old son Nolan has relapsed from
childhood Leukemia and faces another 2 ½
years of chemotherapy. Nolan was last seen
in Berkeley playing Cal songs on Russ Ewy’s
(alto ’79) saxophone at the ’05 ABD.
Ken Molles (trombone ’89) writes: “I
recently took a trip to the Philippines. Currently, I’m applying to graduate school to
complete my Ph.D. in physics (after all these
years!) starting Fall 2007. My first choice is
Cal. In the meantime, I am pursuing a conditional teaching license in Las Vegas where
I hope to teach secondary school physical
science. In the mean time, I have spent the
last several months working at the Community
College of Southern Nevada.”
Vanessa (Shank) Drummond (trumpet ’86)
writes from Bartlesville, Oklahoma where she
and her cattle ranchin’, Stanford educated
husband, Ford, settled 8 years ago after a 6
year stint in D.C. They have three children:
Virginia (10), Russell (8) and Margaret (6)
who keep Vanessa hopping as stay-at-home
and groomsmen John Roberts (trumpet ’00),
and Benjamin “Milhouse” van Houten (alto
’98, ExSec ’00). Joining them at the wedding
were Christian Cunningham (mello ’99),
Chris Gee (alto ’98, StuD ’01), Will McNair
(alto ’97, DM ’01), Leah Thompson (clarinet
’98), Robert Shmerling (percussion ’97, StuD
’00), Jen Yokoyama (piccolo ’99), Patty Seo
(piccolo ’99, SM ’02), Dave Flaherty (bass
’99), John Manrique (percussion ’00), Janice
Mochizuki (clarinet ’00, ExSec ’02), Zach
Morrison (trumpet ’01, DM ’04), and Peter
Symonds (clarinet ’99).
Tanya Thomas (trombone ’01) writes: “I love
meeting Bandsmen in random places! This
summer I traveled with Boyd Cothran (tenor
’01) to Chamonix, a small town in the French
Alps. We had planned to meet Becca Brewer
(trombone ’01), and ended up running into
Kevin Petway (tenor ’96) in a local brewery,
and later Tristan Harward (clarinet ’02) and
Tara Castro (clarinet ’05) up at the view point
for Mt. Blanc, highest mountain in Europe!”
Tanya and Boyd now live in Minneapolis.
Karen Fisher (trombone ’87, PRD ’91) is in
the process of painstakingly changing 50 million records to read “Karen Fisher Favret” after
her marriage to Colin Favret on September 2,
2006. Colin also played trombone, albeit for
the University of Illinois. The party after the
wedding featured a pick-up band of guests,
www.calband.berkeley.edu
The Wagners
(continued on page 3)
Photo of Elijah Bliss by Emil Bliss
Wedding Photos by (from left): Evelyn Blackford, Eddie Kim, and Peter Symonds
“Deus Managrum Nostrum Damnet”
IN MEMORIAM
James Arnold, Trumpet ’32, Capt ’35
James Arnold, a life-long resident of Contra Costa County, passed
away last March in Martinez at the age of 91. Arnold was a 1937
graduate of UC Berkeley’s College of Commerce, and served as the
Captain of the Cal Band in 1935, a position equivalent to today’s
Student Director. While at Berkeley, Arnold lived in the International
House. During World War II, Arnold served as a Weather Observer
in the U.S. Air Force.
Jim Arnold started his career in 1938 as Director of the Marching
Bands of Layton, Madeira and then Concord High Schools. From
1956 until his retirement in 1974 he was the Coordinator of Music
for MDUSD. Among his many honors and community involvement,
he was a co-founder of the Diablo Symphony and started the Summer School of Fine Arts in the mid-1960s. He was named “Man of
The Year” by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, received the
California State Legislature certificate of recognition for his work
in music, and in October 2000 he received the Arts Recognition
award from the Board of Supervisors for his work on the Arts and
Culture Commission of Contra Costa County.
Echoes
continued from 2 The Favrets are currently in the
with four trombones, a tenor sax, midst of a move to the DC area,
an alto, a piano, and any number where Colin will continue doing
systematic entomology. Karen
will be doing something vaguely
related to oceanography during a
two year change of station from
Los Alamos National Lab to the
CIA headquarters. Colin and Karen
will live in Takoma Park, Maryland,
so if you’re in the area already
and want to visit, email them at
[email protected].
The Rawson Clan reports from
Texas that Jamie Rawson (bass
’77) started work for VMWare
last October after 16 years with
Sun Microsystems and its successor, Accenture Training. The new
position has him back to his globetrotting ways. He spent much of
The Favrets
August and September in Taipei,
of percussive additions, like her Tokyo, and Singapore, returning to
father on tambourine, and folks San Francisco in time for Alumni
passing around a box of Trader Joe’s Band Day ’06.
wasabi peas that shook admirably.
Rob Rawson (trombone ’78,
All that heard agreed that it was ExSec ’81) was appointed Assistant
“memorable,” and unforgettable, Dean of the UT Southwestern
especially the unique combination
(continued on page 6)
of wedding veil and trombone...
Cal Band Alumni Merchandise
Page Support CBAA activities while stocking up on cool, warm, or weatherproof items! CBAA is offering tank tops, polar fleeces (ladies’ and
men’s styles), and rain slickers embroidered with the CBAA logo (script
Cal with “BAND ALUMNI” underneath and highstepper). Your CBAA
membership gets you a discount on all items. Samples of each item in
all sizes will be available for viewing at the Cal Band Alumni Reunion
on December 1, 2006.
Heather gray unisex tank top: $15 (member price: $12)
Navy full-zip polar fleece:
$45 (member price: $40)
Navy rain slickers:
$55 (member price: $50)
CBAA Duffel Bags: Sizes and prices TBA
“The Spirit of Cal” CD: $20 (member price: $18)
Watch with Script Cal Band logo: $45 (member price: $40)
The newly remastered “The Spirit of Cal” CD features special recordings of the Cal Band from the 1960 and 1966 albums.
The CBAA is taking pre-orders for two styles of ladies’ and men’s
watches. One is black and white and the other is metallic blue and silver,
both with the Script Cal Band logo. If we get at least 50 orders, we’ll
have the watches in time for Christmas. Samples of blank watches will
be at the Reunion as well.
A full-color order form with pictures of the merchandise will be on
the CBAA website soon! Until then, please contact Dorothy Proudfoot
for ordering information at: [email protected].
CBAA Financial Report
Prepared as per CBAA constitutional guidelines by CBAA Treasurer
Doug Roberts (percussion ’74). Inquiries regarding this report should
be directed to him via e-mail: [email protected].
Memberships:
Sustaining members as of
12/31/2005: 434
Income/Expense (as of 12/31/2005)
Alumni Band Day:
Expense: $1,335
North Tunnel Echo:
Income: $1,000 Expense: $2,861
Net
expense: $1,861
Band Workshops:
Expense: $82
Membership Revenue:
1 & 2 Year Memberships: $3,010
Lifetime-Amortized: $2,046
Net Income: $5,056
Merchandising:
Income: $2,192
Expense: $1,941 Net Income: $251
Archiving:
Income: $3,405
Expense: $1,312
Net
Income: $2,093
Lifetime Membership Revenues &
Amortization Trust Account:
New Memberships: $6,425
Net Investment Income: $1,641
Amortiztion Payout: $2,046
Net Income: $6,020
Other:
Income: $649
Expense: $774
Net expense: $125
Balance of Assets (as of 12/31/2005):
Lftm. Membership Investment Fund:
$51,740
History Project Fund: $1,794
Archiving Project Fund: $3,954
Unrestricted Assets: $17,290
Total Assets: $74,778
Fiat Lux! NorCal Benefit Nets Record Funds
Carol Suveda, Alumni Relations and Events Manager
Many thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s NorCal Benefit. The Cal Band
netted over $86,000 – a $50,000 jump in income over last year! This year’s success can
be attributed in part to our generous
sponsors, especially our Guiding Stars
– who each gave $15,000 to support the
event. Thanks to our Event Committee,
who provided names of friends and family
to add to the invitation list, we had over
100 more guests than usual at the event.
Carol Suveda chats with Rosemary Mein and Bill and
The Cronks’ home was brimming full of
Andrea Dewitt at the NorCal Benefit.
Cal cheer with over 320 guests and the
entire Cal Band, which has its largest membership in recent memory at 225! We had a more
profitable auction than ever, due in part to the addition of a live auction promoted by volunteer auctioneer Steve Haworth. The Wine BEARrel drawing organized by Ellen Dale brought
in an additional $2,000. Over 100 people who could not attend the event sent in contributions adding up to $23,730 in “regret money,” which also made a huge difference. During
the event, our hosts Rick and Janet Cronk were presented with a special Lifetime Honorary
Membership to the Cal Band. We could not have enjoyed such a great party without their
warm enthusiasm, positive attitude, and generous support of the Band. We look forward to Nancy Jean, Tellefsen Hall’s renowned House Chef, poses
with Erika Gonzalez (alto ’03) at the NorCal Benefit.
building on this year’s success with another wonderful event next year. Please contact me at
(510) 643-2662 or [email protected] if you would like to assist in any way. Go Bears!
Layout by Tristan Harward
Arnold obituary courtesy the Arnold Family
www.calband.berkeley.edu
Photos by: Karen Rawson (left)
Renie Yuen (bottom left), and Kathryn Skorpil (borrom right)
The North Tunnel Echo
Page Cal Band Update
Allison Shultz, Alto ’03, SM ’06
This season, we have been lucky enough to have a 225 member
band, one of the largest we have ever seen. With these outstanding
numbers, we have been able to chart pregame for 199 people, and the
average halftime show is for 210 members. The full sound this large
band creates, as well as the innovative charting this season has lead
to great crowd responses and compliments. For example, the “Action
Show” melodrama at the Oregon game, where Oski’s axe was stolen by
the Stanford tree and he had to retrieve it in a dance-off was especially
popular with both the students and alumni.
Another exciting piece of news is the arrival of our new uniforms.
With clean vests that are white from both a distance and close up,
and shiny, polished buckles and buttons, these new uniforms give the
Cal Band a crisp appearance. A long time in the works, they arrived
just before the season started (a little too close to the first game for
comfort!). It was quite an adventure to get the uniforms on the Band.
The jackets, capes and vests did not arrive until the Friday afternoon
before the first home game. Thanks to the hard work of the Uniform
Managers and patience of the Band, we were able to get everyone
fitted that night.
Our upcoming trip to Tucson, Arizona came as a bit of a surprise.
We had not originally planned to go due to a lack of funding, but
the ASUC and University came through for us, and gave us enough
funding to go, donating $3,000 and $12,000 respectively. Twenty-five
band members will be going to the game without subsidizing it with
their own money. It is great to see support both from the students and
the University.
We hope that you have enjoyed hearing some of what has been going
on with the band this fall, and look forward to seeing you during Big
Game week. We also anticipate some exciting basketball games this
spring, and the joint alumni-current band member SHB’s.
The basses relax before pre-game sporting the new Cal Band uniforms. From left:
John Doylemason (bass ’05), Pierre Adler (bass ’04), and Jeffrey Ni (bass ’06).
Layout by Erika Gonzalez
The Cal Band Phonez pose for a picture before a performance in Knoxville, Tennessee. From
left to right: Greg Uyeno (alto ’05), Gordon Chien (alto ’05), Bryan Huang (alto ’03), Gabriela
Garcia (alto ’05), Erika Gonzalez (stooping) (alto ’03), Lucas Hennes (alto ’03), Gabe Sudario
(alto ’05), and Allison Shultz (alto ’03, SM ’06).
A Trip to Tennessee
continued from 1
just chilling around the University of Tennessee campus. There was so
much orange, and signs boasted of the largest tailgate in the nation. I
don’t doubt it. Tennessee fans were overflowing in the parking decks,
and in every street from campus out to the river.
In the early afternoon, the Band played at the Cal tailgate, with
over 1,000 attendees. Our next challenge was getting to the football
game. I was surprised when the police called before the trip to tell us
they would be escorting us to and from the game, but once we were
there, we realized we needed the police to even get near the stadium.
Following the flashing blue lights, we felt like diplomats. Everyone
on the bus gasped when about seven blocks from the stadium we
hit a wall of orange. We needed the police to slowly inch our way
through. After almost a mile of solid orange we finally parked and
entered the stadium.
Every last person in the stadium, minus the 5,000 Cal fans, was
wearing orange—that’s about 97,000 people wearing orange. Now if
only we could get Cal fans to do the same in blue!
The game started, and the stadium was teeming with energy. Unfortunately, fate was against us that day. But by the second half, our offense
picked it up, and we have been playing well since then, so maybe we
just needed a reminder to put our hearts into it. On a brighter note,
many fans told me that our band of 52 sounded just as loud as the Tenn
band (they were on the microphones at times). The University of Tennessee had an exceptionally good band (especially the brass section),
with kind members, and their pre-game performance with a block ‘T’
opening to the football team was very impressive.
The motorcade took us from the stadium as well, driving on the
wrong side of the highway, and shutting down traffic the entire five
miles back to our hotel.
Sunday started with an early bus ride to Nashville, where we toured
downtown by foot. We bought handheld games known as “redneck
entertainment centers” (seriously, that is what they were called!), tshirts, and enjoyed the ambiance. After an hour or so, we proceeded
to the outskirts of Nashville, to a beautiful park.
The Baritone DA this year, Drew Sheldon (baritone ’05), lives in Nashville, and as we drove, he gave us an intimate guided tour, including
such specialties as where he bought a corsage for prom, a good sushi
place, and major landmarks. When we got to the park his parents
had catered a good ol’ down home barbeque with corn bread, pulled
pork, and sweet iced tea. We relaxed for a few hours, despite a small
concern about local grass-bound pests, throwing personalized Cal Band
Cal vs. Tennessee Frisbees the Sheldons had made for us, recreating the
football game, and walking in the lush greenery of the South.
And so concluded our trip to the South, to Tennessee. It was full
of great food, Southern hospitality, green landscapes, and beauty. In
summary, the weekend rocked, minus a few hours in the afternoon
on Saturday.
www.calband.berkeley.edu
Photos courtesy of the Cal Band
“Deus Managrum Nostrum Damnet”
Cal Band Makes Snakes on a Plane
Daniel Chapman,
Trumpet ’02
There was excitement
in the cabin. After months
of waiting, Cal football
was only a day away. The
engines roared, and our
plane began accelerating
down the runway. The front
wheels lifted off the ground.
Uri Tzarnotzky (trumpet
’03) looked back at me,
and we raised our trumpets
and belted out the intro to
“Fight for California,” and
a significant portion of the
plane began singing about
a certain sturdy, golden
bear.
While the Straw Hat Band
occupied just the last seven
rows of the Boeing 737, Cal Daniel Chapman (trumpet ’02) and Chris Lee (clarinet ’02)
scream in horror at their prize winning snake.
fans made up a good 95%
of the plane. Passengers from dimensional, while another was
the front to the back of the plane in the shape of a script Cal. One
clapped along to their fight song as was curled up, ready to attack, and
we ascended over the Bay.
another was solving a Sudoku with
Once we reached cruising al- its tongue.
titude, a generous Cal fan sitting
By the end of the flight, even
amongst the Band decided to treat passengers completely unassocithe last five rows of the plane to ated with Cal or the Cal Band
beer (thank you, kind sir!). We were making snakes. The flight
chatted about football, solved attendants told us it was the most
Sudokus, and some of us even fun they ever had on a plane, and
tried to study.
decided to announce awards for
It only took me a few minutes to the best snakes in various catrealize that I wasn’t going to waste egories. They made crowns out
precious Cal Band road trip time of peanut bags for the winners of
studying for the GRE. I put away the best all-around snake; one of
my physics book and took out the awards even went to a non-Cal
construction paper and markers. Bandsman.
Motivated by the brilliant film
A week later the Cal Band was
“Snakes on a Plane,” I fashioned a mentioned in The San Francisco
paper snake with menacing stripes, Chronicle for its airplane activities.
and hung it from the overhead Many suspect that the snake project
compartment. When I looked was simply a way of distracting
back a couple minutes later I was ourselves from the embarrasssurprised to find another snake, ment that our school suffered in
hanging from a different com- Neyland Stadium. That is not the
partment, poised to attack Bryan case, of course, since we were
Huang (alto ’03).
all confident that five weeks later
It wasn’t until the plane ride we would win the Nobel Prize in
back, however, that the activity Physics and crush No. 11 Oregon
really caught on, as Cal Bandsmen on national television. The Cal
started making a wide variety of Band just knows how to have a
snakes and hanging them all over good road trip—without getting
the plane. One snake was three- banned from an airline.
IN REMEMBRANCE
Early morning on
October 22, the Band
lost a dear member of
its family, the Band
Van, a.k.a. the “Wrath
of Steel.” The blue
1995 GMC, used
to bring equipment
to Maxwell field for
practice, was totaled
in a car accident
after over 10 years
of faithful service to
the Band. Thankfully,
nobody was injured.
The Band plans to Allison Shultz (alto ’03, SM ’06) holds what remains of the
purchase a new van Band Van. Standing with her are the van’s ill-fated drivers,
in the near future.
Andy Ferris (mello ’03) and Maya Wildgoose (alto ’05).
Layout by Erika Gonzalez
Band van article by Nichole Barlow
Behind the Tradition:
The ‘Clarinet Click’
Page Nichole Barlow, Clarinet ’04
On a given game day during the fall semester, it is more than likely
that you will see the Cal Band do certain things. There is the Sproul
Steps concert, march-up, pre-game…But there is also a lesser known
tradition, at least to those outside the Band: the “clarinet click.”
The clarinet click is a tradition that many believe brings Cal good
luck in the football game. While the Band waits in North Tunnel to
perform pre-game, they form a gauntlet through which the football
teams runs. Afterward, two fourth year, second-part clarinet players
face one another at opposite ends of the gauntlet. They give the signal
and run towards each other. The Band waits with bated breath to hear
the familiar ‘click’ as the metal on the front of the uniform vests comes
into contact. If the two clarinet players click, the game will be good.
Then, the drumline plays a cadence and much celebration ensues as
Band members click with each other on their way to their pre-game
spots in North Tunnel.
Where did this tradition come from? The Cal Band is famous for its
traditions. The Band uses the same marching style that was introduced
in the 1950’s. Yet no one was quite sure where the click came from. A
few clarinets decided to find out, and they talked to John Rich (clarinet
’86), the originator of the click.
During the 1980’s, Bandsmen would click the piece of metal on their
vests to wish each other good luck, just as we do today. That evolved
into some Bandsmen trying to click with each other as hard as they
could, which turned into chest-butting. During the fall season of 1988,
Rich, who was a third year at the time, wondered what would happen
if they tried a running leap before clicking. It would give them “more
force than the chest butting.” So at the first home game that season,
Rich tried out the approach with his friend Dave Tanabe (clarinet ’86,
DM ’89).
They began small, with about five steps distance between them, and
only a few sections in the Band knew about their new click. However,
later in the season, the whole Band found out and took to the idea. So,
Rich and Tanabe started increasing the distance between their running
leap until they ran the entire length of North Tunnel at Big Game. They
performed the click at away games as well to keep up the tradition.
In 1989, Tanabe became Drum Major, so Rich began performing
the click with Jeff Fong (clarinet ’86, SM ’89). After that year, Rich
graduated, and passed the tradition along to the other clarinets. Fong
continued to do the click with Brian Callanan (clarinet ’89), eliminating
the tradition of slowly increasing the distance of the click and instead
running all of North Tunnel every time. That is how the click remains
today, 16 years later.
Today, the click is done by fourth year clarinets who play second-part.
The tallest and the shortest of this group are chosen to do the click at
the first game, and it alternates among the fourth years after that.
At the next home game, if you are by North Tunnel before pre-game,
listen for the click and be excited because our nearly two-decade old
tradition has predicted a good game!
Jason Lee (clarinet ’03) runs through the North Tunnel to meet his
clarinet click partner, Terry Kim (clarinet ’03).
www.calband.berkeley.edu
Photos by Erika Gonzalez (top left),
Allison Shultz (left), and Cindi Castro (right)
The North Tunnel Echo
Page Winter Basketball SHBs
Bob Briggs Wins Tony Martinez Award
Juliette Bettencourt, Clarinet ’76
It has become a great tradition to have alumni players join the
Cal Band for men’s and women’s basketball games over the winter
break. Not only does it boost the sound of the Cal Band, it fosters
alumni and student relationships, both new and old. We hope
you will join us!
Probable dates include:
Tuesday, Dec. 19th, 8pm gametime, vs. Furman (men’s)
Thursday, Dec. 28th, 7pm gametime, vs. ASU (women’s)
Saturday, Dec. 30th, 2pm gametime, vs. Arizona (women’s)
Tuesday, Jan. 2nd, 6pm gametime, vs. Rhode Island (women’s)
Wednesday, Jan. 3rd, 7pm gametime @ Stanford (men’s)
Saturday, Jan. 6th, 2pm gametime, vs. Stanford (women’s)
Thursday, Jan. 11th, 7:30pm gametime, vs. WSU (men’s)
Saturday, Jan. 13th, 2pm gametime, vs. Washington (men’s)
Thursday, Jan. 18th, 7pm gametime, vs. OSU (women’s)
Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2pm gametime, vs. Oregon (women’s)
Call time at BRH is 45 minutes prior to gametime. The Cal Band
will especially need alumni for the 2 women’s Pac-10 games on
December 28 and 30. If you are around, please mark these dates
in your calendar! Check the CBAA website for more information.
From the time Rob1967 to 1969, workert O. Briggs (coronet
ing as a TA in the Cal
’48, Director ’72music department
’95) entered Cal in
while doing doctoral
1948 as a junior
work. In the spring
college transfer, he’s
of 1971, Bob was
been in the right
hired full time as the
place at the right
Cal Band assistant
time. The number 4
director, sharing the
dominates his curCal Band directing
rent statistics as a Cal
duties with David
student, alum, and
Tucker. He was the
Band director. Bob
Acting Director in
marched in 4 Rose
1972, and in 1973
Bowls (’49, ’50, ’51,
he was named Diand ’59), participated in 4 Cal rector of the Cal Band, a post he
Band tours: 1958 Brussels World held until his retirement in 1995.
Fair, 1966 American Tour, 1968
At each Big Game Reunion, the
California Tour, 1970 Japan Tour, CBAA honors an alumnus for his
1976 Bicentennial Tour, AND or her service, dedication, and
conducted in 4 bowl games: ’79 continuing support of the Cal Band
Garden State Bowl, ’90 Copper in memory of former Cal Band
Bowl, ’92 Citrus Bowl, and ’93 member and charter, Tony MartiAlec Stewart, Trumpet ’01, StuD ’04 Alamo Bowl. No wonder he was nez (clarinet ‘49, DM ’51). Even
named (the first ever) Director in retirement, Bob has unstintingly
Beating back rusty chops, groggiEmeritus!
helped the Cal Band by attending
ness, and San Francisco’s notorious
Bob was born in Modesto, workshops, providing a sounding
summer morning fog, members of
California in 1927, attending lo- board, and treating Stunt Committhe Cal Band and the Alumni Band
cal schools and Modesto Junior tee members to inspirational trips
showed up in force at Golden Gate
College before entering Cal as an to see musical performances in San
Park in July to stage an inspired perarchitecture major, gravitating to Francisco. Each year, several stuformance at the San Francisco AIDS
math, and then finally finishing dents benefit from the Briggs Family
Walk. Bandsmen of all ages showed
as a music major and earning a scholarships that Bob established,
up early and ready to play. Some
teaching credential. After serving and Bob can still be seen flashing
came to enjoy the company of old
in the Army from 1952 to 1955, that infectious grin while dressed
Band friends, others for an excuse to
he received his Master’s Degree in in his Director’s uniform. Bob will
play their horns. Still, others came to
Music from San Francisco State in receive his award at the Reunion
pay tribute to the memories of loved
1962, concurrently teaching music on December 1st at Pyramid Aleones lost to a dreadful disease.
at Armijo High School in Fairfield, house Brewery. Congratulations
Despite the early call time, we
California. He served as an assis- and thank you, Bob!
quickly remembered that the comtant director for the Cal Band from
pany of enthusiastic Bandsmen can
be more effective than coffee. To
continued from 1
pass the time before the downbeat,
we entertained ourselves by exploring the park, shooting hoops at the Ashley Halliday (tenor ’72) performs at the often heard to good-naturedly refer
San Francisco AIDS Walk.
to the other U.C. campuses as “those
“Live 105” table, and reuniting with
Cal Band alums. As the fog cleared and the sun peeked through the country clubs.” He was also fond of
trees, we dusted off our instruments to provide musical motivation for reminding many younger bandsmen
the 25,000 walkers and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of friends and that “We won our Rose Bowl game”
(1938 – Cal 13, Alabama 0).
music in the park.
Abe was buried with full military
Dressed in special Cal AIDS Walk t-shirts, the Band looked sharp
as it performed a variety of Cal songs, rock standards, and of course, honors at Arlington National Cemthe Alumni Band Fanfare for the passing masses. One AIDS Walk etery on August 22nd. Over 50 friends
participant who happened to be a Cal Band alum couldn’t resist join- and relatives traveled to Washington
ing the Band. Though she hadn’t picked up a pair of cymbals since from California and around the
she graduated from Cal, she was easily persuaded to stand in with country for the ceremony. Abe will
the Band for a forearm-burning performance of “Big ‘C’!” This, along be fondly remembered by all who
with the good times had by all, symbolizes the enduring nature of the knew him for his engaging warmth,
his wit, his enjoyment of life, and as
California Spirit.
a gentleman of the highest order. His
Capt. D.L. Buckey, USN, presents
CORRECTION
friends and the Cal community will
the Purple Heart to Abe Hankin in
miss him very much.
Berkeley on May 20, 2006.
Playing for A Cure at SF AIDS Walk
Remembering Abe Hankin
Revisiting the Potbellied Bear
Laura Ackley, Percussion ’88
After publication of my article
highlighting the late Aaron Katzman’s
(trumpet ‘85) graphic design work
for the Cal Band, I received a very
nice note from Dr. Don Dean, Ph.D.,
(percussion ’60, StuD, ’63). I had mistakenly attributed Don’s wonderful sketches of the Pot-bellied Bear, featured in
The Pride of California to Aaron. Sincerest apologies to Don! Aaron
would have been the first to accurately identify the artist, however, this
correction enables the NTE to print more of Don’s “PBB” sketches!
Layout by Tristan Harward
Echoes
continued from 3
Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences in January, a job that
has him travelling more and also
took him to the Bay Area in time
to partake of ABD.
Karen (Lingo) Rawson (trombone ’81, SM ’84) recently took a
position with SAI Global consulting. She also travels but her best
efforts to make it out for ABD
www.calband.berkeley.edu
were thwarted by a last minute
schedule change. Otherwise, all
is well in Texas.
Andrew Farthing (trombone
’97) married Karina Hooper on
August 12, 2006 and made her
an instant Cal fan. Both had a
blast attending the recent ASU and
Oregon games.
Photos by: Timothy Tung (left), N. Dan Cheatham (top and bottom right)
Bear Sketches by Don Dean
Page “Deus Managrum Nostrum Damnet”
Alumni Band Day 2006
continued from 1
in hand, when Alumni Band Drum Major Erin
Proudfoot (clarinet ’92, DM ’95) started to explain
the continuity. There didn’t seem to be too much
high step (and I guessed that I’d not be alone in
doing it badly) so I elected to march. How could
I not? It would be more than a shame to come a
thousand miles to be at ABD for the first time in 20
years and sit it out. How to pass up a chance to
march once more on the green turf of Memorial;
to hear a big crowd cheer? Just passing through
the Tunnel on the way to the field brought back
long-dormant sensations.
Halftime brought the Cal Band onto the field
to perform a show around hits from the Beatles.
Accordingly, we played songs from Beatles’ alumni
(“Live and Let Die,” “It Don’t Come Easy,” “My
Sweet Lord,” and “Imagine”). I’d love to say that
our halftime show went flawlessly. Suffice it to
say, it went pretty well. More significantly, it was
very well-received. The “peace sign” formation to
“Imagine” elicited a big response, as did our (admittedly) wobbly block down the field to “Sons.”
Marching down Bancroft was nostalgic as well.
Some of the audience even passed around beers
when we stopped and played – heaven forefend.
Once at Senior Hall, the beer was cold and free
(and of far finer make than it ever was in our
student days). Fellowship and fibbing followed.
A viewing of the halftime video had us feeling
pleased with our performance. We are never as
good or as bad as we imagine but the show came
off well anyway.
As is the nature of such gatherings, there is too
little time to spend with too many old friends,
but it offered at least a brief chance to reacquaint
ourselves. The reception was all the better for the
attendance of many who could not be there for the
marching. All in all, an excellent experience.
CBAA Council Information
The CBAA Council is the governing body of the California Band Alumni Association.
Its members are elected annually for terms of three (3) years. General meetings of the
Council are held quarterly and are open to all Band Alumni. The next CBAA Council
meeting is on Saturday, February 3, 2007 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in BRH. For more
information about Council meetings contact President Richard Powell. For minutes of the
CBAA Council meetings, please contact CBAA Secretary Juliette Bettencourt or visit www.
calband.berkeley.edu/cbaa.
Council Members
CBAA Officers
Richard Powell, President
(650) 575-5658
[email protected]
Barbara Goodson, Vice President
(925) 829-7654
[email protected]
Doug Roberts, Treasurer
(707) 427-0866
[email protected]
Juliette Bettencourt, Secretary
(408) 923-4142
[email protected]
Chris Bailey, Performance
(510) 339-9105
[email protected]
Erin Proudfoot, Communications
(510) 642-0227
[email protected]
Contact the Cal Band
Performance Inquiries:
Student Director Ryan Palapaz
[email protected]
Terms expiring 2007:
Terms expiring 2008:
James Benton ’94
Aaron Glimme ’90
Andy LaBatt ’90
Ed Price ’70
Dorothy Proudfoot ’92
Erin Proudfoot ’92
Douglas Roberts ’74
Timothy Tung ’98
Robert Witbeck ’51
Mike Yambrovich ’78
Chris Bailey ’70
Juliette Bettencourt ’76
Matt Bjork ’87
Warren Lei ’94
Jerry Miller ’96
Richard Powell ’96
Mark Proudfoot ’92
Rune Stromsness ’90
Jerry Taylor ’66
Wade Williams ’77
Terms expiring 2009:
Ex-Officio Members:
Tina Avilla ’91
Andrew Capule ’95
Jason Clark ’99
Barbara Goodson ’77
Gary Hsueh ’95
Tom Kellogg ’67
Sara LaBatt ’92
Eric Mart ’66
Allen Santos ’95
Peter Symonds ’99
Robert O. Briggs, ’48
Director Emeritus
Robert Calonico, ’72
Cal Band Director
Allison Shultz, ’03
Cal Band Senior Manager
Carol Suveda, SMA
Alumni Relations &
Events Manager
Other Inquiries:
PR Director Hanadi Shatara
[email protected]
CBAA MEMBERSHIP FORM
Join the California Band Alumni Association! Your membership dues make
possible such things as this North Tunnel Echo, Alumni Band Day, Cal Band
Executive Committee workshops, and other projects that support both the
Cal Band and its alumni. Membership entitles you to discounts on CBAA
merchandise and events. New 2-year sustaining members and life members
also get a free polo shirt and hat. Please send this form to:
2-year Membership renewal. Expires 6/30/08. $30
enclosed.
1-year membership. Expires 6/30/07. $20 enclosed.
Cal Band Alumni Association
University of California Marching Band
72 César Chavez Student Center # 4280
Berkeley, CA 94720-4280
“New Member” Discount Package. Good for any first-time
sustaining CBAA member. Includes: 2-year membership,
Alumni hat and polo shirt ($60 value). $30 enclosed.
(Parents and fellow alumni should consider giving their Band alumni
friends and relatives a “gift membership,” great for graduation, birthday,
or any occasion).
Life Membership. Paid in full. Includes a free Alumni hat
and polo shirt. $325 enclosed.
Name
Life Membership. 5-year installment plan. Includes a
free Alumni hat and polo shirt. $80 enclosed ($400 over
5 years).
Check here if this is a gift membership
Address
Choose shirt size:
Phone
Men’s polo shirt (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)
E-mail
Women’s polo shirt (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL)
Youth polo shirt (S, M, L, XL)
Instrument
Years in Band
Choose baseball cap type hat type:
to
Soft, low-bill with canvas snap-on/buckle closure
Hard, regular baseball cap with plastic tab closure
Senior Officer? (Office/year)
Lived in TH? (list which years)
www.calband.berkeley.edu
University of California, Berkeley
The North Tunnel Echo
University of California Marching Band
72 César Chavez Center # 4280
Berkeley, CA 94720-4280
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
University of California
Address Service Requested
In This Issue:
Cal Band’s Snakes on a Plane
Remembering World War II Hero Abe Hankin
Behind the Tradition: The Clarinet ‘Click’
Rocky Top Tennessee
UPCOMING EVENTS
Date
Event
Location
Dec 1
Cal Band Reunion, 6:00PM, Pyramid Alehouse
Berkeley
Dec 2
Big Game, 12:00PM, Memorial Stadium
Berkeley
Dec 19
First of ten Cal and Alumni Band Basketball SHBs
Berkeley
Feb 3, 2007
CBAA Council Meeting, 10:00AM, BRH
Berkeley
For additional information, write to the
above mailing address or [email protected], or go to:
Cal Band web page: www.calband.berkeley.edu
CBAA web page: www.calband.berkeley.edu/calband/cbaa
The NTE is printed on recycled paper