Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 24, 1993 TAG: 9308240464
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: PAT BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Kurt Akers and Allen Joanis of Salem, Almon English of Roanoke, Carson Graham of Pulaski and Tony Deyo of Natural Bridge were members of the Cadets of Bergen County, a New Jersey drum and bugle corps that captured the world title after three days of competition.
"I just felt relieved," said Joanis, who will leave today for band camp and his freshman year at James Madison University.
"It's great to think you're best in the world at something you did," said Akers, a sophomore at Virginia Western Community College.
As early as last fall, they were auditioning. They traveled to New Jersey monthly for rehearsals. Three weeks of spring training cramped their schedules and forced Joanis to take his high school final exams early.
In mid-June, all 128 members of the corps climbed on three buses, with a portable kitchen and a tractor-trailer full of instruments following.
They slept on gymnasium floors and marched on 120-degree artificial turf in Houston. Joanis said the conditions were a test of how far he could push himself, but added, "It gave me an opportunity to improve my music."
Akers said he signed on with the Cadets because he missed his band days at Salem High School. He'll be helping the Salem drum line next year, but he won't continue with the Cadets.
"It was one of those things that you have to try and see what it's like. It was too miserable for me," he said.
Each young man will receive a ring for his participation. "It's really neat," said Joanis. "Just like for the Super Bowl."
Memo: ***CORRECTION***