Eye-Openers

"Iowa 'EYE-OPENERS'-- A growing corps in a growing area!
The central Iowa "EYE-OPENERS" Junior Drum and Bugle Corps was organized in February 1972 of members from the areas of Marshalltown, State Center, Le Grand, and Green Mountain. It is now in its first full year of competition after having competed in the Rose Festival Show in State Center, Iowa; the American Legion competition in Des Moines, Iowa; and many parades throughout the state of Iowa during the 1972 season.The corps had approximately 85 members, ages 9 to 17 years. In August of 1972 the Corps lost its director and 2 instructors due to job transfers of these people. Last fall the Corps reorganized and the executive board engaged Elmer Mowry as Director, and his wife Evelyn as instructor and assistant. The Director then engaged an instructing staff of Ken Nason, Melborne, as beginning bugle instructor; and Don Smalley, as drum instructor, and Vern DeLawyer, Marshalltown, as marching and maneuvering instructor. With lessons and a new approach to music, marching and maneuvering, plus a system of strict discipline, the Corps was trimmed to approximately fifty-five dedicated members who now compose the new "EYE-OPENERS".
The Corps then set about to obtain new music and new field drill, and set up an intensive program of practice. Music was written by Dan and David Crosser of Osage, Iowa, who are members of the Precisionaires Drum and Bugle Corps. This music was taught and new drills were practiced. With very hard work and real dedication on the part of the members, the "EYE-OPENERS" are now considered one of the best "FIRST YEAR CORPS" in the Mid-west.
The "EYE-OPENERS" although new to field competition and very young in age (average 12 years old) have raised the eyebrows of drum corps people with the energy shown by the youngsters, a field drill that is well balanced, and music that is enjoyable to listen to.
The future success of this Corps is assured by the fine attitude of the Corps members and the solid support of the people of this area and a hard working and completely dedicated parent booster club. Their sponsors are the Marshalltown Kiwanis Club, the Morning Optimist Club, Frank Lewis Glick Post No. 46 of the American Legion, and the United Auto Workers Union. The Corps members have, with their hard work and dedication to drum corps, made many people of the Central Iowa area, as their creed goes, "OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE EYE-OPENERS".

So, people of Central Iowa, they are YOUR drum corps. SUPPORT THEM WILLINGLY...
[From the March 1974 issue of DCA)

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The Silver Spectrum Drum & Bugle Corps is a second year corps organized for the benefit of youth in mid-Iowa. Home base for the "Spectrum" is Marshalltown,Iowa.
Contemporary Jazz will be the sound and style of their 1980 production. The Spectrum will present their own arrangements of "1980", "Fortune Tellers", "Chicago", and "My Love".
[From the 1980 DCM Championship Souvenir Program.]
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Jim and Jackie Bacino of Marshalltown have been
stewards of the Silver Spectrum Drum and Bugle Corp
finances since the group was formed in 1972. They
decided to invest funds from the sale of instruments
and equipment into an MCC scholarship fund. The
Corps performed in events and parades in Central Iowa
for many years, delighting audiences with their rhythmic
cadences and precision marching.
“The Silver Spectrum Drum & Bugle Corps performed in several State and National Competitions during the
summers until disbanding in 1981, says Jim Bacino.
“The Corps was successful because it was a family oriented
affair with many parents volunteering their time
and love to our youth.”
[http://iavalley.cc.ia.us/mcc/foundation/Transcript%20Summer09.pdf]
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The Eye-Openers' feeder corps was called the Winks.

[DCW, 6/29,90, p.13]

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