The  Optimists  Alumni  Drum  &  Bugle  Corps

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

. . . March On!

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Home Page of the Optimists Alumni Drum Corps

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Audio and Video Files

Slideshows (in Flash format)

  We Remember...
 
  • We Remember former corps members and staff of the Toronto Optimists, the Seneca Optimists and the Optimists Alumni who have passed away. (last updated on October 6, 2012)
   
  Our Members Marched With....
 
  • This short video contains photos of many different corps, each of which has one or more members in the Optimists Alumni. Unfortunately, at this point, I don't have photos of all the corps represented by our membership. (added April 30, 2007)
   
  Optimists Alumni: Evolution
 
  • This short video contains photos of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps. There are rehearsal photos and photos of performances covering the period from its formation in 2003 until 2007. (added August 1, 2007)
   
  The Optimists: Then & Now
 
  • This short video contains photos of the Toronto Optimists and the Seneca Optimists. The photos cover the period from about 1957 through 1977. There are also a couple of photos of the Alumni corps that were taken at Waterloo, ON in 2006. (added February 3, 2007)
   
  Seneca Optimists Colour Guard
 
  • The Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps are proud to announce a Tribute to the Seneca Optimists Colour Guard. (added April 8, 2010)
   
1977 1977 Seneca Optimists: In Review
 
  • This video contains photos of the 1977 Seneca Optimists Drum & Bugle corps. It uses the 1977 field show as an audio background. There are rehearsal photos, casual shots and photos of performances. All of the photos were taken during the summer of 1977. (added June 25, 2008)
   
2007 2007 Optimists Alumni: In Review
 
  • All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps were taken during 2007. We've included a few photos from rehearsals as well as photos from a variety of performances. (added April 8, 2008)
   
2008 2008 Optimists Alumni: In Review
 
  • All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps were taken during 2008. We've included a few photos from rehearsals, photos from the reunion and photos from a number of performances. (added August 3, 2009)
   
2009 2009 Optimists Alumni: In Review
 
  • All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps were taken during 2009. We've included photos from rehearsals and social events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows. (added March 17, 2010)
   
2010 2010 Optimists Alumni: In Review
 
  • All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps were taken during 2010. We've included photos from rehearsals and social events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows. (added January 24, 2010)
   
2011 2011 Optimists Alumni: In Review
 
  • All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps were taken during 2011. We've included photos from rehearsals and social events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows. (added September 28, 2012)
   
2012 2012 Optimists Alumni: In Review
 
  • All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps were taken during 2012. We've included photos from rehearsals and social events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows. (added July 18, 2013)
   
2013 2013 Optimists Alumni: In Review
 
  • All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps were taken during 2013. We've included photos from rehearsals and social events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows. (added November 28, 2014)
   
2016 2016 Optimists Alumni: In Review
 
  • The photos in this video slideshow were taken during the 2015 Christmas parades and rehearsals and performances in 2016. We've included photos from rehearsals and social events as well as photos from concerts, parades and shows. (added September 15, 2016)

Video Footage (in Flash format)

1958 1958 Toronto Optimists
 
  • This video footage of the 1958 Toronto Optimists was supplied to us by Phil Hennings, the first Drum major of the Toronto Optimists. The event was a competition at East York stadium in Toronto. While there's no audio it's nice to be able to see the Toronto Optimists in their first ever competition. (added August 26, 2009)
   
1959 1959 Toronto Optimists at the  Nationals
 
  • This video footage of the 1959 Toronto Optimists was supplied to us by Ken Poole who played baritone in the Toronto Optimists. The event was the 1959 Nationals in Galt. The video shows clips of the Optimists, the award presentions and the Optimists leaving the field. While there's no audio it's nice to be able to see the Toronto Optimists in their second Nationals. (added May 4, 2013)
  1959 Preston Scout House at the Nationals
 
  • This video footage of the 1959 Toronto Optimists was supplied to us by Ken Poole who played baritone in the Toronto Optimists. The event was the This video footage of the 1959 Preston Scout House was supplied to us by Ken Poole who played baritone in the Toronto Optimists. The event was the 1959 Nationals in Galt. The video shows clips of Scout House performing their 1959 show. While there's no audio it's nice to be able to remember the past. (added May 4, 2013)
   
1960 1960 Hamilton Seniors (Nationals?)
 
  • This video footage was supplied to us by Ken Poole who played baritone in the Toronto Optimists. The event was possibly the Seniors' section of the 1960 Nationals in Hamilton. The video includes clips of the Guelph Royalaires. the Niagara Militaires, the Port Dalhousie Guardsmen and the Ambassadors. While there's no audio it's nice to be able to remember the past. (added May 4, 2013)
   
1961 1961 Grape Festival Parade
 
  • This video footage contains raw footage of the 1961 Grape Festival parade in St Catharines. Some of the corps seen in this footage are: St John's, Del, Royalaires, Militaires, Opti, Merritton and Jesters. Unfortunately there was no audio recorded. (added December 7, 2009)
   
1963 1963 Toronto Optimists
 
  • This video footage shows the 1963 Toronto Optimists. You can see the Lawrence of Arabia fanfare and the wedge which formed our Off the Line. There's also a bit of concert. Unfortunately, there is no audio. (added February 3, 2010)
   
1964 1964 Nationals Prelims
 
  • This video footage was recorded in 1964 at Varsity stadium in Toronto at the prelims for the Nationals. It includes footage of Del, Opti, York Lions and Scout House. Unfortunately no audio was recorded. (added December 16, 2009)
  1964 or 1965 Grantham on Parade
 
  • This video footage was recorded in 1964 or 1965 in Toronto. It shows Grantham in the parade that preceded the Nationals. Unfortunately no audio was recorded. (added December 8, 2009)
  1964 or 1965 Parade before the Nationals
 
  • This video footage was recorded in either 1964 or 1965 in Toronto. It shows some of corps that were in the parade before the Nationals. Maybe you can recognize some of the corps. Unfortunately no audio was recorded. (added January 1, 2010)
   
1967 1967 Toronto Optimists at the CYO Nationals
 
  • This video footage was recorded on August 29, 1967 in Newton, MA. Unfortunately the video is very poor quality.  (added June 25, 2013)
   
1968 1968 Toronto Optimists in the Port Dover Canada_Day_parade
 
  • This video footage was recorded on July 1, 1968 in Port Dover, Ontario. The video, which shows an excerpt from the parade, was created by Brian C. Stewart and submitted by Robert Judd  (added August 6, 2018).
   
1973 1973 Toronto Optimists in rehearsal and performance
 
  • This video footage shows the 1973 Toronto Optimists. This footage, taken by Vince Ferraro, shows the corps rehearsing in Canada as well as performing at a show in the United States. Unfortunately, there is no audio.  (added November 18, 2014)
   
2004 2004 Optimists Alumni at G.A.S.
 
  • This video footage shows the 2004 Optimists Alumni performing at G.A.S. on May 1, 2004.
   
2005 2005 Optimists Alumni
   
2007 2007 Optimists Alumni
   
  2007 Optimists Alumni: Drum Solo and Concert
   
2008 2008 Optimists Alumni Off The Line (Rochester, August 31, 2008)
 
  • Thanks to DCA and Drum Corps Planet for posting this video.
   
2009 2009 Optimists Alumni Off The Line (Rochester, September 6, 2009)
 
  • Thanks to DCA and Drum Corps Planet for posting this video.
   
2010 2010 Optimists Alumni (Buffalo, August 8, 2010)
 
  • This video footage of the 2010 Optimists Alumni was supplied to us by Al Hester, of the Toronto Signals. The Optimists Alumni were in exhibition at a DCI competition in Buffalo on August 8, 2010. (added August 13, 2010)
   
2012 2012 Optimists Alumni (Oshawa, August 25, 2012)
 
  • This footage of the 2012 Optimists Alumni was taped by Jack Roberts at the Legends IV show in Oshawa on August 25, 2012. (added August 13, 2012)
   
2013 2013 Optimists Alumni (Oshawa, August 17, 2013)
 
  • This footage of the 2013 Optimists Alumni was taped by Christian Byrne at the Legends V show in Oshawa on August 17, 2013. (added August 18, 2013)
   
2016 2016 Optimists Alumni (Burlington, April 30, 2016)
 
  • This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni previewing their 2016 "Party Gras" show. It was recorded by David Johns at a Drum Line competition in Burlington, ON. (added April 30, 2016)
   
  2016 Optimists Alumni (Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo, May 15, 2016)
 
  • This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni previewing their 2016 "Party Gras" show. It was recorded by David Johns at the Ontario Drum Line Championships at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, ON. (added May 15, 2016)
   
  2016 Optimists Alumni rehearsal: Run 1 (recorded on August 6, 2016)
 
  • This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni rehearsing their 2016 "Party Gras" show. It was recorded by David Johns in Waterloo, ON. (added August 7, 2016)
   
  2016 Optimists Alumni rehearsal: Run 2 (recorded on August 6, 2016)
 
  • This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni rehearsing their 2016 "Party Gras" show. It was recorded by David Johns in Waterloo, ON. (added August 7, 2016)
   
  2016 Optimists Alumni in Waterloo, ON (recorded on August 6, 2016)
 
  • This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni performing their 2016 "Party Gras" show at the Waterloo Public Square. It was recorded by David Johns in Waterloo, ON. (added August 7, 2016)
   
  2016 Optimists Alumni in the warmup room at DCI Soundsport (recorded on August 13, 2016)
 
  • This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni playing in the warmup room before their performance at DCI Soundsport. It was recorded by David Johns in Indianapolis, IN. (added August 15, 2016)
   
  2016 Optimists Alumni at DCI Soundsport (recorded on August 13, 2016)
 
  • This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni performing their Gold Medal winning 2016 "Party Gras" show at the DCI Soundsport. It was recorded by David Johns in Indianapolis, IN. (added August 15, 2016)
   

YouTube Videos

1967 1967 Toronto Optimists at the CYO Nationals (recorded August 27, 1967 in Newton, MA)
   
2004 2004 Optimists Alumni at G.A.S. This video footage shows the 2004 Optimists Alumni performing at G.A.S. on May 1, 2004.
   
2005 2005 Optimists Alumni. This video footage was recorded by Bryan Buttigieg on August 20, 2005. It shows the Optimists Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps performing at a fundraiser for Juno Beach at University Stadium in Waterloo.
   
2007 2007 Optimists Alumni at the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY
   
2008 2008 Optimists Alumni. Recorded on July 27, 2008 in Hamilton, ON by Peter McCusker.
 
   
  2008 Optimists Alumni at G.A.S. in Mississauga, ON). Numbers played: Lawrence of Arabia fanfare; Love theme from "El Cid"; Big Band Medley (In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction, Caravan); Battle Cry of Freedom / A Place to Stand (Ontario)
   
  2008 Optimists Alumni at the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. 2008 was the Optimists Alumni's second year of performing a 1960s style drill show. The show opens with a fanfare from "Lawrence of Arabia" followed by the Love theme from "El Cid" and a Drum Solo. The concert is a Big Band Medley of "In the Mood", "Moonlight Serenade", "Boogie Blues", "Drum Boogie", "Tuxedo Junction" and "Caravan". For Color Presentation the corps plays a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "A Place to Stand" (Ontario). The Off-The-Field number is "San Francisco" (Wear Flowers in your Hair).
   
2009 2009 Optimists Alumni. Recorded by Peter McCusker on August 29, 2009 in Oshawa, ON
 
   
  2009 Optimists Alumni at DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. Numbers played: Fanfare from Lawrence of Arabia; Love Theme from El Cid; Big Band Medley (Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction, Caravan); Battle Cry of Freedom (Colour Presentation); Drum Solo; Patton; San Francisco (Wear flowers in your hair)
   
  2009 Optimists Alumni in Oshawa. This video shows the Optimists Alumni performing in Oshawa, Ontario on August 29, 2009. The show opens with a fanfare from Lawrence of Arabia followed by the Love theme from "El Cid". The concert is a Big Band Medley of Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction, Caravan. It is followed by the Colour Presentation of Battle Cry of Freedom, a Drum Solo, and Patton. The show closes with San Francisco (Wear flowers in your hair).
   
  2009 Optimists Alumni: In Review. All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps were taken during 2009. We've included photos from rehearsals and social events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
   
2010 2010 Optimists Alumni at DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. Numbers played: Opener: fanfare of Lawrence of Arabia followed by the Love Theme from "El Cid"; Concert: Big Band Medley of Moonlight Serenade, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction and Caravan; Drum Solo; Out of Concert: Temptation; Colour Presentation: a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"; Closer: What Kind of Fool Am I? 
2011 2011 Optimists Alumni at DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. Numbers played: Opener: fanfare of Lawrence of Arabia followed by the Love Theme from "El Cid"; Concert: Big Band Medley of Moonlight Serenade, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction and Caravan; Drum Solo; Out of Concert: Temptation; Colour Presentation: a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"; Closer: What Kind of Fool Am I?
   
2012 2012 Optimists Alumni in Oshawa. Numbers played: Opener: Judy Garland Medley; Drum Feature; Concert: Big Band Medley of Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction and Caravan; Colour Presentation: American Canadian salute (a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"); Drum Feature; Closer: "Beautiful People" with a reprise of "The Man Who Got Away"
   
  2012 Optimists Alumni at the Scout House Tattoo in Waterloo, ON. Numbers played: Opener: Judy Garland Medley; Drum Feature; Concert: Big Band Medley of Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction and Caravan; Colour Presentation: American Canadian salute (a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"); Drum Feature; Closer: "Beautiful People" with a reprise of "The Man Who Got Away"
   
  2012 Optimists Alumni at DCA Alumni Spectacular in Annapolis, MD. Numbers played: Opener: Judy Garland Medley; Drum Feature; Concert: Big Band Medley of Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction and Caravan; Colour Presentation: American Canadian salute (a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"); Drum Feature; Closer: "Beautiful People" with a reprise of "The Man Who Got Away"
   
2013 2013 Optimists Alumni in Oshawa. The Optimists Alumni Drum Corps performing their 2013 show. The show opens with a "Judy Garland Medley". This is followed by a Drum Feature after which "Caravan" is played for concert. The Colour Presentation of "Maple Leaf Forever" is followed by another Drum Feature. The show closes with "I Have A Love" and "Somewhere" from West Side Story. The video was recorded by Christian Byrne on August 17, 2013 at the Legends V show in Oshawa, Ontario
   
  2013 Optimists Alumni at DCA Alumni Spectacular in Annapolis, MD. Numbers played: Opener: "Judy Garland Medley"; Drum Feature; Concert: "Caravan"; Colour Presentation: "Maple Leaf Forever"; Drum Feature; Closer: "I Have A Love" and "Somewhere" from West Side Story
   
2014 2014 Optimists Alumni at DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. Numbers played: Opener: Theme from "Spiderman"; Drum Feature; Concert: "Caravan"; Colour Presentation: "Maple Leaf Forever"; Closing: Medley from West Side Story (the "Jet Song" with a drum feature, "I Have A Love" and "Somewhere")
   
2016 2016 Optimists Alumni competing at DCI SoundSport
   
2017 2017 Optimists Alumni Excerpts (Guelph)
   
  2017 Optimists Alumni in Gasan-ri Jagunae, Jeju, South Korea.  Numbers played: Y.M.C.A. (Village People); A Crazy Little Thing; Called Love (Queen); I Have A Love (from West Side Story); A Closer Walk with Thee; Tiger Rag; Elks' Parade; Variations on a Korean Folk Song; When The Saints Go Marching In; Everybody Needs Somebody (Blues Brothers) I've left in some post-show footage showing the corps tried to get a formal shot. Everyone ended up being part of the shot!
   
  2017 Optimists Alumni on Jeju Island in South Korea (performing for school children). The performance was recorded on August 12th and was part of the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival. This performance was for a group of school children waiting for their results in a musical competition.
   
  2017 Optimists Alumni, at the City Hall in Seongnam, South Korea. The performance was on Aug 6th and we were wearing our parade outfits.
   
2018 2018 Optimists Alumni at Ventures' show (recorded by David Johns on February 24, 2018 in Kitchener, ON)  [playing  "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen), "Jump In The Line" (a calypso number) and "Everybody Needs Somebody" (Blues Brothers]
   
  2018 Optimists Alumni in Welland  (recorded by David Johns on April 7, 2018 in Welland, ON) [playing  "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen), "Jump In The Line" (a calypso number) and "Everybody Needs Somebody" (Blues Brothers]
   
  2018 Optimists Alumni in Hamilton (recorded by David Johns on April 28, 2018 at a SO-MAC {Southern Ontario Marching Arts Collective} in in Hamilton, ON)  [playing  "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen), "Jump In The Line" (a calypso number) and "Everybody Needs Somebody" (Blues Brothers]
   
  2018 Optimists Alumni in Waterloo (recorded by David Johns on May 13, 2018 at Northstar's show in in Waterloo, ON)  [playing  "Tiger Rag", "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen), "Jump In The Line" (a calypso number) and "Everybody Needs Somebody" (Blues Brothers]
   
  2018 Optimists Alumni performing at DCI SoundSport in Indianapolis, IN (recorded by Doug Nicholls on August 11, 2018)  [playing  "We Will Rock You (Queen), "We Are The Champions" (Queen), "Jump In The Line" (a calypso number) and  "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen)
   

Photos