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Corps parents and interested supporters remained the primary source for Corps management and direction. But, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Corps fell on hard times. Many Corps presidents, managers and instructors worked hard, in spite of increasing problems, to keep the Corps a valid and functioning unit. People such as Rudy Vergin, Manny Kaplan, Jack Cox, Arnie Dolan, Doris Ruchalski, Jerry Davidson and others provided support and leadership, but there just were not enough active supporters and volunteers any more.
New Corps presidents and managers were generally inexperienced and they often served as last minute fill-ins or replacements for people who burned out in the disputes and overwork which became common. Leadership was no longer continuous, sustained and strong. Financial and volunteer support was uncertain. The Corps had never developed a strong booster organization of parents, alumni and other supporters. Maintaining Corps membership became difficult as the finances dwindled and other corps raided the more experienced members.
A former leader told us: "It was a vicious circle. Money not coming in and villages not supporting us, made us move on to where we were promised support. Many people left when they found how much work and time was needed to run a Corps."
Many managers and staff burned out and left when faced with overwork, parent interference, egos and the frustration of constant raiding by other corps. Management turnover was high because each manager was required to wear so many hats and perform duties well beyond reasonable expectation.
Instructors also felt similar pressure. Often underpaid for their time and effort, seeing their work negated by members leaving to join other corps, and not getting needed financial support to field a decent unit, all added stress.
This was a period during which all drum corps were experiencing problems maintaining membership, due to competing youth activities and other interests. DCI was the dominant force in the drum corps world and was encouraging corps to grow larger and spend the entire summer touring. The larger and more popular DCI corps in the area turned to active, organized raiding of smaller area corps instead of using traditional methods of recruiting members from high school bands and other sources.
The Imperials suffered greatly from the loss of members during this period. In turn, this prevented the Corps from becoming good enough to attract new talent or maintain a feeder corps. Recruitment was next to impossible, and another vicious circle was at work.
One of the last Corps presidents told us: "As I look back and try to remember those closing years, it was like being a trapped animal, not knowing which way to go. What to do to get out of this mess and still be friends with each other. I think about the faithful marching members, how they tried to hang in and they too became so heartbroken."
Finally, the loss of membership, lack of ongoing support and the continuing disputes about management caught up with the Corps. The Imperials became a parade corps again in 1984 and the Cadet Corps was not fielded. In January 1985 the Corps closed down it's marching program and cancelled all plans. It was over now.
But the last Board had honesty and integrity, putting their heads together to make sure that they sold everything possible to pay off the Corps debts. One of them told us: "Debts were paid, even instructors, some of whom were gracious enough to donate their salary to the corps. We paid some fifty cents on the dollar, but at least they were paid. We sold off equipment, the bus and truck, etc. The day we closed the books in 1987, we all had a clear conscience, we paid off all debts."
And so, the Norwood Park Imperials Drum and Bugle Corps, although dying, went out with class. Thanks to the last Board for sticking it out and finishing it right.
The Corps had disbanded after 57 years of continuous operation. Until that time in January 1985, the Norwood Park Imperials was widely known as the oldest Drum & Bugle Corps in continuous existence in the nation.
Then, in 1987, the Norwood Park Imperials Drum & Bugle Corps, after exhibiting its pride, honor and championship demeanor once again, crossed the finish line for the last time.
Representative Music:
1981 Opener
Representative Scores:
1980 - 9th at VFW Nationals, Chicago, score 47.35 |