GREAT ALLIANCE OF SENIORS (GAS) held their 23rd annual reunion, on May 4, 5, & 6, 2007, at  Johnson City, New York.

By Frank Dioguardi

This year's GAS reunion was unique in that it was co-hosted by the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Association and the New York Skyliners Alumni Association,  at a location centrally located to most GAS Members.  This made the reunion an instant success from the start amid glowing raves from those attending, especially after the Saturday events.

While the GAS reunion followed the traditional  format, there was something special about GAS 2007 events. 

The Friday Welcome Party brought  together participants from the Northeast  and Canada  as a united group enjoying the camaraderie of drum corps gatherings the way we remembered them.  The NY Skyliners Alumni Chorus opened the evening festivities by performing the American and Canadian Anthems.  They were followed by the Audubon Bon Bons Chorus  and later followed by more casual singing, adding to the spontaneous excitement of the evening.

Saturday was the piece de resistance of the GAS.  As I arrived  at the site of the I & E show a bit early to help organize this event, I saw a field of drum corps dreams of hopeful individuals, duets, and ensembles, small and large, practicing their routines.  All events of GAS 2007 were staged at the St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church Banquet Hall.  There were skits, spoofs, individuals to full ensembles, all entertaining.  Thanks to them all.  Those performing included:  Archer Epler, Brooklyn United, DCAT, Canadian GAS Ensemble (HFFDC), Preston Scouthouse Silver Leaves Ensemble & Drill Team,  NY Skyliners Alumni Chorus & Percussion, St. Kevin Emerald Knights, St. Lucy's D &B Corps Alumni,  Canadian/American GAS Ensemble.

The evening brought on a spectacular dinner service that was outstanding.  Dinner was followed by the performance of the DCAT Chorus along with the appearance of the "Queen."  They were followed by the NY Skyliners Alumni Chorus and all were well received.

Not meant to be entertaining but brilliantly conceived was the traditional Memorial Tribute to our departed GAS Members during the previous year.  This included the projected display of photos, names and organizations and concluded with an ensemble group playing Auld Lang Syne with the overtones of a bugler playing taps.  A very touching ceremony that left very few dry eyes.

The closing ceremony consisted of the Parade of Uniforms and the transfer of the GAS Banner to the 2008 host DCAT.

All of the traditional events having been concluded, those who had their instruments nearby, participated in an informal Jam Session.  Sunday Morning was the farewell breakfast and good byes.

GAS 2008 will be held in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the first weekend in May, by host DCAT.