The corps' motto, "Sharing the Love", provided the framework for Jersey
Surf's December camp. From new members attending for the first time to
seasoned Bridgemen alumni, everyone at the Camden County Vo-Tech this
weekend could sense the passion and enthusiasm flowing throughout the
facility. Veteran members shared the love by sharing various Surf traditions
with the new member candidates. In a presentation to rookies, third-year
brass member Brett Larter stated, "Love what you do and the audience will
love what you do." The food staff shared the love by giving attendees a taste
of the summer to come with Saturday's "4th of July in December" celebration.
The festivities were complete with burgers and red, white and blue decorations.
You could almost smell the sunscreen!
"Bridgemania" has taken hold as evidenced by the yellow member shirts,
'Bridgemen shuffle' lessons and videos of the Bridgemen in their heyday.
There was a very poignant moment when the corps played the Bridgemens'
corps song, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" for the Bridgemen alumni in
attendance. The alumni were very appreciative and there were more than a
few misty eyes in the room.
Creative design staffer Mike "Merk" Mercadante,kept the weekend lively.
Between his demonstrations of the Bridgemen Shuffle, a video presentation
of legendary groups Earth, Wind and Fire and Chicago performing "In The Stone",
and stories of a rich Bridgemen history, Merk posited, "Don't think the working
hard part is any more important than the hanging out part."
This embodies the philosophies of both the Bridgemen
and Jersey Surf organizations. The substantial group in attendance was
treated to a first look at the 2011 tour video.
The weekend culminated with a presentation of the music learned so far for
an audience including DCI Hall of Famers, Larry Kerchner and Dennis
DeLucia. First year applicant, trumpet player Stephen Torres exclaimed,
"I'm still feeling the amazement from this weekend and I'm definitely gonna
ride this wave into the next Surf camp!"
The next camp is scheduled for January 13-15. A meeting for
parents, alumni, friends and fans to discuss fund raising and scheduling
plans will be held at 12:45 PM. Volunteers are needed for a variety of
activities in January. No experience is necessary and you are welcome for
part or all of a day or for the entire weekend. For additional information, please
call the Surf hotline at 856-753-DRUM or e-mail info@jerseysurf.org.
