The Jersey Surf started 2012 by Sharing the Love with another musical marching unit - the Hegeman String Band.  Ten Surf members, alumni and staff comprised "Team Surf" to assist Hegeman with their New Year's Day parade up Broad Street in Philadelphia. An annual tradition, the Mummers Parade features thousands of performers dressed in colorful and lavish costumes, (many of which are even more extravagant than the most outlandish costumes worn by DCI color guards!), as they strut up one of the city's main streets. String bands may use only banjos, saxophones, accordions, bass fiddles, drums, glockenspiels and violins.  No brass instruments are permitted, so the sound is quite a contrast to that of a drum corps. The Philadelphia Mummers Parade is one of the longest running traditions in the country.  First established as an official event in 1900, the parade itself began in the 1800’s. String bands have no age limit and often have 3 generations of family members performing together.

Nearly before the last strains of “Auld Lang Syne” faded and the Times Square Ball hit the bottom of its’ descent, hundreds of musicians, dancers and helpers, known as marshals, arrived at Hegeman’s meeting point.  A flurry of activity ensued as scaffolding was erected, canvas scenery was attached, sequins and feathers were glued and moves were rehearsed.  The “Team Surf” marshals, led by “Captain” Bill Ives (aka Souvie Guy), were responsible for moving four 12-foot high sections of scaffolding bearing town hall scenery along the 4-mile parade route as well as maneuvering it throughout the show.  This represented only about 1/4 of the scenery components for Hegeman’s show. Representing Surf in this effort were drum major Jon Lacy, color guard member Allison Richard, brass members Jane Best, Lorraine Best, Lauren Buzdygon, Ben Godwin and Jess Volpe, brass alumnus and new addition to the Surf admin and instructional teams Steph Dutcher along with support staffers Bill and Terri Ives.

Unlike DCI corps, which have multiple competitive opportunities throughout the season, Mummers perform their four and a half minute routine only on New Year's Day - in exhibition six times along the parade route, and only once for judges in front of Philadelphia’s City Hall.  In fact, until the morning of the parade, the band had never rehearsed with their props! Hegeman's theme for 2012 was "Dixieland", with the setting on a street in Savannah, Georgia. Musical selections included "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Georgia on My Mind." Another drum corps connection to Hegeman is the involvement of DCI Hall of Famers Joe Marrella and Ralph Pace in designing this year’s show. At the conclusion of the parade, Team Surf assisted with the breakdown of the many props - literally breaking them into pieces – and were then treated to an encore musical performance by the Hegeman musicians. The band graciously invited the Surf group to join them for a buffet meal at their clubhouse following the long day. Band captain, John Baron, and other members of the string band were effusive in their thanks to the Surf contingent for their support.

Although there are many differences between string bands and drum corps, Surf tuba player Lauren Buzdygon noted:  “It was definitely one of the most UNIQUE days of my life…At the heart of the Mummers parade is this: Thousands of people working together for a single purpose – Put on an entertaining show. Impress the public.  Make a difference.” Just like Jersey Surf!