LA Chinese Drum & Bugle Corps Panel Discussion

Описание: From 1954 to 1977, the Los Angeles Chinese Drum and Bugle Corps, a youth group formed by and for the citizens of the Chinese American community in Los Angeles, was, in many ways, a continuation of the rich cultural performance history of the community with roots in the Mei Wah Drum Corps, started in the early 1930s, and later, the Chung Wah Drum and Bugle Corps. The Corps enjoyed a 25-year history, proudly representing its community in parades, concerts, and in competition.

Nicknamed the Imperial Dragons, the Corps eventually grew to compete on a national level against other corps and formed the modern day Drum Corps International. This panel discussion is dedicated to the people, history, sights, and sounds of all those who were a part of the Los Angeles Chinese Drum and Bugle Corps legacy.

Introductions: Cliff Uyeda
Moderators: Eugene Moy and Linda Ching

Panelists:
Greg Fong – Greg joined the Corps in 1962 and marched until 1966 as the drum major, while attending Cal State LA. After his time as an active member, Greg served as an instructor from 1967-1970. He subsequently attended the USC School of Pharmacy and graduated in 1974. In later years, Greg headed up reunion committees and became the de facto lead for the Corps’ Legacy Committee.

Robert “Bob” Lee – Also known as “Youngie,” Bob was born and raised in Chinatown. Bob was a charter member of the Chung Wah drum corps and played the snare drum. Like many founding members, he eventually became an instructor. He also served as the coordinator between the teaching staff, management, and the very active Parents Auxiliary.

Janice Lee-Manus – Janice began her Corps experience in 1967 as a mascot who followed the color guard captain because she was too small for a uniform or an instrument. Later she became a member of the color guard/flag line and learned the true meaning of teamwork. She said the Corps positively impacted her life ‒ from her sense of family to her self-confidence, determination, discipline, drive, sense of accomplishment, and commitment to stay fit and active. Janice considers her friends from the Corps to be family. She recently retired from a school district, having worked in Assessment and Technology for over 20 years.

Corey Mark – Corey was a member from 1967-1972. The development of life-long friendships, the challenge of mastering a musical instrument, and proudly representing his community inspired him to continue his involvement in the musical arts supplementing his career in the biotechnology industry. Throughout his adult life he has performed with fife and drum corps, taiko groups, wind symphonies, and various senior and all-age drum corps. Now retired, he currently resides in the greater Houston (TX) area.

Jeff Ng – Jeff was a member from 1974-1977. He loved playing the drums then and still enjoys playing the drums now! Marching with the Corps was the highlight of his childhood: he learned discipline, hard work, perseverance, and teamwork, and traveled parts of the world competing against some of the best corps around. For Jeff, the most meaningful part was making friendships that have lasted a lifetime, including the one with his first drum instructor, Willie Polacek. Jeff graduated from UCLA with an economics degree. He worked for Allstate, established his own agency, and recently retired from a 36-year career in the insurance industry. His retirement activities include playing drums in his band, Elemental Funk, at various community events and dances in Orange County and the South Bay.

Don Quon – Don first met Bill Lee in the Los Angeles Police Department boys’ band, where both played snare drums. He joined Bill’s newly formed Chung Wah drum corps as a charter member and played the soprano horn from 1954-1960. After leaving the Corps, Don attended UCLA and graduated with an engineering degree; he worked at Boeing beginning in 1962 until he retired in 2009. Don joined the Corps’ Legacy Committee in 2013 to help create the public exhibition that was installed at the CHSSC’s Heritage Center on Bernard Street.

Frank Wong – Frank was also a charter member who joined in 1954. He played a soprano horn and was a featured soloist. After his years as an active member, he stayed with the Corps and served as a color guard instructor. Frank currently works as a legal researcher. He studied at USC college, went to Belmont High School, and involved with the Lion dance group with his son for many years.