Toronto, Ontario, February 01, 2008: GAS2008 Moving Forward on All Fronts

As a result of increased attendance, the GAS 2008 Committee had booked additional hotel rooms at the headquarters hotels: Stage WEST and The Toronto Delta West. Rooms at Stage West are close to being sold out. Additional information on special hotel rates and booking information can be found at (http://www.dcatchorus.ca/GAS%2008%20registration%20form.pdf).

For further information please contact Patrick "Bear" Maloney, Vice Chairperson, GAS 2008 at patmaloney@sympatico.ca or Write to: GAS 2008, 4660 Greenlane Road, Beamsville, Ontario, L0R 1B1. or visit our website dcatchorus.ca. where you can locate additional information and download a "Registration Form".

Press Release   

"GAS 2008 "

Will Be a Record

Toronto, Ontario, Nov 12, 2007:   The Greatest Drum Corps Reunion of

The Great Alliance of Seniors (GAS) is a fraternal organization composed of former members of both Senior and Junior Drum & Bugle Corps from across Canada and the United States.   At the GAS Board of Directors meeting held on October 27^th, 2007, all current GAS members were required to provide preliminary attendance numbers for GAS 2008. This information is required annually in order to give the hosting organization a solid basis for planning.  The initial number projected indicates that over 380 people from GAS member corps will attend GAS 2008.  This number coupled with the planned participation from local units who are not currently members of GAS will make this one of the largest, if not the largest, GAS reunions ever held.  

As a result of increased attendance, the GAS Committee has booked additional hotel rooms at the headquarters hotels: Stage WEST and The Toronto Delta West.  For more information oh special hotel rates and booking information see: (http://www.dcatchorus.ca/GAS%2008%20registration%20form.pdf). 

Another note of interest from the meeting.  The London Midlanders Alumni were approved for membership in the GAS organization.  The Midlanders are a very welcome addition and bring to GAS a rich tradition.  The Midlanders have plans in place to have a group perform at the drum corps talent show which is being held as part of the event.  This will continue a long tradition of alumni corps making their debut performance at the GAS reunion.  There is talk of some other local groups participating for the first time.

  The GAS reunion has traditionally relied heavily upon the GAS membership to promote the event among their members.   To date, word of mouth advertising has been excellent. Most people who have attended a GAS reunion return because they had such a wonderful time.  GAS 2008 is also being promoted through the Internet on all of the member corps sites; the recently created GAS Organization site http://www.gaseniors.info) as well as in Facebook. These new communications mediums will reach new participants who will be able to share in the GAS experience

While final details are still being developed, the over all scheduling of the event is shaping up as follows:

On Friday evening, May 2, 2008, the event will kick off with the Opening Ceremonies, a huge drum corps party, stage performances and social evening including dancing.  This is always a fun time where old friends get together and remember a time gone by.   It has been said of drum corps people that time stands still. Someone you have not seen for 30 years walks in and talk resumes like it was last week.  It’s what makes the GAS reunion magic.

On Saturday May 3, during the day, there will be Individual, Ensemble and Group performances.  Performances by many of the GAS members, This event is already almost full and is shaping up to be a spectacular indoor drum corps events  as GAS members demonstrate their talents to an appreciative audience.

 Saturday evening, there will be a more formal banquet; a tribute to those who have passed on; performances by the GAS member choruses including DCAT, the parade of uniforms, and the Closing Ceremonies and transfer of the GAS Banner

Sunday May 4, 2008 everyone meets for breakfast and to say goodbyes. 

All of the weekend’s events are designed to provide maximum opportunities for people to meet, be entertained, socialize, and renew old friendships.  The cost for the weekend will be $85CDN.   This entitles you to attend all events and the banquet which will be held on Saturday night.  Registration information and forms are found at: http://www.dcatchorus.ca/GAS%2008%20registration%20form.pdf). 

For further information please contact Patrick “Bear” Maloney, Vice Chairperson, and GAS 2008 at patmaloney@sympatico.ca or Write to: GAS 2008, 4660 Greenlane Road, Beamsville, Ontario, L0R 1B1. Or visit our website dcatchorus.ca . Where you can locate additional information and download a “Registration Form”.

 Registration Form for Gas 2008