Story and photos by Monty Siekerman
You heard The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps last Thursday, now the Boston Crusaders invite you to hear their show at 6 p.m. on Wednesday (tomorrow) at Dial-Roberson Stadium.

The Crusaders are in the final rehearsals for their 11-minute competitive show, which begins Thursday at Ford Field in Detroit. Seven corps will open their summer season in the Motor City. The Boston Crusaders will travel 28,000 miles this summer, performing 36 shows in many states.

The theme of the Crusaders show this year is S.O.S., which is about castaways on an island. This is the 78th year for the Boston Crusaders, a group which has been a finalist for the past 20 years in the World Class category of drum and bugle corps.

This is the first year for the Boston Crusaders to come to Ohio Northern for their spring practice. They spent five weeks at a college in Vermont and a few other locals before arriving in Ada at 4 a.m. on Sunday, having driven from Tampa through the night.

By Monday morning, they were at practice here, in the sweltering heat. The musicians first practice in small groups, then get together for full ensemble practices each day..

Why did they decide to finish their spring training at ONU? Spokesman Ron Lambert said the members of the group appreciate staying in residence halls, instead of sleeping on gym floors. Also, the musicians can scatter about campus and practice in small groups without hearing others practice nearby.

And, several alumni from The Cadets are now with the Crusaders. These alumni had a good experience at ONU and, thus, encouraged the Boston folks to give Ada a try. They have been pleased with their accommodations, Lambert said.

The Boston Crusaders are composed of 154 musicians and flag corps and about 40 instructors and volunteers. There are 42 flags, 76 brass, 3 drum majors, and 33 percussion players.  

Who is the best this year—The Cadets, who have been here for two weeks each of the past four years, or the Crusaders, who have been here only part of a week and are here for the first time?  Go to tomorrow ‘s 6 p.m. free Boston Crusaders free rehearsal and judge for yourself.