recognizing larry seeney
In the world of drum corps, where passion, dedication, and leadership intertwine, Larry Seeney stands out as a remarkable figure. Appointed director of the Blue Rock Drum and Bugle Corps at the very young age of 26, Larry embarked on a journey marked by determination, resourcefulness, and a deep love for the activity. Despite facing numerous challenges, and continually operating under difficult circumstances, Larry’s tenure as director deserves our utmost appreciation and respect for the impact that he had on both the corps and the drum corps community as a whole.
Larry’s ascent to the directorship of Blue Rock is a testament to his commitment. After just two years as a marching member, Larry aged out of the corps, only to be approached by the revered Ted Sciarra who, recognizing Larry’s potential, invited him to join the administrative staff. This opportunity allowed Larry to learn from the best, immersing himself in the inner workings of the corps and shaping his leadership abilities under Ted’s guidance.
When Larry took the helm as director, he faced numerous challenges. The sudden loss of the “Heart and Soul” of Blue Rock with the departure of Ted Sciarra, along with the absence of a formal board of directors, meant that the responsibility of running the corps fell squarely on his shoulders. With limited administrative support and always tight financial constraints, Larry navigated the challenging and changing landscape of drum corps. And keep in mind that he did so at the age of 26.
In the face of tight budgets, he even went above and beyond, using his own personal funds to ensure the corps could compete and succeed, highlighting his own personal dedication and belief in the corps’ potential. Beyond this financial commitment on his part, he also spent many hours on the road picking up corps members who had no other transportation and, of course, taking them home after rehearsals.
During Larry’s tenure, drum corps underwent a significant period of transformation, shifting from traditional sponsorships, and to the formation of Drum Corps International (DCI). These changes required adaptability and resilience, as the activity transitioned to a new era of competition and financial demands. Larry’s ability to navigate these changes, while simultaneously battling internal strife and still maintaining Blue Rock’s status as one of the greatest corps of the time, reflects his own leadership and commitment to excellence.
Despite the inevitable mistakes and challenges faced along the way, (not the least of which was the internal administrative strife caused by the formation of DCI), Larry’s time as director left an indelible mark on Blue Rock. It was during his term as director, that the corps reached new heights of competitive success and cemented its place among the great corps in drum corps history.
Above all, Larry Seeney exemplified the spirt of Blue Rock itself. His dedication, sacrifices, and his belief in the potential of young performers encapsulated the essence of our unique activity. The members of Blue Rock continued to be instilled with discipline, camaraderie, and a sense of pride, fostering personal growth and creating bonds that exist until today.
Larry’s remarkable journey as director of Blue Rock deserves our utmost appreciation and respect. His ascent from marching member to director at such a very young age, along with his willingness to do whatever it took to ensure that the corps membership was provided their best opportunities for success, showcases his unwavering commitment to the corps.
Let us celebrate Larry Seeney’s remarkable achievements and recognize the immense value he brought to both Blue Rock and the Drum Corps community as a founding member of Drum Corps International.
Larry’s ascent to the directorship of Blue Rock is a testament to his commitment. After just two years as a marching member, Larry aged out of the corps, only to be approached by the revered Ted Sciarra who, recognizing Larry’s potential, invited him to join the administrative staff. This opportunity allowed Larry to learn from the best, immersing himself in the inner workings of the corps and shaping his leadership abilities under Ted’s guidance.
When Larry took the helm as director, he faced numerous challenges. The sudden loss of the “Heart and Soul” of Blue Rock with the departure of Ted Sciarra, along with the absence of a formal board of directors, meant that the responsibility of running the corps fell squarely on his shoulders. With limited administrative support and always tight financial constraints, Larry navigated the challenging and changing landscape of drum corps. And keep in mind that he did so at the age of 26.
In the face of tight budgets, he even went above and beyond, using his own personal funds to ensure the corps could compete and succeed, highlighting his own personal dedication and belief in the corps’ potential. Beyond this financial commitment on his part, he also spent many hours on the road picking up corps members who had no other transportation and, of course, taking them home after rehearsals.
During Larry’s tenure, drum corps underwent a significant period of transformation, shifting from traditional sponsorships, and to the formation of Drum Corps International (DCI). These changes required adaptability and resilience, as the activity transitioned to a new era of competition and financial demands. Larry’s ability to navigate these changes, while simultaneously battling internal strife and still maintaining Blue Rock’s status as one of the greatest corps of the time, reflects his own leadership and commitment to excellence.
Despite the inevitable mistakes and challenges faced along the way, (not the least of which was the internal administrative strife caused by the formation of DCI), Larry’s time as director left an indelible mark on Blue Rock. It was during his term as director, that the corps reached new heights of competitive success and cemented its place among the great corps in drum corps history.
Above all, Larry Seeney exemplified the spirt of Blue Rock itself. His dedication, sacrifices, and his belief in the potential of young performers encapsulated the essence of our unique activity. The members of Blue Rock continued to be instilled with discipline, camaraderie, and a sense of pride, fostering personal growth and creating bonds that exist until today.
Larry’s remarkable journey as director of Blue Rock deserves our utmost appreciation and respect. His ascent from marching member to director at such a very young age, along with his willingness to do whatever it took to ensure that the corps membership was provided their best opportunities for success, showcases his unwavering commitment to the corps.
Let us celebrate Larry Seeney’s remarkable achievements and recognize the immense value he brought to both Blue Rock and the Drum Corps community as a founding member of Drum Corps International.
To All Blue Rock Alumni:
I wish I could have attended the Reunion in April in Wilmington, as I missed seeing so many of you.
I want to express my thanks for the plaque / clock, with the picture of the 1971 hornline on its face. It is truly a beautiful work of art, and the kind words on my behalf make it all the more special to me. Thank you also for the new Blue Rock jacket; I’ll certainly wear it with pride.
I will always cherish these special mementos, and will always look back fondly on my many friends and comrades from our days together in Blue Rock.
Larry
I wish I could have attended the Reunion in April in Wilmington, as I missed seeing so many of you.
I want to express my thanks for the plaque / clock, with the picture of the 1971 hornline on its face. It is truly a beautiful work of art, and the kind words on my behalf make it all the more special to me. Thank you also for the new Blue Rock jacket; I’ll certainly wear it with pride.
I will always cherish these special mementos, and will always look back fondly on my many friends and comrades from our days together in Blue Rock.
Larry