Phil Hennings, Drum Major

Phil Hennings was the Drum Major for the Toronto Optimists from 1958 to 1960.

Around 1952, Phil Hennings was a Senior Scout Patrol Leader in the 18th. Scout Troop in the Oakwood District of Toronto when the then Scout Master, Bud Parker, decided that the troop needed a Bugle Band to keep his boys busy. Phil was not only in at the very beginning of this endeavor, but he was there to help dig its foundation.

From the start, Phil was a Horn Player through the entire evolution of the Group from Bugles to Herald Horns, to Single Valved Horns; for the numerous Street Parades, to the various Music Festivals with Standstill Contests and the beginnings of the first M&M Field Show; for the Scout Band, for the Davenport Trumpet Band and for the Opti-Corps. When the Group reached the Junior A level, Phil had aged out as a Playing Member but was selected to be the First Drum Major for the Corps. He stayed in the role of Drum Major in 58, 59 & 60 during the first three years of the winning the Canadian Junior A Championship, then he retired as an active member.  In the Whites of the Drum Major, Phil was a presence on the field.

In the years that followed, Phil maintained a close connection with the Junior Corps providing support and assistance in numerous ways. For some time, he performed the task of Equipment Manager and was involved with the uniform change to a lighter and brighter green. When the number of field members increased to the where they could not be accommodated in a single chartered bus, Phil drove one of the auxiliary station wagons required to transport the overflow of personnel.

Phil was also deeply involved in the organization and running of the five Milestone Reunions held in later years to bring together past members to recall days gone by and to meet again. Updated contact lists from these events proved to be of great assistance during the formation of the Alumni Association and the Optimists Alumni Corps.

As the Alumni Corps was evolving, Phil lent his support as an Equipment Manager as well as a Playing Member. He and other former Optimists were deeply involved in the process of obtaining this Corps’ first uniforms from the purchasing and transporting, to the outfitting of the membership. As a Playing Member, Phil occupied a spot in the Mellophone Section of the Horn Line up until once again retiring.

Throughout his involvement in the Drum Corps World, Phil Hennings has been an Optimist; from start to finish.

(This page and the memories were written by Jim Patten)