PADCHOF Members Bios A > H

PADCHOF Members A > H

John A. Gruphofer

John began his Drum Corps activities with the North Bessemer Fireman’s Drum and Bugle Corps in 1957 as a tenor drummer. 1960 found John performing with the Vern Acklin Cavaliers for a period of 17 years while performing double duty with the Allegheny Monarchs playing baritone in 1967, with the New York Skyliners in 1973 and the Baltimore Yankee-Rebels in 1974. John performed for 1 season with the Pittsburgh Rockets in 1977, their last year of competition. In 1981 John joined the Steel City Ambassadors and remained with them til their last competitive season in 1992. He presently performs with the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Corps. John has served as drill instructor and drill designer for the Vern Acklin Cavaliers, the Pittsburgh Rockets and the Mon Valley Express. He has also served as M&M Tech, drill designer drill instructor for a number of high school bands in the Pittsburgh area. Administratively John has served on the Board of Directors for the Vern Acklin Cavaliers and was Secretary for the Steel City Ambassadors in the mid 80's. John’s judging history includes stints with All American Judging Association the National Judges Association.
John is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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Clair P. Diethrich

Clair became his Drum Corps career in 1933 as a soprano bugler with the Sons of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 709 Junior Corps, Sharpsburg, Pa. He then joined the Sharpsburg Cadets Senior Drum and Bugle Corps in 1939 as a soprano bugler and performed with them until 1972, a total of 35 years. From 1982 through 1992 Clair served as the President of the Ambassadors Club, the booster club for the Steel city Ambassadors.
Clair is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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Dave Armstrong

Dave began his Drum Corps career with the Duquesne Dukes Junior Drum and Bugle Corps from Duquesne, Pa. Were he spent 2 years as a soprano bugler. From there he moved on to the Pittsburgh Rockets where he spent 4 years with them. His next venture was with the Westmoreland Esquires with another 4 year stint before joining the Steel City Ambassadors competing and eventually the alumni Corps.
Dave is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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David P. Fite

Dave started his Drum Corps experience as a lead soprano with the Tri-Community Cadets Junior Drum and Bugle Corps from Haverford, Pa. He next joined the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps from Washington, D.C. Upon completion of his military service Dave joined the Archer-Epler Musketeers Senior Drum and Bugle Corps. In 1978 Dave became one of the founding members of the Steel City Ambassadors and served as their Director.
Dave is a Charter member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame and served on our Organizing Committee.

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Dennis Graham

Dennis began his Drum Corps career in 1959 as a baritone bugler with the Westmoreland Esquires Senior Drum and Bugle Corps. In 1980 he joined the Steel City Ambassadors for a 4 year stint before retuning to the Esquire. In 1998 Dennis was instrumental in forming the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. In his administration capacities Dennis has served as the Director/Business Manager for the Knight Hawks Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. He also served as Business Manager for the Steel City Ambassadors competing Corps from 1980 through 1983 and as Director/Business Manager and Board of Trustees member for the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps from their inception until his passing away in 2006. Dennis is a Charter member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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Frank Cicco

Frank began his Drum Corps career in 1952 with the Vern Acklin Cavaliers. In 1956 he joined the Pittsburgh Rockets and continued with them for a period of 17 years until 1973. After a short hiatus he returned to the activity as member of the Sharpsburg Ambassadors. Frank was one of the organizers of the Steel City Ambassadors in 1979 and continued with them for a period of 13 years. In 1997 Frank once again helped organize the Steel City Ambassaodrs Alumni Corps and has been with them since. Frank ha also served on the Board of Trustees of the Vern Acklin Cavaliers, the Steel City Ambassadors and the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Corps. He is also an Associate member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Frank is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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Michael Blazer

Michael’s Drum Corps career began with the Pittsburgh rockets in 1961 and lasted 11 years performing as both a bugler and drummer. Michael’s instructional capacities with the Junior Corps ranks began with the Catholic Daughters of America, from Butler, Pa. in 1964 through 1968, the Bluecoats of Canton, Ohio from 1976 through 1978 and the Royal Crusaders from Findleyville, Pa. for the 1979 and 1980 seasons. Michael has also served as the percussion instructor for such Senior Corps as the Pittsburgh Rockets for the 1970 and 1971 seasons, the Erie Thunderbirds from 1968 through 1972 and the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni from 2001 through 2005. Michael has also served the activity as a percussion judge with the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges.
Michael is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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Chas Coffman

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Don Dimasi

Don began his Drum corps experience in 1950 with the Belle Vernon Blue and Gold Cadets and remained with them until entering the service in 1959. Upon him return he joined the Westmoreland Esquires in 1962 as a baritone bugler and remained with them through the 1978 season. In 1992 he joined the West Penn Alumni Corps which is one of the 2 Alumni Corps that merged to form the present day Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Corps. Since that merger Don has been performing with the Ambassadors as a baritone bugler

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George Hildebrand

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Jim Capra

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John Gairo

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Mark Fleckenstein

Mark Fleckenstein
Mark started his association with Drum Corps with the Silver Lancers where he spent 3 years as a soprano bugler. Mark then moved on to perform with the Westmoreland Esquire where spent 3 years as well before joining the United States Air Force. While stationed at Lackland AFB in Texas Mark performed as a soprano bugler. Upon being transferred to Lowry AFB in Colorado Mark served as a soprano bugler, horn instructor and Director. Upon his return to civilian life Mark spent 2 years with the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Corps.

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Mark Fulcomer

From WDCHOF
MARK FULCOMER
Mark Fulcomer is a co-founder of the Great Alliance of Seniors (GAS), the fraternal association which stimulated the development of alumni corps across the United States and Canada, as an outgrowth of the annual GAS reunion weekends which began in the mid-1980s. The alumni movement gained great momentum as society generally was swept in a wave of nostalgia at the approach of the new century. His involvement in drum corps began in 1960 with the Scarlet Raiders junior corps, of Youngstown, Ohio. He is also a long time member and Director of The Archer-Epler Musketeers.

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Nate Harrell

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Rich DeMarco

Rich started playing baritone bugle for the Westmoreland Esquires in the early 1960’s and spent 4 years with them. In 1965 his job with US Air (then Allegheny Airlines) transferred him to Connecticut where he performed with the Hurricanes for that season. In 1966 he was returned to his native Pittsburgh where he joined the Rockets and spent 14 seasons with them.
Since the formation of the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Corps he has been a lead and solo baritone for them.

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Tony Brown

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Vince DAgostino

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Bernie Halgas

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Walter Cherasaro

Walter’s Drum Corps experience began in 1959 serving them as both a soprano and baritone bugler through 1970. He then became a member of the Highlanders Senior Drum Corps performing with them from 1970 to 1972 as a bass drummer and guard member. When the Highlanders reorganized in 1972 as a Junior Corps Walter accepted the duties as their equipment truck driver and also served on their business committee and served in those capacities through 1977. He also served on their Board of Directors from 1974 through 1976. In 1977 he served on the Board of Directors of the Black Diamond Regiment. 1988 finds Walter with the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps in their color guard where he still performs. And in 1995 Walter assumes the duty as Color Guard Captain for the Reading Buccaneers competing Corps and serves in that capacity to this day.

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John "Skee" Derr

In 1957 John joined the Camp 15 SUV Fife and Drum Corps as a snare drum and spent 2 years with them. In 1959 he began playing snare drum for the Westshoremen spending the next 14 years with them. This also included a stint with the United State Marine Drum and Bugle Corps from 1960 through 1964. John finished up his competitive years of performance with the Reading Buccaneers from 1972 through 1991. Since 1984 he has been performing with the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps and in 1995 he joined the Yankee-Rebels Alumni Corps and performs with them as well. While a member of the US Marines he served as the percussion instructor of the Southernaires in Wilmington North Carolina for the 1961 and 62 seasons. In 1962 through 1964 he took on the percussion instructors duties with the Knights of Kalahi in Hawaii. Upon his return to the Westshoremen John became their assistant percussion instructor and maintained that duty until 1971. From 1980 through 1982 he was the percussion instructor for the Hershey Chocolatiers. John’s administrative duties include being the Vice President of both the Westshoremen from 1970 through 1972 and the Reading Buccaneers in both 1986 and 1987. His Judging history includes the Penn-N.Y. Circuit 1969-1971; All-American Association 1969-1974; Cavalcade 1970 – 2003; Keystone Association 1975 – 2002; Mid-Atlantic Association 1971 to the present; and the National Judges Association 1984 to the present. Skee joined the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2002.

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Jack Hackett Sr.

Jack started his Drum Corps career with the Osmond Cadets in 1944 as a bugler and remained with them until he entered the service in 1953. Upon his return from service he joined the Reilly Raiders and remained with them until 1967. He was a member of the merged Reilly Raider/Musketeers Drum Corps in 1968 as a baritone bugler. Upon the reorganization of the Reilly Raiders as an Alumni Corps Jack once again picked up his baritone bugler and performed with them from 1994 through 1998. He also served as their Assistant Director. Jack has also served as the assistant drill instructor and Assistant Director of the Maple Shade Cadets during the 1966 through 1969 season. His Judging experience includes a stint with the National Judging Association from 1966 through 1968.

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Curtis Hawkins

Curt has been involved with Drum Corps since 1975 when he joined the General Butler Vagabonds. He spent 4 years with them as a soprano bugler. In 1981 he joined the Steel City Ambassadors and remained with them until 1991. In 1995 he joined the Westshoremen, performed one year and returned to perform with them again in 1997. The year 2000 find Curt as a member of the Hawthorne Caballeros where he remains competitively until 2004. As an instructor he has served as a brass tech for the Butler Vagabonds in 1978 and 1979 and with the Steel City Ambassadors from 1982 through 1991.

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Dave Fisher

Dave has marched competitively since joining the Hanover Lancers as a baritone bugler in 1979 where he remained until 1984 when he joined the Westshoremen in 1984. He completed his competitive experience in 1997 but did return in 1999 on Westshore’s visual staff. He did not retire completely from the activity. He rejoined the Hanover Lancers Alumni Corps in 1997 and performed with them until 1999 where he once again returned to the Westshoremen’s Alumni Corps in 2000 and been with them since.

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Daniel Fitzpatrick, Jr.

In 1959 Dan joined the Golden Rays Junior Drum Corps of Stoughton, Mass. serving in a number of capacities ranging from Drum Major to french horn bugler until he joined the Unites States Marine 8 and I Drum Corps in Washington D.C.in 1968 where he performed with them til 1970 as a French horn bugler. While stationed in Washington he also performed with the Yankee-Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps in the same capacity. Following the 1970 season he joined the Reading Buccaneers Drum Corps and performed with them as both French horn and mellophone through the 1976 season and again from 1988 through 1999. He has also performed competitively with the Long Island Sunrisers in 1990. Dan has put in 2 stints with the Archer-Epler Musketeers from 1975 through 1981 and again from 1984 through 1995. Dan has served as the Brass Arranger for the Royaleer Mounties from 1974 through 1976 and for St. Rose of Lima in 1976 and 1977. Administratively Dan served the Reading Buccaneers as their Business Manager in 1996 and as their Assistant Director in 2002 and 2003.

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James V. Cossetti

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Cliff Brandt

Cliff started his Drum Corps career in 2003 as a baritone bugler with the Erie Thunderbirds and is presently a member of their brass staff. Cliff has also performed with Syracuse Brigadiers for 1 season in 2005, and last season with the Empire Statesmen last year and plans on performing with them again this year. Cliff probably sums up what the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame is all about best by his comments, “I feel I should be considered for membership to the PaDCHOF for my 5 plus years of service to the activity. I have grown as a musician since joining Drum Corps, and have many more years of service to come. I feel that I can continue to represent the activity well and contribute to the future of Drum Corps in the years to come.

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Tracy L. Dell

Tracy joined the Wind Gap Eagles on August 25, 2000 and served as their Drum Major through November 2, 2001. One month later, December 14, 2001 Tracy joined the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps as one of their cymbal players and has been with since then. Tracy is also serving as the newly reformed Emmaus Sentinels Coordinator/Director and, since 2007
has led them through a very successful reorganization process.

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David Hurt

Dave’s Drum Corps career began in 1969 as a percussionist with the Pittsburgh Rockets and he remained with them until 1973. From 1982 through 1991 he was a member of the Steel City Ambassadors as a member of their pit. In 1993 he joined the Syracuse Brigadiers in their pit section, and from 1993 through 1997 Dave performed with the Westshoremen as a pit member.

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Richard “Dick” Adams

Dick started in Drum Corps as a snare and bass drummer with the Moose Cadets of Elizabethtown, Pa. in 1953 and spent 2 seasons with them. 1954 and 1955 found him playing tenor drum and French horn with the Privateers of Harrisburg, Pa. During the years 1957 through 1971 Dick played tenor drum, French horn and mellophone with the Westshoremen. In 1971 through 1982 finds Dick as the mellophone soloist for the Hershey Chocolatiers. Following a 12 year layoff Dick joined the Reilly Raiders Alumni Corps in 1994, serving as their mellophone section leader and playing 1st mellophone from 1995 through 2004. From February through May of 1959 Dick served as the assistant drum instructor for the Air Force Base Drum and Bugle Corps in Lackland, Texas. He also served as the drum instructor of the Aviano Air Base Drum and Bugle Corps of Aviano, Italy in 1961 and 1962. Administratively Dick has served on the Board of Directors of the Westshoremen, and has also served as the President and member of the Board of Directors for the Hershey Chocolatiers from 1971 through 1982.
Richard served as the Chairman of the Hershey Invitational from 1974 through 1982 as well as serving as the Chairman of DCA Championships in 1979 and 1980 when they were held at Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey, Pa.

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John “Screech” Arietano

John’s truly illustrious Drum Corps career began in 1962 with the Long Island City Saints Drum and Bugle Corps with a stint with the Staten Island Thunderbirds in 1964 and ending in 1966 with the Little Falls Cadets. John’s Senior Corps career began in 1966 with the Long Island Sunrisers and he has also performed with the Caballeros, Westshoremen (with whom he spent a total of 3 years as a playing member and 3 years as their musical arranger and instructor), Skyliners, Buccaneers and Empire Statesmen. In each and every Corps that John has performed with, Junior or Senior, he has performed as a soloist on soprano bugle.
John has been the musical arranger and has instructed no less then 12 Junior Corps, the likes of which are the Chicago Cavaliers, Garfield Cadets and Jersey Surf. He has been the musical arranger and has instructed some of the finest Senior Corps. Hawthorne Caballeros, Connecticut Hurricanes and the aforementioned Westshoremen to name a few.
John has had a number of Drum Corps highlights but the 2 that stand out the most are 1: his induction into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame In 1996 and 2: his induction into the Buglers Hall of Fame in 2005.

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George Christy

George started his long and wonderful career in Drum Corps in 1937 with the Yearsley Cadets as a soprano bugler where he remained until joining the Armed Forces in 1942. Upon his return from the World War II he joined with the AK Street Post, the forerunner of the Reilly Raiders, again as a soprano bugler, and remained with them until 1968. When the Reilly Raiders reorganized as an Alumni Corps in 1994 George once again picked up his soprano bugle and became one of their charter members. George is a Charter Member of both the Reilly Raiders competing Corps and the Alumni Corps.

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Philip Demara

1963 was the beginning of Phil’s Drum Corps career as a soprano bugler with the Ridley Park Rangers. From 1964 through 1966 Phil played soprano bugle with the Reilly Raiders. The years 1967 through 1970 found Phil playing with the United States Marines Drum and Bugle Corps. After a short retirement Phil returned to active participation with the Archer-Epler Musketeers for the 1977 and 78 seasons. From 1974 through 1977 Phil was both the horn instructor and Corps Director for the Chinatown Imperial Lancers. Phil has also served as Director of the Philadelphia PAL Cadets from 1981 to 1982 and Director of the Philadelphia Police Honor Guard since 1973.

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Don Fenninger

Don’s Drum Corps career began in 1983 as a soprano bugler with the Milton Keystoners where he also served as their Business Manager. In 1989 he joined the ranks of the Steel City Ambassadors also as a soprano bugler before moving on to the Connecticut Hurricanes. There he marched again as a soprano bugler and Honor Guard member.His Alumni Corps experience began with the Steel City Ambassadors in 1998 and continued through the 2006 season. During that time he also performed with the Syracuse Brigadiers Alumni for 2001 and 2002. Upon his move eastern in 2006 he has performed with the Reilly Raiders Alumni Corps for these past 2 seasons.

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Martin J. Holahan

Marty’s Drum Corps career started with the Brookhaven Crusaders in 1964 as a soprano bugler. His tenure there lasted until 1975, serving as the soprano section instructor from 1972 through 1975. 1975 is the year that Marty joined the Reading Buccaneers as a 1st soprano and soloist and he remained with them until 1981. Two years later, in 1983, he joined the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps and remains with them to this day. From 1998 to 2000 he served as their interim brass instructor.

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Harry Hook

Harry started his Drum Corps career as a soprano bugler in 1949 with Little Flower Junior Drum Corps in Baltimore, Md. where he remained until 1957. In 1957 Harry traveled north the join the Reilly Raiders and was with them until 1967. Harry retired from competition briefly until 1988 where joined the Yankee-Rebels Alumni Corps. In 2003 Harry once again joined the Reilly Raiders and has remained with them as a soprano bugler. Dedication and loyalty to the activity for many years whether in his home town or on the road, Harry always thinks of the activity first and foremost.

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Irv Hurt

In 1965 Irv became a member of the Pittsburgh Rockets and performed with them through the 1973 season as a percussionist. After taking a 9 year hiatus he retuned to the field of competition with the Steel City Ambassadors in 1982 and performed with them through the 1991 season. For the 1992 season Irv performed with the Westshoremen. 1993 saw Irv traveling to Syracuse to perform with the Brigadiers for the 1993 season. A brief 1 year hiatus in 1994 was followed by a return to the Westshoremen for the 1995, 96 and 97 seasons. Irv was also one of the founders of the Pittsburgh Oaklanders Junior Drum and Bugle Corps and was with them in 1974 and 75.

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Robbie Ellis

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Robert Ellis

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William Gernert

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Jerry Dunn

1956-1957 Erepa Groto Drum Corps, 57-58 PNA Eagles Drum Corps, 58-60 Erie Cadets, 60-63 Meadville Thunderbirds, 63-65 North East Shoreliners, 65-66 Meadville Thunderbirds, 66-67 Us Navy Drum Corps, 70-71 Erie thunderbirds, 71-75 Hamburg Kingsman, 76-77 Johnsonburg Diplomats, 85-86 Erie Excalibur, 86-88 Steel City Ambassadors, 88-90 Rochester Crusaders, 95-98 Mighty St. Joes Alumni, 96-98 Ghost Riders and in 2005 was inducted Lifetime Member Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall Of Fame

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Tom Davenport

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Edward C. Hill

1946 finds Ed beginning his Drum Corp career as a drummer with the Bracken Cadets. In 1948 Ed moves on to the Soby Drum Corps with another move in 1949 to the Germantown Cadets before finally settling in with Liberty Bell in 1950 with whom he finishes his competitive career in 1953. After a long retirement of 47 years Ed is once again back in the activity as a cymbal player with the Reilly Raiders Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps.

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Harold L. Collins II

Harold’s Drum Corps career involves better then a half dozen Drum Corps beginning as a bugler with the Marion Cadets of Ohio in 1981. In 1982 he moved on to the Ohio Brass Factory and in 1983 through 1985 he performed with the Buckeye Express. 1986 finds Harold in the Newark Guard, another Ohio Senior Drum and Bugle Corps before moving to New Jersey in 1987 where performed once again as a bugler through the 1991 season with Lambertville Volunteers. After a brief hiatus of 5 years Harold once again picked up his bugle to perform with the Wind Gap Blue Eagles from 1996 through 2001. Another brief hiatus of 7 years and Harold joined the Emmaus Sentinels Alumni Corps in 2008. Administratively Harold has served as the Director of the Buckeye Express, Vice President of the Wind Gap Blue eagles and presently serves as the Secretary of the Emmaus Sentinels.

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Martie Gourley

Strangely enough Martie’s Drum Corps career did not beginning as a performer but rather as an administrator serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Conastoga Silver Bullets as well as serving as a member of their support staff from 1986 through 1991. In 1993 Martie joined the Hanover Lancers as a baritone bugler and also serves as their quartermaster and Board of Directors member. In 2007 Martie performed with the Anaheim Kingsmen Alumni Corps in their Honor Guard.

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James J. Hennessey

Jim’s Drum Corps career began with the Yearsley Cadets in 1946 playing baritone bugle and during his 7 year stint with them he also played tenor drum as well. In 1954 he became the co-organizer of the Great Falls Drum & Bugle in Montana where he performed in their drum line. After an elongated hiatus of 41 years Jim is back in the activity and performs as a tenor drum and cymbal line member with the Reilly Raiders.

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Tony Arena

Tony’s Drum Corps career began in 1966 with the PAL Cadets of Philadelphia as a soprano bugler and performed with them until 1978. He began his Senior Corps career began in 1992 performing with the Jersey Coast Sound until 1994. From 1995 through 2001 he performed with the Boston Crusaders Senior Drum & Bugle Corps. Tony’s instruction history includes brass and drill instruction for the PAL Cadets of Philadelphia 1978 to 1980, the Archer-Epler Jr. Musketeers 1987 to 1989, the Southern Knights of New Jersey 1990 to 1993, the New Jersey Phoenix 1993 to 1996 and the Valiants from Massachusetts 1996 to 2001. Administratively he has served as Founder and Director of the Southern Knights of New Jersey 1990 to 1993, Founder and Director of the New Jersey Phoenix 1993 to 1996 and Founder and Director of the Valiants of Massachusetts 1996 to 2001. He has served on the Board of the Boston Crusaders Senior Drum and bugle Corps 1996 to 2001 as their Secretary and is presently serving on the Board of the Reilly Raiders from 2004 to the present as their Treasurer.

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Ronald Beyer

In 1964 Ron started his Drum Corps career performing in the Westshoremen’s color guard until 1972 when he moved on to the Reading Buccaneers and performed with them for 1972 season. The following year he returned to Westshore and served on their support staff until 1977. A hiatus of 11 years from field competition and he once again returned to Westshoremen from 1988 until 1998 serving on their support staff again. Ron served as the Wind Gap Renaissance color guard instructor in 1980. He served as Assistant Director for the Westshoremen in 1995, ’97 and ’98 and as their Director in 1996. Ron has been judging in the National Judges Association since 2002.

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Dan Bowman

Dan has spent almost his entire Drum Corps life with the Westshoremen. From 1971 when he joined as a soprano bugler through to 1998 there was a very brief stint with the Hanover Lancers in 1973. When the Westshoremen reformed as an Alumni Corps Dan returned in 2005 and has been with them ever since. Dan has also served as the Director of the Westshoremen from 1984 through 1992.

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Eugene Bunting

In 1951 Gene joined the Howard C. McCall post as a soprano bugler. After spending 2 seasons with McCall he moved on to perform with the Liberty Bell Cadets and aged out of them in 1957. The following year 1958 he moved up to the senior division and joined the Reilly Raiders performing with from 1958 through 1967. After a brief hiatus of 8 years he joined the Archer-Epler Musketeers and performed with them from 1975 through 2003. When the Reilly Raiders reorganized as an Alumni Corps Gene once again returned to them in 1995 and has been with them ever since. Gene’s instructional talents have benefited the Reilly Raiders 1965 to 1966, the South Jersey Vagabonds 1959 to 1961, the Lindenaires 1967 to 1970, the Shadettes 1968 to 1970 and the 507 Hornets 1970 and 1971. Gene is a charter member of the National Judges Association and adjudicated with them from 1958 through 1969.

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Bruce Englehart

Bruce’s Drum Corps career began in 1945 when he joined the Kenhorst Cadets as a soprano bugler. 3 years later he moved on to the Temple Cadets and performed with them until 1952 when he joined the Navy. While stationed at the Navy’s Great Lakes station he performed with their Drum Corps in 1952 and 1953. After a 4 year hiatus Bruce and 4 other members of the Reading area Drum Corps formed the Reading Buccaneers in 1957 and he remained as a performer with them until retiring from active competition in 1975. In 1986 when the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum Corps began organizing Bruce once again picked up his bugle and has been performing with them since then. Administratively Bruce had served as the Reading Buccaneers Vice President from 1959 to 1963.

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Garry Gourley

Garry has spent his entire Drum Corps life with the Hanover Lancers. He marched with the competition Corps from 1971 through 1981 as a soprano bugler. When the Lancers reformed as an Alumni Corps Garry renewed his love for the activity and rejoined the Lancers in 1990 and has been with them since then. Garry also performed with the Anaheim Kingsmen Alumni Corps in 2007.

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Phil Hoke

Some time prior to 1952 Phil joined the local Hanover VFW Post Drum & Bugle Corps as a soprano bugler, then in 1952 he joined the Hanover Bears which later in 1959 became know as the Hanover Lancers and he performed with the Lancers until 1969. In 1990 when the Lancers reformed as an Alumni Corps Phil once again joined with some of his old compatriots and has been with the Lancers since. Phil also served to competitive Corps as a member of the Board of Directors as their Treasurer and is presently on the Alumni Corps Management Team.

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Peter Hollis

In 1940 Peter began his Drum Corps career playing the Bass Drum with the St. Steven’s Cadet of Hoboken, N.J. In 1946 he moved on to Our Lady of Grace aging out in 1951. In 1959, after an 8 year hiatus Pete joined the Reilly Raiders in their rifle line. In 1962 he performed with the Ballantine Brewers in their rifle line as well. But his heart has always been with the Reilly Raiders and he returned to them following the 1964 season and finished his competitive Drum Corps with them in 1967. 27 years later when Reilly reorganized as an Alumni Corps Pete returned and has been with them ever since. He proudly carries his rifle and protects the Nations Color with great zeal and enthusiasm.

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Carl M Cimino

CARL STARTED DRUM CORPS WITH THE ROSETO (PA) BOY SCOUT TROOP 36 DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS IN THE EARLY 1960'S. GOT TALKED INTO HELPING MARCH WITH THE ALL MALE FLAG SECTION OF THE BANGOR (PA) YELLOW JACKETS IN EARLY 1963-1965. JOINED NEIGHBORING TOWN WIND GAP BLUE EAGLES IN 1965 AND STAYED WITH THEM THRU 1967 WHEN CARL LEFT FOR COLLEGE IN FLORIDA. UPON RETURN IN 1970 RETURNED TO MARCH WITH THE BANGOR YELLOW JACKETS AND STAYED WITH THEM UNTIL HE AND SEVERAL FORMER BLUE EAGLES REORGANIZED THE CORPS IN 1973 AND MARCHED WITH THEM AS WELL AND HELD ALL ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS WITH THE CORPS. REMAINED WITH THE BLUE EAGLES UNTIL THEY DISBANDED IN 1980. PLAYED THE WINTER REHEARSALS (1980) WITH THE WESTSHOREMEN UNTIL HIS JOB FORCED HIM TO GIVE IT UP. AGAIN WITH SEVERAL FORMER CORPS MEMBERS REORGANIZED THE ROSETO CHIEFTAINS (1981). REMAINED WITH THE CHIEFTAINS AS THEY MOVED TO THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND STAYED WITH THE CORPS THRU THE 1991 SEASON. ONCE AGAIN HELPED REORGANIZE THE WIND GAP BLUE EAGLES AS AN ALUMNI CORPS IN FALL OF 1992 AND REMAINED WITH THE CORPS THRU 2004 AGAIN HOLDING SEVERAL ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS. JOINED THE WESTSHOREMEN ALUMNI CORPS IN 2006 AND REMAINS WITH THE CORPS AS A 2ND BARITONE. ALSO BECAME A CHAR'I'ER MEMBER OF THE EMMAUS SENTINELS IN 2008 AND ALSO REMAINS AN ACTIVE BARITONE HORN PLAYER WITH THE CORPS.

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James Altland

James Altland – In 1948 Jim joined the Hanover Lancers as a baritone bugler and spent his entire Drum Corps career with them until he retired from the competition in 1973. Upon the Hanover Lancers reforming as an Alumni Corps Jim was there and attended their rehearsals upon until his passing. He marched hard and he played hard. He was what Drum Corps is all about. Esprit De Corps applies to the way Jim Approached Drum Corps. Jim was truly a Lancer through and through.

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John L Gilliland Jr.

John L. Gilliland Jr. – In 1974 John joined the General Butler Vagabond Cadets as a soprano bugler. In 1976 he was elevated to the competitive General Butler Vagabonds Junior Drum Corps also as a soprano bugler and remained with them until 1979. In 1980 John performed with the Finleyville Royal Crusaders. 1981 finds John as a member of the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, 29 Palm, California where he remained until he completed his service in 1984. Upon his return from service he became a member of the Steel City Ambassadors Drum Corps in 1985 and remained with them until 1991. After a hiatus of 16 years John returned to perform with the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Drum Corps in 2007 and remained with them until 2009.

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George Headley

George Headley – George began his Drum Corps as a soprano bugler with the Crossmen in 1981 and performed with them in that capacity until 1983 when he aged out of Junior Drum Corps. He remained with the Crossmen as a member of their brass staff for the 1984 and 85 seasons. In the 1984 George also performed with the Westshoremen as a lead soprano bugler. After a 22 year retirement from Drum Corps George reemerged with the Crossmen Extreme Mini Corps in 2007. That same season George also performed with The Music Express. From 2008 through to the present he had been performing with the Reilly Raiders, the Windsor Regiment Mini Corps is a featured soloist with the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Corps and most recently as a lead trumpet with Swing House. In George’s own words, “No activity that I have been involved in has had a greater impact on who I am and how I live my life, then Drum Corps and the Crossmen. Regardless of what Corps I have been in or am currently in, I’ve always tried my best to be an ambassador of that Corps and the activity to anyone I come across whether it’s while I’m in a uniform or not. As a performer I try to do that every time I play a note in front of the crowd.”

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Patrick J. Hollins

Patrick J. Hollins – When “PJ” began his Drum Corps career in 1998 he served the Bracken Cavaliers as both a member of their Contra line and on their brass staff. In 2003 after a 4 year hiatus from the activity “PJ” returned and joined the Reilly Raiders as a contrabass bugler and been with them since then. As a testament to his musicianship “PJ” has performed with the Reilly Raiders Brass ensemble in 2008 and has been a featured musician with the Music Express from 2005 through 2007 and again in 2009. Administratively “PJ” served as the Assistant Personnel Manager for the Reilly Raiders in 2006 and 2007.

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Karen Beohmer

Karen Beohmer – In 1978 Karen began her Drum Corps career as a member of Black Watch performing with them for 3 seasons in both their Color Guard and hornlines before aging out in 1980. After a 15 year retirement from the activity Karen became a member of the Reilly Raiders performing in their Color Guard and has been with them since. Karen has also performed at various times with the Bracken Cavaliers and Yankee Rebels and most notably with the Bridgemen in 2006 and ’07. Karen presently serves as Secretary for the Reilly Raiders.

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Ron Bunty

Ron Bunty – Ron became a member of the Hanover Lancers as a member of their Color Guard in 1963 and performed with them in that capacity until 1969. After a hiatus of 24 years Ron returned to the Lancer in 1993 and has been performing with them in their Honor Guard to this day. Ron has also been a member of the Lancers Board of Directors since 2001.

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Joseph J. Cicippio

Joseph J. Cicippio – In 1940, at the tender age of 10 years Joe became a member of the Nuss-O’Hara-Todd Post 1804 which was, at that time, a Senior Drum Corps. Following WW II the Nuss-O’Hara-Todd Post 1804 reformed as a Junior Drum Corps. Joe performed with them until 1951 when he aged out of the “Invaders” Junior Drum Corps. From 1942 through 1944 Joe also performed with the Royal Mounties Senior Drum Corps in Norristown. In 1951 Joe joined the Reilly raiders as a tenor drummer and performed in that capacity with them until 1954. While a member of the Reilly Raiders Joe also served as the Drill Instructor for the Hattal-Taylor Senior Drum and bugle Corps in Philadelphia. Following a 50 year retirement from Drum Corps Joe returned to the Reilly Raiders in 2004 and has served as their Drum Major since then.

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James Fawber

James Fawber – Advancing from Associate Membership to Full membership. In 1973 Jim became a baritone bugler with the Keystone Kavaliers and performed with them for 1 season. In 1974 through ’79 Jim moved on to perform with the Westshoremen. After a 5 year retirement Jim returned to help reestablish the Westshoremen for the 1984-’85 seasons. Jim again entered retirement only to emerge with the Westshoremen Alumni Corps for the 2004 Serenade in Brass as well as the Hanover Lancers and has been with the Lancers from 2004 to this day.

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Robert Adair

Robert Adair – Bob’s illustrious Drum Corps career began in 1941 when he joined the Osmond Cadets as a soprano bugler and continued in that capacity until 1951 whereupon he joined the Reilly Raiders serving in both the horn and drum lines. He remained with Reilly until 1962 serving as their music arranger and instructor from 1958 through ‘62. In 1957 Bob served as a horn judge with NJA and continued in that capacity until 1963. During his tenure with the Reilly Raiders Bob was the music arranger and instructor for Liberty Bell from 1952 through ’57. He also was the music arranger and instructor for the Bracken Cavaliers from 1959 through 1972, then on to the Rough Riders from 1973 through ’79. In 1947 Bob was the soprano individual National Champion as a member of the Osmond Cadets and in the years 1952 and ’53 played with the National Champion Reilly Raiders drum line. From 1952 through 2000 Bob has arranged for and instructed 14 different Junior and Senior Drum Corps and has arranged better then 325 marching and concert pieces and is still arranging for the Bracken Cavaliers of Bristol, Pennsylvania.

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Tom Ashby

Tom Ashby – Advancing from Full Member to Life Time Member. In 1960 Tom joined the Clementon Thunderbirds and performed as their Drum Major for the next 5 years. In 1964 he moved on to the Lindenwold Lamplighters and for the next 4 years led them as their Drum Major. 1967 finds Tom with the Brookhaven Crusaders as their Drum Major until he aged out and finished his competitive Drum Corps career. After a 22 year retirement Tom returned to the activity as a soprano bugler with the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. With the Reilly Raiders return as an Alumni Corps Tom again assumed Drum Major duties with them until 1997. Another 7 year hiatus and Tom has once again returned to the activity as the Assistant Drum Major with the Hawthorne Caballeros.

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Eddy Baker

Eddy Baker – In 1966 Eddy joined the Hanover Lancers as a soprano bugler and continued with them until 1971. Eddy retired from the activity for a period of 20 years. With the reformation of the Hanover Lancers as an Alumni Corps in 1990 Eddy once again joined their ranks and has been with them ever since.

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Stephen Cooley

Stephen Cooley – Steve began his Drum Corps career with the Geneva Appleknockers in 1961 as a baritone bugler. During his tenure with them Steve also began what would prove to be a truly illustrious career as a brass arranger and instructor. In 1970, at the age of 20, he also began instructing and arranging for the Appleknockers and did so until 1972 when he moved on the Dunkirk Patriots performing with them as their Drum Major from 1973 through ’76. In 1978 Steve went north of the border and was the Drum Major for the Guelph Royalaires. Steve has been the brass arranger and instructor for the Erie Mavericks 1974 to ’78, the Pittsburgh Rockets 1975 and ’76, the Steel City Ambassadors 1985 to ’91, the Syracuse Brigadiers 1991 to ’93, the Rochester Crusaders 2000 to ’03, the Empire Statesmen 2003 and ’04, and he has been with the Erie Thunderbirds as a brass arranger and instructor from 1979 and is still with them to this very day. Steve’s adjudication history includes music and brass judge with the New York All-American Adjudicators and the New York Federation Contest Judges from 1972 to ’82 and has adjudicated any number of contests with DCI and DCA from 1974 to 1982.

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Howard DeHaven

Howard DeHaven – In 1951 Howie began his Drum Corps career by joining the Norristown Invaders as a soprano bugler. He performed with them until 1960 when he moved on to become a member of the Ridley Park Rangers performing with them in 1960 and ’61. After a 2 year hiatus Howie joined the Reilly Raiders in 1963 and performed with them until retiring from competition in 1966. In 1994 when Reilly reformed as an Alumni Corps Howie once again joined the ranks and has been with the Reilly raiders ever since. Howie also serves as a section leader in the horn line.

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Raymond J. Dolce

Raymond J. Dolce – In 1937 Ray was a member of the Upper Darby Post 214 and remained with them until 1942 as a soprano bugler. Following WW II Ray joined the Archer-Epler Musketeers in 1946 as a soprano bugler performing with them until going into retirement after to 1953 season. When “Archie” was making their comeback as a competitive Drum Corps Ray once again joined and marched from 1975 through ’80. Then from 1987 to 2002 Ray performed with “Archie’s” chorus and has since retired.

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John Dowlan

John Dowlan – John has been involved in Drum Corps since 1935 when he began playing with the Osmond Cadets. Following his service in the US Army John joined the Reilly raiders in 1946 as both a performer and drum instructor until 1954. John played drums with the Archer-Epler Musketeers for the 1954 season. John was a member of the Mid-Atlantic Judges Association from 1950 through 1958. In 1957 through 1961 John became the percussion instructor and arranger for the United States Air Force Drum & Bugle Corps, Washington, D.C. where he worked with nationally acclaimed horn instructor and arranger Truman Crawford who is himself a Life Time Member and Meritorious Service Award recipient of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame and member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. During these years John would instruct and influence numerous drummers who would themselves become members of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame of which John himself is a member. Among those Hall of Fame members who were instructed by John were John Flowers, who is also a Life Time Member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame, Dick Filkins, Eric Landis, Rod Goodhart and Bob Zarfoss, another Life Time Member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame. In addition to the aforementioned Drum Corps John also instructed and arranged for numerous other Corps with more then fifty Drum Corps having fallen under his tutelage. John id known as the inventor of “back sticking, a technique that he invented, developed and later introduced through the United States Air Force Drum Corps. That technique can be seen today as one of the primary visual presentations of numerous drum lines.

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Ray Eyler

Ray Eyler – In 1956 Ray started his stellar Drum Corps career with the Tri Community Cadets as a soprano bugler and performed with them until 1959. In that year Ray moved on to the United States Air Force Drum Corps in Washington, D.C. serving under (now ret. Col.) Truman Crawford performing as a soprano bugler until 1963. While a member of the USAF Drum Corps Ray found time to join the Archer-Epler Musketeers in 1960 and performed there until 1967. Ray, as a music arranger and instructor, began that phase of his Drum Corps career the same year he joined the Tri Community Cadets with his affiliation with Brookhaven with whom he instructed from 1956 through ’59. Following Ray’s discharge from the Air Force Ray began his long association with the Audubon Bon Bons which lasted from 1964 through ’77, and at various times during the decade of the 70’s Ray has arranged for, instructed and been a consultant for many of the top ranked Junior and Senior Drum Corps throughout the United States, Keystone Regiment, Crossmen and OLPH Ridgemen to name just a few. Ray has been an adjudicator with NJA from 1960 through 2004, and Music Caption Head with both the Mid-Atlantic Judges Association from 1960 through 1970 and Music Caption Head with DCA during 3 decades, 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s

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James C. Gruber

James C. Gruber – Jimmy’s history with the Reading Buccaneers dates back to 1976 when he joined their horn line. His first tenure ended in 1981. In 1987 Jimmy became a charter member of the Buccaneers Alumni Drum Corps. After a brief retirement from competition of 8 years Jimmy returned and performed in both the 1989 and ’90 seasons. A short hiatus and back to competition in 1992, and another hiatus til 1995. In 1996 Jimmy was elected Corps Director and has served the Buccaneers in that capacity ever since. Jimmy was named the DCA Director of the year in 1999, 2005, 2006 and 2007. He has been the Corps Director of the DCA World Champion Reading Buccaneers for an unprecedented 5 consecutive years, 2005, ’06, ’07, ’08 and ’09.

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Walter F. (Hagen) Hundeshagen

Walter F. (Hagen) Hundeshagen – At the beginning of Walt’s Drum Corps career in 1949 he could only march one (1) year with the Swanwick Post Junior Drum Corps in West New York, N.J. before aging out. From 1951 to ’53 performed as a bugler with the Saldarini Post Senior Drum Corps from Union City, N.J. Walt then moved on to Our Lady of Grace “Bayway Grays” Senior Drum Corps of Hoboken, N.J. where he performed with them in 1954 and ’55. The following year, 1956, finds Walt with the Reilly Raiders. During his tenure with Reilly they won 3 consecutive VFW National championships in 1957, ’58 and ’59. He briefly retired from Competition only to return for one final season of competition in 1964. When the Reilly Raiders regrouped as an Alumni Drum Corps in 1994 Walt once again picked up his horn after a 33 year layoff and has been with them ever since. Walter is also a Life Time Member of Reilly’s Old Timers Club.

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Michael Adamus

Michael Adamus
Michael joined the Erie Thunderbirds in 1999 as a soprano bugler. During his tenure with the Thunderbirds Michael has been a very active member serving as a board member, as well as chairman of their Communications Committee, Membership Committee, and Reunion Committee. Michael has also served as their President as well.

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Susan Ashman

Susan Ashman
Sue began her association with the Erie Thunderbirds as a member of their color guard in 1969. Sue also server in their Honor Guard as well until her retirement in 1978

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Ann Beck

Ann Beck
Ann began her Drum Corps career as a member of the Levittown Pennsylvanians color guard in 1956. After an 11 year hiatus Ann returned to Drum Corps with the York White Roses as a member of their color Guard and aged out of Junior Drum Corps with them in 1967. She remained with the York White Roses as their Guard Instructor in 1968 and ’69. She then moved on to serve as a souvenir worker with the Reading Buccaneers from 1969 through 1972. Five years later and Ann once again returned to the activity, this time as the Drum Major of the Hershey Chocolatiers in 1977. After a twenty year layoff Ann came out of retirement as a member of the Honor Guard for the Westshoremen in 1997. Ann remained with the Westshoremen from 1998 through 2001 performing in their pit section. She also served as their Corps Director in 2001.

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Cheri Campbell-Godfrey

Cheri Campbell-Godfrey
Cheri began her service with the Erie Thunderbirds in 1997 as a cymbal player. In 1998 joined their soprano bugler section and still performs with them in that capacity. Cheri is also a board member for the Erie Thunderbirds.

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Edward D. Coleman, III

Edward D. Coleman, III
In 1939 Ed joined the Erie Cadets American Legion Post #11 as a baritone bugler and served with them for 2 years where he entered the military service. Upon his return from his tour of duty in 1946 he joined the Roger Israel American Legion Post #11 which, during Ed’s enlistment had become a Senior Drum & Bugle Corps, again as a Baritone bugler, and remained with them until 1950 whereupon Ed entered semi-retirement from Drum Corps. In 1964 Ed returned to the activity, again as a baritone bugler with the North East Shoreliners and performed with them for a period of three years until 1966.

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Edward D. Coleman, V

Edward D. Coleman, V
Edward began his Drum Corps career as a cymbal player with the Lake Erie Regiment in 1994. He continued to perform with Lake Erie Regiment as a bass drummer from 1995 through 1997. In 1998 Edward moved on to the Kiwanis Kavaliers as a bass drummer. 1999 and 2000 finds Edward performing with the Empire Statesmen playing tenors, with another tour with the Kiwanis Kavaliers for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. 2003 and 2004 finds Edward once again with the Empire Statesmen where in 2004 they were proclaimed both DCA World and American Legion National Champions. Edward is also the Founder and Director of the Presque Isle Percussion Ensemble.

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Brad Fogel

Brad Fogel
In 1979 Brad joined the Wind Gap Blue Eagles as a soprano bugler where he spent the next 3 years. After an hiatus of 12 years Brad rejoined the Wind Gap Blue Eagles and performed with them for another 7 seasons until 2000. During that time Brad also served as their Business Manager. In 2001 Brad joined the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps and has been there to this day

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Mary Lou Herre

Mary Lou Herre
For a period of 8 years Mary Lou has served the Archer-Epler Musketeers with great distinction in many capacities on their support staff. Mary Lou can be seen performing many duties from uniform repair to cooking and serving meals the Corps following rehearsals and parades and distributing water and other refreshments to the marchers during parades.

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