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.

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.

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.

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.

Larry Hershman 

In 1964 Larry became a member of the Westshoremen as a cymbal player and for 8 years he performed in that capacity. He began his administrative duties with Westshore in 1978. But Larry is known not only as a Drum Corps administrator. In 1975 Larry began his career as the show coordinator of the Serenade in Brass which just completed its 32^nd continuous performance yesterday. In 1984 Larry also instituted one of the best known and recognized joint Junior and Senior Drum Corps competitions, the Hershey Spectacular which ran for 21 consecutive years. At present Larry continues as one of the driving forces behind the reorganization of the Westshoremen Alumni Corps; Is the chief administrator of the Canton Blue Coats; continues to produce one of the premier indoor stage shows, the Serenade in Brass; is presently the Vice President of Drum Corps Associates and is a member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

John R Kelly 

John has been performing with the Westshore Alumni Corps for the past 6 years as the Captain of their Honor Guard.
He began his Drum corps career with Westshore back in 1978 as a cymbal player and performed in the same capacity in 1979. Here is wishing John many more years of participation in the activity so that he will move on to our Full Membership level.

Robert Wagner 

Bob began his Drum Corps career in 1943 with P.S. # 83 in Baltimore, Maryland and played both snare drum and bugle. He also joined the Tall Cedars Junior Drum Corps in 1945 and performed with both groups until 1949. He then moved on to St. Michael’s Junior Drum Corps in 1949 and played the baritone bugle with them for 2 years. From 1952 through 1955 he played the soprano bugle with both the Kenwood Cadets and the Kenwood Cavaliers. 1955 saw Bob move on once again to play soprano bugle with Hamilton Post #20. All of these Drum Corps were located in his home town of Baltimore, Maryland. 1957 saw Bob move on to play with the Reilly Raiders for 4 years, then a stint with the New York Skyliners for 2 years before returning to his native Baltimore to perform with the Yankee-Rebels where he retired from competitive Drum Crops in 1969 as a National Champion. 20 years later, in 1988, Bob came out of retirement to join the Yankee-Rebels Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also put in stints with the Archer-Epler Musketeers Alumni Corps, the New York Skyliners Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps and presently plays with the Yankee-Rebels, Reilly Raiders and the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Corps. He also serves on the Yankee-Rebels “Dixie Stinger” show coordinating staff.

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.

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^th 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.

Frederick D. Seigfried

Fred’s Drum Corps experience began in 1936 as a bugler in the eat Germantown Indians Cadets and lasted until 1939. 20 years later, in 1959, he joined his first Senior Drum Corps, the Henry Houston Mounties as a member of their color guard and was with them until 1963. He then moved on to the Reilly Raiders and in 1968 performed with the Reilly Raider/Musketeers. When the Reilly Raiders reformed as an Alumni Corps Fred once again came out of retirement to take his place in their color guard and is presently performing with them.

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William Yoho  

Bill started his Drum Corps career in 1968 with the Pittsburgh Rockets and remained with them until 1977. He also spent a 4 year stint with the Sharpsburg Ambassadors. Bill also served on the Board of the Silver Sabers in Beaver Falls, Pa. from 1971 through 1978. He served as their music arranger and instructor as well as their drill writer and instructor.

Bob Zarfoss    

The White Roses from York, Pennsylvania, Bob’s home town, was the start of his Drum Corps career in the early 1960’s as a snare drummer. He auditioned and was accepted in the United State Air Force Blue Eagles Drum and Bugle Corps stationed in Washington, D.C. in 1955 and remained with them until they were decommissioned in 1963. Bob’s instructional career began once again with his hometown Corps the York White Roses. He also was the percussion instructor for both the Hanover Lancers and West Shore Bonnie Scots in the late 60’s and early 70’s and is presently the percussion instructor for the Hanover Lancers Alumni Corps. Administratively Bob has served as a Board Member for the York White Roses and is presently on the Board of the Hanover Lancers. From 1957 through 1980 Bob was an adjudicator with KIDA and also holds Judging status with the National Judges Association.

James V. Cossetti 

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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Jim Fawber 

In 1973 Jim became a baritone bugler with Keystone Kavaliers and performed with them for 1 season. In 1974 through 1979 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. Jim also performed at the DCA I&E show last year playing on a 1930’s tenor baritone bugler.

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Lisa Menear

Lisa’s Drum Corps career began in 1984 as a baritone bugler with Westmoreland Esquires and performed with them through the 1987 season. After an 11 year break she returned the Drum Corps as a baritone bugler with the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Drum Corps from 1998 through 2003. The 2004 and 2005 season finds Lisa a performer with Shenandoah Sound. Lisa has since returned to the Steel City Ambassadors and has been performing with them in 2006 and 07.

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Tom Ashby 

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 career. After a 22 year retirement Tom retired to the activity, this time as a soprano bugler with the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. With the Reilly Raiders return as an Alumni Corps in 1994 Tom again assumed Drum Major duties with them until 1997. Another 7 year hiatus and Tom once again has returned to the activity as the Assistant Drum Major of the Hawthorne Caballeros.

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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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Joseph Ledwith 

Joe started his career in Drum Corps by joining the East Germantown Junior Drum and Bugle Corps in 1949 as a bass drummer. The following year Joe took his new found skills to Liberty Bell and performed with them until he aged out of Junior Corps in 1953. Joe spent the 1954 season with the Reilly Raiders. After a 6 year hiatus Joe returned to the activity with the Archer-Epler Musketeers, retiring from the activity following the 1966 season. After a 32 year retirement from the competitive aspects of our activity Joe once again returned to perform with the Reilly Raiders Alumni Corps in 1998 and has been a member since then. Joe serves the Reilly Raiders as their equipment manager and is chairman of their program book committee. Joe is also an Associate Member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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Eugene Sharpley 

Gene began his Drum Corps career as a mellophone bugler in 1969 with the Pittsburgh Rockets and performed with them until 1973. After a 9 year layoff he joined the Steel City Ambassadors in 1982, again in the mellophone line where he remained until 1991. Another short layoff for the 1992 season and 1993 finds Gene with the Syracuse Brigadiers, and from 1994 through 97 Gene was a member of the Westshoremen performing with their hornline. And now, after yet another short retirement of 10 years Gene is once again amongst the ranks of the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Corps on mellophone.

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Thomas Siegried 

In 1988 Tom started his Drum Corps career with the Reading Buccaneers as a member of their drumline. He spent 2 seasons with them before moving on the Lehigh Valley Chieftains in their snare line. After a 6 year stint, Tom once again moved on to play snare with the Westshoremen from 1998 through 2001. After a 1 year hiatus in 2002, Tom returned in 2003 as a member of the New York Skyliners snareline and performed with them through the 2005 season. Tom presently is serving as the drum caption head with the newly reformed Emmaus Sentinels. He has also served as either caption head or instructor for the Lehigh Valley Chieftains (1995-97), the Westshoremen (1998-2001), the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps (1998-2004), and New York Skyliners (2003-05). Tom has been a playing member of the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps almost throughout his entire Drum Corps career, starting in 1989 and continuing to this present day.

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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.

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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 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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Steven “Hairbear” Masters 

“Hairbear’s” Drum Corps career started with the Black Shields of Sparta in 1968 as a baritone bugler. His performance with them was briefly interrupted by military service in Vietnam from December of 1972 to December of 1973. Upon his return he played one final season before a short retirement. 1980 sees his return to the activity as a baritone bugler with the Ohio Brass Factory. After another short retirement from 1983 to 1986 he performed briefly with Cincinnati Tradition. From 1986 through 1990 Hairbear performed as a member of the Steel City Ambassadors in their award winning pit section. In 1991, 92 and 96 he moved on to perform with the Westshoremen. There was a one year stint with the Syracuse Brigadiers before moving on to the Racine Kilties for the 1994, 95, 99, 07 and next season, 08. Hairbear served as the percussion instructor for the Junior Corps Cincinnati Glory from 1997 to 98 and has been serving on the percussion staff for the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Band since 1994. Hairbear’s contributions to the activity also include the monetary sponsorship of not less then 20 youths who have participated with any number of Junior Drum Corps and Indoor Color Guards throughout the nation. QUOTE “In the 1990’s and 2000’s, I have delivered money to kids sponsored by Steve “Hairbear” Masters on tour.”UNQUOTE Signed Cozy Baker.

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Sandy McNeal 

In 1965 Sandy became a member of the Pittsburgh Rockets drumline and remained in their service until 1973. After a 9 year layoff Sandy rejoined the activity as a member of the Steel City pit crew and remained with them through the 1991 season. 1992 found Sandy with the Westshoremen. In 1993 he put in 1 performance year with the Syracuse Brigadiers before returning in 1995 to the Westshoremen and completing his competitive career with them in 1997. Sandy was the percussion and M&M instructor for the Pittsburgh Oaklanders Junior Drum and Bugle Corps in 1974 and 1975 as well as one of their founding members. He has also been involved with the African Percussion Ensemble for the past 30 years.
Sandy also was a Three Time DCA "Entertainer Of The Year".

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Loujaue McPherson 

“Jay’s” Junior Corps career includes a start with the Pittsburgh Rockets Junior parade Corps in 1980 and 81 as a contra-bass. The Garfield Cadets availed themselves of his services as a contra-bass in the 1985 season. That year was surrounded from 1981 through 1988 with the Steel City Ambassadors Senior Drum Corps. We next find Jay as the Drum Major of Erie Excalibur for the 1989 and 90 seasons with a return to contra-bass with the Harrison Bushwackers in 1994 and the Westshoremen in 1997. Jay’s Junior Corps instructional history began with the Thundering Heard from 1981 through 1983 as guard instructor. Then on to the Canton Bluecoats as brass and M&M instructor in 1989. From there he went to the Marion Cadets as guard and M&M instructor; 1992-94 guard instructor of the Golden Lancers; and finally brass and guard with the Enforcers/Royal Crusaders 1995-98. At the Senior level he was Drill Designer for Erie Excalibur in 1989-90 and has handled the brass and M&M instruction for Mon Valley Express since 1999. Administratively Jay served as the Director of Mon Valley Express in 2006. He has also served as their Assistant Director from 2001 through 2005. He served them in that capacity 2007 season as well. Jay’s judging credentials include field visual adjudicator with the National Judges Association from 1992-94.

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Richard Penrod 

Dick began his Drum Corps activities in 1940 with the Rising Sun Post Junior Drum Corps as a soprano bugler and remained with them until 1944. In 1945 and 46 he performed with the Community League of Kensington Drum Corps. A brief hiatus was followed in 1949 with his participation with the East Germantown Cadets. Dick’s Senior Corps competitive career started with the Reilly Raiders in 1951 and ended in 1955. With the reorganization of the Reilly Raiders as an Alumni Corps, Dick once again returned to the activity with them in 1994 and has performed with them since then. Dick has served the Reilly Raiders administratively as Personnel Manager from 1998 to 2001; Corps Director 2001 -02 and the Chairman of the “Old-Timers” since 2005.

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Jay W. Pius 

Jay was initially inducted in the Pennsylvania Drum Corps of Fame in 2005 as a Level II Member. He began his Drum Corps career with the Erie Thunderbirds in 1971. With a short break from active participation in 1978, he returned in 1979 only to take another break in 1980 and a long break in 1983 finally returning to the Thunderbirds in 1991 and has been a mainstay in their fine organization since then. Jay handles most of the fund raising activities for the Thunderbirds and as you can tell by their success over these years his efforts have been of great benefit to both the Erie Thunderbirds and the Drum Corps activity as well.

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Terry Prosba 

Terry’s Drum Corps career began in 1959 as a soprano bugler with the Pittsburgh Rockets where he remained for 15 years until he retired from competition in 1973. During his final 3 years with the Rockets he served them as their Association Director. In 1975 Terry began his adjudicator duties with the All-American Judges Association and remained with them until 1980 serving as a visual judge. In 1979 he joined the ranks of the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges and has served as a visual judge for them as well. Terry is still judging and also is PFCJ’s Secretary/Treasurer. In 2005 Terry returned to active participation in Drum Corps and is presently a lead soprano with the Steel City Ambassadors.

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Wally Ream 

In 1962 Wally joined the Westshoremen as a bass drummer and spent the next 10 years moving around from drum to the next with stops at snare drum, tenor drum and rudimental bass. From 1973 through 1976 Wally traveled south to play rudimental bass and quads for the Yankee-Rebels Drum Corps in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1977 and 78 Wally returned to the Westshoremen after which he retired from active field competition. Wally’s instructional history include assistant drum instructor with the Hershey Chocolatiers in 1982 and 83, and assistant drum instructor for the Westshoremen in 1987. Wally has served on the Board of Directors for the Westshoremen Alumni Corps since 2003 and in also the President of the Westshoremen Alumni Association.

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Bill Reese 

Bill began his Drum Corps career as a soprano bugler with the Hanover Lancers in 1959. He was in continuous service with them through the 1977 season. In the 60’s During Hanover’s competitive years Bill served as the Corps President, Secretary, Treasure and Business Director. In 1990 when the Hanover Lancers reformed as an Alumni Corps Bill was instrumental in their reorganization. Bill is still playing soprano bugle with them and also serves as their Treasurer and Business Director. Bill also served as the first Secretary/Treasure of the Red Carpet Association from 1968 through 1972.

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Eric Smith 

Eric started his Drum Corps career as a member of the brass section in the Latrobe Colonials in 1962 and remain for another season before moving on to the Westmoreland Esquires in 1964. Eric ended his performance career as a member of the Esquires in 1970, serving on their administration committee from 1968 through 1970. Eric served on the Steel City Ambassadors visual staff for the 1992 season.
Eric’s judging career got its start in 1976 as a visual judge with the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judge serving as their visual caption as well, and he remained with them until 1986 when he became a visual judge for the National Judges Association and remains with them to this day.
Eric has judged the US Open National Championships 3 times, the American International Open and the DCA World Championships 6 times, the latest of which was 2006 in Rochester, N.Y. and has been associated with DCA for over 20 years.

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Donnie Solinger 

Donnie’s Drum Corps career began in 1957 as a baritone player with the West Reading Police Cadets. In 1958 he began helping the newly formed Reading Buccaneers in parades and exhibitions. He won a spot in the drill for the 1959 season playing bass-baritone then contra-bass and has been actively involved with the Buccaneers or its Alumni Association ever since, having marched in the field show as recently as 1997. He was active with the “Old Bucs” Alumni Association until that organization was absorbed by the Buccaneers Alumni Association.
Donnie has served on the executive committee as Assistant Corps Director and is currently the Corps Historian and an advisor to the committee. Over the years, in addition to 15 years in the hornline, he has served as souvie table manager, truck driver, field maintenance and support staff member. In 1980 Donnie became a charter member of the Buccaneers Alumni Association and has marched with the Buccaneers Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps since 1986 playing contra-bass. He also served on the Alumni executive committee as secretary in 2006-07.
He played with the Buccaneers Alumni Celebration Brass Ensemble, and is the co-author of the Corps song (in case you didn’t know). He has served on the Buccaneers Hall of Fame nominating committee since its inception. In 2001 Donnie was inducted as an associate member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Donnie fulfilled a lifetime fantasy in 1998 by joining and performing with the Skyliners Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps until 2002. He marched one show in the Skyliners Senior Corps in the Honor Guard. He remains a member of the Skyliners Alumni Association. He also served on the revived Dream contest committee for four years.
Known affectionately as “Mr. Reminisce”, Donnie always has a story to tell or can let you know who did what and when they did it.

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Gregg Sweney 

In 1965 Gregg’s Drum Corps career started with the Derry Patriot’s Junior Drum and Bugle Corps and aged out in 1975. He performed with the Erie Thunderbirds for 1 season in 1976. In 1980 he performed 1 season with the Westshoremen and the next 2 seasons, 1981 and 82 he performed with the Steel City Ambassadors. Gregg, when not competing, also performed with the Westmoreland Esquires from 1978 through 1998. When the Steel City Ambassadors reformed as an Alumni in 1998 Gregg was one of their charter members and performed with them through the 2006 season.

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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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Rick Jackson 

Rick’s Drum Corps career started in 1967 when he joined the Pittsburgh Rockets in their drumline and stayed as a performer with them until 1973 whereupon he retired from the activity. This retirement lasted until 1982 when he returned to perform with the Steel City Ambassadors and remained with them until 1991. A 1 year layoff and 1992 saw Rick travel to perform with the Westshoremen. In 1993 finds Rick with the Syracuse Brigadiers. Another 1 year layoff and Rick returns to perform with the Westshoremen for the 1995, 96 and 97 season.

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Gary Matczak 


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Lou Palumbo 

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Frank Welling 


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