PADCHOF Members Bios I > P

PADCHOF Members I > P

Thomas Mahan

Tom began his Drum Corps career as a baritone bugler for the Sharpsburg Cadets Senior Corps in 1956. He served on active duty with the US Marine Corps from 1960 through 1964. Upon his return he became a charter member of the Allegheny Monarchs as a Contra Bass and served on their Board of Directors. He served as the Drill Instructor for the Sharpsburg Cadets Junior Corps for the 1969-70 season. Tom became a member of the Sharpsburg Ambassadors Senior Drum and Bugle Corps in 1976. When the Steel City Ambassadors were formed in 1980 Tom became a charter member and has served them in just about every possible capacity from truck driver, pit crew, equipment manager to Business Manager and Director. He received his Lifetime Membership Award to the Steel City Ambassadors in 1987 and is currently the Vice President of the Ambassadors Club, a booster organization for the present Steel City Ambassadors. He has also served on their Board of Trustees. Tom is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame and presently serves on the our Board of Trustees.

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Dominic Mignogna

Dom began his Drum Corps career as a soprano bugler and Drum Major for the Westmoreland Esquires in 1965. He then moved on to the Steel City Ambassadors as a mellophone in 1981. When the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Corps formed in 1998, he became their Drum Major and has served in that capacity til this day. He served as the Co-Director of the Esquires from 1971 through 1979 and presently is the show coordinator for the Steel City Ambassadors and serves on their Board of Trustees. Dom is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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George (Left Foot) Mullins

George has spent close to 40 years associated with a number of Corps in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area beginning with the Sharpsburg Cadets (7 years), Verona Cavaliers (4 years), Westmoreland Esquires (10 years), Sharpsburg Ambassadors (4 years) and the Steel City Ambassadors 14 years). He has also put in stints with Fletcher’s Raiders from Hartford, Conn. And the Corpsvets Senior Drum and Bugle Corps from Atlanta, Ga., earning his “Crest” while participating with them at the DCA Championships Weekend on a number of occasions these past few years.
George is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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Bob Menear

Bob started his Drum Corps experience as a lead soprano with the Pittsburgh Rockets in 1963. During the next 40 plus seasons he has performed with such Drum and Bugle Corps as the Westmoreland Esquires, Hawthorne Caballeros, Westshoremen, and Shenandoah Sound. He has also performed with the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps as well as the Westshoremen Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. He has served as the horn instructor and musical arranger for the West Elizabeth Cavaliers, the Derry Patriots, Royal crusaders, Westmoreland Esquires, Mapleton Midnighters, Steel City Ambassadors competing and Alumni Corps and Shenandoah Sound. He also has help instruct the Westshoremen Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. Adminstratively Bob served as the Business Manager from 1964 through 1970.
Bob is a Charter member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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William C. Murray

Bill’s Drum Corps experience started in 1958 as a snare drummer with the Vern Acklin Cavaliers. Upon completing 2 years of competition with them he moved on to the Pittsburgh Rockets in 1960 and stayed with them til 1965. He became the percussion arranger and instructor for the Cleveland Cavaliers for a period of 3 years. Bill has also served the Drum Corps activity as a percussion judge in both the All-American Judges Association and the National Judges Association.
Bill is a Charter Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

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Betty Mellon

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Bud Jeffers

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Delores Phifer

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Kenny Newman

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Paul Morrison

Paul E. Morrison, III
Paul spent, between performing with both the Steel City Ambassadors competing and Alumni Corps, a total of 6 years. Paul also performed for 3 with both Night Storm and St. Mary’s Grey Knights as well as Soundwave for 1 season. Paul also served on the brass staff of all of these Corps as well. While a member of Night Storm Paul also served as their Director and Treasurer. He also served as treasurer for Sound Wave.

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Frank Neill

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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.

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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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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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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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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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Carl (Govvy) Place

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Ann Klunk

Ann has been a member of the Hanover Lancers support staff from 2004 through to the present. You can always find her at every parade the Lancers appear in pulling the water wagon and performing any duty that the Corps may need to keep rolling. She is most definitely a treasure to all of the members of the Hanover Lancers. She is most definitely an asset not just to the Lancers but people like Ann are some of the unsung heroes and backbone of our activity.

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Sayre Thomas Kulp

In the year 1991, at the tender age of eight (8) Sayre joined the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum Corps performing in both their horn & drum lines and has continued to perform with them to this very day. In the interim he has performed with the Lehigh Valley Chieftains from 1994 through 1997, the Westshoremen Mini-Corps from 1998 through 2001 and the New York Skyliners competing Drum Corps from 2003 through 2005. He performed with the Long Island Sunrisers from 2005 to 2007. Last year was a very busy time for Sayre Drum Corps wise. He performed with the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps in their contra line, the Emmaus Sentinels Alumni Drum & Bugle corps in their contra line and the Shenandoah Sound competing Drum & Bugle Corps in their contra line and as one of their Drum Majors.

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Tyler Kulp

Like his older brother Tyler began his Drum Corps experience carrying the banner in the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps in parades in 1991, and then as a percussionist, and still performs with the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps to this day. Tyler also performed with the Lehigh Valley Chieftains from 1994 through 1997, the Westshoremen Mini-Corps from 1999 through 2001 and the New York Skyliners from 2003 through 2005. Last year was a busy year for Tyler as well. He also performed with the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps in their drum line, the Emmaus Sentinels Alumni Drum & Bugle corps in their drum line and the Shenandoah Sound competing Drum & Bugle Corps in their drum line and as one of their Drum Majors. Tyler also served as a drill instructor for the New York Skyliners competing Corps in 2005.

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Anthony Lanzillotti

Tony’s Drum Corps career started as a bugler with the John Wolpert Post in 1947 and remained with them until 1951 where he spent the next 2 years with the Mid-City Cadets of Philadelphia until 1953. During his last 2 year with the Wolpert Post he served as there horn instructor and in his 2 year tenure with the Mid-City Cadets he served as their horn instructor as well. In 1953 Tony graduated to the Archer-Epler Musketeers and then retired from active competition in 1958. In 1998, after a 40 year hiatus Tony returned to the activity and presently performs with the Reilly Raiders

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Brian Moul

Brian began his Drum corps experience in 1979 as a baritone bugler with the Hanover Lancers and performed with them until 1981. In 1990 Brian returned to the Lancers as a baritone bugler and continues in that capacity to this day. Since 1996 Bill has served the Lancers as their horn instructor, and since 1991 Bill has served the Corps as a member of their Board of Directors.

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William B. Keller

Bill joined the Emwood Cadets in 1942 as a baritone bugler and spent his entire Junior Corps career with them aging out in 1949. After an 8 year hiatus Bill finally went Senior and joined the Reilly Raiders in 1957 and finished his competitive Drum Corps days in 1964. During this time Bill also spent one year, 1959 to 1960, with the Imhoff Post. 11 years later find Bill performing with the Archer-Epler Musketeers from 1975 through 1994. When the Reilly Raiders regrouped as an Alumni Corps in 1994 Bill found his way back to them and has been with them ever since.

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James Kirkwood

Jim began his Drum Corps experience with the King’s Cadet of Delmont, Pa. in 1958. His Senior Corps career began in 1965 with the Sharpsburg Cadets and after a 2 year stint with them he performed the 1967 season with the Allegheny Monarchs. In 1968 Jim joined the Pittsburgh Rockets and for the next 5 years he performed with them until 1972. He spent the following season with the Westmoreland Esquires before moving on to the Reading Buccaneers where he spent the next 3 seasons, 1975 through 1977. After a five year hiatus Jim joined the Westshoremen for the 1982 and’83 season. Jim moved on to perform with the New York Skyliners as a soprano bugler from 1983 through 1989. Then in 1990 through 2002, he marched in their Honor Guard. Jim’s Alumni Corps career began in 1992 with the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps and he has been with them ever since. He has also performed with the New York Skyliners Alumni Corps in 1995 and ’96, the Westshoremen Alumni Corps from 2005 until the present and the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Corps from 2006 until the present.

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Scott Klunk

Scott’s Drum Corps experience began in 1976 when he joined the Hanover Lancers and performed with them in their rifle line. During the time from 1976 through 1980 Scott was also the instructor of their rifle line. Scott ended his competitive career in 1980 with the Lancers. When the Lancers reorganized as an Alumni Corps in 1990 Scott once again picked up his rifle and joined his comrades once again. Scott is still with Hanover and is serving as their Drum Major. Scott also serves on the Hanover Lancers Board of Directors.

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Diane Koenig

In 1978 Diane began her Drum Corps career by joining the Reading Buccaneers and performing in their color guard. From then until 1990 she joined the horn line playing French horn, Baritone and Mellophone. In 1991 Diane came off the field of competition and through 1995 season she served on the Buccaneers support staff. In 1996 Diane once again returned to the field of competition as Drum Major, a position she held 2008. Administratively Diane served as the Buccaneers Secretary in 1994.

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Gary Koenig

Gary began his Drum Corps career with the Hamburg Junior Buccaneers in 1969. 3 years later, in 1972 he joined the Belvederes form Schuylkill Haven and remained with them until he aged out in 1976. After a 5 year hiatus Gary joined the Reading Buccaneers in 1981 and performed with them on the field until 2000. Gary served as a visual tech for the Buccaneers in 2001 and 2002. Administratively between the years 1982 through 1996 Gary served the Buccaneers Treasurer, Business Manager and Assistant Director. Gary presently performs with the Reading Buccaneer Alumni Drum Corps and the newly formed Belvederes Alumni Drum Corps.

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John F. Lundell

In 1968 John joined the newly formed Reilly Raiders Musketeers performing in their color guard. When the Corps went defunct John took a hiatus of 4 years then joined the Reading Buccaneers performing in their color guard for the 1972 and ‘73 seasons. In 1975 John joined the reorganized Archer-Epler Musketeers color guard has is still performing with them to this day. When the Reilly Raiders started their Alumni Corps John returned to perform with them in their color guard as well. His instruction history includes the 507 Hornets color guard in 1972 &’73, the Reilly Raiders color guard since his return to them in 1995 to the present. He has served as Reilly Raiders Personnel Manager from 2004 to the present day.

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Willard Marcks

In 1961 Willie joined the Reading Buccaneers as a baritone bugler and served his Corps for a period 13 years until his retirement from competitive Drum Corps. After his hiatus of 13 years he joined the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum Corps and is still active with them to day. Willie served the Reading Buccaneers competing Corps as their President when the Corps fell upon hard times and help see them through. Since 2004 Willie has served as the Alumni Corps as their Vice President.

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Albert J McFadden

Al began his Drum Corps experience as a member of the Yearsley Cadets in 1954 and performed with them until 1962 where he moved on the Ridley Park Rangers. In 1964 finds Al performing in the drum line of the Bracken Cadets aging out in 1965. The next year Al graduates to the senior ranks and joins the Reilly Raiders performing with them from 1965 until their demise in 1967. A 25 year semi-retirement finds Al in the drum line of the Archer-Epler Musketeers. In 1994 Al returns to the Reilly Raiders and has been with them since then. Al splits his time between Pennsylvania and Florida. In 2003 he joined the Florida Brass Alumni Corps and has been performing with them as well. When the Reilly Raiders reorganized Al served on their Board of Directors in 1994 – ’95, and from 1995 to 1998 Al served as their Corporate Secretary.

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Ritchee Price

Ritchee’s Drum Corps career began in 1966 as a soprano bugler with the York White Roses. He performed with them until 1972. The following year, 1973 he becomes a member of the Reading Buccaneers and performs with them for 2 seasons. 2 years later Rich joins the Rhode Island Matadors where he spends the next 6 years as both a soloist and Drum Major. He returns to competition following a 2 year layoff with the Long Island Sunrisers in 1984 and 1985 and for 3 seasons, 2005 through 2007 he performs with the Empire Statesmen. Ritchee’s instructional background includes the York White Roses 1970 through 1972, the Rhode Island Matadors 1976 through 1982, the Framingham Sure Shoots, 1981 through 1983, the 27th Lancers 1984, the Generation Senior Drum Corps 1996 through 2000, the Rhode Island Matadors Alumni Corps 1999 and served as a consultant for the Empire Statesmen from 2005 through 2007.

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Jack R. Lundell

Jack began his Drum Corps career as a bugler with the Elmwood Cadets in 1936 and remained with them until 1941. After an 18 year hiatus he returned to competition as a member of the color guard of the Archer-Epler Musketeers in 1959. He remained with Archie in that capacity until 1967 and when the merger of the Reilly Raiders and Musketeers took place he temporarily finished his competitive career as a member of their color guard in 1968. Another hiatus of 9 years sees Jack’s return to the Drum Corps activity as a member of the reformed Archer-Epler Musketeers in 1975 again as a member of their color guard. In 1994 he joined the Reilly Raiders Alumni Drum Corps and performed with both organizations until his passing in 2002. From 1988 until 1994 he served as color guard instructor for Archie and performed the same duties with the Reilly Raiders from 1994 through to 2002.

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Judy Parfet

Judy was a member of the Westshoremen and performed many of the duties associated with the behind the scenes activity that every Drum Corps needs in order to function effectively and served in that capacity from 1978 through 1993. Judy could always be seen at Drum Corps contests tending to Westshore’s souvenir table and was well known and well liked by all that had the pleasure of coming in contact with her.

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Bill Pusey

In 1960 Bill became a bugler with the Bracken Cavalier and performed with them until 1964. In 1965 Bill moved on to the Philadelphia PAL Cadets and spent that season with them. In 1967 Bill joined the Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights and ended his competitive Drum Corps career with them in 1970. During his 23 year hiatus from the activity Bill has amassed a very impressive resume in the entertainment business performing with some of the most famous entertainers in the world, too numerous to mention at this time. In 2003 Bill returned to the activity as the Musical Director of the Reilly Raiders.

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Gary Post

Gary Post– Gary’s Drum Corps career began in 1968 when he became a member of the Belvederes Junior Drum & Bugle corps playing contrabass bugle and continued in that capacity until his age out year of 1974. After coming out of an 18 year retirement Gary joined the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps again playing contrabass until 2007. For a period of 12 years from 1997 through 2009 Gary served as support staff for a number of Drum Corps throughout the nation but in particular his beloved Casper Troopers. He would serve as liaison for the Troopers, as well as many other DCI Drum Corps when they were attending the DCI East Championships, with any issues they were in need of from housing, meals to bus repairs and emergency room visits, whatever they needed. Whenever he received a distress call from anyone Gary was always able to come up with a solution. Gary Post may never have known what an impact he really had on the activity of Drum Corps. He may never have known the lives he changed and hearts he touched. But for those of us who were touched by his passion for Drum Corps, we know all too well what he meant to this activity. Gary's love of performance, his enjoyment of helping youth, is forever etched on the hearts of thousands of kids from Pennsylvania to Japan. Gary Post was the living embodiment of Honor, Loyalty and Dedication. His selfless acts created the legend of Schuylkill Haven - a small town that became the second home of a Corps from Wyoming. The Troopers are grateful for everything that he did, not only for the Long Blue Line, but for every Corps privileged enough to have known him. Thank you Gary, for bleeding blue, gold, green, maroon, teal, and every other color seen on football fields across the country, summer after summer. Written by: Mark Crimm, former Drum Major of the Troopers who marched with the Corps from 2000 until he aged out in 2007.

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Heather Kulp

Heather Kulp – In 2003 Heather joined the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum Corps in their bass drum line and has been with them ever since. In 2004 and ’05 Heather performed with the New York Skyliners. The Sunrisers availed themselves of Heathers services in 2006 and ’07 in their bass drum line. In 2007 and ’08 Heather performed with the Westshoremen in their pit and while with the Emmaus Sentinels in 2008 and ’09 Heather served as both a bass drum tech as well as in their bass drum line.

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Jay Landis

Jay Landis – In the mid 1970’s Jay joined the Buxmont Raiders as a baritone bugler. In 1975 Jay joined the Reading Buccaneers but did not take the field with them until 1976 and ’77 as a baritone bugler. Jay left the activity and didn’t return until 1999 when he joined the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Drum Corps. He auditioned as a Drum Major, successfully completed the audition and has been their Drum Major since then. In 2003 one of Jay’s dreams came true when he was asked to stand in for Joe Kemp as a replacement Drum Major for the Reading Buccaneers Field Corps. In 2000 Jay took on the duties of merchandise coordinator for the Reading Buccaneers and in 2001 was handed the responsibilities as Treasurer.

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Gerald Miklos

Gerald Miklos – Gerry became a member of the Pittsburgh Rockets in 1958 as a soprano bugler. He served in that capacity until 1960 when he picked up the French horn bugle and remained with the Rockets until 1964 when he moved to Michigan to attend school. Gerry has since retired and is living in South California but keeps in touch with the activity through contact with his sister who still attends various Drum Corps shows.

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Brian Leppo

Brian Leppo - Brian has been a loyal member of the Hanover Lancers since 1980 when he joined them as a snare drummer and spent the next 4 years performing with them until 1983. When the Lancers were reforming as an Alumni Corps in 1990 Brian once again strapped on his drum and has been performing with them ever since.

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Cheryl McDermott

Cheryl McDermott – Cheryl began her Drum Corps career in 1966 in the rifle line of the Bracken Cavaliers and remained with them until 1974. The next season Cheryl joined the Crossmen and aged out of them in 1979. After a 21 year retirement Cheryl returned to the activity as a member of the Reilly Raiders Color Guard and since performs with them to this day. During her tenure with the Reilly Raiders Cheryl also found time to perform with the Bridgemen Alumni Drum Corps in 2007 and ’08.

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Kevin McDermott

Kevin McDermott – In 1990, at the age of 15 years Kevin joined the Archer-Epler Musketeers and performed with their Junior Corps for 2 seasons and the Senior Corps for 9 years ending in 1998. During that time Kevin also performed with the Crossmen from 1992 through 1994, the Yankee Rebels in 1996 and the Sunrisers in 1998. After a 5 year hiatus Kevin returned to Drum Corps as a member of the Reilly Raiders in 2003 and is still performing with them to this day. Kevin is also presently serving as their Program Coordinator.

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Diane McDevitt

Diane McDevitt – In 1994 when the Reilly Raiders reformed as an Alumni Drum Corps Diane joined and served as a Parade Associate providing assistance in any number of capacities that might be required to see to it that the Corps functioned at peek proficiency. In 1997 Diane became a member of the banner line and in 1998 began her service as a member of Reilly’s Honor guard and has served in that capacity since then. For the past 11 year, since 1999 Diane has handled all email communications with all members of the Reilly Raiders.

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Rick Johnson

Rick Johnson – In 1970 Rick joined the Hanover Lancers as a snare drummer and performed with them until 1983 in that capacity. When the Hanover Lancers reformed as an Alumni Corps in 1990 Rick has been there and is still playing his snare drum with them to this day.

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Bill Kaufmann

Bill Kaufmann – Bill began a stellar Drum Corps career as a drummer with the Hamilton-Fish post and performed 2 seasons with them in 1948 and ’49. In 1950 through 1957 Bill performed as both a bugler and drummer with Liberty Bell. After aging out in 1958 Bill joined up with the Reilly Raiders and performed with them until 1960 when he then moved on to perform with the Archer-Epler Musketeers until 1967. In 1968 Bill performed with the merged Reilly Raider/Musketeers. Bill was the percussion arranger as well as a performer with the “first” Alumni Drum Corps, the Archer-Epler Musketeers from 1976 through ’78, and is presently the percussion arranger for the Reilly Raiders Alumni Corps. Bill has arranged for a number of Junior Corps from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania such as the Ridley Park Rangers from 1959 through ’62, the Bracken Cavaliers from 1968 through ’73 and the Crossmen from 1974 through ’78. He has arrangers for Senior Corps in Pennsylvania such as the Archer-Epler Musketeers from 1961 through ‘67 and the Westshoremen in the mid 80’s. Bill has also arranged and instructed a number of New Jersey Junior Drum Corps such as St. Lucy’s Cadets, Shadettes from Maple Shade, and the Audubon Bon Bons. Senior wise he has arranged for and instructed the Hawthorne Caballeros and the New York Skyliners. Bill has adjudicated percussion with NJA from 1961 through 1974 and was the Percussion Caption Head with DCA from 1975 through 1977.

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Vern Keeler

Vern Keeler – In 1965 Vern joined the Emmaus Sentinels as a French Horn player and after the 1970 season he moved on to the Hanover Lancers where he performed with them until they dropped from competition in 1983. When the Lancers reformed as an Alumni Corps in 1990 Vern returned to play Mellophone with them and has been there since.

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Ron Klunk

Ron Klunk – Ron joined the Hanover Lancers in 1964 and for the next 10 years until 1973 served as a soprano bugler. In 1990, as the Lancers reorganized as a Senior Alumni Drum Corps Ron was there to once again pick up his soprano bugle and is still performing with the Hanover Lancers.

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Randall Kratofil

Randall Kratofil – Randy’s Drum Corps career began in 1984 when he became a member of the Westmoreland Esquires as a soprano bugler and performed with them until 1991. From there he moved on to compete for one season with the Steel City Ambassadors in 1992 and again for one season with the Westshoremen in 1993 also serving as a brass tech with them that year. 1994 finds Randy performing with the Mainliners, a parade Corps in Altoona, Pa.. In 1995 Randy begins his arranging career with Soundwave in Butler, Pa.. Administratively Randy served as Personnel Manager for the Steel City Ambassadors in 1992 and ’93. Randy’s competitive career continued in 1998 with the Bushwackers for one season. After a 2 year hiatus he performed with the Reading Buccaneers in the 2000 and ’01 seasons and the Syracuse Brigadiers in 2002. In 2003 Randy founded and served as their Director and musical arranger of G-Force Drum and Bugle Corps and served in those capacities until 2008. Presently Randy is playing soprano bugle, is the brass arranger and member of the Steel City Ambassadors Board of Directors.

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William V. Lawler

William V. Lawler – Bills competitive performance career began in 1944 with the Upper Darby Post 214 and last 7 seasons until 1950 as a soprano bugler. After a very brief retirement from competition Bill joined the Archer-Epler Musketeers in 1955 and finally retired from field competition in 1963. That same year Bill began his musical instruction career with the Blackwood Brigadiers which lasted until 1974. In 1965 Bill took on the musical instruction duties with the Media Fawns and remained with them until 1976. Bill’s adjudication career began in 1956 serving as Chief Judge for the Mid-Atlantic Judges Association until 1975 and the Cavalcade of Bands until 1980. Bill also served as M&M and Chief Judge for the International Music Festival from 1974 through 1980 and Chief Judge for DCA from 1973 through 1979. Bill has been a member of the World drum Corps Hall of Fame since 1990.

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Dennis Marta

Dennis Marta – Dennis began his Drum Corps career in 1957 with the Vasella Musketeers as a snare drummer and performed with them until 1965. He continued his competitive Drum Corps career with the Reading Buccaneers in 1966 and remained with them until 1972 when he retired from field competition. Dennis started his instructional career with Drum Corps in 1963 as the percussion instructor for the Yearsley Blackhawks before moving on to the Pine Hill/Clementon Thunderbirds in 1964 and ’65; the Earls of Bucks in 1965 and ’66; the Gloucester Brigadiers in 1966 and ’67; the Royaleer Mounties in 1969 through 1972; the 507 Hornets in 1972 and ’73 and St. Mary’s Cadets in 1973 and ’74. As an adjudicator Dennis has served as a Percussion Judge with Mid-Atlantic Judging Association in 1968 and 1969; NJA from 1969 through 1972 and the Mid-States Judging Association from 1970 through 1972. After a 19 year retirement from the activity in 2000 Dennis returned as the percussion instructor and performer with the Archer-Epler Musketeers.

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Thomas Matczak

Thomas Matczak – In 1977, at the tender age of 14 Tom joined the Erie Thunderbirds as a percussionist. He performed with the Westshoremen for one season in 1983. After a 10 year hiatus Tom returned to the activity as a percussionist with the Erie Thunderbirds in 1991 and is still performing with then to this day. Tom is also a member of the Thunderbirds Mini Corps since 1993, performing with them during their 6 Mini Corps National Championships from 1993 through 1996, 1998 and 2002. Administratively Tom has served the Thunderbirds as their percussion quartermaster and Vice President of their Board of Directors since 1991 to this day.

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William McCartney

William McCartney – At the tender age of 12 Bill started his Drum Corps career with a Senior Corps, the Vern Acklin Cavaliers in 1960 as a baritone bugler and performed with them in that capacity until 1965. It wasn’t until 1966 that Bill finally got his Junior Corps experience under his belt when he performed for one season with the Los Angeles Chinese Drum and Bugle Corps in 1966 as an Assistant Drum Major. Upon his return to the East Bill became a member of the Pittsburgh Rockets in 1967 and performed with them as a baritone bugler and member of their Color Guard. After a short retirement of 6 seasons Bill returned to the activity as a baritone bugler with the Reading Buccaneers for one season in 1978. Bill then moved on to the Erie Thunderbirds in 1979 and performed with them as their Drum Major until 1982. In 1983 Bill joined the Steel City Ambassadors again in the role of Drum Major and performed with them until 1991. After another 6 year hiatus and Bill returned as Assistant Drum Major with the Hawthorne Caballeros in 1997 and finished his Drum corps career with them in 2003.

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Joseph McCloskey

Joseph McCloskey – In 1945 Joe joined the Yearsley Cadets as a baritone bugler. Three years later he moved on to the East Germantown Cadets. In 1950 he became a member of Liberty Bell where he aged out in 1954. The following year, 1955, he joined the Reilly Raiders and finished his competitive Drum Corps career with them in 1958. After a 37 year hiatus Joe returned to the Reilly Raider and still marching with them to this day. During his tenure with the Reilly Raiders Joe served as the Corps Treasurer from 1997 through 2002. And was the Corps Director From 2002 through 2004.

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James McDermott

James McDermott - Jim began his Drum Corps career as a soprano bugler with the Osmond Cadets in 1954 where he remained until 1957 when he moved on to the Tri Community Cadets performing with them for 1 year. In 1958 Jim again moved on to the Vasella Musketeers and aged out with them in 1963. After a 1 year layoff Jim rejoined the activity in 1965 as a member of the Archer-Epler Musketeers through the 1968 season. In 1969 Jim joined the Yankee Rebels and remained there until he retired from competitive Drum Corps in 1975. After 10 years in retirement Jim once again picked up his soprano bugle and joined the Archer-Epler Musketeers in 1985 remaining with them until 1991. Another hiatus of 12 years finds Jim with the Reilly Raiders in 2003 and is presently still with them. Jim has also served as a drill instructor for the Johnson Cadets in 1963 and ’64 as well as a drill instructor for the Royaleer Mounties from 1975 through 1977.

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Betty Mellon

Betty Mellon – Advancing from Full Membership to Life Time Membership. Betty began marching in the Honor Guard with the East Lansdowne Fire Co. Drum and Bugle Corps in 1940 and served with them until 1942. In that year she moved on to the Archer-Epler Musketeers Junior Drum and Bugle Corps performing in their Honor Guard through the 1946 season. After a lengthy retirement Betty joined the Archer-Epler Musketeers Alumni Drum Corps and has been with them ever since. Over her recent years with the Alumni Corps Betty has performed many duties above and beyond her capacity as a member of their Honor Guard.

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Dan McGrogan

Dan McGrogan – Dan’s Drum Corps career began in 1985 as a soprano bugler with the Steel City Ambassadors remaining with them until 1992. Dan moved on to the Westshoremen in 1997, then to the Bushwackers in 1998, back to the Westshoremen in 1999 and once again back to the Bushwackers from 2000 through 2003. In 1989 Dan began his instructional career serving on the brass staff of the Steel City Ambassadors through to 1992. He moved on to the Pittsburgh Golden Lancers from 1993 through 1997. In 1998 and ’99 he served on the brass staff of both the Westshoremen and Bushwackers continuing on the Bushwackers brass staff until 2003. In 2004 Dan joined the brass staff of the Reading Buccaneers and remained with them until 2007 when for 1 brief year he served on the brass staff of the Hawthorne Caballeros only to return to the Buccaneers in 2009. Administratively Dan has served as the Personnel Manager of the Steel City Ambassadors from 1990 to 1992 and as the Tour Manager for the Pittsburgh Golden Lancers in 1995.

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Al Morelock

Al Morelock – In 1969 Al joined the Gettysburg Cannoneers as a soprano bugler and performed with them until 1971. In 1972 Al moved on to the Hanover Lancers and performed with them until 1980. When the Lancers reformed as an Alumni Corps in 1990 Al once again joined up with them and has been with them since.

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Ken Myers

Ken Myers – In 1962 Ken joined the Hanover Lancers as a snare drummer performing with them until 1972 when he retired from competitive Drum Corps. After 18 years Ken returned to the Hanover Lancers when they reformed as an Alumni Corps. Ken has served on their Board of Directors since 2000.

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Allen Powell

Allen Powell – Froggy began his Drum Corps career in 1951 as a drummer with the Elizabethtown Moose Cadets and finished his Junior Corps career with them in 1952 before moving on to the Hershey Chocolatiers in 1953. He performed with them until 1964. Froggy then joined the Yankee Rebels, this time as a member of their horn line where he remained with them until 1964. In that year he joined the Reilly Raiders and finished his competitive Drum Corps career with the 1968 Reilly Raider Musketeers. When Reilly reorganized as an Alumni Corps in 1994 Froggy once again picked up his bugle and has been with them since then. Administratively Froggy served as the Corps Secretary for the Hershey Chocolatiers from 1960 through 1964.

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Thomas Kirclich

Thomas Kirclich
Tom began his participation in Drum Corps in 1965 as a drummer with the North East Shoreliners. In 1967, his third season with them, he began his stint with the Erie Thunderbirds and spent the next year and a half with them. After a retirement of 26 years Tom returned to the Thunderbirds and has been with them since then.

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Erick John Nicklas

Erick John Nicklas
In 1995 Erick joined the Canton Bluecoats as a soprano bugler spending a total of 4 years with them. In 1998, following his last season with the Bluecoats Erick joined the Erie Thunderbirds and has been with them to this day.

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Joseph Kempf

Joseph Kempf
In 1999 Joe joined the Reading Buccaneers and was immediately given the assignment of Assistant Drum Major, a position he held for a total of 4 consecutive seasons until 2002. In 2003 Joe served a member of the Buccaneers visual staff. During the 2001 Joe joined the Crossmen as a baritone bugler and in the 2002 season Joe performed as their Drum Major. After his ageout year Joe stayed on with the Crossmen as a member of their visual staff in 2004 and 2005.

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