Crossmen Announce 2008 Drum Majors, Horn And Guard Captains

| |

The Crossmen are pleased to announce the Drum Majors for the 2008 Season.

Kyle Bourdon, entering his sixth year as a member of corps, will stand along side returning Drum Major Garrett Dillon to lead the Crossmen into competition this summer. Kyle was a member of the Crossmen hornline line from 2003-2007, and will enter the Drum Major role for his age-out year with the organization. Kyle is currently a Senior Music Education Major at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania. He began his career in the marching arts with the North Penn Marching Knights from Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Kyle marched in the Crossmen trumpet line in 2003 and 2004 before moving over to the mellophone section from 2005-2007, where he served as mellophone section leader the past two years.

Garrett Dillon is entering his fifth year with the Crossmen. Garrett was a member of the Baritone line in 2003, 2005, and 2006 and served as the Assistant Drum Major of the corps in 2007. Garrett will age out in 2009, which will allow the Crossmen to maintain consistency in the leadership roles from year to year. Garrett Dillon was born in Washinton D.C. and has lived most of his life in Virginia Beach, VA. Currently a student at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Garrett is double-majoring in business management and marketing.

On their appointment, Corps Director Mark Chambers had this to offer: “Kyle and Garrett are two of the strongest and most dedicated leaders the Crossmen have to offer. They were both stellar performers while marching in the hornline, and will no doubt continue to raise the bar of excellence at the Crossmen for the 2008 season. It is also exciting to have two individuals in the role with so many years of experience under their belts.”

In a related announcement, the corps also announced appointments to the positions of Horn and Colorguard Captains for the 2008 season.

Mark Figueroa, entering his 4th year as a member of the Crossmen Baritone line, will serve as the Horn Captain for 2008. A senior music education major at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Mark’s passion and commitment to the Crossmen led thim to be selected as the Crossmen of the Year for Brass in 2006.

"Mark Figureoa has been a solid member for the last few years, and he will serve as a great horn captain this year. He is a fine baritone player and an excellent performer – we will enjoy having his talent, dedication and persona on the job,” stated Aaron Goldberg, Crossmen Brass Caption Head.

Looking at the 2008 Crossmen Colorguard leadership, Holly Stover, a 20-year-old Pennsylvania native, and 5-year member of the Crossmen Colorguard will share the guard captain responsibilities with 4th year veteran member, and age-out, Ben May.

Currently a Sophomore Advertising Major at Penn State University, Holly joined the Crossmen in 2004 and has remained with the corps since. Holly spent her fall ’07 semester as a silk in the Penn State Blue Band. She has also been apart of winterguard with her school, and has spent years training and performing as a dancer. Holly is the daughter of hornline alumni Earl Stover, who was a charter member of the Crossmen in the 1970’s, illustrating the strong connection the Stover’s maintain with the organization.

“Holly has been an incredibly influential leader and motivator in the colorguard through the last several seasons, and was invaluable in maintaining the traditions of the corps during the transition to Texas. Her sense of humor, warm personality, and realistic perspective on life has truly helped to mold the attitude and personality of the Crossmen Colorguard during her tenure as a member,” stated Jarrett Lipman, Assistant Corps Director.

Ben May, who entered the Crossmen in 2005, will return to the co-captain position for his final season with the corps. Ben’s aggressive approach to performance and ability to always lead by example made him a natural choice for the position. Ben has served the Crossmen on the flag line and as a dancer, and looks forward to serving the corps in the role of Captain for the upcoming year.

“Ben is strong performer and a great leader in our organization. We are excited to have him return this season both on the field and as a Captain” stated Colorguard Caption Head, Mike Sloan.

The Crossmen begin their 2008 season with the first round of auditions at the San Antonio Experience Camp. Camp runs November 23rd – 25th at Ronald Reagan High School. They will continue the audition process the following weekend in the Dallas Area at Central High School.

For more information on joining the 2008 Crossmen, please visit our Membership Information page or contact jarrett [at] crossmen [dot] org

Posted by on Saturday, December 1st, 2007. Filed under DCI World.