Buccaneers Announce Creation Of Navigator Award

The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps today announced that it has established the Navigator Award, and also announced Twin Valley High School music educator Daniel M. Long as its initial recipient. Mr. Long was presented the award at the 13th Annual Spring Preview, an indoor concert hosted by the Buccaneers, on Saturday evening.

To commemorate the corps’ 60th anniversary, the Buccaneers created the Navigator Award to help the corps honor individuals and organizations whose assistance and advocacy have had an indelible impact on the corps. “Just as a captain could not successfully pilot a ship without dedicated navigators, the Buccaneers could not deliver on our mission of providing an unparalleled member experience without the assistance of people and organizations whose support enables the corps to ‘find its way’ and steer through uncharted waters,” said Corps Director Lou Tierno. “We simply could not do what we do at a level worthy of the legacy of this fine organization without these navigators. This is our way to formally and publicly acknowledge their contributions and express our deep gratitude.”

Since the fall of 2003, the Buccaneers have been privileged to have Twin Valley High School as its winter rehearsal facility. “Anyone who has been around the drum corps activity knows how vitally important consistent rehearsal space is, and this place is about as good as it gets,” said Tierno. “The Twin Valley School District has been a godsend to the Reading Buccaneers and we are so grateful for our partnership with the District.”

The Buccaneers honored Twin Valley High School music teacher and Buccaneer alumnus Daniel Long with the inaugural Navigator Award. “We are indebted to Dan Long for everything he has done to help us find our way since 2003,” said Tierno. “Dan’s son Daniel marched in the corps in 2003, and it was a special treat that both Dans marched together in 2004. Dan Long has been our champion, our advocate, and our dear friend. Without his steadfast support, we would not be what we are today. So, on behalf of the entire Buccaneers family, I thank Dan Long for everything he has done for the Buccaneers. His impact has been huge, and we are grateful.”

Reading Buccaneers – Daniel M. Long (L) accepts Navigator Award from Buccaneers Corps Director Lou Tierno (R)

Founded in 1957, the mission of the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps is to provide men and women of all ages a unique and enriching educational experience in the performing arts in which they develop as individuals and as performers. The Buccaneers were founding members of Drum Corps Associates and won the first-ever DCA World Championships in 1965 and won thirteen additional titles since.

For more information, visit www.readingbuccaneers.org