TomMoore

Both corps will be performing. The concert starts at 7 pm, at Bethany Children’s Home, in Womelsdorf, PA (Route 422, western edge of Berks County).

The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps is thrilled to announce the 60th anniversary inductee class to the Reading Buccaneers Hall of Fame. Each of these individuals has made an indelible impact on the Buccaneers, and they will be honored for their contributions at the corps' annual banquet on November 25th. Please join us in congratulating these exemplary Buccaneers on their well-deserved recognition: Wally Cherasaro Deanna Garber Matt Heckman Johnny Trujillo We're all good men...

Thanks for the kind words, Fran. And thank you for adding your usual flair to the evening's festivities. A HUGE thank you from the Buccaneers to Bill Powers and his entire team of dedicated volunteers for all their efforts to ensure a smooth event. Lots of moving parts to an event like this, especially with the weather we had. Thanks to all the units who shared their talents with our guests. And a huge WOW to the 2017 Reading Buccaneers! We can't wait to see where you will take this show this year!

The Reading Buccaneers family is thrilled to share the announcement below about the 2017 Pagoda Award honoring the corps for 60 years of Excellence in the Arts! Please join us on April 3 for the award ceremony and a special performance by the great Al Chez and The Brothers of Funk Big Band! Details in the announcement. BERKS ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES THE READING BUCCANEERS AS RECIPIENT OF THE 2017 PAGODA AWARD Pagoda Award and special concert by Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk Big Band to be held Monday, April 3, 2017, at DoubleTree by Hilton Reading as part of the 27th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest. Reading - Berks Arts Council will honor Berks County’s championship drum and bugle corps, the Reading Buccaneers, with the 2017 Pagoda Award for Excellence in the Arts for 60 years of unparalleled performance excellence at 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 3, at DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. The Pagoda Award coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Reading Buccaneers and the 30th anniversary of the Buccaneer Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. Berks Arts Council Board President Lee Olsen stated: “I am proud to announce that Berks Arts Council chose to commemorate the Reading Buccaneers. We are thrilled to recognize the Bucs 60 years of exceptional work.” Reading Buccaneers director Lou Tierno said: "On behalf of six decades of Buccaneers, I thank the Berks Arts Council for this incredible honor. We are proud to have represented the Greater Reading area for the past 60 years, and we have valued our long association with the Berks Arts Council. To receive this recognition from the local arts community is particularly gratifying.” Pagoda Award Chairperson Kevin Barnhardt added: “I have spent a lot of time with the Buccaneers over the past year, and I am inspired by the energy and commitment to Artistic Excellence that this corps has shown.” The Awards Ceremony will include a special Berks Jazz Fest performance to honor the “Bucs” with Buccaneers alumnus Al Chez performing with his band -- The Brothers of Funk Big Band. Karen Haver, Berks Arts Council Executive Director, shared: “With the long history of production support from the Reading Buccaneers for the Berks Jazz Fest, we felt that the fest was the ideal time to honor the Bucs. Including the concert and awards in the fest allows us to really create a special celebration.” Chez has a long and storied career with multiple ensembles in Drum Corps Associates and Drum Corps International, including the Buccaneers. He is best known for his 25-year stint on trumpet and flugelhorn playing on Late Night with David Letterman and the Late Show with David Lettermen. In 1979, Chez joined forces with Jon Bon Jovi to create the band the Atlantic City Expressway, playing in clubs on the Jersey Shore. Chez went on to play with Tower of Power, Robert Cray Band, Spyro Gyra, Sting, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Cee-Lo Greene, Snoop Dog, James Brown and many others before joining Paul Shaffer and the Late Night Orchestra. Al Chez and The Brothers of Funk Big Band are not your typical big band. In 2008 Chez met up with musicians Jimmy Steele and Jarred Streiff and the result was Al Chez and The Brothers of Funk Big Band, which has reinvented the big band sound by changing up classic rock, soul, jazz and standard music to a unique and powerful sound. Along with its unique musical arrangements of rock-soul -- jazz-blues standards and original tunes, Chez's stratospheric trumpet playing and soulful vocals make for a magical and memorable show. Chez started his musical career at the age of 9 when he joined his local drum corps. Chez still donates his time to drum corps activity, working with many corps and bands. The Pagoda Awards and special concert will be presented on Monday, April 3 at DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. For more information visit PagodaAwards.com. Tickets for the Award Ceremony and concert are $25 and are available through PagodaAwards.com, BerksJazzFest.com, Santander Arena Box Office, or by calling ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or Ticketmaster outlets. For more information, please contact the Berks Arts Council at 610-898-1930. The first Pagoda Award was presented to the late Gertrude Sternbergh in 1993 in recognition of her valuable contribution to the arts in Berks County. Over the past 20 years, the awards were expanded to include multiple recipients celebrating contributions to the arts through excellence, patronage, and leadership. Over 30 individuals have been presented since the award’s inception

The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps Announces its 60 for 60 CAMPAIGN 2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps, and to commemorate the milestone, the corps is launching its most ambitious fundraising effort yet: 60 for 60, a capital campaign to raise $60,000 between now and June 15, 2017 to help meet critical current needs and lay the groundwork for important new investments in the corps future. For the past 60 years, the Buccaneers have been at the forefront of providing men and women of all ages with a life-altering experience in the marching arts in which they grow as people and as performers. The Buccaneers have set standards for excellence in education and performance for multiple generations and are continuously at the forefront of innovation in the all-age drum corps activity. Delivering a world-class experience for our precious membership is an expensive undertaking, and the cost of operating a drum and bugle corps like the Buccaneers continues to escalate year over year. The funds raised from the campaign will be used to address the following critical needs: * Replace all aged front ensemble instruments with state-of-the-art equipment; * Begin rotation of replacing brass instruments with new horns; * Invest in the corps fleet of trucks to help ensure their continued viability; and * Fund the corps relocation expenses associated with the eventual transition from Buc Field to a new practice facility Heres how you can make your gift to invest in the future of the Buccaneers: * Visit our web site at www.readingbuccaneers.org and make an online gift using PayPal; * Send a check payable to Reading Buccaneers, Inc. with 60 for 60 noted in the memo line to Reading Buccaneeers, Inc., P.O. Box 13032, Reading, PA 19612-3032 * If your employer matches charitable contributions, be sure to submit for gift matching. Contact your human resources representative to inquire about gift matching. All gifts in any amount are necessary and appreciated, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. As our thank-you, all donors who make gifts in excess of $500 will receive a voucher for 50% off your entire souvenir purchase at a show this summer. All donors who make gifts in excess of $1,000 will receive the souvenir voucher and two complimentary reserved tickets to The Buccaneer Classic, to be held on July 22, 2017. If you have any questions or would like to discuss opportunities for gifts of unique assets, please contact Corps Director Lou Tierno (director@readingbuccaneers.org), Business Manager Carl Ruocco (business.manager@readingbuccaneers.org) or Public Relations Manager Tom Moore (pr@readingbuccaneers.org). The first 60 years have been magical. We need your help to make even more magic for the next 60. Thank you for your support!

THE 2017 READING BUCCANEERS PRESENT BEHIND THE SUIT Celebrating our 60th anniversary, the 2017 Reading Buccaneers proudly present Behind the Suit. With this years production, the Buccaneers will explore and pay homage to the drum corps journey, as seen through the eyes of the performer. By the end of the season, drum corps fans get to experience the performance of a corps at its most powerful, most precise and most confident, the performer almost a superhero in his or her suit of armor the uniform. And as a corps, the uniform masks the individuality of each performer. Yet behind that magical performance is a long, arduous journey, which is different for each member. And its the journey itself that reveals the true magic of drum corps. We will follow our hero throughout the journey and all its ups and downs. We will share in the members determination to achieve the ultimate drum corps experience, despite whatever obstacles present themselves. We will share in the members struggle, recognizing that drum corps is great because it is difficult, not in spite of it. We will experience the members failures and the power derived from not allowing failure to defeat us, but to motivate us. We will witness the member climbing and achieving and learning from difficulty and failure. And finally, we will share in the members triumph as the corps soars to new heights of excellence and entertainment, as a family, and the feeling of pride and invincibility that comes from wearing the suit. The production will feature the music of Hans Zimmer, Michael Daugherty, Samuel Barber and Richard Strauss, as well as original music by Buccaneers designers Mark Lortz, Johnny Trujillo and Mike Lalli.

We are fortunate to have tremendous support in the community, which includes the generous use of that space for as long as we have. We will be fine.

BUCCANEERS ANNOUNCE 2016 PROGRAM - ConZENtric - Mind, Body, Soul The 2016 Reading Buccaneers proudly present ConZENtric Mind, Body, Soul. With this years program, the Buccaneers will explore the journey each of us takes to becoming truly centered. Through consciousness and meditation, we find true inner peace and happiness that occurs when our mind, body and soul align. We will explore each of the three components: MIND each of us lives in both the left and right side of our brains. When we are centered the sides are not in conflict with one another but exist side-by-side in harmony to represent one whole. Our left side is mathematical, analytical, black-and-white, almost rhythmic, while our right side is colorful, creative, emotional, and melodic. BODY human movement is a miraculous combination of many independent parts and actions that work harmoniously together. We will explore the freedom and pureness of movement. SOUL the soul is the immortal essence of a human being, and a centered soul is spiritual and at peace. We will celebrate the centered soul with exuberance and triumph. As mind, body and soul align to form a centered being, we will draw musical inspiration from several works, not as separate musical statements but woven together throughout the program to present a unified idea. Inspiration will be drawn from the works of Ennio Morricone, Eric Whitacre, Imogene Heap and James Barnes, as well as the vast talent of Buccaneers arrangers Mark Lortz, Johnny Trujillo and Mike Lalli. And as always, our talented visual team will seamlessly marry the visual elements of the program to the musical offering in exciting and unexpected ways. Just as people are centered, so too are organizations. The Reading Buccaneers continually strive to focus on the center of our being and the reason we exist our incredible members. Our mission is to provide them with a life-altering experience in which they grow as performers and as people. This years program is a reaffirmation of that mission and a celebration of their journey.

Larry: It was our pleasure to have you and the Skyliners join us for the Spring Preview! Congratulations on an excellent performance! The new uniforms are fantastic!

TWIST-IT in the new year with the Reading Buccaneers! We will be hosting Winter Camp #2 this weekend, January 3 and 4 for brass and percussion at Twin Valley High School, Elverson, PA. Saturday's rehearsal runs from 9 to 6 and Sunday's from 9 to 4:15. We're excited about the direction the show is taking and the members are having a blast with diving into the music and the tecnhique program. We are still recruiting for all sections of the corps, so if you're thinking about taking the plunge for 2015, make plans to join us! Visit www.readingbuccaneers.org for more information. On behalf of all of us in the Buccaneers family, I extend best wishes for a happy new year! May 2015 be filled with love, laughter, good health, prosperity and awesome drum corps!

Friends: I am happy to share the Buccaneers' 2015 program announcement below. The corps had an incredible weekend. We bade an official 'goodbye' to the remarkable 2014 season with our annual year-end banquet Saturday night. At that event we inducted 5 outstanding Buccaneers into the Buccaneers Hall of Fame and also honored our Commodore, James C. Gruber, for his many years of selfless dedication to the corps. We kicked off the 2015 season yesterday with a very successful Membership Day. Lots of smiles at Twin Valley High School yesterday, as we got right to work on the 2015 show. The journey continues for brass and percussion this weekend with WINTER CAMP #1: - Saturday, December 6 - 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Sunday, December 7 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Twin Valley HS, Elverson, PA. Registration begins both days at 8:15 a.m. JOIN US! #blueismycolor READING BUCCANEERS ANNOUNCE 2015 PRODUCTION: “TWIST-IT” The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps is proud to announce its 2015 production, “Twist-It.” With this year’s production, the Buccaneers will take you on a unique and unforgettable musical and visual journey full of unexpected and entertaining twists and turns. The Buccaneers will build upon the success of recent productions with a very ambitious program, highlighted by a spirited return to the corps’ classical music identity, but with a creative and modern twist added to each piece of music. Fans will recognize all of the music, but each chart will be infused with something unique and unexpected twists that will make the program engaging and entertaining, yet also forward-thinking and cutting-edge in the all-age drum corps activity. The twists and turns of the musical book will also be reflected in an ambitious visual program, which has become a Buccaneers hallmark. Look for lots of twisting, bending, shaping and re-shaping – not only in form but equipment as well – and other unexpected visual motifs to tie the program together. One of the enduring and compelling qualities of the drum corps activity is its ability to bring out the best in performers by giving them plenty of opportunities for growth that come from the unexpected twists and turns of the drum corps season. Above all else, the Buccaneers strive to provide our incredible members with an unforgettable experience in which they grow as people and as performers. This year’s program is a celebration of their journey. Musical selections include: Pagliacci, by Ruggero Leoncavallo Palladio, by Karl Jenkins Moonlight Sonata, by Ludwig von Beethoven "Going the Distance,” from Rocky, by Bill Conti William Tell Overture, by Gioachino Rossini Original music by Buccaneers designers Mark Lortz, Johnny Trujillo and Mike Lalli, along with other surprises you will know. The Buccaneers will rehearse next on Saturday, December 6 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) and Sunday, December 7 (9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.) at Twin Valley High School, Elverson, PA. Both sessions are for brass and percussion only. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. both days. This is going to be an incredible journey. Join us for all the twists and turns!

Less than a week to go before we kick off an unforgettable journey! We've had a series of announcements introducing you to the members of a world-class team of designers and instructors who are putting together another ambitious and exciting program for the Balance in Blue. We can't wait to get the season started and hope you'll make plans to join us for Membership Day THIS SUNDAY! While you're at it, make plans to join us for the first Winter Camp, December 6 and 7 - Saturday 12/6 from 9 to 6, Sunday 12/7 from 9 to 4:15. Both days for brass/percussion only. #blueismycolor

Friends: I am pleased to share the final 2015 staff announcement for the Reading Buccaneers. We've assembled a world-class team to design and teach a great program for the season. It's going to be an exciting and enriching year - make plans to be part of it and join us for Membership Day THIS SUNDAY, November 30, at Twin Valley HS! #blueismycolor MEET THE 2015 BUCCANEERS COORDINATORS AND PROGRAM CONSULTANT! We are pleased to introduce you to the two coordinators and the program consultant who will help lead the design and instructional program for the 2015 Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps. CHRISTOPHER FEIST (Staff Coordinator). Christopher is entering his fifteenth consecutive year with the Buccaneers and second full year as staff coordinator. He has been involved in the drum corps activity for more than thirty years as a performer, arranger, teacher, coordinator, consultant, and well-respected judge in the tri-state area. “I believe the strength of our organization is the ability to adapt to change, whether it be administrative, design, or instructional. We strive to maintain the Buccaneer brand and provide our members with a quality drum corps education and a level of achievement that gives fans their money’s worth. I eagerly accept the challenge to be a positive liaison between our staff and administration in order to ensure the best possible experience for our membership.” Christopher was inducted into the Buccaneers Hall of Fame in 2009. He has been gainfully employed by the USPS for over twenty years and happily lives in the Reading area with girlfriend Julia and faithful labrador, Newman. BOBBY JONES (Program Coordinator, Visual Designer). Bobby returns to the Balance in Blue for his tenth year, having produced award-winning visual programs for the Buccaneers in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, as well as a year on the corps’ color guard staff (2002). Bobby is a much sought-after visual designer and program consultant for many high school marching bands, winter guards, indoor percussion ensembles and drum and bugle corps throughout the country. In the past, Bobby has been the Visual Designer and Caption Head for the Crossmen, the Hawthorne Caballeros and the Jersey Surf. He is also the Visual Designer for the Long Island Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corps. When Bobby is not designing or teaching he is a freelance adjudicator and judges several indoor and outdoor circuits across the country throughout the year. He lives in New York with his wife Amy and puppy Myron. MARK THURSTON (Program Consultant and Music Ensemble Supervisor). We are pleased to welcome marching percussion legend Mark Thurston back to the Buccaneers as a program consultant and music ensemble supervisor. This will be Mark’s fourth year working full-time with the Buccaneers production team, and he is looking forward to the next chapter. “The past three seasons have been very rewarding for me. Working with Chris and Bobby along with this talented design and teaching team is very inspiring.” Mark was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2014. He is the Director of Percussion for WGI Sport of the Arts and is a member of the WGI Hall of Fame. In 2003, Mark was inducted into the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps Hall of Fame after 18 years with the corps including four years in the snare line and 14 years as the percussion arranger. In addition to his work with the Crossmen, Thurston’s drum corps instruction and arranging resume includes stints with Spirit of Atlanta, the Westshoremen and the Reading Buccaneers. Currently, Mark is the Percussion Director at Spring-Ford High School in Royersford, PA. He lives in Limerick, PA with his wife Marci and their two children, Emmi and Luke. The Buccaneers are seeking members in all sections for the 2015 edition of the Balance in Blue. On Sunday, November 30, 2014, the Buccaneers will host Membership Day 2015, at Twin Valley High School, Elverson, PA. Registration begins at 11:00. All persons interested in learning more about membership in the Reading Buccaneers and being part of the 2015 corps are invited to contact Business Manager Angelo Bufalino to indicate their interest. Visit us on Facebook or on www.readingbuccaneers.org for more information or email membership@readingbuccaneers.org.

Friends: Please join me and the entire Reading Buccaneers family in congratulating Bobby Jones, Laura Kauffman, Heidi Sarver, Wayne VanOstenbridge, Karen Wildonger and the family of the late Randy Roy, for their 2014 induction into the Buccaneers Hall of Fame! This is an outsanding class of exceptional Buccaneers, and we are happy for each of them for their well-deserved accolades. Our release is below. Enjoy! READING BUCCANEERS ANNOUNCE 2014 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Reading, PA (November 10, 2014) – The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps and the Buccaneer Alumni Association announced today that Bobby Jones, Laura Kauffman, Heidi Sarver, Wayne VanOstenbridge, Karen Wildonger and Randy Roy will be inducted into the Buccaneers Hall of Fame at the corps’ annual year-end banquet on Saturday, November 29, 2014. “The Buccaneers Hall of Fame was established in 1995,” said Hall of Fame Committee Co-Chairman Louis D. Tierno, Jr., himself inducted in 2001. “This organization has been blessed with so many fine men and women who have given so much of themselves to make the Buccaneers the storied corps it is. Singling out only a small number of people for induction every year is extremely difficult. But just the same it’s a tremendous pleasure for us to announce this year’s class and thank them for the indelible impact they’ve made on the Buccaneers and on the drum corps activity.” BOBBY JONES actually started his Buccaneers career in 2002 as a member of the color guard staff; a fact that most would easily forget because of his incredible achievements most recently as the corps’ visual designer and program coordinator. In 2005, the corps started a search for a new drill writer. Bobby stepped in as a relative unknown in the drum corps genre, but Bobby’s impact was immediate. He hired an amazing staff and started to put together a winter marching training program that had never been seen previously at the Buccaneers. The membership quickly fell in love with Bobby as he became more than a teacher. Bobby is a leader, someone that the membership follows, not just because he has a title, but because they truly admire and respect his character and confidence. Combine all these qualities together with amazing talent, vision and passion, and you get a motivated, happy membership with a top-notch program and arguably the best visual design program ever seen in DCA. In 2005, his first year as our visual designer, the corps won its first championship in 25 years. Bobby took a brief hiatus from the Buccaneers in 2006 and 2007, but came back to resume his career in 2008 and has been a committed member of the staff since. That’s nine seasons with the corps and an astounding seven championships. As far as her drum corps career is concerned, LAURA KAUFFMAN is a late-bloomer, but that just makes her achievements all the more impressive. The wife of Buccaneers Hall of Fame member Wayne Kauffman, Laura has been involved in music all her life. Her first year of active drum corps participation came with the Buccaneers Alumni in 1986 as a member of the honor guard. In 1994, she learned to play the soprano in order to help out the Alumni brass line. Her journey began in October of 1994 with a 2-valve horn. The following spring, she decided to try her talents out in the competitive corps. The Buccaneers were struggling at the time, and she wanted to help there, too. She became a “tweener” – marching with both the Buccaneers Alumni and the competing corps. At the age of 44, Laura had her rookie year with the Buccaneers in 1995. Laura also took on the role of Membership Chairperson for the Buccaneers in 1996 and 1997. A small ensemble also formed during this time and soon began to play at local church services. It wasn’t long before Laura was asked to join. She did, and continued playing until the group disbanded. She marched in the soprano line from 1995 to 2000, and was the soprano section leader in 1999. In 2001, she joined the Support Staff and served in that capacity until 2003, coming back again for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The whole time Laura was involved with the Buccaneers and the ensemble, she continued to march with the Alumni Corps at every opportunity and is still marching there today. HEIDI SARVER began her career with the Buccaneers as a member of the brass line in 1983 and continued as a soloist until 1987. From 1988 until 1990 she followed her mentor, George Parks, on the podium as lead drum major and Heidi finished her career as a brass instructor in the winter of 1997/1998. Though her active time with the Buccaneers totaled seven years, her time spent as a supporter and educator has lasted over 20 years. Heidi is currently Associate Professor of Music at the University of Delaware where, among other things, she is the director of the University of Delaware Marching Band. She is also a lead clinician at the George M. Parks Drum Major Academy. When asked what the Buccaneers have meant to her, Heidi said, “Reading defined me as a young college student. It helped shape who I was to become. It taught me discipline, commitment, responsibility and dedication. The corps made me a better person, period. Each year at the UDMB’s band camp I have a “history night” with the members of my program who are also Buccaneers. I love that night—it allows me to selfishly reminisce while ensuring that my students (and fellow Bucs) know where they came from. I believe in my heart that you need to know what came before you in order to know where you are going. . . I encourage my students to go to Membership Day. Reading is still, in my mind at least, the most educationally sound drum corps in the area—inclusive of junior corps. That alone is one of the proudest memories I have of being part of the Buccaneers.” Over the years there has been a steady stream of enthusiastic musicians that have participated in her programs and have joined the ranks of the Reading Buccaneers as a result of her influence. WAYNE VANOSTENBRIDGE’s first exposure to the Reading Buccaneers came as a brass player in 1984 and 1985, after he had finished competing both seasons in DCI with the Crossmen. Wayne marched his first full seasons with the Bucs in 1986 and 1987. After the 1987 season, Wayne left the drum corps activity; but as he would eventually learn, you never really leave the Buccaneers. Wayne re-joined his family in Blue in 1998 and 1999, again as a member of the brass section. In 2000, Wayne took a new drum corps challenge by moving into the administrative ranks as the corps’ Business Manager. But Wayne was not finished marching. Wayne marched in the brass line and admirably performed his administrative duties from 2000 to 2003. In 2004, Wayne decided that he was finally finished with marching (not really) and continued as Business Manager. That “not marching thing” lasted all of one season. In 2005, Wayne again marched and again held down his Business Manager responsibilities. Wayne was an integral part of the committee that helped bring the corps to its current prominence in DCA. After the 2005 season, Wayne left to corps to get married and start a family, but stayed involved by assisting with audio-visual projects and other tasks. In summary: twelve years of service; 6 as a brass player, one as the business manager and five as both. KAREN WILDONGER has been a Buccaneer for fifteen years. During her tenure, she was a member of the brass line for 4 four years and served diligently on the administrative staff as the Membership Chairperson for ten years, support staff, and has been a volunteer in many other capacities. Her dedication has been recognized with two Director’s Awards and a Most Improved Brass award. Karen’s work with the corps is characterized by her many years of service, diligence and hard work, her genuine, caring style, and her approachable manner. Her dedicated efforts as Membership Chairperson produced a steady stream of talented and committeed performers that were instrumental in the corps’ recent competitive success. Karen’s passion for the Reading Buccaneers is immeasurable and undeniable, her “Karing” attitude and motherly love are contagious. She is the epitome of a true blue Buccaneer. To help commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Drum Corps Associates, the Buccaneers are proud to bestow a posthumous induction to Buccaneer RANDY ROY, who played a key role in DCA’s formation. On August 25, 1963 a meeting was held in Scranton, PA to address issues experienced by competing corps and show sponsors alike. The meeting was hosted by Dr Almo Sebastianelli, sponsor of the Parade of Champions show, which continues to this day. The corps represented included the New York Skyliners, the Archer-Epler Musketeers, the Baltimore Yankee Rebels and the Reading Buccaneers. The August meeting was followed by another in September where the Drum Corps Associates was born. At this September meeting officers were elected and Randy Roy of the Reading Buccaneers was elected to the critical position of DCA Treasurer. Randy joined the Buccaneers shortly after the corps’ inception in 1957 and served as Business Manager from 1960 thru 1966. Randy died in 2004 at the age of 77. Jones, VanOstenbridge, Kauffman, Sarver, Wildonger and Roy join 90 other members of the Buccaneers Hall of Fame. Each of these individuals has made a lasting impact on the Buccaneers and the drum corps activity: 1995 inductees: Norman DeTemple, Bruce Englehart, LaVern Rohrbach, Roy Miller, Ron Gehris, Edward Johnston, John Flowers, George Parks, Ned Baldinger and Frank Ferraro. 1996: John Ferraro, Willard Marcks, Tony Yaklich, Roland Hoffman and Elmer Winzer. 1997: John Derr, Diane Koenig, Michael Vilardo, Joe Jasinski and Donnie Solinger. 1998: Wilson Goodwin, Glenn Rhine, Bruce Young, Gary Koenig and Jack Wells. 1999: Norm Cimerol, Jim Gruber, Lou Werner, Candy Golding and Robert Weidenhammer. 2000: Thomas Brown, Grant Hill, Earl Price, Mike Doherty and Wayne Kauffman. 2001: Bill Battaglia, Louis Tierno, Fred Windish, Gary Smith and Darrell Weyman. 2002: Victor Brown, Mike Luckenbill, Donald Walls, Rich Koenig and Henry Smith. 2003: Ronald Ferraro, Phil Rabenold, Dan Fitzpatrick and John Rozum. 2004: Tom Bitner, Robert Gruber, Bernard Brown and Howard Nagel. 2005: Lois Tierno, Joel Miller, Randy Kerschner and Curt Rissmiller. 2006: Glen Brumbach, Francis Chupick, Matt Krempasky and Amy Snook. 2007: Ron Fisher, George Price, Carl Bagenstose, Roberta Doherty and Rich Hammond. 2008: Ken Honsberger, Ralph Pace, Jay Landis and Randy Mutter. 2009: Josh Decker, Chris Feist, Bill Snook and Lee Umberger 2010: Martie Hetherington, Al Cola, Robbie Robinson and Steve Vincent 2011: Wilson Black, Althea Mazar, Carl Ruocco, and Jerry Ware 2012: Dwight Bomberger, James Gaiewski, Yvonne Landis, and Ernie Shott 2013: Andrea Gwyn, Mary High, Marty Holahan and Dan Wildonger 2014: Bobby Jones, Laura Kauffman, Heidi Sarver, Wayne VanOstenbridge, Karen Wildonger and Randy Roy The Buccaneers are seeking members in all sections for the 2014 edition of the Balance in Blue. On Sunday, November 30, 2014, the Buccaneers will host Membership Day 2015, at Twin Valley High School, Elverson, PA. Registration begins at 11:00. All persons interested in learning more about membership in the Reading Buccaneers and being part of the 2015 corps are invited to contact Business Manager Angelo Bufalino to indicate their interest. Visit us on Facebook or on www.readingbuccaneers.org for more information or email membership@readingbuccaneers.org. 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 twelve additional titles since. Formed in 1981, the mission of the Buccaneer Alumni Association is to reunite all past members of the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps in camaraderie and fellowship, to engage in the parade drum & bugle corps activity, to encourage the growth of the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps, to maintain the commitment to excellence generally associated with said Corps, and to perpetuate drum & bugle corps in general as an art form and entertainment medium. The Buccaneer Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps was formed in 1987 as a program of the Buccaneer Alumni Association. For more information, visit www.readingbuccaneers.org.

Friends: I am proud to announce the fantastic team the Reading Buccaneers have assembled to lead our 2015 color guard program! MEET THE 2015 READING BUCCANEERS COLOR GUARD STAFF! We are pleased to introduce you to the fine men and women who will lead the 2015 Reading Buccaneers color guard program. This is an exceptional team of designers and educators! SHANNON HALL (Caption Head and Designer) is proud to return to the Reading Buccaneers, his first year as Color Guard Caption Head and Designer. 2015 marks his 8th season with Reading and his 6th on staff. He is excited to teach and work with the talented 2015 ensemble and staff. Shannon has actively been involved in the marching arts, teaching and consulting with many groups in the area. He has worked with Pennsauken HS (NJ), Allentown HS (NJ), Broadneck HS (MD), William Penn HS (DE), and currently Middletown HS (DE). While involved with these programs, they have achieved many accolades and awards in the USSBA, TOB and TIA organizations. Young at heart, he remains a marching member with the world class Black Watch Color Guard. This has been his “home away from home” for the past 10 years, and he will be returning for his second year as Co-Captain. NICHOLAS TAVARES (Caption Head and Designer) returns to the Reading Buccaneers for his fifth year on staff, and his first as Color Guard Caption Head and Designer. Nicholas resides in Wilmington, Delaware and is heavily involved in the color guard activity in the area. He is currently the color guard director at Middletown High School in Middletown, Delaware and has led the group to numerous award and accolades, including the TIA 2014 Scholastic Novice Championship. He is also the visual and guard designer for the Cab Calloway School of the Arts Marching Band and Winter Guard. In 2014, Cab Calloway earned a silver medal in the TIA Scholastic Intermediate class. In the past, Nicholas has worked with other groups in various roles, including William Penn High School, McKean High School, Brandywine High School, Apex, Bpex and Cpex Winter Guard, Haverford High School, Ridley High School and Mount Pleasant High School. Nicholas has had an extensive marching career, including the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps (2009-2011), Black Watch Color Guard (2009-2010), Apex Winter Guard (1999-2003, 2005-2008), Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (2000) and Brandywine High School (1996-1998). Nicholas has a degree in Early Childhood Education and Development and is the Pre-K/K Lead Teacher at the Delaware Technical Community College, Child Development Center in Wilmington, Delaware. Nicholas is extremely passionate about the performing arts and is looking forward to working with the staff and cast of the 2015 Reading Buccaneers. We are pleased to announce the addition of 11-year Buccaneers performance veteran JENNIFER LUBE (Color Guard Staff) to the instructional team. Jennifer has been a highly respected performer, designer and consultant at every level of the color guard activity for many years, and will bring a unique combination of experience, technical ability and performance skill to her new role in the color guard program. KATIE BROWN (Color Guard Staff) attended school in the Hatboro Horsham School District, where she participated in both the marching unit and winter ensemble from 7th grade through 12th grade. She was also a member of the Jersey Surf Drum & Bugle Corps Color Guard from 2006-2009. She attended West Chester University and spent four years performing with the Golden Rams Marching Band. After graduation, Katie joined the Reading Buccaneers and marched the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Teaching credits include Rustin High School, Upper Dublin High School Marching Band and Winter Guard, Upper Darby High School and Central Bucks West High School. In the winter of 2014 she served as the movement and sabre tech for the inaugural season of the Field of View “A” Winter Guard. For the last five summers, she has worked with Vivace Camps, working primarily in the role of weapon and movement instructor. She currently works with the Keith Valley Middle School Winter Ensemble and the Central Bucks South Marching Titans. In the “real world,” Katie holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from West Chester University. She is currently attending Keller Graduate School of Management working towards her MBA with a concentration in HR Management. Recently, she started simultaneously working as an HR intern and the front desk receptionist at The Philadelphia Orchestra. We are grateful to STEVE VINCENT and MELISSA HECKMAN for their many years of involvement with the Buccaneers as performers and instructors, and wish them well as life’s endeavors pull them away from the corps this year. We are seeking members in all sections to comprise the 2015 edition of the Balance in Blue. It all gets started on Sunday, November 30 with Membership Day 2015 at Twin Valley High School, Elverson, PA. Join us!

Friends: Plans are being finalized for an unforgettable 2015 season in the long history of the Reading Buccaneers! We have announced an outstanding group of coordinators, designers and caption heads and have introduced you to the exceptional educators that will spearhead our brass, percussion and visual programs. We will be introducing you to our outsanding color guard team in the next several days. We have an exciting and ambitous program in store for members and fans alike, that we are excited to share with you. Make plans to be part of it all and join us for Membership Day 2015! For more information, visit us on Facebook or at www.readingbuccaneers.org. We're all good men.....

Friends: I am pleased to introduce the fine instructors who will lead the 2015 Reading Buccaneers visual program! CHRIS VITALE is very excited to be returning to the Buccaneers visual staff for the 2015 season, his first as Visual Caption Head. Chris holds both a Music Education Bachelor’s degree and a Masters in Conducting Performance degree from the University of Delaware. Currently, he is the Director of Bands at Westfield High School in Westfield, New Jersey, where he oversees three concert bands, two jazz ensembles, a percussion ensemble, a winter guard, and the marching band. His marching experience included three years with the Crossmen in 1999, 2001, and 2002. In addition to his time with the Buccaneers as a visual instructor in 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2014, Chris has also served as a visual instructor with the Crossmen and the Hawthorne Caballeros and was the Visual Caption Head with the Jersey Surf during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Chris is an active visual designer for several high school bands in Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. LOU ZANINE returns for his seventeenth year with the Buccaneers. Lou is a 1985 graduate of West Chester University, where he earned a degree in music education. His drum corps career began in 1980 with the Crossmen and later continued with the Skyliners and Westshoremen before he joined the Buccaneers. Lou first became an instructor in 1983 and has since lent his talents to many marching bands, indoor guards, and drum corps. Since joining the Buccaneers as a baritone player in 1998, Lou marched for five seasons, and was on the brass staff for three years before finding a home with the visual staff. TREVOR SINDORF is the band director at Edison Intermediate School in Westfield, New Jersey. He is excited to return to the Buccaneers, where he served as drum major in 2009. In addition to Reading, Trevor marched with Carolina Crown in 2008 and spent the 2010 and 2011 seasons as a visual instructor for Jersey Surf. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s in Conducting Performance from the University of Delaware, where he was a drum major and graduate assistant. Trevor is an active instructor and arranger for several groups and is entering his eighth year with the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy. DAVID CARAVELLA is a 2008 graduate of Montclair State University, where he earned a bachelors degree in music education. There, he studied euphonium with Dr. Mary Ann Craig and Mr. John Palatucci. Dave’s drum corps performing career includes national and international touring ensembles such as the Raiders (2001-2003), the Cadets (2004), and the Concord Blue Devils (2005-2006). After aging out, Dave returned to teach drum corps at the Raiders from 2007-2009 as a brass & visual field technician. Dave also worked with the Buccaneers visual staff from 2010-2011, Cadets2 brass staff in 2012, and was most recently the visual caption head for the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps. Dave’s drill design credits include Fort Lee HS, Kearny HS, Montville Township HS (2011 USBands Group 3 Open Class National Champions), Livingston HS, Shore Regional HS, Rahway HS, Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps 2013-14, and Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps 2014. He is the full-time director of bands at Lincoln Middle School in Kearny and the assistant band director of the Kearny High School band. Dave is also an adjudicator of marching band contests for U.S. Bands. MIKE McNEILL, a native of Columbia, MD, began his marching career as a saxophone player at River Hill High School. In the fall of 2007, he converted to playing euphonium and joined the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps. Mike marched with Surf from 2008 to 2010, participating in their last season of Open Class and providing veteran support for their transition into World Class. In the fall of 2010, Mike joined The Cadets, where he was a member from 2011 to his age out year in 2014. He served as baritone section leader in both 2013 and 2014, and earned Cadet of the Year honors in 2014. Outside of drum corps, Mike teaches at Loyalsock Township High School in Williamsport, PA, and will graduate from The Pennsylvania State University in December 2014 with a degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and his national certification as an EMT. We bid a fond, grateful and heartfelt farewell to two consummate Buccaneers who were mainstays on the visual team for many years. A generous thank-you to HANK MANFRA and ALLISON FASSNACHT for sharing their uncommon gifts with us. We wish you well in your new life together in California! We are seeking members in all sections to comprise the 2015 edition of the Balance in Blue. It all gets started on Sunday, November 30 with Membership Day 2015 at Twin Valley High School, Elverson, PA. Join us!

Friends: I am pleased to introduce you to the fine men and women who will lead the 2015 Reading Buccaneers percussion program. This is an exceptional team of designers and educators! Percussion Arranger and Caption Head JOHNNY TRUJILLO's experience in drum corps started in 2001, marching three years in the Phoenix Drum & Bugle Corps, one year (2004) in the Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps, two years (2005 and 2006) with the Cadets, where he aged out. He began teaching the Reading Buccaneers percussion section in 2007 and became the caption supervisor and battery arranger in 2012. In 2011, he also began teaching the Cadets as a part of the percussion instructional team. Johnny graduated from West Chester University with a degree in music education in 2006 and began his tenure at a Norristown Area High School, where he currently conducts the concert band and teaches piano classes. In the spring of 2014, he earned his Master’s degree in education from Cabrini College. Johnny is an active adjudicator (2010-present) for U.S. Band in both their marching band and indoor circuits. He currently resides with his wife and wonderful family in Phoenixville, PA. This is MIKE LALLI’s fifth year with the Reading Buccaneers and fourth year as the Front Ensemble Coordinator. Currently, Mike also teaches the front ensemble for the world class indoor ensemble, United Percussion. Mike has been teaching in the Philadelphia area spanning over ten years starting in 2003 at Norristown High School. He has also taught and written front ensembles for North Penn High School, Upper Darby High School, and Timber Creek High School, helping all three programs become WGI finalists. Mike graduated from West Chester University in 2006 with a degree in percussion. While at West Chester University he was a guest marimba artist in concerts around the Philadelphia area and was also the primary timpanist for NFL films. FRANK FRANKO (Front Ensemble, Sound) has been involved in marching percussion as an educator for over twenty years. He has worked with numerous high school programs throughout eastern Pennsylvania, including Central Bucks West, Quakertown and North Penn, having success with both marching band and indoor percussion in USSBA, BOA, Tournament of Bands, Cavalcade of Bands, Mid Atlantic Percussion Society and WGI. Frank was on the instructional team with WGI Independent Open class finalist Aftermath Percussion as the front ensemble coordinator in 2002 and 2003. In 2008 he was a part of the front ensemble staff for the WGI Independent Open class silver medalist Penn State Indoor Drumline. Frank was also on staff at Penn State in 2009, where he served as one of the ensemble coordinators. In 2003 Frank started his tenure with the Reading Buccaneers as the Front Ensemble Coordinator, continuing in that position until 2007. In 2009 he returned to the Bucs as a front ensemble technician. Beginning in 2010 Frank stepped back from the rigorous rehearsal schedules to focus on his career and family. Still wanting to contribute to the activity, he began offering consulting for amplification, sampling and electronic sound production to various high schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey on a part-time basis. Since 2001, Frank has been a member of the National Judges Association as a percussion judge for the Tournament of Bands and Tournament Indoor Association. For the past several years, he has mentored and trained new judges to become certified NJA percussion adjudicators for the fall marching band season and on the indoor music caption. MATT BRACCIANTE (Front Ensemble) has been involved in the drum corps activity for the past seven years. Originally from West Chester, PA, he began teaching at the Buccaneers in 2012 as a tenor instructor, after completing a marching career with the Buccaneers (2008-09) and the Cavaliers (2010-11), whom he assisted in winning DCI’s Fred Sanford Award for High Percussion in 2011. While working on his B.A. in Percussion Performance at Millersville University, Matt began performing professionally with Portal Percussion, a chamber percussion trio comprised of fellow Millersville grads. Together they have performed a broad variety of keyboard and orchestral percussion works all across the mid-Atlantic region, including the Pennsylvania and New York Percussive Arts Society chapters’ ‘Day of Percussion.’ Since completing his degree in 2013, Matt has been based out of Lancaster, PA, enjoying increased performance opportunities with Portal. He has previously served as an instructor and arranger for the indoor and outdoor percussion programs at Coatesville Area Senior High School, and is currently the Battery Coordinator and Arranger for the Millersville University Marauder Marching Band. Matt is looking forward to bringing his expertise to the Buccaneers front ensemble in 2015. PATRICIA JEFFERS (Cymbals) is returning to Buccaneers percussion staff for her second year. She started her drum corps career with the Buccaneers as a member of the cymbal line from 2008 to 2010, winning three world championships. In 2010-2011 Patricia joined the world class percussion ensemble United Percussion for the indoor season. She participated in various circuits such as WGI, MAPS, and U.S Bands. In 2011, she was given the opportunity to travel to New York City to record with Madonna for her 2012 Super Bowl halftime show. Patricia has been an instructor for high school marching bands and indoor percussion units. In 2008, she began teaching at Timber Creek High School in New Jersey and later moved on to teach at North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA as a cymbal and visual instructor. Patricia is a recent graduate of Temple University with a degree in Psychology. She is currently employed with The Pathway School working in its Emotional Support program. The Emotional Support (ES) Program is designed to provide academic, emotional, and behavioral support to students ages six to fourteen who are unable to participate in regular educational programs because of moderate-to-severe behavioral and social skill impairments. RYAN TRUMAN (Tenors), an alum of North Penn High School, was a member of the Buccaneers from 2009 to 2012. During his time as a marching member, Ryan studied under several great teachers, including Johnny Trujillo, Andrew Barlow, and Matt Bracciante. For the following season, Ryan capitalized on his accumulated experience and successfully auditioned for The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, where he continued his studies under Mike McIntosh, Brian Tinkel, and Eric Ridenour. In 2014, Ryan rejoined the Buccaneers family as a member of the percussion staff. Ryan has also taught several high schools in the area, including Spring-Ford High School and Daniel Boone High School. Ryan is presently on staff at North Penn High School and Cadets Winter Percussion. In addition to his teaching assignments, Ryan is a full-time student at Drexel University, where he is working to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in international relations, international business, and economics. BRANDON ISHAM (Snares) began his marching career under the instruction of Andrew Hostetler as a student in the First Class Percussion studio. He began his drum corps experience in 2006 playing snare drum for the Jersey Surf under Rich Hammond’s instruction. Brandon continued to march Surf through 2009, serving as the drum captain in 2008 and 2009. From there he went on to join the Cadets under the instruction of Colin McNutt in 2010 and 2011. Brandon has also toured and performed professionally with Windish Music and Productions. As a regular performer for the recycled drumming group “Junk Rock” he has performed up and down the East Coast. Brandon spent two years performing with the award winning Hershey Park production titled “The Cocoa Rhythm Factory.” He has also played drumset with the classic rock cover band “The Screaming Mummies,” which performs during the Halloween season at Hershey Park. Brandon has been on percussion staff for several high schools. He was the front ensemble and battery instructor for West Chester East High School and battery arranger and coordinator for Coatesville Area High School, earning High Percussion awards with both schools. He currently is on staff with East Pennsboro and Mechanicsburg High Schools. Brandon also serves as the Snare Technician for the WGI World Class finalist United Percussion. Brandon holds a degree in Early Grades Preparation from West Chester University. He currently spends his days teaching fourth grade in the Harrisburg School District. SARAH FABIAN (Bass Drums) was a five-year marching member of DCI, aging out with Carolina Crown in 2009. Before Carolina Crown, Sarah marched with the Jersey Surf from 2005-2008. She was also a four-year member of the world-class indoor drumline United Percussion from 2007-2010. In 2010, Sarah served as the bass tech for the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps. The following year, she joined the percussion staff as the bass tech for the Crossmen and became the bass tech and choreography designer for United Percussion for 2011 and 2012. This past year, she taught at Cadets Winter Percussion. Sarah is a graduate of Towson University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education with a concentration in Percussion. She is currently the Assistant Band Director at Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She also works with several other Maryland marching ensembles as both their caption head and music arranger and is endorsed by Vic Firth. Outside of the marching world, Sarah teaches private lessons at the Baltimore School for Drumming. We thank FRANK McGUIGAN for his years of excellent service to the Buccaneers and wish him and his wife Alicia well as they prepare to welcome their firstborn child. We are pleased that he will remain involved with the corps as a Battery Consultant. Frank started his drum corps career as a member of the Buccaneers percussion section from 2000 through 2004. In 2006, he joined the percussion staff of the Jersey Surf, serving as snare drum instructor, and continued in that capacity until 2009. Frank has also been an instructor for several high school marching bands and indoor percussion units, most notably: Spring-Ford HS, North Penn HS, Methacton HS, Aftermath Percussion, and the Penn State Indoor Drumline. Frank is also a certified Ensemble Music and Percussion judge for Cavalcade of Bands, and in the winter season, has served as Cavalcade’s Indoor Percussion Supervisor as well. Outside of drum corps, Frank works in the clinical data management department for a global pharmaceutical contract research organization. We are seeking members in all sections to comprise the 2015 edition of the Balance in Blue. It all gets started on Sunday, November 30 with Membership Day 2015 at Twin Valley High School, Elverson, PA. Join us!

Friends: I am pleased to introduce you to the outstanding designers and instructors who will lead the 2015 Reading Buccaneers brass program. We have an exciting and ambitious year planned, and it all starts on Sunday, November 30 with Membership Day 2015 - make plans to join us! MEET THE 2015 READING BUCCANEERS BRASS STAFF! MARK LORTZ has earned accolades as a composer, arranger, performer and educator. In the fall of 2011, he was appointed as the Director of Bands at Stevenson University (Stevenson, MD). In addition to his position at Stevenson University, he is an adjunct Music Education Professor at McDaniel and Carroll Community Colleges. Prior to his Stevenson University appointment, Mr. Lortz was the Fine Arts Department Chair and Band and Orchestra director at Westminster High School (Westminster, Maryland) from 1996-2011, during which time the music department received awards from the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) for exemplary music programs, several Bands of America (BOA) Regional Marching Band Championship titles and was selected as a national, semifinalist Grammy Signature School. Mark earned degrees in percussion performance, music education and music composition from The Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University. Versed in all styles of music, he served as Associate Music Director and Principal Percussionist for the North American tour of “Phantom of the Opera,” and was the Principal Percussionist with The Dallas Brass. He has performed and recorded both as a member and soloist with many of the country’s premier orchestras, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lortz’s original music has been premiered at the prestigious Mid West Band and Orchestra Clinic, Bands of America National Percussion Festival, College Band Directors National Association, universities, music schools, conservatories and high schools throughout the nation. In 2013, the NFL Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens commissioned him to compose a new piece for the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band. This piece, “The Caw of the Wild” is now performed at every Ravens home football game. Mr. Lortz’s music is published by the FJH, Northeastern and TRN music publishing companies. His compositions have been listed in Bandworld magazine's Top 100 list of band compositions, and the sheet music company JW Pepper has selected his music for their prestigious Editor’s Choice list. Mr. Lortz is a Marching Percussion Specialist and Scholastic Educator for the Vic Firth Percussion Education Program. He has been recognized as one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” by School Band & Orchestra magazine and has received composition awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. PAUL CULLEN returns for his fifth season with the Buccaneers, his fourth as Brass Caption Supervisor. Paul is a 2003 graduate of The Berklee College of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Film Scoring while also studying conducting and trumpet performance. While at Berklee he was fortune to study with industry professionals Tiger Okoshi, Jerry Cecco, Richard Davis, Allen Levine, and Armand Qualliontine. Paul studied trumpet privately with Philadelphia native Lin Biviano, Directed Studies in Film Scoring with Don Wilkins, Film Music Editing with Madison Scouts Alumni Eric Reasoner, and Symphonic and Ensemble Conducting with George Monsuer. As a performer, Paul was active in many ensembles, most notably The New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble and The Jerry Cecco Big Band, where he was a featured trumpet & flugelhorn soloist. Paul was also active as a freelance composer & arranger working in the New England area with independent film makers and singer/songwriters Amanda Chessa and Peter Boynton. In the spring of 2003 he was one of three students to receive The Berklee Conducting Award and had the privilege of conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Paul has served as a music composer and arranger for drum corps, marching bands, concert bands, wind ensembles and percussion ensembles. He has also served as a music designer and editor for many independent and scholastic winter guard programs throughout the United States. Paul enjoyed a long and distinguished career with the Brigadiers Drum & Bugle Corps as a member, drum major, board member and staff member from 2001 through 2009 and in 2008 he also taught on the brass staff of DCI's Boston Crusaders. He joined the Buccaneers brass staff in 2011 as the mellophone instructor and was also a brass instructor with the 2011 DCI World Champions, The Cadets. In the fall he is an active music adjudicator for U.S. Bands. Paul is a full-time health care administrator and resides in North Wales, PA with his wife Lisa and their children Madison and Riley. DAVID LINTON is a 1992 graduate of Trenton State College, where he received a degree in Music Education and with an emphasis in euphonium and trombone, studying with Dr. David Uber. He began his drum corps career with the Harrison Bushwackers in 1986, where he remained as a marching member and instructor through the end of the 2003 season. He then came to the Buccaneers as a low brass instructor, and was a full-time instructor from 2004 through 2007. David has worked on and off with the Buccaneers since 2007. He lives in South Brunswick, NJ, where he works in technology and also works with high school marching bands and performs on euphonium. He currently works with the Bridgewater – Raritan HS marching band and has worked with Edison HS, West Orange HS, West Windsor-Plainsboro North HS, and Governor Livingston HS. He currently performs around the region with the Eastern Wind Symphony and the Princeton Brass Band. We are pleased to welcome back MATT PIATEK to the Buccaneers for the 2015 season. A resident of Philadelphia, PA and a graduate of Souderton Area High School, Matt studied Music education at Penn State University, where he was a member of numerous Penn State performing ensembles, including Centre Dimensions, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and the Penn State Blue Band. Matt began his drum corps career in 2003 as a trumpet player with Jersey Surf and continued until 2007. He joined the Phantom Regiment in 2008, remaining there until he aged out in 2011. He is an in-demand clinician, designer and instructor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, working with many school that compete in Tournament of Bands, U.S. Bands and Bands of America. He is also currently the Assistant Band Director at Radnor High School, where he works with the marching band and jazz band. After aging out with the Phantom Regiment in 2011, Matt joined the Bucs brass team in 2012 as a mellophone teacher. In 2013, Matt worked with the Bucs part time throughout the year while he was on the visual staff of the Phantom Regiment. In 2014, he returned to the Bucs horn staff full-time in addition to working with the Jersey Surf horn line throughout the winter and spring. Returning for his second season with the Buccaneers is JONATHAN MAYDWELL. Jon received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a minor in Music from Millersville University, where he was active in the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. Jon has worked as a visual instructor, designer and music instructor for Manheim Township High School and Ephrata High School where he was also the Assistant Director in 2007. Jon was a member of the Crossmen from 2005-2006 where he was section leader and soloist. He also worked on the visual staff of the Jersey Surf in 2010. Jon works for the Chester County Intermediate Unit Home & Community Services, where he provides Therapeutic/Behavioral Support to children with special needs. He is also co-founder, visual designer and consultant for New Wave Marching Productions. The Buccaneers are pleased to welcome RYAN WILLIAMS to the 2015 Brass staff. Ryan has been an active arranger and instructor in the marching arts for 15 years, beginning his career at his alma mater, Mechanicsburg High School in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Since then, he has worked with more than a dozen competitive high school programs, helping them to grow and earn many local, regional, and circuit-wide championships. Ryan was a member of the Harrisburg Westshoremen Drum & Bugle Corps from 1995-1997, the Reading Buccaneers in 1999 and the Bluecoats in 2000. In 2012 he joined the brass staff of the Hawthorne Caballeros and served as tuba instructor through the 2014 season. Outside the marching arts, Mr. Williams also serves in the United States Army Reserve as an instrumentalist, arranger and composer with the 78th Army Reserve Band from Fort Dix, NJ. Ryan has written numerous arrangements that have been performed for audiences all over the country. In addition to writing and performing, his duties include conducting and planning concert tour programs. Ryan earned a Bachelors degree in Music from West Chester University in 2003 and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from York College in 2005. He is currently working towards his Master’s Degree in Music Theory and Composition at West Chester University and is one of the composers on staff with CWJ Music House. Finally, we are pleased to announce the return of LARRY MARKIEWICZ to the Buccaneers staff in the role of Brass Ensemble & Education Consultant. Larry has been involved in Drum Corps since 1987 and has been part of several great DCA dynasties over the years including marching in the Bushwackers of the late 1980’s and serving as the program/staff coordinator for the Syracuse Brigadiers from 1998-2001. Mr. Markiewicz was also the Program Coordinator for the Buccaneers in 2003 and 2004. Since 1992, most of his career has been spent as an instructor, administrator and office employee for Youth Education in the Arts. He is most proud of the many years he has been on the brass staff of the Cadets (14 of the past 22). Some of his career highlights include being a staff member for the 1993 & 2011 championship Cadet programs as well as holding the position of brass caption head for the Cadets from 1995-1997. He also was the program coordinator of the 2003 Crossmen and most recently completed two years of service as Brass Caption Head for Cadets2 while simultaneously working in YEA office as the judge liaison/education director for US Bands. Away from Drum Corps; Mr. Markiewicz is a professional conductor in the New York Metropolitan area. He presently is in his 2nd season as the conductor of the ISO in New York City. He is also the Music Director/Conductor of the critically acclaimed Imperial Brass British Brass Band. Since 2010 he has been the Artistic Director of the Somerset Valley Orchestra and recently completed an eight-year tenure as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band. Always active in public education, Mr. Markiewicz was the music caption head and member of the North Penn High School design team from 1996-2004 and also led the Bridgewater-Raritan Band program to national prominence during his tenure as band director from 2000-2013. We send our thanks and gratitude to Zack Travis for his tremendous work throughout 2014. We wish him all the best in his endeavors as he works to complete his music degrees. We also would like to thank Peter Blake for his dedicated work with the Buccaneers since 2012. Peter will be finishing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership soon and his position as a principal at West Genesee High School in Camillus, NY will take his focus throughout 2015. Finally, we would like to wish a happy retirement to Daniel McGrogan after 30 consecutive years in drum corps and 10 with the Reading Buccaneers! Dan has been a caption head, teacher, guide, mentor and friend to so many people throughout his years in the activity, especially in the Buccaneers. We wish Dan, his wife Eileen, their daughter Delaney and her soon-to-be little sister all the best!

Friends: I am thrilled to share this announcement about the appointment of Angelo Bufalino as Business Manager of the Reading Buccaneers. As anyone who know Angelo can attest, his passion for the drum corps activity, in particular his corps, as well as his commitment to a world-class member experience, are of the highest order. We welcome him to this new role! BUCCANEERS ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT OF ANGELO BUFALINO AS BUSINESS MANAGER (Reading, PA – October 16, 2014) – The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps today announced the appointment of Angelo Bufalino as Business Manager. Bufalino brings a unique perspective and experience to the Executive Committee that will help guide the Buccaneers in ensuring a world-class experience for corps members. He recently marched in the corps for four consecutive years, from 2011 through 2013 as a trumpet player and as a mellophone player in 2014. He also served the corps as Membership Manager for the 2014 season. His work on the Executive Committee will include his leadership of the newly formed Membership Services Panel, a committee made up of representatives of each section of the corps designed to constantly evaluate, improve and enhance the member experience. “I am thrilled to welcome Angelo to the Buccaneers’ Executive Committee,” said Corps Director Bill Snook. “Angelo brings tremendous talent and passion to his new role, and he will play a pivotal role I helping us provide our members with an unforgettable experience.” When Bufalino isn’t busy doing all things Buccaneers, he is a retail pharmacy manager, a position he has held since 2004. In addition to his certification in pharmacy, Bufalino holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Plans are well underway for the corps’ 2015 season. The Buccaneers’ season will kick off with Membership Day 2015 on Sunday, November 30, 2014, at Twin Valley High School, in Elverson, PA. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with the program starting at Noon. 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 twelve additional titles since. For more information, visit www.readingbuccaneers.org

Bobby Jones. Earlier this week, we announced that Bobby was returning as Program Coordinator and Visual Designer.

Friends: I am pleased to share this announcement about the 2015 Buccaneers designers and caption heads! BUCCANEERS ANNOUNCE 2015 DESIGNERS & CAPTION HEADS An Outstanding Veteran Team Returns to Balance in Blue (Reading, PA – September 18, 2014) – The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps today announced the team of designers and caption heads that will lead the creative and instructional program for the 2015 edition of the corps. The team is comprised entirely of seasoned Buccaneers staff members, all of whom are either returning to their 2014 roles or being elevated to their new roles. MARK LORTZ returns to his role as Brass Arranger, and PAUL CULLEN returns to his role as Brass Caption Head. JOHNNY TRUJILLO returns to his roles as Battery Arranger and Percussion Caption Head, and MIKE LALLI returns as Front Ensemble Coordinator and is also elevated to the role of Front Ensemble Arranger. SHANNON HALL and NICK TAVARES will assume full-time responsibility for the Buccaneers’ color guard program as Co-Color Guard Designers and Caption Heads. CHRISTOPHER VITALE is elevated to the role of Visual Caption Head. We humbly and graciously thank Buccaneers Hall of Fame member STEVE VINCENT and HANK MANFRA for their many years of exceptional service to the Buccaneers and wish them well as life’s endeavors pull them away from their roles with the corps. Vincent spent the past twelve years on the color guard staff, the last six as designer and caption head, and Manfra was a visual staff member since 2005, the past five seasons as visual supervisor and caption head. “This is an exceptional team of designers and instructors,” said Buccaneers Staff Coordinator Christopher Feist. “These professionals have a proven track record of working well together as a team towards our common educational and performance goals. It’s particularly gratifying that even as we bid a fond farewell to Steve and Hank, we are able to promote from within several highly talented and successful designers and teachers. With this team in place, our members will be taught by, and perform a program designed by, some of the very best the drum corps activity has to offer. To say we’re excited is an understatement!” Stay tuned for further announcements about the Buccaneers’ 2015 educational team and biographical information about the extraordinary men and women who will comprise it. Plans are well underway for the corps’ 2015 season, and the corps is seeking members in all sections to comprise the 58th edition of the Balance in Blue. The Buccaneers’ season will kick off with Membership Day 2015 on Sunday, November 30, 2014, at Twin Valley High School, in Elverson, PA. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with the program starting at Noon. 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 twelve additional titles since. For more information, visit www.readingbuccaneers.org

Friends: I am THRILLED to share our announcement below about the exceptional trio that will lead the Reading Buccaneers' 2015 design and instructional program. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about the outstanding crew of designers and teachers that we are assembling to lead the 2015 Buccaneers. An unforgettable journey is in store. Be part of it! BUCCANEERS ANNOUNCE 2015 COORDINATORS Feist, Jones and Thurston Return to Balance in Blue to Lead Design & Instructional Program (Reading, PA – September 14, 2014) – The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps today announced that the trio of Christopher Feist, Bobby Jones and Mark Thurston will return to the Buccaneers in 2015 to lead the corps’ design and instructional program. Feist, now entering his fifteenth consecutive year on the Buccaneers staff and a member of the Buccaneers Hall of Fame, will reprise his role as Staff Coordinator. Jones, now entering his ninth year with the Buccaneers staff, will once again be the corps’ Program Coordinator and Visual Designer. Winter Guard International Hall of Famer and newly inducted World Drum Corps Hall of Famer Thurston will again serve as Program Consultant and Music Ensemble Supervisor. This leadership team is already hard at work to build on the programming success the corps has enjoyed in recent years. The drum corps community can expect from the 2015 Buccaneers what has become standard fare for the corps – entertainment, innovation, a “total team” approach that showcases excellence and coordination in every section and caption, and, most importantly, an unforgettable, transformative experience for our membership. “We are thrilled that Chris, Bobby and Mark will be leading our program again this year,” said Corps Director Bill Snook. “This is a team that works well together and has done so for a long time. We are fortunate to have such continuity here – it means that we can continue to be forward-thinking and continue refining our approach to program design and instruction. It makes for a great experience for our members and a product on the field that members and fans alike will enjoy.” Additional designer, caption head and section staff announcements will be forthcoming soon. Plans are well underway for the corps’ 2015 season, and the corps is seeking members in all sections to comprise the 58th edition of the Balance in Blue. The Buccaneers’ season will kick off with Membership Day 2015 on Sunday, November 30, 2014, at Twin Valley High School, in Elverson, PA. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with the program starting at Noon. 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 twelve additional titles since. For more information, visit www.readingbuccaneers.org

(Reading, PA – September 4, 2014) – The Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps today announced the election of William Snook as Corps Director for a two-year term. Snook succeeds James C. Gruber, who retired from the helm of the Buccaneers organization after a 19-year tenure that saw him bring the corps back to prominence in the all-age drum corps circuit from the brink of extinction and enjoy a decade of competitive dominance and standard-setting influence in the all-ages activity. Snook brings a deep and varied resume in pageantry activities to his new role. He marched in the Buccaneers bass drum line for three seasons, in 1984, 1985 and 1990. He began his work on the Buccaneers’ home show, Big Sounds in Motion in the late 1980s and deepened his involvement in the 1990s. He has been a leader on the show committee for over 18 years. Snook returned to the Buccaneers on an even deeper level in 2005 as Quartermaster and truck driver, among a variety of activities. He became Assistant Director in 2012 and now steps into the Director’s role. Snook was inducted into the Buccaneers Hall of Fame in 2009. Snook’s activities extend well beyond the Buccaneers. He first joined the DCI East Committee in 1986, working the corps gate. For more than 20 years, he has chaired the committee responsible for the marketplace/souvenir area. For more than 25 years, he has served as a music educator for local high school marching bands and indoor ensembles, with a focus on percussion education. Snook’s dedication to the Buccaneers is a true family affair. He met his wife Amy during the 1984 and 1985 seasons, and they married in 1986. They both share the same passion for the Buccaneers, the members and the drum corps activity and Amy’s contributions to the corps’ success – running two shows, driving trucks and providing administrative support – run as deep as Bill’s. They have two daughters: Elizabeth, who is an active support staff member and show volunteer, and Perri, who has been a member of the Buccaneers’ color guard for four years. When Snook isn’t busy tending to Buccaneers, business, he is a Client Services/Digital Media Specialist with Vistacom Inc., an audio/video integrator based in Allentown, PA. Snook begins his new role motivated by the standards set by his predecessor. “I know I have very big shoes to fill, but I look forward to the challenge,” he said. “I look forward to upholding the traditions of class and excellence that have been mainstays of the Reading Buccaneers and doing everything I can provide our members with a world-class experience.” Plans are underway for the corps’ 2015 season. The Buccaneers’ season will kick off with Membership Day 2015 on Sunday, November 30, 2014, at Twin Valley High School, in Elverson, PA. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with the program starting at Noon. 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 twelve additional titles since. For more information, visit www.readingbuccaneers.org

Thank you, Chris. You are a class act and I can say without reservation that the friendships I have formed across corps with folks like you are one of the things I look forward to year after year and keep me coming back. It was great to see our corps pushing each other to excel. They are all winners for the growth and experience and we gave fans a helluva season of outstanding drum corps. I will definitely see you this fall and will look forward to our usual banter.