Charlie Kammer Passes
Charlie Kammer, an associate member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame since his induction in 2002, passed away from COVID-19 symptoms December 11 at the age of 85. A memorial service is planned for the spring of 2021.
His lifelong involvement in marching music in the Baltimore area began in 1944, playing fife in St. Andrew’s Fife, Drum, and Bugle Corps. He was quickly drawn to the snare drum and was selected to play in the Maryland All State Concert Band during his high school years.
Head shot of Charlie Kammer, World Drum Corps Hall of Fame member
During the 1950s, he was a marching member of the Towson American Legion Post Senior Drum and Bugle Corps and the famous Baltimore Colts Marching Band. From 1956 to 1974, he performed in the percussion section of the Hamilton Post No. 20 senior drum and bugle corps: the Yankee Rebels. He was an active member of the Yankee Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps for more than 50 years, holding the office of president and treasurer during that time.
He suggested to music arranger and instructor Truman Crawford that the corps develop music and drill for a field show portraying the inspirational music of the Civil War period. That became the famous Requiem for an Era show, which brought widespread national recognition to the Yankee Rebels.
He served as president, vice president and treasurer of the Yankee Rebels Alumni Association beginning in 1997. He served on the board of directors of the Great Alliance of Seniors (GAS) beginning in its charter year, representing the Yankee Rebel Alumni Association. He served as chairman of GAS in 1997, 1998, and 1999 then continued to serve as a member of the executive board.
He was the co-founder of Drum Corps Affiliates of Maryland (DCAM) and United States Association of Rudimental Drummers (USARD). He was inducted into the Maryland Drum and Bugle Corps Hall of Fame in 2004, after helping found the organization in 1998.
After graduating from Patterson Park High school in 1955 he worked more than 50 years in biomedical research sales before retiring from Allentown Equipment Company. He was a member of American Association of Lab Animal Research (AALAS) for more than 40 years holding various positions including president and treasurer. He was a member of the Optimist Club of Dundalk for more than 30 years and served as lieutenant governor and president.
Regular World Drum Corps Hall of Fame members are honoured for their dedication, contributions and achievements over a long period of time in categories including administration, arranging, adjudication, instruction, innovation and design. Associate members have dedicated at least five consecutive years of service to any drum and bugle corps as a performer or in a support role. Special membership categories include inductees honoured for Distinguished Professional Achievement, International Achievement and individuals receiving the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Current membership has grown from six charter members in 1976 to 523 men and women from the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan, including 310 regular members and 213 associates.
The World Drum Corps Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization honoring those individuals who have contributed significantly over many years to the development and continuing excellence of drum and bugle corps activity around the world. For more information, visit the website at wdchof.org.
