cbshorty1

Started marching DCA at the age of 17 in 1989 (the weekend after graduating high school). When I got there I was given a contra and told that it was the only spot they had left. I don't think they expected a girl (flute player) to be so willing to carry it. Sixteen years later I switched to bari. and have playing with Statesmen ever since.

Cru Contras played empty beer kegs in the pit during drum solo one year. The rest of the hornline played orange construction barrels and other construction "stuff" out on the field. I played contra that year (I played contra for Cru 15 years total) and unfortunately we DIDN'T get to empty the kegs ourselves, they came already empty.

1989 (16 years contra, 5 years baritone)

I would like to thank everyone from my drum corps family (Empire Statesmen, Rochester Crusaders and Mighty St. Joes) for your love and support throught such a difficult time. As most of you know, drum corps has been a constant in our family for many years. In fact, my parents began their lives together when my father proposed marriage at a show in Corning NY, this year they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on April 11th 2009. With that said, a VERY special thank you to the members of Mighty St. Joes for playing at the funeral service. It was a beautiful last chapter to a love story that began and ended with drum corps. I was fortunate enough to inherit my father's love of the activity which means that I will be seeing many of you this summer. So, when we meet again, please take a moment to share your fondest memories of dad with me. I am sure there are many wonderful stories waiting to be told. With Heart felt Thanks, Krissy Butler