attreides Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Spotlight on the Performers Did You Know.... Assistant Drum Major John Richard is an original Bridgemen from 1965? John Richard (right) with Drum Majors Jim Jordan (left) and Anthony Rubino (center) at the Columbus Day parade in Bayonne, 10/15/06. Photo courtesy of Jim Reilly. John was one of a handful of first recruits that founder Father Donovan first ushered into the fledgling St. Andrew's Drum & Bugle Corps (they didn't have a name yet!). John played in the Bridgemen hornline as a lead soprano. He moved up to the big podium in 1969 to lead the corps charge. In 1972, at Warhawk Stadium in Whitewater, Wisconsin, John Richard and Jerry Morecraft became the first Drum Majors to ever set foot on a DCI finals field. In time he became a member of the Bridgemen Administration Team. How is that John has more stamina than most people half his age? John is very athletic. He faithfully goes to the Winston YMCA gym (near his home in Florida) at least 5 times a week with his buddies who exercise every weekday at 5:00 AM. Plus some of his youthful vigor comes from the extended family he cherishes in Bayonne. Seeing his buddies in Bayonne puts a little wind in his sails! John has worn every uniform in the Bridgemen's storied history: the rented tuxedos of 1965, the garnet (maroon) & white uniform of 1966, the Selden Cadets-style uniform of 1968, the gaucho style of 1970, back to the Selden Cadets-style (recreated) in 1971, the bowling-shirt uniform that premiered at the Memorial Day parade of 2005, and now the Alumni Corps' long coat (in tribute to the Hoffman "Banana" years). Here's to you John. Thanks for bringing your enthusiasm home to Bayonne! Read the bios of Bridgemen staff at Bridgemen.com. Catch all the talent that will thrill audiences at Tournament of Stars on Saturday, June 23rd! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoKeefus Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Did you know… Red Sox fans joining the Bridgemen are beaten bloody and unconscious by Yankee and Mets fans only on their initial rehearsal? That’s right, the handful of candidates that survived the beatings were allowed to pay their entire years dues, plus a non-refundable 10% processing fee, upon regaining consciousness. When they are able to hold a horn, drum or flag/rifle again, they are treated no different than anyone else suffering from advanced symptoms of leprosy. It’s all part of the Bridgemen tradition of welcoming new members into the “Black and Gold” family unless of course you’re a Red Sox fan. Then you can be a member of the “black and blue, red-headed step-child” clan and you have to eat at the small table off to the side at all major family get togethers. :P This is the year the Red Sox go all the way!!! (again) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attreides Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Did you know…Red Sox fans joining the Bridgemen are beaten bloody and unconscious by Yankee and Mets fans only on their initial rehearsal? That’s right, the handful of candidates that survived the beatings were allowed to pay their entire years dues, plus a non-refundable 10% processing fee, upon regaining consciousness. When they are able to hold a horn, drum or flag/rifle again, they are treated no different than anyone else suffering from advanced symptoms of leprosy. It’s all part of the Bridgemen tradition of welcoming new members into the “Black and Gold” family unless of course you’re a Red Sox fan. Then you can be a member of the “black and blue, red-headed step-child” clan and you have to eat at the small table off to the side at all major family get togethers. :P This is the year the Red Sox go all the way!!! (again) I knew you'd whip up some mischief with a little encouragement. b**bs So. You broke out of your cage to type this up, did ya? We'll be tieing the knots tighter next time!! See ya at the Emanon show this Saturday? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoKeefus Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 I knew you'd whip up some mischief with a little encouragement. b**bs So. You broke out of your cage to type this up, did ya? We'll be tieing the knots tighter next time!! See ya at the Emanon show this Saturday? Man this work stuff is killing me. I hardly have time to go to any drum corps sites. I miss the good natured give and take of the forums. I'll be back when things slow down. See Ya Tomorrow, MoKeefus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overthehillDM Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Did you know…Red Sox fans joining the Bridgemen are beaten bloody and unconscious by Yankee and Mets fans only on their initial rehearsal? That’s right, the handful of candidates that survived the beatings were allowed to pay their entire years dues, plus a non-refundable 10% processing fee, upon regaining consciousness. When they are able to hold a horn, drum or flag/rifle again, they are treated no different than anyone else suffering from advanced symptoms of leprosy. It’s all part of the Bridgemen tradition of welcoming new members into the “Black and Gold” family unless of course you’re a Red Sox fan. Then you can be a member of the “black and blue, red-headed step-child” clan and you have to eat at the small table off to the side at all major family get togethers. :P This is the year the Red Sox go all the way!!! (again) Heck, Keith... Dat aint nuttin' compared to what we utes ta put youse Beantown Boys trew, back in da day!!! :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overthehillDM Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Spotlight on StaffDid You Know.... Larry Kerchner has arranged brass charts for over 120 Drum & Bugle Corps? Larry Kerchner (left) with Executive Director George Lavelle (right), wearing our parade uniform tops, at the Memorial Day parade in Bayonne, 05/31/05. Photo courtesy of Bob Haley. Larry has an impressive track record through the decades, having made a lasting impact on junior corps, senior (all-age) corps, and marching bands. Larry has over 300 compositions published and was a Grammy Award Nominee. He began in drum corps performing with, and writing for, the famed Blue Rock of Wilmington, Delaware. In time, he branched out and added to the repertoires of over 120 corps. He has written for (and instructed) the Bridgemen junior corps, Hawthorne Muchachos, Royal Brigade, Crossmen, Star of Indiana, Troopers, Sky Ryders, Pioneer, Spirit of Newark, Caballeros, Skyliners, Bushwackers, Reilly Raiders Alumni Corps, The Renegades, Caballeros Alumni, Yankee Rebels, Music Express, US Naval Academy D&B Corps, and Bridgemen Alumni, among others. Larry brings his talents to bear each time he steps in front of the Bridgemen hornline. His ability to compose in different styles (including classical, latin, jazz, pop, rock, soundtracks; he's even written for The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus!) and ability to communicate musical moods make him uniquely qualified to instruct us; he's the creator of the Bridgemen sound we all know and love. Larry will be enjoying the night of Tournament of Stars as a proud father, hearing his creative brass arrangements played by the Skyliners, Caballeros and Bridgemen. Read the bios of Bridgemen staff at Bridgemen.com. Catch all the talent that will thrill audiences at Tournament of Stars on Saturday, June 23rd! CONGRATULATIONS LARRY, ON YOUR INDUCTION INTO THE DCI HALL OF FAME!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attreides Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 CONGRATULATIONS LARRY, ON YOUR INDUCTION INTO THE DCI HALL OF FAME!!! Go Larry! We're happy that Larry Kerchner's contribution to the activity is being recognized. His brass charts and music instruction have gone a long way to producing some of the best hornlines in junior corps, senior corps, and alumni corps history. Larry also wrote for the Sky Ryders (of Hutchinson, Kansas) back in the late 1960s. Which brings us to another inductee: Larry's friend, and alumni of the Sky Ryders, Steve Vickers! Steve has actively promoted the drum corps activity for decades. His articles and photographs in Drum Corps World, plus his tireless hours behind the scenes, have helped the activity thrive for generations. Steve has been a friend to the Bridgemen and every corps out there. His recognition is overdue. Congratulations to all four inductees who will receive their accolades in Pasadena, California during DCI Finals week. Thank you for your contributions. http://www.dci.org/news/news.cfm?news_id=9...0a-0a66f0688d86 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attreides Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 (edited) Spotlight on the Performers Did You Know.... Carl Ruocco, beloved Drum Major of the Skyliners Alumni, has MAJOR credentials in the drum corps activity? Read on.... Drum Major Carl Ruocco conducting the Skyliners Alumni in the Carlstadt Memorial Day parade in 2006. Photo courtesy of Sunny Cohen, Sky Alumni hornline. Mr. Ruocco began his involvement in drum corps with the Dumont Police Cadets in 1960 playing the tenor drum. This is the same corps where legends Bobby Hoffman and Dennis Delucia got their start. As a senior, he played in the percussion section of the New York Skyliners. He instructed the OLPH Ridgemen, Colts, Star of Indiana, New York Skyliners, and the Westshoremen. Carl was the Assistant Director of Star of Indiana and the Director of the Crossmen. He judged with the International Judges Association, and was percussion caption head of the National Judges Association for 11 years. Carl has also arranged and instructed the David Brealy, Bayonne, and Pennsauken High School Bands. A resident of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, Ruocco has enjoyed a long and influential career in both the drum corps and marching band activities. As a teacher and administrator, his drum corps resume includes service to Star of Indiana, the Crossmen, Jersey Surf, Spirit from Jacksonville State University and the Santa Clara Vanguard. Carl has been the Staff Coordinator for The Buccaneers since the 2005 season and has had a very positive impact on the recent successes of the corps to this day. The ring on his right hand (photo above) is one of the Championship rings he helped the Bucs earn over the past two seasons. He has been a long-time member of the New York Skyliners organization, and presently serves the Skyliners Alumni as its drum major. Carl has judged the Drum Corps International world championships three times and the Drum Corps Associates world championships twice. Skyliners Alumni drumline at the DCA Alumni Spectacular in 2005. Photo courtesy of corpsreps.com, where you can find MORE great corps photos. Catch all the talent that will thrill audiences at Tournament of Stars on Saturday, June 23rd! Edited April 23, 2007 by attreides Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attreides Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Spotlight on the Performers Did You Know.... John Giannullo of Blessed Sac played one of the first solos at a DCI Finals? It happened at Warhawk Stadium in Whitewater, WI in 1972. The St. Andrew's Bridgemen were the first corps to take the field for a DCI Finals performance. John was an original "triple-tounging" Bridgemen and played the solos in the 1972 concert "The Yard Goes On Forever." St. Andrew's Bridgemen sopranos. Photo courtesy of drumcorpsworld.com. John returned to Drum Corps in 1997 with The Skyliners Alumni, where he played a duet with Tom Keegan in "Down By The Station" in 1999. John joined forces with Blessed Sac in 1998 and has been there ever since. John played the solo on "Free Again" for Blessed Sacrament at last year's "Tournament Of Stars" show (06/10/06) in his hometown. John Giannullo (center) performing his solo with Blessed Sac in Bayonne, NJ on June 10, 2006. Photo courtesy of Jackie Fritsche. See her Flickr site for more great corps photos. John has an older brother, Mark "Mars" Giannullo, in the Bridgemen Alumni's mellophone line. John's drum corps resume: St. Andrew's Bridgemen 1970-1972 Skyliners Alumni 1997-1999 Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights 1998-present Catch all the talent that will thrill audiences at Tournament of Stars on Saturday, June 23rd! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attreides Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 (edited) Spotlight on the Performers Did You Know.... Robert "Jomba" O'Connor has been involved in drum corps for 57 years? Jomba playing trapset with the Skyliners Alumni. Photo courtesy of Sunny Cohen, Sky Alumni hornline. Bob began his career playing snare drum for the St. Patrick's Fire Department Drum & Bugle Corps in 1950. He has been a professional musician since 1957, touring, playing recording sessions, and working night clubs. Bob was with St. Andrew's in our infancy. During the winter of 1966-1967, the corps competed in standstills in Staten Island, NY and Montvale, NJ, placing second and fourth. That winter, Bob "Jomba" O'Connor was brought in to work the drumline as only he could. During his musical career, he has also found time to judge percussion with the National Judges Association, DCA Judges, and the Fife and Drum Association. Bob has arranged and instructed percussion for the St. Andrew's Bridgemen, St. Joseph's, and others. He is a member of the Fifers & Drummers Hall of Fame. Bob was inducted into the illustrious ranks of drummers of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2000. "Jomba" treasures all the lasting friendships he's forged in drum corps and is still playing snare with his comrades in the Skyliners Alumni Corps. Catch all the talent that will thrill audiences at Tournament of Stars on Saturday, June 23rd! Edited April 23, 2007 by attreides Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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