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The 5th Annual U.S.A.R.D. Convention by: William A. McGrath, Jr.

with consultant Gary Gillotti Photos by Charlie Kammer

The 5th Annual U.S.A.R.D. Convention was of epic proportion and again another fantastic weekend. It was held on Friday, April 25 through Sunday April 27, this time at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Danbury, Connecticut. The event started with our social hour then our Friday night kick off commencing with the Danbury Drum Corps opening the festivities playing the National Anthem. Insert Photo DSC 6693.JPG the soprano section of the Danbury, Ct. Drum Corps playing the National Anthem.

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There was a dedication to the memory of former U.S.A.R.D. President Steve Young including comments by President Bill McGrath and a photo display by member Ron Church. Additional mention was made of the recent passing of drummers Rod Goodhart and Eric Perilloux, and the serious illness of Leo Ehrard and John “Jack” Pratt. DSC 6662.JPG Steve Young

Beside the people who are members of the organization who had the opportunity to actually perform in an ensemble; there are several people behind the scenes whose praises should certainly be sung. One is Gary Rockwell who was the person near the full pull down screen who provided the microphones and all of the media that the presenter delivered his comments from. Others were Nick Biscotti, and Bill Hartmann who are on our advisory board.

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A presentation by the New England Chapter of the U.S.A.R.D. began our Friday evening session produced by Gary and Joe Gillotti. Introduction for each piece performed was done by Phyllis Gillotti. The performers were Gary Gay, Gary Gillotti, Joe Gillotti, Mary Saunders, Paul Saunders, Randy Wilcox, Bill White and Josiah Raiche. Their First Medley of solos included “Swamp Yankee Joe” written by Gary Gillotti and “The General” written by J. Burns Moore. The last piece performed called “Germ” was written by Francis Germinaro. DSC 6703.JPG The New England Chapter of the U.S.A.R.D.

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Joe Gillotti, Ben Struski and Al Merritt played three Earl Sturtze solos known as the Six-Stroke Solo” “The Sidewinder” and “Off to Danbury”. DSC 6715.JPG Left to Right Joe Gillotti, Ben Struski and Al Merritt

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“Heat-Wave”, which was written by the late Patrick Sullivan, was performed by the Connecticut Rebels. DSC 6710.JPG the Connecticut Rebels

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As a tribute to his drum instructor, Vice President Joe Gillotti performed two pieces, one entitled “St Patrick’s Day in the Morning” written by Curtis W. Golder and another called “Curt”, written and performed by Joe Gillotti. DSC 6716.JPG Joe Gillotti and Gary Gay Duet

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Next was a drum duet performing a piece known as “Do-It” written by Andrew Reamer, performed by Bill White & Josiah Raiche of Hannaford Fife & Drum Corps. DSC 6704.JPG Bill White & Josiah Raiche of Hannaford F&D Corps

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A drum duet representing the Ancient Mariners Fife & Drum Corps was performed by Randy Wilcox & Roger Hunnewell. DSC 6720.JPG Randy Wilcox & Roger Hunnewell

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The efforts of this New England Chapter of the USARD along with the Connecticut Rebels, the Joe Gillotti and Gary Gay Duet, the Bill White and Josiah Raiche Duet and the Randy Wilcox and Roger Honnewell Duets combined to conclude the New England Chapter’s contribution to this years convention by performing one of the most famous drum solos of all time…”The Connecticut Half-Time.” It was obvious that a great deal of effort, rehearsal and planning was put into these separate and combined presentations along with a high level of skillful rendering of rudimental drumming. This ensemble was once again, to say the least, outstanding. DSC 6723.JPG Combined effect of New England Chapter of the U.S.A.R.D.

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A special presentation performance followed by the Bunnell High School percussion ensemble, an award winning group directed by James Miller and Dennis DeLucia. Their show was both performance and clinic with a full range of percussion instrumentation. You obviously see before you that the Bunnell High School Drum Ensemble is not in a traditional Ancient Rudimental format. This ensemble had a full complement of snare drummers, multi tom players, bass drummers and cymbal players. There also was a timpanist, an accessory percussion player, a full array of xylophones, marimbas, vibraphones, a guitar player, an electric piano keyboard, a fully micro phoned singer, a full drum set, and two violin players. Now...does this eclectic assembly of modern percussion players and auxiliary musicians represent the ancient rudimental world? Certainly not but keep this in mind. This modern day competitive percussion ensemble of today traces its roots back to rudimental drumming in that every stroke that each performer plays has a purpose. Remember also that Ancient Rudimental Drumming is a reflection of the past and it is important that we preserve and promote Rudimental Drumming by recognizing that it is the foundation that all of these modern percussion ensembles have been built upon. So we just wanted to show you a contrast between the old and the new in a respectful way as each has a purpose.

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DSC 6728.JPG Dennis DeLucia introduces the Bunnell High School Drum Ensemble of Stratford Ct.

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DSC 6734.JPG Here is the Bass Drum segment of the Burrell High School Drum Ensemble of Stratford Connecticut.

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The Skyliners Alumni Drum Ensemble concluded the evening with a performance as a tribute to Wes Myers. Their members included: Joe Fontana, Jack Murray and Kenny Burbulak on snare; cymbals were Karen Cox, Evelyn Krejci and Barbara Rogers; bass drummers were Steve Turner and Ed Burns Quad / tenor Jack Stein. Triple bass drummer was Chet Figurski. The Skyliners were headed to Bridgeport to participate in the Buglers Hall of Fame and for that reason they were unable to stay for the entire weekend. Their participation Friday evening was greatly appreciated. This ensemble will compete in the DCA championships in Rochester this September as well. DSC 6739.JPG the Skyliners Alumni Drum Ensemble

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Frank Zappone began Saturday’s sessions performing two solos on a rod tension snare drum and a high tension pipe snare drum. He enters his sixteenth year as a solo drummer at local parade and charity events. DSC 6754.JPG Frank Zappone

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Bill Messerschmidt, who is one of our earliest members and a well respected percussion instructor at the Virginia Commonwealth University, performed one of his own solo snare drum compositions called "General Washington's Victory." DSC 6755.JPG Bill Messerschmidt

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The first clinician of the day was Dr. John Wooton, Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. John’s clinic was based on his new book titled “Dr. Throwdown’s Rudimental Remedies.” He also performed solos including one by his mentor Marty Hurley, as well as his own original compositions. John is the author of many popular instructional books containing solo and ensemble work. He talked about current projects which combine rudimental drumming and multi-media. So the clinic dealt with the advantages and disadvantages of playing along with a track. Dr. Throwdown had the remedies for your rudimental illnesses. This was a very interesting look into a modern media approach of drum instruction. DSC 6757.JPG John Wooton

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A duet from the New York Chapter of U.S.A.R.D. (known as N.Y.D.A. of the Rochester area) performed four solos in a medley. These solos, written by Doug Kleinhans and adapted by Bill McGrath, were played on the field by the Emerald Cadets Jr. Drum and Bugle Corps of Rochester, New York in the competition years of 1963, 64, 65 and 66. The snare duet was performed by Bill McGrath, Jr. and Bill Putnam depicting an exacting the full range of complexity that these solos were known for. DSC 6763.JPG Left tom Right Bill McGrath, Jr. and Bill Putnam

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The United States Air Force Drum Ensemble, former members of the U.S.A.F. Drum & Bugle Corps of Washington D.C., includes John Bosworth, Eric Landis, Bill Mojica, Bob Zarfoss, along with rudimental bass player Bill Stricklin. All four of the solos performed were written by members of this group. Just before the Air Force Drum Ensemble performed, Bob Zarfoss described and created the actual effect of the Air Force’s Missing Man Formation with a space between the last and second last element of the ensemble so as to represent their missing Airman Steve Young. It was a moving tribute to a fine Airman, a former member of this great drum ensemble and highest officer in the U.S.A.R.D. After closing that space, the ensemble went on to play with a high degree of quality. Steve’s spirit must have been in the room somewhere as they performed with a supernatural sense of angelic blue yonder pride and spirit. DSC 6768.JPG U.S. Air Force Drum Ensemble

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Middle River Ancients from Baltimore, Maryland played several solos, including an original solo by Ron Church called “White Gloves”, a piece dedicated to British Fusilier Drummer Pvt. Lee Rigby. Performers were Nick Biscotti, Ron Church, Charlie Kammer, Bill Hartman, Bill Mojica and Bill Strickland most of who were former members of the great Yankee Rebels competitive field drum corps. DSC 6789.JPG Middle River Ancients

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Jim Smith spoke about the use of rope drums on the battlefield to direct troops. Historical examples were given by Jim in conjunction with performers George Carroll, and Pete Emerick. They rendered stories to the effects of -- just as technology has changed weaponry from smooth bore muzzle-loading musket to a highly accurate rapid fire breech loading rifle using self-contained-cartridges -- so too has technology changed the roll of the battle field drum. DSC 6798.JPG Left to Right Pete Emerick, George Carroll and Jim Smith

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Mike Otto introduced the subject of “Teaching the Next Generation of Rudimental Drummers.” Mike is using drumming techniques in the elementary schools in Baltimore to instruct youngsters who have no drumming experience. Discussions centered on how to teach students to play and to read. Drumming and fifing has been created as an elective in these schools. DSC 6807.JPG Mike Otto of Baltimore, Md.

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Fred Johnson of the Canadian Association of Rudimental Drumming Excellence otherwise known as C.A.D.R.E., representing members from throughout Ontario, Canada led a discussion on “The Mother and Three Camps”, which hosted a variety of subjects of not only of how “Three Camps” came to be, but the evolution of how this timeless piece of drumming history continues through to be the drum feature that we still know today. Fred is a fascinating speaker who employs fact detail and high presentation skills unmatched on this subject. DSC 6816.JPG Fred Johnson of Sharbot Lake, Ontario, Canada

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Lancraft is one of the oldest Fife and Drum Corps in the United States and was established in 1888 in New Haven, Connecticut. They were presented by Bill Maling and Al Merritt and played “A Tribute to Earl Sturtze.” Performers included Danny O’Mara-Commentator, Jack McGuire, Jim Laske and Jay Smith, all of whom were Sturtze students, along with Bill Maling, Steve Smith, Glenn McCausland and rudimental bass drummers Dave DeLancey and Connor Smith. DSC 6825.JPG

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DSC 6892.JPG from Left to Right: Glenn McCausland and Bill Maling

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DSC 6892.JPG The Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition for the decades of masterful work that Earl Sturtze provided was Presented… to the Lancraft F&D Corps From Left to Right by Bill Maling, Danny O’Mara, Bill McGrath and Al Merritt.

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Hip Pickles featured Chet Doboe and is a showcase of high energy drumming depicting how earlier drumming melds with various elements of the drumming of today. This was an outstanding display of creativity. DSC 6839.JPG Chet Doboe

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Moodus Drum & Fife Corps performed in a highly traditional ancient rudimental style. Performers on snare drum were Amy Armstrong, Patrick Murray, Jeff Sanborn, and David Strong; Jamie Murray, Terri Anderson Murray, Sherry Timbrell (McLachlan) on fife and Ronald Peeler and David Pear on bass drum. The Moodus Drum and Fife Corps played many standard and ancient tunes on drums that actually date back to the 1880’s. DSC 6848.JPG Moodus Drum & Fife Corps

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Scott Mitchell, our fourth clinician of the day, is not only an accomplished set drummer, but also earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music with numerous performance and recordings to his credit. His presentation was augmented by the Grand Republic Fife and Drum Corps who played ancient rudimental style with a twist of higher than usual tempos but still executing with great efficiency. This group featured drummers Scott Mitchell, Marty Bryan, Sam Bryan and Dave Loyal, Ken Avery, John Lovett, Randy Waterman and Brian Watkinson and fifers Corinne Mancevice, Lisa Ragazza, Anne Besser and Matt Noell. The music played showed historical or contemporary context, and demonstrated superior technique and a perspective on the overall development of a rudimental drum ensemble. The excellent fifers that were brought with the group were of the highest musicianship and skill. DSC 6857.JPG Scott Mitchell performs with the Grand Republic Fife and Drum Corps of Middlesex County Connecticut.

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The Connecticut Patriots performed with great skill, a full range of dynamics, execution and with an energetic program that was, without exaggeration, second to none. This is not only one of the finest Fife and Drum ensembles in the Connecticut, area but likely one of the very the best in the entire nation. The group featured snare drummers Brendan Mason, Matt Thompson, Peter Mason, Dave Sady, Joe Sastre and bass drummers Colin Mason, Tim Goss and Donald Mason; they played with great skill and dynamics. Fifers were Laura Degree, Rob Randall, Tishka Musco, Phyllis Thompson, Peter Degree, Lois Lafrance, Paul Mason, Melissa Burritt, Cherri Costa, Michael Andrews, Amanda Avery, Kathy Hutchinson, Michelle Randall and Brian Hotchkins. The drum major was Joe Campbell and special guest percussionist and arranger was Paul Cormier. DSC 6867.JPG the Connecticut Patriots Fife and Drum Corps

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DSC 6875.JPG Brendan Mason performing with mentor Paul Cormier

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Scott Jamison, from the Old Guard, detailed information about an up-and-coming organization called “Rudimental Chop Shop.” To learn more about this group, contact rudimentalchopshopscott@gmail.com DSC 6877.JPG Scott Jamison

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St. Lucy’s Drum Quartette was introduced by Chew Gernandt. Performers were Chew Gernandt, Ray Schmerin Dave Richardson and Nick Stefano. They began by playing a warm-up followed by a Les Parks’ solo and then an original solo by Chew. This group is an example of one of the better drum ensembles that came out of the 1960’s era and transitions to still be one of the finest drum ensembles of today.

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DSC 6777.JPG St. Lucy’s Chew Gernandt Left and John Flowers Right C.A.D.R.E. performed as we were gearing up for the evening portion of the event just prior to dinner. The group consisted of snare drummers Jim Kane, John Swartz, and Paul Mosley, as well as Vince Cicchine, low bass Ron Meyers. tri-bass rack drums Cliff Blundell. Pieces included a brief warm-up based on content from Dr. John Wooton’s “Drummer’s Rudimental Reference Book”, a collection of “20th Century Rudimental Classics” was performed consisting of six iconic selections written by members of the WDCHOF and “Warming-up HOT”, an original piece which was performed at Annapolis, MD in 2013. This competition arrangement was written by Doug Kleinhans, John Flowers, Paul Mosley and ‘Top Secret’ Basel.

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DSC 6888.JPG CADRE Drum Ensemble of Ontario Canada

Special thanks should be noted to John Flowers, who donated several pairs of sunglasses for our raffle. John continues, by example of his exemplary actions, to show genuine support for the USARD. Also, thanks to Jim Smith who donated a pair of commemorative drum sticks to our raffle which were carved from a “witness tree” from the Gettysburg Battlefield. Between these two gentlemen and their efforts a total of nearly $400 was raised to benefit the USARD. There were post dinner announcements and acknowledgements Saturday evening. Because we saw a few new faces on that evening that had not been at the Friday evening opening a moment of silence and acknowledgement was held for Steve Young again.

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There was an acknowledgement and recognition of the donation that was made to the family of Pvt. Lee Rigby of the British Royal Fusiliers, this was an idea that USARD member Bill Messerschmidt came forward with so we of the U.S.A.R.D. acted on it. The following is part of the letter that was sent to ARG Captain Andy Harris, Retired of the Royal Fusiliers.

“On behalf of the U.S.A.R.D. Board of Directors and all of its members, we thank you for your kind acknowledgement of receiving the Lee Rigby Fund gift for the Rigby family. We are very pleased to have pursued this mission in fond memory of this fine soldier and to honor his steadfast devotion to duty. We in the United States value our servicemen and women the same way as those in Great Britain in that service and sacrifice are the cornerstone of ensuring a free nation.” W.A.M. DSC 6659.JPG

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Lifetime Achievement: to the late Earl Sturtze: Presented to Lancraft by Bill Maling, Danny O’Mara and Al Merritt. DSC 6892.JPG…from left to Right Bill Maling, Danny O’Mara, Bill McGrath and Al Merritt

Acknowledgement of Lifetime Members Michael F. Johnston & Al Merritt Presented by Gary Gillotti, Charlie Kammer & Bill McGrath. DSC 6896.JPG…from left to right Charlie Kammer, Gary Gillotti, Bill McGrath…Lifetime Membership being presented to Al Merritt.

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The recipient of the 2014 Warren S. Lee Stipend Award was Gabriel Bacewicz. The award was presented by Professor David Smith of the WCSU music department.

DSC 6901.JPG The Warren S. Lee award was presented to Gabriel Bacewicz by professor David Smith of the WCSU music department.

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Representing the Warren S. Lee award from left to right Nann Lee, wife of the late Warren S. Lee, recipient Gabriel Bacewicz, Mentor…David Smith of WCSU, Bill McGrath and Joe Gillotti President and Vice President of U.S.A.R.D. DSC 6900.JPG

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Sonny Lyons Presentation: Matthew Lyons, Jr. presented his father’s memorial award. DSC 6906.JPG Mathew Lyons, Jr.

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The 2014 Sonny Lyons Memorial Student Award was presented by Matthew Lyons, Jr. This year’s recipient was Nathaniel T. Correia (not available for photo), bass drummer, 4th Grade, St. Mary’s Fife & Drum Corps of Branford, CT., and Giovanni Colavolpe, bass drummer, 3rd Grade, St Mary’s Fife & Drum Corps of Branford, Connecticut. Representing the Sonny Lyons Memorial Student Award from left to right Gary Gillotti, Recording Secretary of the U.S.A.R.D. Bill McGrath, President, recipient Giovanni Colavolpe, bass drummer, 3rd grade, St Mary’s Fife & Drum Corps of Branford, CT., presenter Matthew Lyons, Jr. and Joe Gillotti, Vice President of the U.S.A.R.D. DSC 6908.JPG

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The West Point Hellcats Drum, Bugle and Fife Corps performed following dinner. Performers were SGM Eric Sheffler, MSG James Barnard, MSG Sarah Botez, MSG Denver Dill, MSG John Manning, SFC Jeff Prosperie, SFC William Calohan, SFC William Cuthbert, SSG Andrew Porter, SSG Jeremy Wissner, SSG Bryan McKinney, SSG Chris Venditti, SSG Courtney Martin, SSG Ashley Mendeke and SSG Jorge Zepede. The Hellcats Patriotic Show was entitled “Acknowledging the Cost While Experiencing the Joys of Freedom”. The themes that this musical and narrative performance was based on was that of discipline, paying the pain of discipline now in order to not pay the pain of defeat and compromised freedoms later, being ready to serve the nation at a moment’s notice, enjoyment by virtue of pride, excellence, unity, and the creativity of expression, family separation of leaving the safety and nurture of loved ones to serve, paying the ultimate price by experiencing and celebrating the joys of freedom ending with a Tribute to the Colors. The Hellcats were indeed the hit of the evening delivering a most stirring performance of musical excellence and obviously a fine example of our Army’s soldiers at their best. DSC 6914.JPG The West Point U.S. Army Hellcats in formation

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Now finally was the performance and leisure gathering of Massed Drummers playing such standards as Old Dan Tucker, Grandfathers Clock, Hell on the Wabash, Downfall of Paris, Paddy on the Hand Car, Three Camps & Devil’s Flute, Grey Ghost…Reilly. DSC 6842.JPG Massed Drumming lead by John Flowers. There were so many here, about three times the players that you see here that we could not get all of them into the photo.

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The last function of the evening was the Annual U.S.A.R.D. Meeting for all MEMBERS. Sunday was check out time, a time to say goodbye and a time to look ahead to next year’s convention scheduled for the third weekend in April. DSC 6904.JPG A part of the audience just prior to the annual meeting.