Mr. Saylor hosted the first Cavalcade of Bands competition in September 1959. He did a tremendous amount to promote the CBA in its infancy and won championships in 1959, 1963 & 1964. He taught at Boyertown HS from 1955-1985.

As a chief judge, Bill is known for his professional attitude towards the competitive show and the band members.

HISTORY:

- Began his career playing soprano horn with the Reilly Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps

- 1953 1958 taught drums and "M7M" for drum and bugle corps in Norristown, Pa

- 1957 - 1971 member of Mid-Atlantic Judges Association

- 1971 - 2000 - Cavalcade Judging Association

- Instructed many band and sorps members in the art of marching and "chewing gum"

- wife Gladys, children - Bill Jr., daughter Janet

Bill received his Bachelor Degree from Gettysburg College and his Master’s Degree from Penn State University. (Currently he has 60+ credits above his Master’s)

The onset of Bill’s teaching career started at West York High School in 1974. He shared his educating talents at West York High School until 1977. During this time he started judging for the “Mid-Atlantic Judging Association” and the “Cavalcade of Bands Association”. In 1977 Bill was offered and accepted the position of Director of Bands for Gettysburg College where he was responsible for the marching, symphonic and jazz bands, as well as the clarinet choir and the brass and percussion ensembles. He also taught several general music classes.

1983 began a new chapter in Bill’s life when he was named the director of the marching band and the concert band at Hempfield High School. In furthering his responsibilities, beliefs and desires to offer other music opportunities, Bill engaged students in the jazz band and initiated the “lab band” as a training ensemble. In 1986 Bill became the Music Supervisor and now has a compliment of nineteen music teachers in the Hempfield School District.

Bill continues to teach private clarinet lessons to students in the evenings. This dedication to music education beyond the traditional school day enables students to be successful in their personal endeavors.

The year 2000 was the beginning of the new millennium and also the beginning of Bill’s tenure as President of the Cavalcade of Bands Association. During this time the CBA has grown from three administrators to a compliment of eight administrators and coordinators. These positions have had a demonstrative effect on the growth of the CBA. The jazz band program has grown to approximately one hundred bands, the indoor guard and percussion ensemble program has increased to over fifty units and the outdoor program from twenty-eight to approximately seventy bands. The CBA has expanded beyond the state of Pennsylvania to now include bands in the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

Bill and his wife Leigh-Ann live in Landisville, PA. Their three daughters, Julie, Karen and Laura, have all played an active role in the music programs within the Hempfield School District.

Carey Crumling began his teaching experienceat South Western High School in Hanover in the fall of 1970. Five years later, on October 6, 1975 he entered his band into their 1st Cavalcade contest at Red Land HS. That experience started a commitment and dedication to the Cavalcade that now totals 30 years.

During that period ,Carey served several years as the Secretary of the organization before being elected in 1984 as President (after the injury to Wilson HS director ,Bruce Silfies.) Little did he realize that he would fulfill that role until 1998. He saw numerous changes in the 14 years at the helm of the Cavalcade. A 'tic' judging system gives way to a 'positive build-up' system; mandatory 'motion time' disappears; less judges on field;more classification formulas than ever thought possible; percussion and color gaurd judges at shows; no balloon releases or pyrotechnics permitted; and the list goes on. But one thing remained constant admist all the changes.....Carey's dedication and commitment to this organization and it's membership.

His tireless energy and genuine love for both the marching band activity and this organization will forever be his 'legacy'. As one former band director and long-time friend remarked, Carey is truly derserving of the title...Mr. Cavalcade. Carey would like to say a heartfelt "thank you"to all the outstanding directors, staff members,officers, coordinators, judges, and most important.....the young people, who have touched his lifeduring these past 30 years. You have all impacted my wonderful "musicjourney" in a way I will never be able to express. I am in debted to you and the Cavalcade for life. Carey is presently Director of Bands at South Western. He is married to his high school sweetheart ( and eternal SAINT), Mary, who has walked beside him and encouraged him for all his years. He is the proud father of 3 girls (all Cavalcade alumni) and 2 granddaughters, who are his life's inspiration.

Chuck's involvement in music started in junior and senior high school in
Johnstown, Pa. He played in the band and was the assistant to the band
director. While in school, Chuck also played in a street corps called "The
Johnstown Blue Devils" (the corps from California borrowed their name).

In 1960 Chuck moved to Harrisburg and immediately became involved with the
Westshormen Drum and Bugle Corps. He began as a playing member for the first
five years, stopped playing and became Business Manager under the
directorship of T.V. O'Connell. They were at that time Associate Members of
DCA. During that time he organized and helped to established the "Red Carpet
Association". Chuck retired from the Westshoremen after the 1982 season.
During that time he served as Business Manager and Executive Director under
the directorship of Jim Gulden and Larry Hershman.

Chuck's title as a tabulator began in the Mid-Atlantic Judges Association and
moved to the Cavalcade of Bands, TOB, KIDA and DCA.
He has, for the past 12 plus years, been the Chief Judge for CBA, DCA, KIDA.

In 1985 Chuck was honored to be hired by Carey Crumling to be the then
Administrative Coordinator, later called the Executive Director of CBA. Chuck
served in this capacity for almost 17 years and made many close friends and
has many fond memories. It is a great honor to be among the other "Hall of
Fame". It was and still is one of his proudest moments in Cavalcade.

Mr. Brodie came to Hanover, PA in 1968 and began his job as High School band director of the Concert, Jazz and Marching Bands. Although he was not as interested in the marching program as he was in concert or jazz, he still gave that arm the 100% detail that it deserved. Doing so, gave way to Hanover High School becoming so well known around the country in the late 70’s and early to mid-80’s.

Upon talking to former classmates, I’ve come to realize what I’ve always known. Our band director didn’t worry about placements or scores as much as he taught us that life is a competition. ‘You are only as good as your current performance’. Many Saturday nights we were brought into the band room upon return from a competition and shown our current caption scores while comparing them to past weeks. This always showed us where our hard work had paid off and where we still had work to do. Through the course of the next week, we were allowed to listen to judge’s tapes and hear the same comments that our staff and director had already discussed with us before the contest. He gave us the opportunity to figure out on our own what we needed to do to become more professional.

Through his tenure as band director, the Hanover High School Marching Band accumulated numerous awards and trophies, many from CBA Championships, BOA regionals and Grand Nationals. Charlie Brodie was an innovator and created a program that was respected and appreciated. While we competed on a regional and national level, he made sure that we never lost touch with the grassroots teachings of the Cavalcade of Bands. In fact, many of the rules, regulations and by-laws that are intact today were created or supported by him.

I know that I am a better person for being part of the Brodie Project that we called the Hanover High School Marching Band. And I appreciate the support and push that he gave me.

Charlie Brodie is a true CBA Hall of Famer in every way. He is an amazing example to members past, current and future, to staff, fans and supporters of any music program that exists in this country.

Dr. Dick Scott started his long music career as a flute student in the 5th grade switching to the clarinet and saxophone in the 7th grade. He was his high school’s band Captain for his last three years. He also sat 1st chair clarinet in Virginia’s Regional Band Festival in the spring of 1952. It was about this time Dick began his love of jazz bands by performing with the Herbert Wade Jazz Band on a regular basis.


Dr. Scott entered the armed services in November of 1955 where he auditioned for and accepted by the US Army Band. He began his college training in 1957 at the University of Southern Mississippi with a performance scholarship where he played in the “Pride of Mississippi” marching band, the University Orchestra, Concert Band, and the Jazz Band. While a student at Southern, Dick was Band Director at Wiggins and Seminary, Mississippi High Schools. He also performed with Bob Hope under the auspices of Les Brown’s Band of Renown.


He entered the Masters program at the University of Michigan in 1963. While there, he was Band Director at Macon-Britton Consolidated High School. Dick came to Pennsylvania in 1964 and began teaching in Philadelphia where he was Band Director at Thomas Edison and Overbrook High Schools. While in Philadelphia, Dick worked with the All-City Band and Orchestra under Dr. Ed Helika and Dr. Louis Wersen. He left Philadelphia in 1970 to become Band Director and Music Chair at William Tennent High School of the Centennial School District. He was also director of the All- District’s String Orchestra and Band. He has numerable publications for string orchestras and bands.


In 1970, the Cavalcade of Bands festivals had only two marching band categories - Class A and Class B. In it’s first year of competition in Class B, Tennent’s band earned twenty-seven trophies. Nineteen of which were 1st Place. Under Dick’s leadership during the next four years, the marching band and indoor drill unit amassed seventy-six placement trophies with the Cavalcade. During his tenure in Centennial Dick was director of the All-District Orchestra and Band. He Retired in 1993 after 23 Years with the District. Dick earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in May of 1985.


Dr. Scott began his Judging experiences with the Mid-Atlantic Judges, in 1970. This group eventually became The Cavalcade of Bands Judges
Association. While with Mid-Atlantic, Dick was the lead clinician of the GE caption for Marching Bands in 1972 at theTreadway Motel in Willow Grove, PA. This was the DCI-Mid-Atlantic Judges Spring clinic. He has also judged the World Open and the Danny Thomas Invitational in Boston. Dick has judged with the Cavalcade of Bands, DCI, DCA, UOEC, Mid-Atlantic, TOB/National Judges.


During his thirty-four with Mid-Atlantic/Cavalcade of Bands, he has been Music Caption Chief, Technology Coordinator, Jazz Band Chief Judge, Jazz Band Judging Coordinator. Dick was one of the facilitators of the first CBA Red Book (judges handbook). At present, Dr. Scott is the Jazz Band Administrator.


When asked what the most rewarding aspect of his Cavalcade experience was, Dick said, “The kids!”

Dr. Capolupo’s association with Cavalcade began in the mid 1970’s as a band director. Over the years Dr. Capolupo directed several high school bands in Pennsylvania and in New Jersey whose organizations participated in the Cavalcade Marching Band, Jazz Band and or Indoor Guard programs.

In 1977 Dr. Capolupo became a music judge for marching bands starting out as a Field Music judge. In the following years, he also became a judge for the Ensemble Music and General Effect Music captions. When Cavalcade began the jazz program, Dr.Capolupo spent many a Friday or Saturday night judging jazz bands. He has often served as a chief judge for both the indoor and jazz programs. In the 1990’s Dr. Capolupo moved into Cavalcade administration as Music Caption Chief a position he held for two consecutive terms. Immediately following that he became the Judging Coordinator for Cavalcade. He also held this position for two consecutive terms. Through these 8 years as an administrator with Cavalcade Dr. Capolupo kept active as a music judge in all 3 captions, a position he has continued to serve in to this day.

Dr. Capolupo has judged marching and jazz bands for the Cavalcade of Bands for what is now 30 years. In addition he has served as a judge for 10 years for the Miss America Pageant Parade in Atlantic City for 10 years and most recently for the String Bands portion of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade.
He has judged over 1000 contests. That would be approamately 12,000 bands and over 900,000 students

Jim received a Doctorate from Columbia University, with Undergraduate and
Graduate Degrees from West Chester and Temple Universities. After a tenure
teaching public schools in the Oley Valley School District he accepted a
teaching position at Kutztown University in 1964. In 1968 he returned to his
alma mater as a professor of music education. During his 28-year tenure at
West Chester University the West Chester University Marching Band, under his
direction, received national recognition as one of the finest bands in the
United States. He also continued to teach music education courses during his
time at the University.


Jim founded the Marching Band Conference in 1968 as a summer skill camp for
marching band directors and students. With the establishment of Music In The
Parks in 1981 and Festivals of Music in 1982, the Educational Programs
Network now offers a complete spectrum of educational opportunities for
music students. Since his retirement from West Chester University in 1992,
he has devoted his effort's full time to Festivals of Music and Music In The
Parks as President of the Educational Programs Network.

Dr. James R. Wells jrwells@edprog.com Extension 1079

Dr. John Villella has been involved with Cavalcade for over 25 years as a director, judge, and advisor. He taught in the Phoenixville School District as an instrumental music teacher from 1977 - 1983. In 1983, Dr. Villella returned to his alma mater as an instructor in the Instrumental Music & Music Education Departments, and Assistant Marching Band Director at West Chester University.
In 1992 he assumed the responsibilities as director of the the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band until his promotion to Assistant Dean in 2008. Under his direction, the Marching Band continued its reputation as one of the top college bands in the nation.

Dr. Villella has served as an adjudicator for Cavalcade for well over 20 years. He is constantly called on as an advisor to many Cavalcade directors and also to the Cavalcade organization. He has opened the door to the School of Music on many occasions to host annual meetings for Cavalcade. His support for the ideals and philosophies of Cavalcade has been, and continues to be a comfort to the Executive Board, and all Cavalcade Directors.

Ed Stimson first came to the Cavalcade in the early 70’s when he was a staff member and guard instructor with Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Several years later he became a member of the then Mid-Atlantic judges Association judging marching bands, indoor guards, and rainbow drill teams throughout Pennsylvania. At that time he won several indoor guard championships while at Plymouth Whitemarsh. He was a member of the PW High School marching band staff when they won Yankee Championships in ’74, ’75, ’77, ’78, and ’79.


Tragically in 1987 Ed’s 17 year old son was killed. His son, Keith, was a drummer in the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School band. Cavalcade established a scholarship in Keith’s name which is presented during the CIDA Championships.


Ed also helped establish Cavalcade’s first indoor drill association (CIDA) and became their first president. In the mid ‘80’s Ed became a member of Cavalcade’s Board of Directors serving as the Cavalcade’s first Jazz Band chairperson. The first jazz band season featured 3 shows during that year with 8 schools participating. Since that time over 18 shows are held each year with 49 different schools participating.


Since Ed’s favorite pastime is golfing, he organizes Cavalcade’s annual golf outing (we won’t tell his handicap) – but he tries!
In 1994 he developed Cavalcade’s first marching and indoor computerized recaps which are still used today. In 1998 he developed Cavalcade’s first web page (www.cavalcadeofbands.com) which now has over 10,000 hits. Currently Ed is serving as Cavalcade’s Communication Coordinator.


Ed is now retired from the Colonial School District (32 years) and is teaching music part time at St. Aloysius Academy and St. Helena School. He is happily marred to Mary (who has shared him with Cavalcade through the years) and a son Eddie who is a former member of the ‘83 and ’84 Drum Corps Champion Garfield Cadets. Mary and Eddie are also former PW staff members.

Mr. Ferraro was Supervisor of Music in the Wilson School District for twenty-nine years,
a graduate of Reading High School, a B.S. degree in music education from
West Chester University and a M.A. degree in music education from Columbia University
in New York City. He was also director of drill at Reading High School and drum major of the
West Chester University Marching Band.

Frank was a member of the West Reading Police Cadets Drum & Bugle
Corps in 1951. Arranger and music director of the West
Reading Corps for the next eight years. During this period of time, the
West Reading Corps won four V.F.W. and seven American Legion State Championships.

For the next thirteen years he was the arranger, director of music, and
drum major with the Reading Buccaneer's Drum and Bugle Corps.
During this time the Buccaneers won eight V.F.W. and eight American
Legion State Championships, three V.F.W. national championships and two world championships.
He arranged music and taught many junior and senior drum and
bugle corps, among these are: Milton Senior, Westshore Bonnie Scotts,
Schuylkill Haven Junior, Muchacas Junior, Riley Senior, and York White Roses.

In 1961 thru 1964, the Boyertown Area Junior High School Band under Ferraro's
direction won the AAA National Band Championships in Washington D.C.
As Director of bands in the Wilson School District (for twenty-six years),
the Wilson Band and Band Front has accomplished the following achievements:

Performances at professional football games in Philadelphia, Washington, and New York City.
The National AAA Championship in 1967.
The Honor Band Award in the Indianapolis "500 Festival",in 1969.
Honor Band Award in the 1970 "International Festival", in Toledo, Ohio.
Honor Band Award in the 1970 and 1972 Miss America Pageant Parades
First place awards in the 1970-71-72-73 Cavalcade of Bands Championship
The "Festival of States" National Championships in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1971 and 1983.
Honor Band Award in marching band and concert band contests in the "
Sun Festival", in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 1972 and 1974.
First place award for band and band front in the "North American Championship
Field Contest" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1972 and 1973.

Frank has been an adjudicator for state and national band and drum corps contests,
since 1952, including: the Festival of States, National Cherry Festival, Miss America Parades,
Senior DCA Championship Contests, and Cavalcade of Bands Marching Band Contests.

In 1991 was elected to and inducted into the "World Drum
Corps Hall of Fame". In 1994 was honored by the Cavalcade of Bands Association for
work in the field of music education as well as the Cavalcade Hall
of Fame. In 1995 was inducted into the "Reading Buccaneer Hall of Fame".

Jerry' s life long interest in bands and drum corps began as a teenager when he was the Drum Major for three different drum corps. When he "aged out" of drum corps, he taught two drum corps and began his judging career in 1967 when he joined the National Judges Association. Soon after, he became a member of the Mid-Atlantic Judges Association where he developed his interest in high school bands. He also judged for DCI and DCA at the time.

Jerry quickly moved from a marching judge to the Marching Band Caption Chairman, Judging Coordinator and served as Chief Judge of the Cavalcade of Bands from 1977-1981. Because of the pressure of business and his interest in his son Jim’s activities, Jerry resigned from judging in 1982. His retirement didn't last long because his son joined the Washington Township High School Marching Band; and Jerry was asked to help as a "band parent".

Jim followed in his father’s footsteps and became Drum Major of the band. Jerry helped as marching instructor.

Joe is a well respected Cavalcade judge that always has a smile on his face. He has always been dedicated to the Cavalcade of Bands.History:- Early days - played sporano horn with the Reilly Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps for 12 years- Wrote drill design, visuals, and taught horns for many drum corps in the tri-state area

- Taught "M&M" caption for Methacton and Archbishop Ryan High School Bands

Joe Marrella’s involvement with the Cavalcade of Bands began in the early seventies and has continued up to the present. He has served Cavalcade as a judge, a clinician, a consultant, and a coordinator.

Joe has been selected to adjudicate groups in all parts of the United States and Canada. He was an individual snare drum champion and has also instructed National Champion Percussion Ensembles. He was inducted to both the Drum Corps International and the World Drum Corps Halls of Fame.

Joe has been engaged to consult with various marching musical groups and has conducted seminars for music educators throughout the country. He has been invited to speak at PMEA and NJME conventions representing Cavalcade. Further, he has created training sessions for Cavalcade judges and has assisted in the evaluation of them.

Locally, he has conducted workshops at West Chester University for Music Educators as they earn postgraduate credits for their advanced degrees. Joe is a former member of the Advisory Council of the University of the Arts, located in Philadelphia. His has also written articles for music publications that have been distributed to thirty-five thousand high schools in the United States.

In addition to performing, judging and consulting in the marching arena, Joe has also directed plays and musicals. He wanted to apply the same methods and concepts from his clinics to live theater. Among his directorial work are shows such as, “A Chorus Line,” “Guys & Dolls,” “The Wiz,” “Grease,” Bye, Bye, Birdie,” “South Pacific,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” and “Same Time, Next Year.”

The New Jersey Association of Community Theaters, consisting of one hundred twenty-eight theaters, awarded two Best Director Nominations for direction to Joe in both 2005 and 2006. This background also qualified Joe to become a Barrymore Nominator for the Greater Philadelphia Theatre Alliance during the last three seasons.

He has served as a television color commentator for various band competitions and is presently serving his second two-year term as the Education Coordinator of the Cavalcade of Bands.

Larry joined drum corps in 1962 and began his teaching career in 1969. He was director of the Westshoremen Senior Drum and Bugle Corps from 1974 to 1983. He also served as program director to the U.S. Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Corps from 1984 to 1986 prior to joining the Bluecoats.

Active drum corps members and alumni all across the country remember Larry as the show coordinator of the ALL-Star Drum And Bugle Corps during the three Macy's Parade performances and the TODAY SHOW concert.

Larry has also been a Cavalcade of Bands Judge, visual caption chief, and consultant to many high school marching bands within the Cavalcade of Bands Association.

In 1992 he was recognized by his peers and voted into "The World Drum Corps Hall of Fame." From 1993 until returning to the Bluecoats in the fall of 1999, Larry served as the judging coordinator for Drum Corps Associates.

When not involved in drum corps, Larry finds time from his "real job" as vice president for the billion-dollar operations of SKF USA, Inc.

A 1953 graduate of Summit Hill High School, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, Michael S. Solick started his formal music education by attending the U.S. Naval School of Music, Ancostia, Washington, DC an d3 year stint with the Naval Unit Band stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After discharge from the U.S. Navy, Solick attended West Chester State College, music major, graduating with the Class of 1960. That year he started his teaching career at Collingdale School District, Delaware County with a mid-year move to the Phoenixville Area School District. The next six years Solick taught at the Junior High level while he pursued his mastersâ degree at West Chester State. The summer of 1966 brought Solick's teaching career to a short halt as he toured the U.S.A., Puerto Rico and Canada with "The Teachers", a vocal/instrumental quartet formed while at West Chester.

Mr. Solick returned to the Phoenixville Area January of 1968 as the High School Band Director. He held that post until the end of 1984 school year, when he voluntarily filled the elementary instrumental position in the school district and accepted Music Coordinator duties until his retirement in 1993. Upon retirement Mr. Solick accepted the Assistant Band Director duties of the "Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band" of West Chester University. Solick also conducted the Audubon Community Orchestra. While at Phoenixville, both the Junior and Senior High Bands amassed awards in field, concert and Jazz competition.

The Phoenixville Area High School "Marching Phantom Band" started Cavalcade of Bands Competition in 1970. In their first local competition at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, the band placed first in Class B with 3 1st place trophies (overall band, band musicianship and band front). In the ensuing years to 1984, the Phantom Band, under Solickâs direction, won and placed in many local competitions, highlighted by State Championships (Independence Conference) in 1974, 1976 and 1982.

Mitch Adams

Mitch has been Cavalcade’s Executive Director since January 1, 2002, and has done an outstanding job in that capacity. Even though his leadership affiliation has been recent, his initial association with CBA dates back to 1978 or 1979 when he entered the competitive marching band arena as a member of the Hanover High School Band. In that era, Hanover High School was an exemplary member of CBA, with several championships, a consistently high-class unit, and a nationally known band program. Mitch was a tuba player in that band, and this was his introduction to the Cavalcade of Bands.

In the early 1990’s, vocational changes allowed Mitch a return to central Pennsylvania, and he re-entered the Cavalcade activity, this time as a marching instructor with Penn Manor High School, then Lampeter-Strasburg High School. Also during this time period, Mitch founded the Penn Manor Indoor Drumline and was their first designer and instructor. In Mitch’s first year with Penn Manor’s indoor drumline, he distinguished himself by being the first director to add guard members to a drumline, and by winning the indoor championship. Additionally, Mitch designed and taught the Central Bucks West Indoor Drumline. These experiences marked his introduction to CIDA. Finally, the early 1990’s saw Mitch qualify as a Cavalcade of Bands visual judge.

By the mid 1990’s, Mitch had become a highly respected marching band show designer at Lampeter-Strasburg, then branched out to write shows for several other CBA marching units, including Manheim Central, Palmyra, J.P. McCaskey, Red Lion, Conestoga Valley, and Pottsgrove. The Lampeter-Strasburg bands Mitch designed for won Cavalcade Yankee Open Championships in 1998 and 1999. Recently, he accepted the show design position for Northern Lebanon High School. As an instructor, judge, and designer, Mitch had given much to Cavalcade by 2000, while establishing himself as highly qualified in each area.

When Chuck Saia retired in 2001 after many years as Cavalcade’s Executive Director, the Cavalcade Board of Directors was faced with the daunting task of identifying a new leader. In his interview, Mitch stated that his only genuine desire for this exceptionally important leadership position was to “….give back to the kids some of the opportunities I was allowed to experience as a High School Cavalcade member.” With this serving as his mantra, Mitch Adams was selected as the new Executive Director, and since that appointment, he has worked tirelessly in the promotion of Cavalcade’s high ideals.

Richard Templin has been involved in high school marching band and other marching related activities for over 25 years. His career started as the Visual Designer for Shikellamy High School Marching Braves and later the Lampeter-Strasburg High School Marching Band, as well as several indoor and senior drum corps programs. He served on various task forces and the Cavalcade of Bands Marching Band committee. Dedication and commitment to the activity is highlighted by his involvement in the administrative capabilities.

Richard (Dick) Karschner served on various permanent or special committees during his 28 years as a Cavalcade Band Director. He was at the organizational meeting at Souderton High School when the association was formed. In his first year at Upper Dublin High School, the band sponsored a “Cavalcade” outdoor show and continued sponsoring a show through his entire tenure as director. The school also sponsored several CIDA contests and played hosts to various CIDA general and business meetings (especially when Cheryl Robinson was an officer).

Through the school’s involvement with Cavalcade, Shirley Robinson, Cheryl Robinson (CIDA), Paul Butler (announcer) and Mark Metz (judge and educator) also were very active in the organization.

Unlike many similar organizations, Cavalcade is run by the directors. For this reason, Dick believed it was important to attend the Cavalcade business meetings, Rules Congresses, and Directors/Judges clinics and attended a high percentage of these meetings throughout his involvement with the organization.

Recently Dick has served as an educational clinician for the Cavalcade.

Bill Lawler, Cavalcade's first Commissioner, tells us "My memories of Dick are those of a professional who was always the gentleman aand educator whether in defeat or victory. But most importantly, he was always ready to listen to the judges opinions, implement suggestions resulting in an outstanding band."

During Mr. Karschner's time at Upper Dublin his band won 14 Marching Band Championships, 11 High General Effect Music, and 8 High Music Executiuon Awards at Championships. His motto was Excellence and Entertainment.

Rick Anderson

Rick Anderson began his music teaching career at the Spring Grove Area School District in 1970. He taught both instrumental and vocal music along with the gifted program. He served as the junior high band director until 1978 when he became the high school band director. Under his directorship, the Spring Grove band competed in Cavalcade and became known as the “blue crew.” In 1982, Rick worked as a professional entertainer until he assumed the position of marching band director at York Suburban High School in 1984. Here he chaired the music department, directed the string program from elementary through high school, and also directed the school musical chorus and orchestra pit. He served in this capacity for 23 years and retired in 2007.

During his tenure at YSHS, Rick fought tirelessly for his band and his students. He worked in conjunction with the band parents’ organization to field a competitive and entertaining show year after year. The Marching Knights began competition in Cavalcade in 1996 and were rewarded with Championships in the Class A Yankee Conference of Cavalcade in 1997 and 1999. Rick served as the Yankee Conference representative for 4 years on the Marching Band Committee which he also chaired for 5 years. In 2006, Rick was named Cavalcade Director of the year. In his lasts several years, he challenged his marching band with more difficult shows, but retained his commitment to entertaining the audience.

Rick was dedicated to the educational development of his students, and duly recognized their exceptional efforts. Rick was the first to inform his administration of the awards and accolades of his musicians. His standard were high as reflected in his insistence on punctuality, discipline and white uniform pants for competition. During the band’s trip to Hawaii in 2004, he took the kids on a 4-hour cruise in the morning during which many people, Rick included, got seasick; and then hiked them up Diamondhead and rounded out the day with a 3-hour luau. Rick’s dedication to his band was evident in his 23-year directorship, but no more so than in his last season in 2006. Rick’s father died shortly before the Red Lion competition that year, yet he was there to support his band kids that night.

Mr. Frederick is a graduate of West Chester University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and Villanova University, where he earned his Masters degree in Secondary School Administration. He taught music in the Colonial and Central Bucks School Districts before becoming director of bands at North Penn High School. His marching, concert and jazz bands performed regularly in concert and competitive settings locally and throughout the country. Under Frederick the Band's resume' included several performances and competitions at the Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Kentucky Derby Festival, Shenandoah (VA) "Apple Blossom Festival", Miss America Pageant parades and the Indianapolis 500. They performed for all the professional Philadelphia teams and appeared on local television programs. The Marching Knights were perennial Cavalcade of Bands "Yankee Conference" Champions. Additionally the band appeared in the JohnTravolta film "Blowout" and "Rocky V". Through the years Mr. Frederick served on several Cavalcade Committees.

In 1990 he began his tenure as a school administrator, retiring in
2003 after 35 years as a music educator and later school administrator,
concluding as Principal of North Penn High School.

Mr. Frederick continues as a clinician and judge for marching,
concert and jazz band events throughout the country. He is co-founder and
director of the Montgomery County Concert Band. For many years he was Executive Consultant to the US Scholastic Band Association. Other responsibilities have included supervising student teachers for West Chester University, membership on the former Gibbs School Board of Governors, hosting programs on WNPV radio (1440 am, Lansdale), writing weekly newspaper columns on the marching band activity each Fall. He is active in numerous community and professional organizations. Steve and his wife Dot live in Lansdale and their family includes two daughters and two grandsons.

Bill ate and slept Cavalcade: always with support of his wife, Kathleen. Became a "family affair"
with daughter, Kathleen who was a tabulator for the Cavalcade of Bands Association. Bill's
dedication and long range vision pointed the Cavalcade of Bands into a direction of lasting success.



History:

- In the beginning, soprano horn with the Archer-Epler Musketeers, Sr. Drum and Bugle Corps.

- 1970's Chief Judge for Drum Corp Associates: Chief Judge for Mid-Atlantic Judges Association

- 1972 Founder of Cavalcade Judging Association- Chief Judge

- 1973 - 1978 first Commissioner of Cavalcade Band Association - elected by member band directors

- 1978 - 1980 Administrative Coordinator of Cavalcade

Today - retired from GE (after 42 years): sings with Archer-Epler Sr. Drum & Bugle Corps Alimni Chorus.