What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?

Marched 1996-2001 (Baritone ’96-’97, Contrabass ’98-’99, Drum Major ’00-’01)

Brass Staff 2002-2005

Admin Staff 2002-2004

I am an elementary and middle school band director in Everett, MA, where I work with fellow Crusaders alum Charley Poole. I also help teach the Everett High School Crimson Tide Marching Band. I just bought a condo in Winthrop, MA in April, and I work a couple nights a week at the Winthrop Yacht Club.

How did you get involved with the corps?

My high school band director (Rich Chiappetta) used to teach the corps in the mid-1990’s. I had seen drum corps videos playing before and after our high school band rehearsals thanks to Mr. Chiappetta and Phil Williams, who marched with Boston for a couple years during that time. My brother Kevin joined along with some of our high school friends (Andrea Keller, George Heald, Jay Henson) in 1995. After hearing all their stories from the summer and seeing the corps on the field, I knew I had to be a part of it all.

What are your fondest memories?

There are too many to list them all, but perhaps the most amazing moment was following our semifinals performance in 1999 when we came off the field knowing we had just become the first Boston corps ever to make DCI Finals. There were so many people cheering for us outside Camp Randall Stadium and I think everyone in the corps got swept up in all the emotion. I remember vividly hugging my brother, who was on visual staff that year, as well as Andrea Keller and George Heald, who were the drum majors that year. I also remember seeing the faces of all the teaching and support staff who were there to witness that moment.

Another memorable moment occurred the following year. The corps had placed fifth at Semifinals and had the honor of leading off the “Top Five Live” broadcast on PBS. As we were lined up outside Byrd Stadium in College Park, MD, the PA announcer was hyping up the crowd for the start of the live broadcast. It was absolutely deafening in that stadium. As we entered the stadium it just got louder and louder as the fans greeted us. We had a fantastic performance and won the Spirit of Disney Award that night!

What are you favorite BAC traditions?

My favorite tradition is definitely singing “Giant.” I still get chills every time I hear it.

Who do you keep in touch with?

I keep in touch with many people from my time with the corps. Facebook has allowed me to get in touch with many of my corps friend with whom I had lost touch. My closest corps friends are Erine Anderson (’97-02), Kristen Wilson (’00-’02) but I also keep in touch with many other people with whom I either marched or taught as well as current and former board members, staff, and volunteers.

What is your favorite Crusader show of all time?

I’m certainly biased, but for me it definitely has to be the 2000 show, “Red.” The energy and excitement in that show were just unreal. It was an honor to be part of that corps and to lead them with my fellow drum major, Tom Spataro. I was thrilled to see it included in the original Classic Countdown as one of the most-loved DCI shows ever.