Each week this summer, we will feature a former member or instructor in our "Where are they now?" series.
In the seventh installment of our summer “Where are they now” series we interview past member drum major, and brass instructor Chris Holland
What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?
I marched in the brassline from 1986 to 1993; was DM in 1994; had the privilege of teaching the brass section in 1996 and 1997. I have been a fan since Chris Berg and Brad Kenyon picked me up in Dorchester and drove me to my first rehearsal in the fall of 1985. I am blown away with the incredible consistency and success the corps has achieved over the past decade and still follow the BAC pretty closely.
What are you doing now ?
I am currently a Prosecutor with the Essex County District Attorney here in MA. I handle cases currently scheduled for jury trial. I am also working hard at being the best husband and dad I can be: Owen, Addeline, and Darlene (BAC and SAC alum).
How did you get involved with the corps?
My dad marched drum corps growing up - Majestic Knights, Charlestown. My older brother Bob joined the BAC in 1985. I did the "awesome" fall parades in 1985 when the corps needed all available bodies to help present a unit that could in turn earn some money. Throughout the winter, at our Friday night rehearsals, the staff and members helped me and Matt Rollinson learn how to play and march and I marched in 1986; 1 of 36 horns.
What are your fondest memories?
My fondest memories: meeting Matt Rollinson at the Friday night rehearsals for the 1986 season and deciding to do "this" together, coming down the 50 yard line during the company front in Conquest right next to Steve "Duka" Dolley in 1986 (his age out year); Mike Woodall carting the Dot boys home from rehearsals until Matt got his license (that is a several year span); going on after the Blue Devils (after 10pm) in 1989 Quarter Finals after DCI decided to do Quarter Final Placement by random draw; "Salty Dog" during Spider; Mike Stevens (the name says it all); wearing pajamas on bus rides and bringing a little BAC Dorchester flavor to locations nationwide; everything about 1990; being in the corps in 1993 when my buddy Matt Rollinson aged out as DM; aging out in Foxboro in 1994 after sharing many counseling sessions with Joe Ricci and Steve Cirillo; some great conversations I had with Jay Maxner in 1997; all the Saders who traveled up to Canada for my wedding in the summer of 1999 (several took a break from teaching and drove/flew all day to get there); the incredible kindness the Crusader Organization and crusader alums showed my family when my dad passed on July 17, 2006.
What are you favorite BAC traditions?
My favorite tradition was and is GIANT.
Who do you keep in touch with?
I keep in touch with so many Saders online but I do talk to a group on a regular basis: Matt Rollinson, Pat Holland, Rich Perrior, Rudy and Greg Gowern, Randy Miller, Carl Cummings, Colin McNutt, Nick Angelis, Mike Stevens, Grace Allendorf. I feel like I talk to Danny Fallon every day via facebook so I am counting him too.
What is your favorite Crusader show of all time?
The favorite show I participated in: 1990. My favorite show of all time has to be 2000; undeniable excellence. |
