Each week this summer, we will feature a former member or instructor in our "Where are they now?" series.
In the fifth installment of our summer “Where are they now” series we interview past member, instructor, board member, and Hall of Fame member Helen Taylor.
What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?
I marched 1976 (flag line), 1977 & 1978 (rifle section), taught the colorguard 1987-1990, on Board of Directors 1991-1992 and inducted into the Hall of Fame, June 2008.
What are you doing now ?
After aging out from Boston, I taught several drum corps and high school colorguard. I'm still involved in teaching - I am the Colorguard Director for Bishop Feehan High School Band and have taught the colorguard there for over 17 years. I also have my 1st degree Black Belt in Tai Kwon Do and teach kickboxing classes at the Foxboro YMCA.
How did you get involved with the corps?
When I was 12, a friend of mine talked me into marching in the Sir Thomas More Cadets from Braintree, as a baritone player. I planned on only marching 1 year, but ended up loving marching in drum corps...and the rest is history.
What are your fondest memories?
There are too many to remember. One wonderful memory was when I tried out for the rifle line in 1977 and made it!! Other memories include the wonderful friends I met in BAC and continue to stay in touch with.
What are you favorite BAC traditions?
The singing of Giant before each show made me feel like more of a family than a drum corps. There was no other drum corps like Boston!
Who do you keep in touch with?
Several people between those that I marched with and those that were there when I was an instructor. From my marching days, Linda (Cummings) Heffernan, Ginny (Cummings) Pitts, Paul Pitts, Danny Pitts, Lisa (Martarano) Campbell, Chris Raichle,Michael Woodall, and I'm still in touch with several members of the colorguard when I taught: Melissa (Moore) Greer and her wonderful husband Dan, Lisa (DeMars) Lloyd, Katherine Gallagher, Robin Hansen and many more.
What is your favorite Crusader show of all time?
It would have to the 1978 show. I loved marching that year. |
