The Buglers Hall of Fame Announced

Nations Top Buglers to be Honored

 By Andy Lisko ? New York Skyliners Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps

 Bridgeport, CT, June 5, 2005/Barnum Festival/ the Buglers Hall of Fame was recently released by the Champions on Parade committee. Kenton Clarke, Grand Marshal of this year?s event and a past National Individual Soprano Bugle Champion felt that paying homage to the great bugle players of the past was long overdue.

The inaugural list of 27 players listed below, are just that ? PLAYERS! The melodic sounds they provided through the years on all those Stetson D. Richmond and Fleetwood records are thoroughly engrained in our minds ? scratches and all! Their contributions to their craft, superior playing ability and longevity in the activity warrant them the distinction of being the first Buglers HOF inductees.

They will be honored this year at the 2005 Barnum Festival?s Champions on Parade in Bridgeport, CT on June 25^th  ? a place where virtually all of the inductees thrilled fans in the 50?s, 60?s, 70?s, 80?s and beyond at Longbrook Park, Hedges Stadium or, Kennedy Stadium.

The Barnum seemed a fitting venue for a HOF setting. As an added bonus at this year?s ?all Alumni? show, the HOF inductees will be playing some selections along with the famous Maynard Ferguson and his band.

The inductee?s enthusiasm is spectacular. Jim Centorino ?is thankful for the honor of being included in the HOF?. ?Baby? John Chalmus states that ?it?s an honor to be mentioned with such great horn players?. Ritchee Price ?can?t wait to stand in line with this great group of excellent soloists?, while Dick Burns of Blessed Sacrament fame ?considers it flattering to be included with such a stellar roster of great players?.

And excellent they were ? and still are!. Who can forget listening to Tommy Martin, Bucky Swan and John Simpson on the Skyliners Portrait in Brass album or, Ken Petersen?s fabulous solo work with the Appleknockers? How about Joe De Figlia?s opening solo with Lorreto, Riggie Laus serenading his Rockets fans or, Ray Eyler leading Archie?s ever so sweet sopranos.

What would Elks Parade be like with out John Grass or George (Sidemouth) Richardson belting out that famed solo? And let?s not forget about Arietano and Dorritie teaming up while with the Sunrisers. Of course, what would an all-star cast be without Hawthorne?s own Jimmy D?Amico, Gene Marotta and Frank Ponzo?

The 2005 Barnum Festival transcends drum corps at its finest. An exhibition of superb talent with only one purpose in mind ? entertainment!

Be sure to mark down June 25^th on you calendar to be a part of this extravaganza. You do not want to miss it! Think Maynard knows what he?s in for?

For concert information: www.diversitybusiness.com/bhof/concert.asp

Source: Barnum Festival Champions on Parade Committee

Here?s the complete inaugural list for the Buglers Hall of Fame: