The Buglers Hall of Fame Announced
(By Andy Lisko – New York Skyliners Alumni)
Bridgeport, CT, April 22, 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 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 make down June 25th 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?
Source: Barnum Festival Champions on Parade Committee
Here ’ s the complete inaugural list for the Buglers Hall of Fame:
Name & Corps Affiliation
- Kenton Clarke St. Raphael's,
Skyliners
- George (Sidemouth) Richards
Brassmen, Skyliners
- John (Grass) Urspruch CW
Townsmen, USAF, Skyliners
- Tom (Bucky) Swan St. Joe's
Cadets, Skyliners
- Jimmy Maldonado Brassmen,
Skyliners
- Tommy Martin USAF, Skyliners
- Johnny Guarino Skyliners
- Joe DeFiglia Loretto, Skyliners
- Frank Dorritie Queensmen,
Sunrisers
- John "Screech" Arietano
Caballeros, Skyliners, Sunrisers, Westshoremen
- Ritchee Price York White Roses,
Reading, Matadors, Sunrisers
- Jim Centorino Boston Crusaders,
Matadors
- Frank Ponzo Sunrisers,
Caballeros
- James "Jimmy" D ’ Amico Holy
Name Cadets, St. Joe ’ s Cadets, Caballeros
- Gene Marotta Our Lady of
Lourdes, Caballeros
- Ken Petersen Appleknockers, St.
Joe's Alumni
- Ray Eyler Archer-Epler
- Art Hlywa Hurricanes, PCP
- Riggie Laus Pittsburgh Rockets
- Eddie Hayward St. Kevin's, BS
Alumni
- Dick Burns Blessed Sacrament
- (Baby) John Chalmus Privateers,
Blessed Sacrament
- Rubin Ariola Brassmen, Skyliners
- Bobby Gaff St. Kevin's, BS,
Yankee Rebels
- Cliff Richmond St. Raphael's,
Caballeros, PCP
- Billy Hightower Queensmen,
Sunrisers, Skyliners
- John Simpson USAF, Skyliners
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