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The Connecticut Hurricanes Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to recognize and honor those individuals who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating outstanding dedication, devotion and service toward the betterment of the Hurricanes, as well as, the drum corps community.
This entire web site history was written by John Fisher
Banks, Dennis *
Bottillo, Gail
page 11 GLYNN, JOHN
page 11 GOLDER, CURTIS
page 11 GORE, JOHN
page 12 HLYWA, ARTHUR
page 12 HUNTER SEKELLICK, TERESA
page 12 IMPERATO, EUGENE
page 13 JULIANO, ARNOLD
page 13 KELLY, MICHAEL
page 13 KING, CHARLES
page 14 KNOX, MAURICE
page 14 KOGUT, ROBERT
page 14 KULINSKI, VICTOR JR.
page 15 LUEDEE, RAYMOND
page 15 MALESKY, BERNARD
page 15 MASTRIOANI, RICHARD
page 16 NICHOLSON, JOSEPH
page 16 NOTARO, PEPE
page 16 OGLE, FRANKLYN
page 17 OLDERMAN, HARVEY
page 17 ORAVEZ, DOUGLAS
page 17 PROPFE, PETER
page 18 SCARPA, HECTOR
page 18 SMITH, ROBERT
page 18 SMITH, NEAL
page 19 TARDIE, RICHARD
page 19 VARGO, STEPHEN
page 19 VIZZO, PHILLIP
page 20 WILCOX, ROBERT
page 20 YAGOVANE, EDWARD
page 20 YELINEK, RICHARD
page 3 BANKS, DENNIS
page 3 BIANCARELLI, GEORGE
page 3 BODNAR, JOHN
page 4 BOTTILLO, GAIL
page 4 BRADLEY, ROBERT
page 4 BRADY, THOMAS
page 5 BUREL, MARK
page 5 BURNS, PETER
page 5 CONDON, EDWARD
page 6 CURRAN, BRENDA
page 6 CURRAN, JOHN SR.
page 6 DANIELS, ROBERT
page 7 DESANTIS, AL
page 7 DEFRANCESCO, ANTHONY
page 7 DION, DAVID
page 8 DUGAN, JAMES SR.
page 8 DUQUETTE, WILLIAM
page 8 FALLON, RAYMOND
page 9 FINDLEY, ROBERT
page 9 FISHER, JOHN
page 9 FLOWERS, RAYMOND
page 9 FRIEND, SCOTT
page 10 GABIANELLI, THOMAS
page 10 GANGI, STEVE
page 10 GLOVNA, ROBERT
page 10 GENERO, JOSEPH
page 21 YOUNKIN, HAROLD
page 21 REIDY, PATRICK
page 21 TOMLINSON, CHARLES
page 23 ALLEN, DONALD
page 23 ARIENTANO, JOHN
page 23 BARBARO, COSMO
page 24 BIBEAULT, JEANNE
page 24 CLUNA, CARMEN
page 24 DORRITIE, FRANK
page 25 FLOWERS, JOHN
page 25 FRIESING, DONALD
page 25 KERCHNER, LARRY
page 26 MCHENRY, JAMES
page 26 ODDO, JOHN
page 26 RATFORD, VINNIE EDWARD
page 27 RUSSO, JAMES
page 27 STURTZ, EARL
page 28 BRUBAKER, STEVE
page 28 DELUCIA, DENNIS
page 28 IANNESSA, RICHARD
page 29 OLIVIERO, GEORGE
page 29 PACE, RALPH
page 29 WEDGE, JAMES
Bradley, Robert
Brady Thomas
Burns, Peter
Condon, Edward *
Curran, Brenda *
Curran, John Sr.
Daniels, Robert
DeSantis, Al
DeFrancesco,Anthony
Dion, David
Dugan, James Sr.
Dennis Banks* was involved with the Hurricanes as a marching instructor from 1978 to – 1983 and again from 1992 –to 2003. During Dennis'’ tenure as visual instructor, the Corps won the 1981 DCA championship and captured a number of high marching trophies. Dennis had an affable manner, which, combined with the knowledge he'’d culled from a lifelong love of the marching arts, made him a superior technician. His persistence for accepting nothing but your personal best was a trait that drove the Corps to be the best it could be. Dennis was always available to assist with marching and to offer his valuable opinion. He eventually served on the Board of Directors in 2002- –2003.
By way of background, Dennis marched with St. Raphael’'s Golden Buccaneers in the 1960'’s and has instructed for the following organizations, at various times, from 1970 through 2006;… the Golden Crusaders, the Fairfield Colonades, the Milford Shoreliners and Fitchburg Kingsmen, as well as the Skylarks color guard, the Silver Falcons color guard, Fantasia, the Trumbull HS Marching Band, and the award winning Cheshire HS Marching Band for 22 years. In addition, Dennis served as an adjudicator for drum corps, as well as. color guards in the 1970’'s.
George Biancarelli* was a drummer as well as a charter member of the John H. Collins Post Drum Corps in 1932. His long association with the organization lasted over 50 yrs, through the early 80'’s. Subsequent to his playing career, which ended in the early 50’'s, George worked tirelessly on behalf of the Corps. During his time George wore many hats, among theml: drummer, quartermaster, treasurer, and assistant director, as well as president. His 50+ years distinguish him as the second longest tenured member in Corps history… second only to his friend Harvey Olderman…. As such; George played a part in every championship achieved by the Corps. In addition he was a co-founder of the Connecticut Alumni Drum Corps in 1984, personally acquiring all of their start up equipment.
John Bodnar'’s drum corps and musical career began in 1957 when he joined St. Ann'’s Loyalaires of Bridgeport. His initiation to drumming came under the expert guidance of preeminent drumming instructor, Earl Sturtz. John later moved on to the Connecticut Royal Lancers where he continued to hone his considerable ability, under the tutelage of Ray Luedee, through 1965. In 1966, he came to the Hurricanes where he anchored the snare line for nine years, exemplifying a standard of excellence that earned the Hurc's drum lines elite status throughout his tenure.
In individual competition, John, as a junior, was a National Open Snare Drum Champion, and was also a two time Senior National Open Snare Drum Champion. In 1974, John wrote for, and instructed the Hurricanes percussion. He has also instructed several corps in the Northeast including the RI Matadors, Conn. Royal Lancers, St. Aedan'’s Emerald Cadets, Notre Dame’ ND-Ettes, as well as St. Raphael’'s Golden Buccaneers, the Emerald Buccaneers, and the Poughkeepsie Pacers among others. In addition, John served as a percussion adjudicator for the Northeastern Circuit and Drum Corps Associates.
Subsequent to his long drum corps career, John relocated to Vermont and has enjoyed an active association with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
*DECEASED
Gail Botillo’'s drum corps background includes marching with the Golden Buccaneers and Emerald Buccaneers of Bridgeport, and the Milford Shoreliners, (1975, 1976, and 1977 respectively), From 1978 through 1982 she performed with the Connecticut Skylarks championship color guard. Gail has also been a Guard instructor for numerous organizations including: The Silver Falcons, Brien McMahon H.S. marching band, Masuk H.S. marching band & guard, Norwalk H.S. marching band, as well as Norwalk H.S. winter guard.
Gail joined the Hurricanes in 1979 and was a member of the color guard from 1979 to 1984 and again from 1990 to 1997. She has served in various capacities with the corps including color guard captain from 1995 thru 1997 and Corps Personnel Director in 1996 and 1997.
Subsequent to this, Gail was a guard instructor from 1998 thru 2002. In addition Gail was honored as Hurricane of the Year for 1996.
Bob Bradley has been associated with the Hurricanes for nearly thirty five years. He first played with the Corps beginning in 1973, as a featured soloist, and marched through 1982. In 1983-84 Bob served on the Board of Directors. Following a five year hiatus, re-energized, he returned to the Corps as President of the Board of Directors, a position he held through 2004. In addition, Bob led the Corps as director from 1990-1992 and again in 1997. He remains as a member of the board to this day. In addition, Bob has personally shouldered the task of producing the Hurricanes long running annual show, the “Fanfare”, for countless years.
Bob's drum corps career began, as a youth, when he joined the St. Aedan'’s Emerald Cadets. In 1968 he joined the Milford Shoreliners, where he marched through 1972 before coming to the Hurricanes. In recognition of all that he has achieved on behalf of the Hurricanes, he has also been honored with induction into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame as an associate member.
Tom Brady joined the Hurricanes at age 15 in 1956, beginning a nearly 30 year association with the Corps. His talent as a lead soprano was a welcome addition to the young corps. He played with the Corps through 1966, featured as a soloist several times. Tom returned to the Hurricanes for the 1993 season and played through 2011. He was named “Hurricane of the Year” for 2000. Always a dedicated member, Tom set an example by his uncompromised work ethic.
By way of experience, Tom first started to play in 1949 with the Charter Oak Drum & Bugle Corps before joining the Robinson Rangers Drum & bugle Corps. In between his stints with the Hurricanes, Tom was a member of the Conn. Alumni Corps from 1985 through 1992.
Mark Burel* was a stalwart in the Hurricane soprano line for fifteen years, from 1970 thru 1984. Early on he displayed the grit it takes to be a part of a top quality corps by being named “Most Improved” in the horn line in 1974. He was famously recognized by his peers throughout his career as a man who approached life from a fun loving perspective… earning him the moniker “"The Amazing Marko"”. Not belying the humor though, was his work ethic and a tenacious competitive attitude. …His goal and level of performance was consistently focused on excellence.
Mark's interest in music began in the 3rd. grade when he chose the trumpet in his school band. Recognizing his passion, his father enrolled him at the Bob Weller music school for private tutoring. In 1964 he joined the Stratford PAL Jr. Drum Corps. From 1966 thru '68 ’he was a member of the Connecticut Royal Lancers and in 1969 he played with the Connecticut Yankees. While in high school, in addition to his drum corps activities, Mark participated in the jazz, concert and marching bands of Stratford High School.
Pete Burns became a Hurricane in 1956 and quickly moved up the ranks from Flag Bearer, to Color Guard Captain, to Assistant Drum Major. In addition to his on field duties, in 1960, he became Assistant Corps director and in 1963 was named Corps Director. His hardnosed tenacity and winning personality made Pete the perfect man for the job of leading the Hurricanes through the most successful period of their proud history, culminating in his last year, 1967, with an American Legion National Championship and a DCA World Championship.
Pete is also recognized as one of the founding fathers of DCA, having taken an active part in forming and organizing the fledgling new circuit in 1963, and served as the DCA’'s first Secretary from 1963 through 1967.
He was a marching instructor to the Connecticut Royal Lancers and the Oxford Explorers, as well as a Northeastern Circuit Judge, and Caption Chairman for the Northeastern Judges Association.
Ed Condon* and Bob Woods* were lifelong friends from childhood. They later comprised a highly successful team as drill writers and instructors for the Hurricanes. It is therefore only fitting that, considering their history, legend and legacy that they be memorialized here as such…..the team known as “Condon & Woods.”
Ed and Bob began their drum corps careers in 1947 with the John H. Collins fife, drum and bugle corps. In those early years, Ed and Bob, among others, were influential voices in transforming the Collins Post corps into the Hurricanes. Through the early years Ed played the baritone and Bob was a tenor drummer when the Hurricanes became a competitive field corps. They paid close attention to Hurc drill instructor, Vinny Ratford, and by the early 60'’s formed the partnership that would bring them such revered recognition (as well as the Hurricanes). “Condon & Woods” introduced innovative drill designs that helped move marching styles of the day away from strict military patterns. By using color guard in the drill, they were able to create free flowing presentations with high audience appeal. During the years they were active with the Hurricanes, the Corps won virtually every top contest of the day, including the DCA championship, the World Open, American Legion and Dream championships, as well as the Conn. State championship. They wrote and taught the Hurricanes marching through 1968, at one point winning the M&M caption 41 consecutive times. They also led the Hurricanes to top drill marks in the first four DCA championship contests. Under their tutelage, marching became the Corps “ace in the hole”, and was a major factor in the Corps success during their tenure. In recognition of their contribution to the activity, Ed and Bob rest as members of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
John Curran, widely known throughout the drum corps world as “"Cupcakes",” came to the Hurricanes in 1974…, the beginning of a long association with the Corps that includes 30 years of marching in the horn line and beyond. Cake’s performed for a number of years as a lead soprano, as well as, a lead baritone; it was just a matter of where he was needed most. In addition, he has operated the booster table, served as truck driver and as Quartermaster. John was honored as “Hurricane of the Year” for 1976. Following his playing career, he became a marching tech for the Corps.
John’s drum corps involvement dates to his childhood in the Boston area, having marched with such corps as St. Kevin'’s Emerald Knights, Cambridge Caballeros, the Princemen, and the Boston Renegades. He has designed drill and instructed several high school color guards and bands and has been a staff member of World Guard International (WGI) since 1979. John is a member of the Massachusetts Drum Corps Hall of Fame, as well as an associate member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Brenda Curran* began her Hurricane career in a very distinctive year, 1977, the 1st year of female participation. She marched in the color guard through 1983 and in the later 80'’s provided instruction to the Hurc guard. Aside from her on field participation, Brenda volunteered to work the souvenir table, and eagerly embraced sewing projects on behalf of the Corps. She was recognized for her contributions by being named “Hurricane of the Year” for two consecutive years, 1980 and 1981.
Brenda'’s drum corps career began in the Boston area where she was a color guard member of St. Jean's Jean-etts and later St. Mary'’s Cardinals. She also taught the Stardusters, one of three corps that would later merge to form North Star. Brenda also instructed the Oxford Explorers, Skyquest, as well as the Hurricanes in the late 80’'s. She was also a color guard consultant for Berlin, Naugatuck, Rocky Hill, and Shelton high schools.
Bobby “"Rocky"” Daniels first gained fame in the world of drum corps as the hugely popular and flashy drum major of the Hurricanes in the late 50’s through 1963. He led the Corps on the field with a flair that delighted drum corps fans everywhere. He solidified his status in Hurricane fame when, in 1969, he succeeded the great Condon & Woods as drill writer and instructor. What followed was the Corps second DCA championship title, due in large part to Rocky'’s unique style of instruction and motivation. He wrote and instructed drill for the Corps in 1969-‘70 and 1975-‘76.
Bob taught many junior corps including the Milford Shoreliners, St. Aedan'’s Emerald Cadets, the New London Surfers, and the Connecticut Yankees Sr. Drum and Bugle Corps. Bob has also been recognized for his contributions by inclusion as an associate member to the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Anthony DeFrancesco*, or to all who knew him… "”Tony D"”, was one of the most popular and charismatic Hurcs during his time in the 60'’s. Tony got his start in drum corps in 1957 with the St. Raphael'’s Golden Buccaneers where he marched through 1960. In 1961, Tony joined the Hurc drum line as a bass drummer before switching to cymbals. He found his niche, however, when in 1965, Joe Genero took him under his wing, and made him assistant drum major. His firm, yet affable manner, lent itself nicely towards even paced rehearsals, thus freeing Joe to concentrate on performance. Upon leaving the Hurricanes following the 1968 season, Tony instructed color guard, first with St. Ann'’s Loyalaires and then with Notre Dame’'s all girl ND-Ette’s. In 1984, he was instrumental in founding the Conn. Alumni Corps and served as its first director (1984-1989). He was also one of the founders of the Hurricane's Alumni Association in 1998 and served on it's board until 2001. Tony is an associate member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Al DeSantis got his start in the activity in 1965 as a member of the Connecticut Classics percussion section. He later joined St. Aedan'’s Emerald Cadets of New Haven where he marched from 1970 through 1976. His senior corps experience began with the Rhode Island Matadors in 1977 and 1978 until he finally landed with the Hurricanes in 1979, and marched in the percussion section as a featured cymbalist until 1985. Upon returning to the Corps in 1990 he became widely known as "“Big Al”", a familiar face of the Hurcs, for playing huge cymbals featured in the “Magnificent Seven” in every parade, exhibition and competition through 2003.
Being a talented “handyman”, Al has generously provided a wide array of assistance to the Hurcs such as building podiums and props, effecting truck repairs, and running fund raising efforts such as the highly profitable “haunted house” attraction in the 1980'’s. His efforts on behalf of the Corps were recognized in 1991 when he was the recipient of the “Hurricane of the Year” award. Big Al has been a cornerstone of the Corps throughout his tenure, serving many roles including corps equipment manager, member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Hurricanes from 1999 through 2002.
Dave Dion proved himself, over a Hurc career of twenty five years, to be a Hurricane of Hurricane’s. He joined the Corps in 1983 and played in the pit, as well as on snare and tenor for seven years before assuming drum major responsibilities through 1993. Following a stint as an instructor for the Boston Crusaders, he returned to the Corps in 1995 in the position of percussion arranger and later as brass arranger through 2008. In 2007, Dave put forth an astounding effort by arranging both the brass and percussion scores, serving as staff/show coordinator, as well as donning a uniform one more time, and leading the Corps, once again, as drum major.
Dave'’s musical background comes by way of a BS in Music Performance from Western Connecticut State University and an MA in Music Composition and Music Education from UMASS Amherst. From 1990-1992 he was an arranging assistant for jazz great, Gerry Mulligan and from 1992 through 1995 was a Department Assistant for UMASS Amherst; instructing marching band, jazz ensembles, percussion ensembles, and teaching applied lessons. Dave became the Director of Music for the Wethersfield, Conn. Public School System beginning in 1995.
In addition, he has served as writer/arranger for numerous high school programs throughout Connecticut including Norwalk, Trumbull, Southington, Bethel, Danbury, Shelton, Stamford, West Hill, Brookfield, Newtown, West Haven, and Wethersfield.
In 1994, Dave was commissioned to compose live film score for a 1918 film "“Within Our Gates”" by the Massachusetts Multi-Cultural Society. He formed a publishing company in 2000, Dion Productions LLC, for scholastic jazz and field music. Dave has also pursued his passion for music by performing with jazz and event groups including Green Earring, the David Dion Quartet, Feedback, the Ives Symphony, and 42nd Street.
Jim Dugan Sr.* gained notoriety across Connecticut not simply as a popular, dynamic Hurricane, but rather through the many hundreds of people he imparted such positive influence on as a percussion instructor in the 60’'s and 70'’s. Jim'’s introduction to drum corps came in his youth when he joined the Bradford Manor Corps in East Haven. He would later join the Connecticut Yankees, where he honed his skills under the great Earl Sturtz, from 1956 through 1959. In 1960 Jim came to the Hurcs and for the next eleven years exemplified the relentless pursuit of excellence that characterized and defined the Hurricanes of the 60’'s.
Jim arranged and taught for several corps including the Connecticut Classics, the Shoreliners, Surfers, Oxford Explorers, Centuriens, Seymour Vanguards, as well as St. Aedan’'s Emerald Cadets. On the senior scene he taught the Connecticut Yankees (’'70-'’71), RI. Matadors (’'77-'’78), Hurricanes ('’79) and the Connecticut Alumni ('’84-'’90).
Ray Fallon came to the Hurricanes in 1979 as the brass arranger; brass caption head, and instructor. He continued in that capacity until 1982, then again from 1985 –to 1989, and for a short time in the early 1990’'s. He not only assumed these roles, but did so with relish. Ray simply took ownership of his horn line and drove them towards excellence, not only through his expertise, but with energy and tenacity. Under his tutelage, the Hurricanes won the DCA championship title in 1981 and contended for it in 1980 and 1982. He wrote the famous Magnificent 7 solo that has assumed it's place as part of the Hurricane's identity to this day, as well as countless other memorable musical arrangements.
Ray’'s introduction to drum corps and passion for music was born in 1960, at age 8, when he joined the Oceanside Legionaires on Long Island, where he played through 1969. His drum corps career was put on hold for a hitch with the US Army, but resumed in 1975 when he began marching, as well as writing for the Sunrisers. Ray has also arranged and/or instructed for the following corps including; the Oceanside Legionaires, Herricks Police Boys’ Club, The Medford Grenadiers, The Bayonne Bridgemen, and Bridgemen Alumni Corps, the Shoreliners, Archer-Epler Musketeers, Bengal Lancers, Yankee Rebels, Crossmen, Boston Crusaders, and the Boston Crusaders Alumni Corps, also, the Music Express and Reilly Raiders of Penn. In addition, he has taught many bands including: Ridley Park HS (Pa.), Norwalk HS, Naugatuck HS, and East Lyme HS in Connecticut.
Ray received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and has studied Music Competition with David Patterson, Ph.D. Harvard.
He has also served as an adjudicator for music as a member of the National Judges Association, and CMBC. He is a member of the Sunrisers Hall of fame as well as the Buglers Hall of Fame.
Bill Duquette came to the Hurricanes in 1970 and played contra in those stellar horn lines of the early ‘70'’s, through 1973. Subsequent to his playing career, he returned to the Corps as it's Director and Asst. Drum Major, 1980-1984. He immediately outfitted the Corps with new uniforms and made key additions to an already excellent staff, resulting in some very competitive years, including winning the DCA Championship in 1981. Bill was once again active as the Administrative Head and staff coordinator for 1990- 92’ and once again was an integral part in quickly guiding them back to prominence in the wake of some subpar seasons. He was named “Hurricane of the Year” for 1992. In 2011 Bill became the Webmaster for the Hurricanes and beginning in 2012, he assumed a position as an Advisor to the Board of Directors.
By way of experience, Bill'’s drum corps career began in 1957 with Bridgeport’s PAL Cadets. He played baritone and later contra bass with the PAL through 1968. He has served as a marching instructor for such corps as the Connecticut Classics, New London Surfers and Notre Dame’s ND-Ettes, as well as the Bunnell High School Marching Band. Additionally, Bill has served as Director of The Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps of Georgia and as Co-Director for the Park City Pride in its inaugural year of 2003.
Raymond Flowers began
a Hurricane career, which would span parts of four decades, shortly after his discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1967. Ray, …or "“Rosey"”, as he is known by all, played tenor drum, as well as tympani in those mighty Ray Luedee lines from 1968 thru 1974. In 1975 Rosey acted on a desire and switched to the horn line. He pushed himself to learn and ultimately did just fine… playing baritone in those great Genero lines of '75 ’& '76’. After a hiatus, Rosey, true to his colors, returned to bolster a Hurricane Corps desperate for membership in 1988 and played in the horn line thru 1993.
Throughout his tenure, and especially during those lean years of the late 80'’s, Rosey was a strong advocate for the Corps, lending himself to recruitment, as well as nurturing a positive outlook to those around him. Always a strong presence with a large personality, Rosey delivered intangible leadership as a driver and motivator from within the ranks.
Rosey'’s career began as a tenor drummer with the Danbury Drum Corps, 1957-1960. In 1961 he played with the Conn. Yankees and in 1963-67 served in the Navy. While in the service, stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base, he was afforded the opportunity to do several stand-in performances with the Chicago Cavaliers.
As an instructor, Rosey has taught percussion with the Stateliners, the Connecticut Classics of East Haven, Conn. and the ND-ettes of Bridgeport, Conn. In addition he'’s instructed marching with the Norwalk Conn. and Brien McMahon High School Marching Bands.
Scott Friend joined the Hurricanes in 1985 and became an assistant Brass instructor with fellow Hurc hall of famer, Ray Fallon. Scott was a soloist in every show year he ever marched. He has been involved with the Hurricanes for a number of years and has always provided a helping hand from an instructional perspective when needed since 1985.
Scott has been involved in the drum corps activity since 1966 beginning with the Enfield Sabers of Conn. He played flugel horn with the St. George Olympians, as well as the Targets, both of Springfield, Mass. Scott was also a Bugler for the U.S. Navy Recruit Drum Corps.
While in college, Scott joined the RI. Matadors in 1979 and immediately became one of their lead soloists playing with the likes of the famed Jimmy Centorino and Richie Price. He also served the Matadors as an assistant instructor and Brass Tech.
Scott's’ accomplishments include: Several top five finishes, as well as two first place medals for ensemble performance at the DCA individual & ensemble contest, “Horn Man of the Year” of the Matadors in 1982, Election to the Matadors Hall of Fame in 1998 and to the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame as an associate member in 2001. Scott has written for and instructed the Marksmen of Springfield Mass., the RI. Matadors and the Conn. Hurricanes, as well as holding the position of Band Director and Team Leader of Fine Arts at Brookfield HS in Brookfield, Conn.
Bob Findley began his long involvement with drum corps and the marching arts in the late 1950's as a drummer with St. Ann'’s drum and bugle corps in Bridgeport, Conn. He enlisted in the US Army (1963-1966) and upon his return home, joined the Hurricanes in 1967. As a member of the drum line, he was part of two DCA cha- mpionship seasons ('‘67 & '’69). Bob became an assistant drum major in 1972, a position he held through 1976.
Bob was also the lead drum major for the Connecticut Yankees, Rhode Island Matadors, Connecticut Alumni and the Park City Pride Alumni Corps. He began teaching in 1969 and became a drill writer and show designer for many drum corps, high school bands and winter color guards along the East Coast, as well as the Midwest, producing many titles and awards. In addition to these continuing commitments, Bob is the visual coordinator and drum major of the Park City Pride. Bob is a member of the Matadors Hall of Fame, as well as the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
John Fisher, or as he is more commonly known, 'Fish", began his musical career in middle school in Seymour Conn. It didn'’t take long for the clarinet to become boring for him, so when he saw the Oxford Explorers practicing in 1963, he knew immediately that he wanted to be part of that “sound”. He joined the Explorers and marched with them through the 1965 season. Following that season Fish joined the Hurricanes and played in the baritone line through 1974. In 1975 he was pressed into service in the contra line were he stayed until his last competition at the close of 1981.
Fish'’s Hurricane resume also includes: Twelve years sitting on the Board of Directors, ('73’-'77’ & '98’- '04’); Organizer of, as well as six years as, 1st President of the Hurricane's Alumni Association ('98’- '04’); four years ('77’-'80’) assisting in M&M instruction; and he has served as the Corps Historian, chronicling an extensive compilation of the Hurricanes first eighty+ years as well as serving as an Advisor to the Board of Directors beginning in 2008.
Fish is proud to be one of only five Hurricanes, along with Olderman, Golder, Chop and LaBonte, to have marched in three DCA title winning years '…67’, '69’, & '81’.
Tom “"Gabby"” Gabianelli is a natural born Hurricane. His father, also known as “"Gabby"”, first joined the Corps in 1938, so as one would presume, some of his earliest memories were centered on drum corps. Gabby'’s early interest drew him to become a drummer, which he began learning through participation in the Seymour Middle School band program. In 1963 he joined the Oxford Explorers and for two years honed his drumming under the tutelage of Jim Dugan Sr., and in 1965 he moved to the Connecticut Royal Lancers were he began a long association with Hall of Fame instructor, Ray Luedee. Tom made the jump to the Hurricanes in 1966. Shortly thereafter, his Hurc career was put on hold by a four year hitch in the U.S. Navy. Upon discharge, he returned to the Corps and drummed in those fabulous Luedee lines of the 70’'s for six years, through 1976.
In 1977 Tom returned to a Corps in transition, assuming a duel role as business manager, as well as, assistant director and was instrumental in formulating a re-building plan. He became Director for 1978 and remained on the Board of Directors through 1983. Tom returned to the Corps in 2002, playing pit percussion, and in 2003-'04 he filled a horn spot and actually learned to play the soprano in the process. He was named “Hurricane of the Year” for 2004. In 2003, Gabby again returned to the Board table and was elevated to Chairman of the Hurricanes BOD, beginning in 2005, retaining that position through 2011. He currently is the Secretary on the Board of Directors.
As Chairmen, Gabby immediately undertook a course that returned the Hurricanes to a place of prominence in the drum corps world. His revamping of the organization, from top to bottom, poised the Corps for success well into the future and beyond.
Joe Genero'’s* Hurricane career began in 1957 when he took on the daunting task of transforming this upstart, inexperienced corps into the top caliber type corps he envisioned. Having had the experience of playing with the New York Skyliners, as well as arranging for, and teaching the Hawthorne Caballeros, Joe knew full well the commitment, and hard work that went into producing such a corps. It didn’t take long for Joe to impart his tenacious, competitive mindset on the Hurricanes, and all of the hard work and determination bore fruit in the 60'’s with Northeastern Circuit Championships in '62’ & '63, ’as well as winning the World Open Championship in '64’. Behind Joe Genero, the Hurricanes also captured the American Legion National Championship in '67’ and the Drum Corps Associates World Title in '67’ & '69’.
In 1963 Joe became drum major and led the corps on the field with fire in his eye, and a passion for bringing out his music in a style that earned him the moniker of “"Jumpin” Joe"”. His show selections and arrangements were once described in an article as having “snap, crackle, and pop”, and throughout his tenure as musical director of the corps, ('57’- '76’), the Hurricanes were contenders, and enthusiastically received wherever they performed.
Joe also arranged and taught music with several well-known junior corps including St. Vincent'’s of Bayonne, St. Lucy'’s of Newark, The Milford Shoreliners, The Emerald Cadets of New Haven, and St. Raphael'’s Golden Buccaneers of Bridgeport. He also arranged music for senior corps, including the Caballeros, The Amboy Dukes, The Ballantine Brewers, New Bedford Whalers, and the RI. Matadors.
In recognition of his fabulous body of work, Joe was justly inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 1978. In addition, Joe is a member of the Buglers Hall of Fame.
Bob Glovna began his love of marching music at age 10 as a trumpet player for the Madison School Band of Bridgeport in 1955. Soon after, he witnessed the Barnum Festival’'s “Champions on Parade”, and was inspired to join Bridgeport'’s own St. Raphael’'s Golden Buccaneers Jr. Corps where he honed his craft as a lead soprano player through 1960. In 1961 he joined the Hurricanes, a fortunate time, as he enjoyed Championship status for much of that decade. In 1970 Bob was tapped as the new Hurricane Director and Business Manager, a post he maintained through 1976.
In addition to his long career with the Hurricanes, Bob served as vice president of Drum Corps Associates (DCA) from 1975 through 1983. He also served as Musical Chairmen for the Barnum Festival'’s Champions on Parade from 1975 to 1980, serving as grand marshal in 1980. In 2005 Bob became Director and Business Mgr. of Bridgeport’'s popular Park City Pride Alumni Corps.
Bob was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 1979. In 2007 he became president of that institution. Throughout his long involvement with the world of drum corps, Bob Glovna has demonstrated time and again his willingness to step forward, roll up his sleeves, and get the job done.
Stephen Gangi came to the Hurcs for the 1979 season and became a mainstay and influential presence in the Corps for two decades, culminating in 1998! Within a short time after joining, he was given the nickname of "“Fruit Loops" or to most, he was simply known as "Loops".
His talent as a musician placed him in the lead baritone line, as well as a featured soloist. Loops proved himself to be the consummate team player in the heady days of the early 80’'s and more so during the lean years that followed. He left his comfort zone to play wherever he was needed most; baritone, soprano or contra bass. Loops epitomized the Hurricane toughness displayed by the nucleus of the Corps during those challenging years...… that tenacious refusal to give in or give up. The reward was in being a part of the Hurricane corps that reemerged as a DCA power in the 90'’s. Two decades fraught with highs & lows…... A satisfying journey? ...Yes!
Stephen's’ introduction to music & marching began with the North Haven Ct. Fife & Drum Corps. He later played in the North Haven HS Band, St. Peter's Fife Drum & Bugle Corps of Torrington, Ct. as well as the Northeastern University Marching Band. Subsequent to his Hurricane career, Steve played with the Ct. Alumni Corps and the Matador Alumni Corps of RI.
As a brass and/or marching instructor Stephen has taught the Brian McMahon, Norwalk, Naugatuck, Brookfield and Branford High School Bands…, all of Conn….The 7th. Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps of New London, Ct., the Conn. Classics, East Haven Ct., as well as the Prospect, Oakville-Watertown and Westbury of Watertown Fife and Drum Corps, …all of Conn.
