Connecticut Hurricanes Hall of Fame

Joe Nicholson holds the distinction of being one of thirteen original members that initially formed St. Raphael’'s Golden Buccaneers in 1957.He stayed with the highly successful corps until he aged out of the junior activity. He was a member of the Buc’s touted horn quartet that at one point went undefeated for three years in addition to amassing many titles, as well as National recognition on the individual scene of the '‘60’'s. During this time, Joe also taught St. Raphael’'s feeder corps, the Musketeers.

Joe came to the Hurricanes in 1970 were he anchored the lead baritone section for fifteen years, through ’'84. In the wake of a down turn, Joe came back in 1990 through '’95 and again in 2000. Following that season he continued on as a drill tech in '’01 & '’02. He was named “Hurricane of the Year” for 1977 and throughout his long career, proved to be an inspiration to those around him by exemplifying a work ethic and dedication to the Corps that sets him apart. In his many years with the Corps, there have been several highlights, but perhaps his proudest achievement is simply that of being a Hurricane!

Subsequent to his competitive career, Joe has played with and serves on the board of the Park City Pride Alumni Corps and has also served on the board of the Hurricane Alumni Association.

Robert Notaro*, better known to friends and the drum corps world as "Pepe", came to the Hurricanes in 1979. For five unforgettable years Pepe wore many hats as he helped guide the Hurcs to a higher level of competitive effectiveness. His expertise was as a musician, working the horn line. Pepe also ran field rehearsals, constantly refining the presentation. He also donned a uniform and performed French horn solos, as well as filling drum major slots in competition. Off the field Pepe was involved in other ways… MC'’ing parties, running fund raisers or simply using his inimitable sense of humor and story telling ability to delight those people fortunate to be around him. The guy was, simply put, a dynamo!

Pepe started his drum corps career with Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Brooklyn in 1949. Carmen Cluna handed him his first horn: a US Army bugle, with no piston or slide. After playing with a number of junior corps Pepe gained fame as a French horn soloist with the New York Skyliners. He also instructed several junior and senior corps throughout the New York area for many years. He was a strong supporter of DCI class A and A-60 (which later became Division I and III) drum and bugle corps, that allowed smaller corps to compete at regional, as well as national events. More than any other activist, Pepe opened the door so that all junior corps, regardless of size, talent, maturity and goals, had a place in the activity he so loved. Pepe'’s colorful and accomplished career has been honored by his enshrinement into the Buglers Hall of Fame, the DCI Hall of Fame, as well as the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

Frank Ogle* was a member of the original John H. Collins Post Corps from the late '40's’. Frank was a member of the original Hurricanes (1955), and was joined by his brothers Harry and Bud. He played in the tenor line as did Harry. He was an active and proud Alum. Frank would often visit practices and take in the Hurcs shows while living in Derby and continued to do so during visits north after moving to Florida.

He was the drill instructor for the Hurricanes feeder corps, the Derby Cyclones, during the 60'’s. Frank also taught the Cyclones winter guard, one of the first winter guards to compete in Connecticut. His girls were his pride and joy, winning many contests and representing the Collins Post with the excellence he demanded.

When his marching days were over in the early '60’s, Frank became a judge in the Northeastern Circuit, and along with his brother's Bill and Harry served as judges for many years. He eventually rose to the position of Chief Judge in the Northeastern Circuit and remained in that position until his retirement in the late '70’s.

Beginning in the '50’s, Frank was a Hurricane throughout. He never lost his love for the drum corps world, but most of all, his love and devotion for the Connecticut Hurricanes.