World Drum Corps Hall of Fame…

Russo, James

Jim Russo, perhaps the most recognizable drum major of all time, brought his considerable talents to the Hurcs for one year. In 1983 he shined as a co-drum major, along with Pepe Notaro and Dave McLennan. Jim also served the Corps as a drill instructor that year.

Jimmy'’s drum corps career began at the tender age of seven, gaining experience in brass, percussion and as a drum major. He aged out of the fabled St. Lucy'’s Cadets and for thirty plus years, charismatically, led the Hawthorne Caballeros, as their drum major in competition. Subsequent to his brilliant competitive career, Jim kept all of his uniforms, putting them to good use, on the podium for the Caballero Alumni Corps. Jim also consults for the Empire Statesmen.

Sturtze, Earl *

Earl Sturtze holds the distinction of being one of the very 1st drum instructors for the Hurricanes in 1955, and the corps couldn'’t have chosen a better man for the job. These guys were, after all, green in the world of competitive drum corps, and Earl brought with him a voluminous resume in both accomplishment and instruction. Earl whipped the drum line into respectability in short order and remained as head of the drum line through 1962.

Earl represents forty years of drumming experience with military and concert bands and in the rudimental field. He held National and New England Championships for rudimental drumming. In addition, he won state titles in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey. Among his students, all with title laden credits, are Frank Arsenault, Ray Luedee, Robert Redican, and Hugh Quigley just to name a few. These gentlemen are also enshrined in the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame beside Earl Sturtze. He instructed many rudimental bass drummers, as well as, drum sections and he was honored for his outstanding service at the New York World's Fair in 1940.