NEWS

Just received this in my email. Congratulations to all new members.

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The World Drum Corps Hall of Fame announces its

50TH ANNIVERSARY 2026 INDUCTEES

The following outstanding individuals, all of them leaders and major influencers within the Drum Corps Community will be inducted into membership at the WDCHOF 50th Anniversary Celebration and Banquet on December 5th in Valley Forge, PA:

Associates elevated to full membership:

Barry Bell - https://www.wdchof.org/members/bell-barry/

Robert Dubinski - https://www.wdchof.org/members/dubinski-robert/

Lorne Ferrazzutti - https://www.wdchof.org/members/ferrazzutti-lorne/

Brian Moul - https://www.wdchof.org/members/moul-brian/

Deb Warga - https://www.wdchof.org/members/warga-debra/

New Associates:

Andy Grilk - https://www.wdchof.org/associate_members/grilk-andy/

Jay McMahon - https://www.wdchof.org/associate_members/mcmahon-jay/

Chris Hartowicz - https://www.wdchof.org/associate_members/hartowicz/

James Dugan, Sr - https://www.wdchof.org/associate_members/dugan-jim-sr/

David Eddleman - https://www.wdchof.org/associate_members/eddleman-david/

Jeff Perkins - https://www.wdchof.org/associate_members/perkins-jeff/

Special Awards:

Kevin Boyce – President’s Award - https://www.wdchof.org/members/boyce-kevin/

Joseph Dowling – President’s Award - https://www.wdchof.org/members/dowling-joseph/

Steve Rondinaro- Distinguished Professional Achievement Award - https://www.wdchof.org/members/rondinaro-steve/

Member Inductees:

Jay Murphy - https://www.wdchof.org/members/murphy-jay/

Rick Odello - https://www.wdchof.org/members/odello-rick/

Dennis Argul - https://www.wdchof.org/members/argul-dennis/

Larry McCormick - https://www.wdchof.org/members/mccormick-larry/

Marc Whitlock - https://www.wdchof.org/members/whitlock-marc/

JW Koester - https://www.wdchof.org/members/koester-jw/

Early in the morning of Wednesday May 22 Randy passed away. He was taken via EMS to hospital this past Sunday morning with suspected internal bleeding. He was undergoing many, many tests and doctors were especially concerned about his liver and kidneys. On Tuesday evening he got up out of bed and suffered a massive heart attack. Unfortunately he couldn't be revived. His brother and sisters were with him when he passed away Wednesday morning.

Randy Richard Elbertsen | Obituary | Sharing Memories (arbormemorial.ca)

It is with sincere sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our more recent Optimists Alumni members, Russ Braman, on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Russ played baritone on our 2019 Tour in South Korea, and was a member of our good friends south of the border, Prime Time Brass.

Obituary and service information may be found here... https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.../russell-braman...

Our In Memory page with slide show for Russ is here.

It is with sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Marc Burns on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Marc was a cymbal player for the Toronto Optimists for a few years back around 1964.

Marc's brother, Denis, announced the following to Marc's Facebook friends:

"Marc passed away last evening.. Thank you for being his friend. There is no formal service. Please celebrate his life in your own way. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Pilgrim Hospice. That place was Heaven for Marc."

The Optimists Alumni have had a full schedule this year and the Fall/Christmas season is no exception.

Recently, the group performed at the St.Catherine's Grape & Wine Festival Parade, keeping the name "Optimists" traditionally embedded in this annual trend as their historic Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps did so many years ago.

Also a regular event, the Optimists Alumni performed in the Kitchener Oktoberfest Thanksgiving parade, positioned as the second band at the front of the parade. You can view their performance in our Gallery here.

Have a look at their huge upcoming Santa Claus parade schedule in the events on our site here.

You are welcome to join us! Come visit us at a rehearsal in either Kitchener or Pickering. Contact us for details.