| Westchester Brassmen Drum & Bugle Corps marches in Greenwich’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Thursday, 04 March 2010 18:14 |
The Westchester Brassmen Drum & Bugle Corps are well into their 2010 season. Sponsored by the American Legion Post 559 in Harrison, they are marching into their 26th year beginning with the White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 13 beginning at 12 p.m. Included in their repertoire will be California Dreamin, The Magnificent Seven, Espana, Copacabana and Just a Gigilo. The Brassmen are directed by founding member and musician, Joseph Mazzullo of Harrison. “We are committed to marching musical performance excellence providing a quality and educational experience from the novice to professional musician,” he said.Established as a parade corps in 1984, The Brassmen have won over 400 first-place trophies and have performed in a half time show for The NY Jets Football Team at Meadowlands Stadium, at Yankee Stadium and numerous performances over the past ten years at Playland Amusement Park in Rye, New York. They were also selected to perform in The Operation Welcome Home Parade commemorating the return home of US soldiers from Desert Storm. Mazzullo describes drum corps activity as “fun, rewarding, teaching discipline, centering on teamwork and bringing out the passion in every performer. By the end of the season, relationships are developed with fellow members and each experience performances that are unforgettable. Many great musicians and teachers were members of drum & bugle corps as young adults. Some of them are still involved bringing it to a new dimension.” Mazzullo also expressed that The Brassmen are strong supporters of the school of arts and encourage members to participate in their school programs. Members range from the ages of 14-64. The Brassmen also offer a Youth Scholarship Program open to high school and college students. Greenwich residents, Peter Horton and Robert Vitti have been instructing the horn and drum line since 1985. Horton, who is the Brassmen’s horn line instructor, is also the band director of the award winning Trumbull High School since 1989. The 250-member group was invited to attend the 2001 and 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parades and became Class V Champions of the Musical Arts Conference in 2006 & 2007. He was also selected as one of the “Top 50 Directors Who Make a Difference” in the School Band and Orchestra Magazine in December of 2009. Horton is quoted as saying, “Students today need to understand the trials and tribulations that life is going to bring them. My goal is to give my students a variety of life and musical experiences. Through band, the student learns social skills, discipline – both behavioral and work oriented – how to budget time, how to set long and short term goals, respect for people, places and things and how to face success, as well as defeat. By becoming the best they can be, I hope that they will be prepared for life after high school.” Robert Vitti instructs the thirty seven-member Brassmen drum line. He began his performance career in the 1960’s as a member of Greenwich Boys Club Drum & Bugle Corps. He is also a music educator for the Port Chester, New York School District and has been the band director of the award winning Port Chester High School Band. Vitti is extremely active with several Drum Corps Association corps also serving as the percussion arranger for the NY Skyliner’s and The Connecticut Hurricanes. Vitti earned his Masters Degree in Music Education from Manhattanville College in Purchase. Since 1985 he has been employed by the Port Chester, New York School District as a music educator. In 1991, Bob took over as director of their high school band leading the group on a remarkable journey of many competitions and championships. Under Bob’s direction, the band’s most impressive accomplishments include two Disney World trips with participation in the Spectro Magic Parade. The band marched in two Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades in New York City and participated in the half time show of the New Year’s Orange Bowl football game in Florida.  The Brassmen are still being recruiting new members and are invited to attend rehearsals, which are held every Friday night at the American Legion Post 599 on 210 Halstead Ave. in Harrison New York from 8pm-10pm. There are also openings in the color guard flag twirling team. No experience is necessary as instructor, Kara Fakeket of the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps will be teaching this season’s drills. Practice for the guard is from 6:30-8 p.m. on Friday’s at the Post. The Brassmen provide most everything needed to be a participating member, musical instruments and uniforms and encourage family and friends to attend rehearsals. They can also be seen on Saturday, March 13th in the White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade and on May 30 in Mamaroneck and May 31 in Harrison for their Memorial Day celebration. For more information contact Director, Joe Mazzullo at 835-5450, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.westchesterbrassmen.com
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