When it comes to the 1992 Crossmen, I find myself lacking the right words to encapsulate exactly what that summer meant for me, and what it would come to mean for the Crossmen organization. In some ways, words can never truly do that summer and that corps justice. It was the perfect storm, the perfect marriage of people and talents, the right show at the right time. It really was magic in a bottle in so many ways. Still, it's been twenty years now. I don't know how that can be possible, because in my mind, it feels like only a few months ago we were standing on the field together at Camp Randall for the last time, basking in the afterglow of an evening at DCI Finals we would never forget. More...

On behalf of Crossmen alumni everywhere, with love and thanks to our dear friend, Dean...

It is with immense sadness that we mourn the loss of our dear friend, instructor, and former Crossmen corps director Dean Musson. Dean came to the Crossmen in 2000 and helped totally reinvigorate the brass program. His enthusiasm and expertise made an immediate impact on all those around him, and helped vault the corps to a period of tremendous competitive success. During the 2000-2003 seasons, Dean led the Crossmen brass program as caption head, helping create one of the more dynamic and aggressive hornlines in DCI's top twelve. In 2002, he also took on the role of corps director, while still maintaining his duties leading the brass staff. It was this type of selfless leadership and work ethic, doing whatever was necessary for the good of the corps, that inspired so many people in the Crossmen. Dean was a tireless worker and always willing to lend a sympathetic ear to those in need. His passion for the activity and for the Crossmen was heart felt and infectious. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, and the Crossmen Alumni Association wishes to extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time. Dean's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to your favorite drum corps or band program.

We would like to thank Carole Shearer for offering to handle our latest fundraising effort. Anyone who marched 2004 until today has benefited from Carole’s volunteer efforts for the corps. Carole is a four-year Crossmen mom (2004 -2007) and longtime volunteer, and has created a fundraiser to benefit the Crossmen Alumni Association and the Crossmen Drum Corps. This limited time fundraiser utilizes Thirty-One products, a line of totes, purses, thermal, and storage items. There are many useful items in this line, but we are concentrating the fundraiser on the Thirty-One Products January Thermal Tote sale to offer you a great value, while supporting the Crossmen. Read more about it.

The Crossmen Alumni Association wishes to extend our deepest condolences to alums Dale Adair and Dawn Ball on the loss of their father, Robert Adair. Their dad was no stranger to drum corps and will be missed by many. Looking at their dad’s drum corps history, it's no wonder where Dale and Dawn got their desire and passion for the activity.

Bob Adair joined the Osmond Cadets in 1941. In 1947, he became the VFW Junior National Champion soprano soloist at age 12. He marched with Osmond for ten years (VFW Champions in 1948 and 1949). While in Osmond, he also studied drumming under the legendary John Dowlan, and joined Dowlan and Hall of Famer Harry Ginther to make up the snare line of the Reilly Raiders in 1952 and 1953 (A.L. National Champions). Bob then returned to his interest as solo soprano, becoming music instructor of the Raiders in 1957 (VFW National Champions 1957-59) continuing through 1965. Bob instructed the Liberty Bell Cadets (1952-1958), Haddon Heights Vagabonds (drums, 1955-1961), Bracken Cadets (1959-1971), and Reilly Raiders Alumni (1994-1998). Bob was a member of the National Judges Association.

BSGK Tribute to Bob Adair and the Reilly Raiders

Relatives and friends are invited to Robert's Life Celebration on Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 PM, and Wednesday from 10:30 AM, followed by his funeral service at 11:30 AM at John F. Givnish of Academy Rd., 10975 Academy Rd., Philadelphia. Interment Private.

On Saturday, June 11th, 2011, the Crossmen Alumni Association will continue its tradition and travel to the Virgil T. Blossom Athletic Center at the Crossmen Spring Training Camp to present the corps members with something we like to call "History Night." History Night has become something the members cherish and look forward to year after year. The actual presentation ceremony will take place on Saturday night after the final runthrough. The evening will end with the announcement of the Alumni Scholarship winners, and the presentation of the horn flag. We encourage alumni to attend and participate in this great night of story telling and Crossmen family history.