Joseph Kempf
Joseph Kempf began his career with the Crossmen in 2001 as a member of the baritone/euphonium section. Joe took his involvement to the next level in 2002 by serving his age-out season as Drum Major. On the drum major podium, he projected to the public the true Spirit of the Crossmen: one of style, grace, charisma, entertainment, as well as strength, readiness, and total and utter confidence. He was universally respected amongst the corps members, as well as the staff and everyone associated with the Crossmen. He joined the visual staff in 2004 and was set to return in 2005.
Joe's contributions to the Crossmen as a member of the hornline, as Drum Major, and on the staff can barely be put into words. His passion, enthusiasm, dedication, and selflessness were only a few of the special qualities he shared with everyone who came in contact with him. His actions reflected the deeply rooted traditions of the corps that Joe helped to keep alive. He was a leader in every sense of the word and he "lived the part" to it's fullest. He gave the Crossmen his heart and soul, truly exemplifying the meaning of “Bones."
On December 19, 2004, Joe was struck by an automobile while helping another motorist who was stranded on the side of the road. He passed away in the early hours of the morning. Anyone who knew Joe knows that he was always the first man to offer a helping hand, having spent much of his time as a volunteer EMT. He left this world helping others, something he loved and did so often in his drum corps days. Joe planned on a long future of drum corps involvement and believed there were still many performers to teach and members to inspire. His contributions and impact on the Crossmen will be felt for all time. It is with the highest sense of honor, pride, and respect that Joseph Kempf is posthumously inducted in the Crossmen Hall of Fame.
Joe's contributions to the Crossmen as a member of the hornline, as Drum Major, and on the staff can barely be put into words. His passion, enthusiasm, dedication, and selflessness were only a few of the special qualities he shared with everyone who came in contact with him. His actions reflected the deeply rooted traditions of the corps that Joe helped to keep alive. He was a leader in every sense of the word and he "lived the part" to it's fullest. He gave the Crossmen his heart and soul, truly exemplifying the meaning of “Bones."
On December 19, 2004, Joe was struck by an automobile while helping another motorist who was stranded on the side of the road. He passed away in the early hours of the morning. Anyone who knew Joe knows that he was always the first man to offer a helping hand, having spent much of his time as a volunteer EMT. He left this world helping others, something he loved and did so often in his drum corps days. Joe planned on a long future of drum corps involvement and believed there were still many performers to teach and members to inspire. His contributions and impact on the Crossmen will be felt for all time. It is with the highest sense of honor, pride, and respect that Joseph Kempf is posthumously inducted in the Crossmen Hall of Fame.
