Ralph Pace
Ralph Pace was one of the most instrumental creative forces that helped launch the Crossmen into DCI Finals for the very first time. Coming off a very difficult and tumultuous 1976 season, the corps knew they needed to bring in someone who could help chart the creative course in helping them achieve their goals of fielding a DCI Finalist drum corps in 1977. Ralph didn't have to come to the Crossmen, but in doing so, he changed the entire history of the corps.
Ralph's star was already shining brightly in DCI in the 1970's. His work with two of DCI's founding corps, the 27th Lancers and Blue Rock, was renown and highly regarded throughout the activity. His drills were innovative and helped push the creative boundaries of what was possible on a football field. In the area of visual design, his influence can still be seen today, and his efforts earned him a distinguished place in Drum Corps International's Hall of Fame in 1991.
When he came to the Crossmen, he lifted the entire corps to a higher level. He brought ideas that helped define the look of the Crossmen uniform from gas station attendants to "caped crusaders." His use of inventive body movement, accentuated by the use of those trademark capes, as well as his expertise in drill and color guard design, gave the corps a much more professional, polished, and exciting look that helped define the Crossmen to audiences for years to come.
He brought what seemed to be "mythical powers" to rehearsals, and commanded the respect of the members. His motto for the corps was "Every Day in Every Way." He challenged the members to rise to great heights, he had faith in them, and helped guide them there as an inspirational figure for an entire generation of Crossmen alumni.
Ralph's star was already shining brightly in DCI in the 1970's. His work with two of DCI's founding corps, the 27th Lancers and Blue Rock, was renown and highly regarded throughout the activity. His drills were innovative and helped push the creative boundaries of what was possible on a football field. In the area of visual design, his influence can still be seen today, and his efforts earned him a distinguished place in Drum Corps International's Hall of Fame in 1991.
When he came to the Crossmen, he lifted the entire corps to a higher level. He brought ideas that helped define the look of the Crossmen uniform from gas station attendants to "caped crusaders." His use of inventive body movement, accentuated by the use of those trademark capes, as well as his expertise in drill and color guard design, gave the corps a much more professional, polished, and exciting look that helped define the Crossmen to audiences for years to come.
He brought what seemed to be "mythical powers" to rehearsals, and commanded the respect of the members. His motto for the corps was "Every Day in Every Way." He challenged the members to rise to great heights, he had faith in them, and helped guide them there as an inspirational figure for an entire generation of Crossmen alumni.
