CADRE Drum Ensemble
2008 DCA
(Drum Corps Associates)
Percussion Ensemble Champions

Gallery

On the last Friday in August, 2008 - in Rochester New York at 8:00pm in the evening - the CADRE Drum Ensemble Members were presented with medals signifying their third, consecutive DCA Percussion Ensemble Championship title.

This '3-peat' is the first in DCA Percussion Ensemble competition history - and certainly the first of its kind for any Canadian drumming group.

CADRE won with a score of 90 points. Following in 2nd place were the Syracuse Brigadiers (86 points), then the "60 Battery" (83 points), NYPD 'Ropers' (80 points) and the Rochester Crusaders (76 points).

CADRE would like to thank the organizers of the DCA Individual and Ensemble Competition - in particular Dick Pronti - who, once again, put together a high quality event to host the many talented groups and individuals who entertained all those in attendance.

Since 2003, it has been an honour for CADRE to have represented Canada at the DCA I&E competition and we hope to continue to do-so in the future.

Naturally, this would not have been possible without the assistance of many people:

First, thanks to the drummers who played in the CADRE Drum Ensemble over the past three championship seasons. You've done an incredible job showcasing Canada's rudimental drumming talent on the international stage:

2006	2007	2008
Bass Drums Rick Hosie Fern Lafontaine	Bass Drums Rick Hosie Fern Lafontaine	Bass Drums Rick Hosie Jim Kane
		Percussion Instruments Vince Cicchine
Snare Drums Nathan McLaren Gary Gomez Paul Mosley Ken Miller John MacDonald Bob Thomson Ed Jacko	Snare Drums Nathan McLaren Gary Gomez Paul Mosley Ken Miller John MacDonald Bob Thomson	Snare Drums Nathan McLaren Gary Gomez Paul Mosley Ken Miller John MacDonald Doug Bass

Second, very special thanks to:

Al Murray - Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Dynasty drums - whose hands-on, personal support over the past year has been most appreciated.

Gerry Hemsley - long-time CADRE 'Drum Bud' (and Dynasty Distributor) - who always 'has our back' and is our biggest fan!

The talented composers who contributed to our drumming program: John Flowers, Fred Johnson, Doug Kleinhans and Gerry Hemsley.

Peter Mason - CADRE Public Relations - invaluable on 'contest day' and in creating a range of quality, audio-visual products for us.

Neil Hawthorne - provides us with rehearsal space, cups-of-coffee, 'whatever-it-takes' and his own brand of cheerful optimism.

Pete Mosley - CADRE Webmaster - gets it done quickly and usually one-step-ahead of what needs to be done.

Fred Johnson  - CADRE President - since the first days of our ensemble, has given generously of his time and rudimental drumming expertise. This year was certainly no exception.

Finally, to our families and friends: without your ongoing support we could never have taken even the first step on this incredible journey.

In closing, some personal thoughts and observations ...

The focus of any competing group is to win.

However, from my perspective, the real joy of drumming in the CADRE Drum Ensemble comes from our core value of rudimental excellence and the camaraderie we share during the 364 days leading up to the 4 minutes on-stage.

This positive, group dynamic keeps us motivated and competitive.

It's a personal honour to participate in CADRE's high-performing Team.

Paul Mosley
Facilitator, CADRE Competition Ensembles
September, 2, 2008