Raiders Announce 2009 Program: "Isle of Hope"

As America stands ready to turn a new page in its history, the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps looks back to a significant time in our past, as they announce their 2009 show titled “Isle of Hope”. The show, featuring the music of Bela Bartok, highlights the entry of immigrants into America through Ellis Island, focusing on Slovak, Celtic and Italian cultures.

Included in this year’s show is the following:

• An American Elegy - Frank Tichelli
• Hungarian Peasant Songs, Romanian Dances, and Swineherds Dance – Bela Bartok
• Gan Ainm – Traditional Celtic Lament
• Overture from the Barber of Seville – Gioachino Rossi

The melding of different ethnic groups into one unique American culture is the focus of “Isle of Hope” as the Raiders honor the rich history of our country.

The Raiders compete in Drum Corps International’s Open class where they were finalists for the 2008 season. Their 2009 presentation promises to deliver another season of quality entertainment in the Raiders’ own special style.

Drum up support for the Raiders with every purchase you make — at no additional cost!

Introducing the Raiders Visa card!

Click here for more info on the new Raiders custom Visa credit cards.

Raiders Announce 2009 Design Team

The Raiders of Wayne, NJ, are pleased to announce that the entire 2008 Design Team and Caption Heads are returning for 2009 to provide the best learning and musical experience they can offer to the organization’s members.

Returning for the 2009 Drum Corps International season will be:

Program Coordinator/Brass Arranger: Michael Hamilton
Drill Designer: Mike Russ
Visual Caption Head: Joe Palumbo
Percussion Arranger: Colin Bell
Percussion Caption Head: Chris Marousek
Brass Caption Head: Don Pfleger
Guard Designer/ Caption Head: PJ Tankard

“We are very pleased to have everyone back on board for the 2009 DCI season” added Tom Maiello, Director for the Raiders. “A good portion of our educational staff has come from former members within the organization over the 18 year history of the corps. I am very proud of that. We also have a few members of our staff that have been with the organization for over 10 years. It again shows to both our members and to the drum corps community that we have a very strong organization, both on and off the field”

The organization will retain a majority of technicians, in each caption, from the 2008 staff and are currently searching for additional techs to fill out the staff.

In addition to the returning staff members, the Raiders are excited to welcome Gino Cipriani as a Brass Consultant for the 2009 Season. Gino is a valuable addition to the Raiders instructional team as a result of his extensive experience and successful career.

Mr. Cipriani received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Instrumental Education from the University of Mississippi, where he studied trumpet performance under the guidance of Dr. Charles Gates. He has extensive experience with multiple musical and marching groups and has served in various capacities ranging from consultant to adjudicator where he officiates throughout the country in both the Bands of America (BOA) and US Scholastic Band Association (USSBA) marching band circuits.

Gino Cipriani spent ten years, 1990 through 1999, as a brass instructor for the ten-time World Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. He then took the position as brass supervisor for the nine-time World Champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2000 and 2001 season. In 2002 and 2003, Mr. Cipriani had the honor to serve as the brass caption head and assisted in bringing Magic of Orlando back to the field as a finalist after two years of inactivity. In 2004, Gino held the brass caption head position for the six-time World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. From 2001 to 2004, Mr. Gino Cipriani headed, as well as consulted for, the brass section of the five-time DCA Champion Syracuse Brigadiers. In 2007, he took the position as brass caption head of the four-time DCA Champion Reading Buccaneers. In addition to his consultant position with the Raiders, Gino Cipriani currently holds the position of brass supervisor for the World Class Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps.

The Raiders organization is looking forward to working with Mr. Cipriani as he joins them for the 2009 season.