BILLY GAECKLE
Class of 2021
CADET / INSTRUCTOR / MENTOR
Cadet Years: Percussion/Snare (1965-1967)
Percussion Instructor (1972; 1974-1976)
Percussion Caption Head (1974-1976)
HIS CADET STORY:
Bill Gaeckle joined The Cadets in the winter of 1962. He tried out for the snare line, but was not quite ready, yet. The drum instructor at the time was Bill Westdyk (a Cadet Alumnus). Mr. Westdyk recommended that Billy march in the snare line of a local corps that he taught – the Little Falls Cadets. After marching a few years with Little Falls, Billy was now ready to march in the Garfield Cadets snare line.
Billy rejoined The Cadets in 1965, and this time he made the snare line. He marched snare from 1965 through 1967 and was rewarded for his hard work by being promoted to Cadet Drum Sergeant in 1967.
When Billy aged-out of the Corps, he decided to join the Marine Corps, and spent four (4) years in the Marines playing snare drum in the Commandant’s own Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. While in the Marines, Billy volunteered his free time to teach local drum corps in the Maryland area.
After finishing his tour of duty with the Marines in 1971, Billy returned back to The Cadets in 1972 to assist Fred Sanford with instructing the drum line. He was very precise and clear with his instruction. He, along with Fred, took an educational approach with us. They really focused on teaching us the “why” as well as the “how”. They emphasized the importance of reading music, which was not common during that era. We usually learned by rote. This was a turning point for most members of the line, and it paid off in the following years. In 1974, Billy returned to The Cadets drum line, becoming the Percussion Caption Head and Arranger for the Cadets, successfully leading many young members and developing some exceptionally good drum lines. We accomplished a great deal in three years with Billy. He was also a mentor to several members of the Corps. He instilled the Cadet attitude in every member, both on and off the field, and led by example.
In 1977, Billy left The Cadets and moved to Virginia. He taught and arranged for a number of High School bands in the Virginia area in the late 70’s and arranged and taught a very talented Yankee Rebels senior drum corps drum line as well.
Billy has always been a great supporter of The Cadets and a very generous contributor.
