JIM MESSINA
Class of 2016
CADET / INSTRUCTOR / ADJUDICATOR / VOLUNTEER / FUNDRAISER / BENEFACTOR / ALUMNI LEADER
Cadet Years: Brass/Soprano (1967-1968); Mellophone (1969-1970); Drum Major (1971-1973)
HIS CADET STORY:
Jim came to the Cadets in 1967 after marching three years with the St. Brendan’s Cadets from his hometown of nearby Clifton. Jim started playing the trumpet at a very early age due to the fact that his father was a professional trumpet player who played with big bands back in the late 40s and 50s including The Glen Miller Band. After one year playing soprano the Cadets moved him over to mellophone along with Danny DeRosa. They played several solos and duets. In 1971 Jim became assistant Drum Major alongside the great Richie Chirichella. Jim became head Drum Major for the 72 and 73 season, his age out year. After aging out, Jim joined drill designer Bob Hoffman and moved to California to teach the DCI champion Anaheim Kingsmen as well design the drill for the 120 piece junior corps. Missing home, Jim moved back to NJ and spent a year teaching the Hawthorne Muchachos in 75, then the Bayonne Bridgemen in 76 as well designing drills for some of the most competitive high school bands in NJ and NY. Jim then decided it was time to move on and start judging. He judged for DCI for the next 25 years, including 14 championship panels over that time. Upon retiring from judging, Jim jumped headfirst into the Cadet Alumni organization and took over the reins of one of the top producing fundraisers, the annual Wine Tasting event.
Jim is the founder and co-owner of Ashley Farms Inc. A professional fundraising company and works primarily with high bands helping them raise the money they need to travel, purchase equipment and hire additional staff to keep them competitive. He remains a dedicated alumni and over the years donated desserts and offered use of his refrigerated trucks when the corps when needed.
