MICHAEL JONES

Class of 2021

CADET / INSTRUCTOR / MENTOR / PLAYWRIGHT / VIDEO PRODUCER

Cadet Years: Percussion/Quad (1983-1988)

Percussion Staff (1989-1990)

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HIS CADET STORY:

In 1980, at the age of 13, Michael began his drum corps career marching with the New York Lancers from the Bronx, NY.  In October of 1982, Michael set his sights on joining the Garfield Cadets.  Without the guidance, financing or accompaniment of an adult, Michael hopped on a NYC subway from the Bronx to the Time Square Bus terminal in Manhattan, and then boarded a NJ Transit bus headed to Garfield, NJ, on his way to his first audition camp for the 1983 Garfield Cadets.  He made the line for that season as a quad player, quickly embraced the teaching styles of Thom Hannum, and evolved into a strong leader for that section.  By his second year with the Corps, as the only returning quad player, he naturally developed into a leadership role, and by his third year (1985), as a freshman in college, he became a “go to” role model and disciplinary leader of the percussion program.  He was also a marching member during the famous 1987 season, which saw the Corps achieve a perfect score in percussion at the DCI Championship show in Madison, WI.

 

In 1989 Michael joined the Cadet staff as an instructor, with Tom Aungst just taking the reigns as Percussion Caption Head.  Michael naturally embraced this new endeavor, gaining both the respect and positive end results of the students.  Tom Aungst considered Michael, “the corner stone for the percussion section as we built the percussion program throughout the 1980’s.  Michael had it all, excellent communication skills, commitment to the program, and a strong understanding of team.”  One thing is for sure – Michael led by example.

Michael went on to become a high school band instructor, as well as a professional architect, and in 2017, a playwright, bringing his artistic gift to the New York Summerfest Festival.

He co-moderated a series of interviews with various members of the 1987 percussion sections of both the Santa Clara Vanguard and the Garfield Cadets (a multi-episode series entitled, “30 after 30” which can be seen on YouTube and Facebook).

Additional Honors:

A Member of the 1987 Percussion Section that achieved a Perfect Score at DCI Finals and the High Percussion Award