RICHARD CHIRICHELLA

Class of 2014

“MODEL” CADET / INSTRUCTOR / MENTOR

Cadet Years: Brass/Baritone (1964-1968); Drum Major (1969-1971)

Marching Instructor (1972)

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HIS CADET STORY:

Richard “Richie” Chirichella’s dream was to be a Cadet when he started out in drum corps.  He got to live that dream when he came to the Garfield Cadets in 1964 after marching with the CW Townsmen, a corps from a neighboring city.  He played the base baritone bugle and progressed to the first baritone section in very little time.  His skill was rewarded as he was given a solo in the concert portion of the 1965 program.

 

His brothers Gerry and Steve remember Richie always prodding them to leave for practice early enough as he never liked to be late.  His devotion to the Corps was evident as he was chosen “Cadet of the Year” in 1967.  This was an honor he truly cherished and was well deserved.  As time continued Richie's leadership qualities began to stand out.  He started helping instruct the Cadet's Plebes, which was a beginner group of aspiring Cadets.  He genuinely enjoyed doing this.

 

After some time, Richie's knowledge about the various aspects of marching, drumming, playing music, and leadership came to the forefront, and he was chosen by the Corps administration to be the Cadets Drum Major for the 1969 season.  He undertook his duties with a sense of pride and commitment as he led the corps he loved.  As a competitor he always pushed himself and the corps to be the best that they possibly could be on the competition field, and he set the example by being a positive role model for the Cadets to also be the best they could be off the field of competition as well.

 

As Drum Major for the 1969 season, Richie had to also earn the respect of the “new’ girl guard.  He helped the membership handle the transition from an all-boy corps to a co-ed corps brilliantly.  When Richie got in front of the Corps, whether on the field or off the field, he was truly respected by each member, not only because of his position as Drum Major, but because of his caring and instructional nature.

 

If the corps did not win, Richie was the first drum major to congratulate the winning corps' drum major.  Richie remained as the Corps drum major for the 1970 and 1971 seasons until his untimely passing in December 1971.  We know he would have continued to contribute his time and efforts to the Corps he loved after he aged out, but the Lord had plans for Richie to lead, guide, inspire and direct from a heavenly field of competition.

 

Additional Honors:

Cadet of the Year 1967