ROBERT PETERSON

Class of 2021

CADET / INSTRUCTOR / ADJUDICATOR / MENTOR

Cadet Years: (1953-1957)

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HIS CADET STORY:

Initially, at the age of 12, as a member of the St. George Cadets of Paterson (NJ), he learned how to play the bugle.  Two years later he transitioned to the drum line in 1948, his true love.  He stayed with St. George until the corps disbanded. 

 

In 1952, while watching a Holy Name Cadet rehearsal at the Garfield stadium, he marveled at the way the corps played “Acme”, and soon after joined the Corps.  It wasn’t long before Bobby became an accomplished drummer, even helping the percussion instructor, Jimmy Costello. 

 

In 1957, it all came together.  Anthony Bartello (the Drum Major for 1957) recalls the Finals performance, glancing over to Bobby (our Drum Sergeant) who had tears coming down his checks during the concert number because he knew that his drum line was coming through for us.

 

Bob aged out of the Corps in 1957, served in the US Army, and at some point played in the Army band.  It was there that their band director became impressed with Bob’s talent for drumming and arranged for Bob to attend a music school where Bob quickly learned new skills and perfected his talent.

 

After military service Bob went on to instruct several drum corps including the Garfield Cadets (1967-1968); the Hawthorne Caballeros (1967-1984); the Hawthorne Muchachos (1968-1969).  He was also a Judge with the Mid-Atlantic Judging Association (1959-1975).

 

While Bobby has had an outstanding drum corps history, whenever asked where it all began he proudly always says, “THE HOLY NAME CADETS”.

 

Additional Honors:

World Drum Corps Hall of Fame (1994)

New Jersey Drum Corps Hall of Fame (2002)

President of the Board of Trustees of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame (2012-2013)