St. Patrick’s Day is approaching, and while a parade might not be on the cards this year, the Pioneer Drum Corps community has exciting ways to celebrate and reconnect. Get ready to honor our patron saint and catch up with friends, many of whom share cherished memories from our younger days in the corps.
Four Festive Options to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Pioneer Drum Corps:
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Milwaukee Area Gathering: Pizza, Music, and Pioneer Spirit
Join fellow Pioneer Drum Corps enthusiasts in the Milwaukee area for a casual and fun gathering. Pipe Organ Pizza (4553 S. 108th Street, Milwaukee) will host us on Sunday, March 16th, from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Pioneer Drum Corps is treating everyone to free pizza! A cash bar will also be available for those wanting drinks. Come early or late – we’re eager to see everyone and hear your stories. A variety of pizza flavors will be served until 8:30 pm. Show your Pioneer pride and wear GREEN, or even your corps jacket or shirt. Reconnect with familiar faces you may not have seen in years, including Diana Kuupinski (#214), John Schoenknecht (#444), Murray Davis, and Roman & Sue!
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Chicago Area Gathering: Drum Major Jackie Bilder’s Hospitality
For those in the Chicago area, or anyone willing to make the trip, Drum Major Jackie Bilder (#1787) invites you to celebrate at her successful establishment, Natural Law Bar & Grill (13404 Olde Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL). On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Jackie will generously provide a complimentary buffet for all Pioneer Drum Corps friends. Don’t miss this chance to support a Pioneer member and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Pioneer Power Pack Bingo: A Chance to Win and Support
Support Pioneer Drum Corps and try your luck at the special “Power Pack” Bingo session on Saturday night, March 15th, in Milwaukee (Cudahy). The games kick off at 6:00 pm at TAJ PALACE (3665 EAST GRANGE AVENUE CUDAHY 53110). Enjoy two regular sessions plus the Progressive Jackpot and the Power Pack, with a total prize pool of $4,000! It could be even higher depending on the Progressive Jackpot. Enjoy a fun night out, try to win big, and meet the many people who support Pioneer Bingo.
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Belle City Brass Irish Concert: Pre-Pizza Party Entertainment
Before heading to the Milwaukee pizza party on Sunday, March 16th, consider attending the Belle City Brass Band’s Irish Concert in Racine. This promises to be a first-class performance by a group with strong Pioneer Drum Corps connections. Belle City Brass was founded by former Pioneer arranger Ken Norman and is now directed by former Pioneer Brass Instructor (1982 – 1994), Jim (Mertz) Mertins. His family has deep roots in Pioneer, and Eric (#1028) Mertins, a talented euphonium soloist, is currently a band member. The concert, featuring around 50 brass musicians, starts at 3:00 pm in the Bedford Auditorium at PARKSIDE SCHOOL in Racine. Admission is by donation. It’s the perfect prelude to the Milwaukee pizza party, making for a weekend filled with Pioneer camaraderie and entertainment.
Pioneerland Updates: Weddings, Buses, and Security
Pioneerland, the heart of Pioneer Drum Corps, has seen exciting developments recently:
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Pioneerland Wedding Celebration: In June, Drum Major Nick “Little Bear” Fugh and Madiline Bruens celebrated their wedding at Pioneerland. The all-purpose garage was transformed into a beautiful wedding hall, decorated with white wall panels and streamers. Around 170 guests, primarily from Illinois, attended the celebration. Nick and Madiline, now residing in Fisher, Illinois, welded a metal heart as a symbol of their union. Nick owns a welding shop and also works in farming.
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KB Bus Company Expansion: KB Bus Company, which parks its fleet at Pioneerland, is growing. They now boast 9 late-model MCI motorcoach buses. To enhance their maintenance capabilities, they’ve constructed a well-insulated area within Pioneerland to provide a warm space for routine maintenance and repairs.
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Enhanced Pioneerland Entrance Security: A new heavy-duty sliding entrance gate has been installed at the vehicle entrance to Pioneerland. While appearing locked, its main purpose is to deter unwanted vehicles, such as trucks making U-turns, and to prevent illegal dumping of items like TVs and furniture.
Remembering Dave Richards: A Pioneer Legend
The Pioneer Drum Corps community mourns the passing of Mr. Dave Richards in October. Dave, St. Pat’s first brass instructor and arranger, passed away from a heart attack. He was instrumental in Pioneer’s early success and a highly talented musician. Dave also served as a mailman in Milwaukee and worked with numerous top drum corps, creating highly entertaining shows. Recognized as a respected brass judge, Dave’s impact on the drum and bugle corps activity was profound. At his funeral, a recording of Dave singing “A Closer Walk With Thee” resonated deeply with attendees, reflecting the sentiments of many. His beautiful tenor voice, his willingness to share his talents and memories, and his vast knowledge made him a true icon in the drum corps world. Dave Richards will be deeply missed by the Pioneer Drum Corps family and the wider community.
Historical Glimpse: Milwaukee Sentinel, 1876
A fascinating excerpt from the Milwaukee Sentinel newspaper, dated October 22, 1876, provides a historical look at the building we know as “the school” at Pioneerland. The stained glass window frames in the gym are still recognizable today. The building remains remarkably unchanged and continues to be a valuable asset. Pioneer Drum Corps has been fortunate to utilize this building since its St. Pat’s Corps beginnings. The mention of “Irish Coffee” in the article offers a humorous glimpse into changing times.
St. Patrick’s Parish History
St. Pat’s Color Guard
Larry Madrano #467
Nick & Madiline’s Wedding
Remember this trailer? Share your memories with Roman!
1983 Pioneer Drumline
Better Every Day!
Roman & Jesse Philips #727
Roman & Drum Major Nick
Nancy & Randy’s Wedding
Pioneer Semi – Where was this photo taken?
Sue & Cecil
St Pat’s Patch
