‘Drum Corps Joe’ Schmiedle, a contra bass player, attended every practice and every performance of the Melrose Blackhawks between 1980 and his induction to the Hall of Fame in 2001, at age 76. He first became involved in drum and bugle corps activity in 1933. Over the years, he marched with New Jersey drum and bugle corps associated with American Legion Post 10 and Irvington Post 16, Bayway Band, Kearny Cardinals, Argonne Raiders, Tall Cedars, Amboy Dukes and finally the Blackhawks. He also served as drum instructor for the Marine Corps Boys Pipe Band.