It’s about time Eric Kitchenman’s impact on the world of Drum Corps was recognized. Since the late 1970’s when he played baritone in some of the best ever Crossmen hornlines, he has been designing shows, directing programs and adjudicating the skills of performers from California to the UK at virtually every level of the activity.
The Westshoremen in the early 1980’s were a DCA juggernaut when he worked with them, and his writing led England’s Conquest Alliance to the DCUK Championships in 1986 and ’87. During that decade he also instructed the Velvet Knights, Anaheim Kingsmen, Crosssmen, Valley Fever and the Bridgemen. In the ‘90s it was VK, the Skyliners, and Spirit of Atlanta that benefitted from his mentorship.
Between 2000 and 2008 Eric was visual designer for the Reading Buccaneers and crafted drill for the Bluecoats in 2001 and 2002. He was program coordinator for the Crossmen in 2004, and for the Cadets in 2007 and ’08, continuing as instructor the following year. For Boston’s 2013 season he was program coordinator, then staff coordinator in 2014. He is a member of the Crossmen and Buccaneer Halls of Fame.
