TRWEA Hall of Fame

2008 Inductee

William Marshall gained a wealth of experience over the years marching with many DCI finalist drum corps. Mr. Marshall got his start with the Finleyville Royal Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, moving on to march with the Crossmen and Steel City Ambassadors. His marching career is highlighted by his involvement with the world-renownded 27th Lancer Drum Corps from Revere, Massachusetts. Billy served as the Drum Major of the 27th Lancers in 1984.

Off the floor, Billy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Robert Morris University and is currently a Vice President for the Bank of New York-Mellon Financial. Currently, Billy serves as a visual judge for the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges. He is well known for his demeanor, integrity, communication skills, and passion for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bringing his wealth of pageantry experience and knowledge to the area, Billy has had strong influence designing for and instructing some of the most notable programs in the area, including stints with East Allegheny, Norwin, Kiski Area, the Top Hats, and the Golden Triangles. Billy has also lent his talents across the country, including J.J. Pierce High School (TX), The Ventures Drum and Bugle Corps (Canada), and the Spirit of America Band (Orleans, MA).

Billy continued contributing to the youth of the area by becoming the TRWEA Management Committee Coordinator from 1998 until 2001, a position that later evolved into the Executive Director position. Billy's guidance provided much growth to the activity during his tenure with TRWEA.

2007 Inductees

John Rose

Jim Olson
Jim began his career as a member of Gateway High School, graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and is an alumnus of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. He instructed and designed many outstanding programs in the Pittsburgh area including McKeesport, Quaker Valley, The Holidays, Kiski Area, Golden Triangles, East Allegheny, Queen of Hearts, Golden Lancers drum and bugle corps and most currently he is the designer for the Norwin Knights. He judged for Winter Guard International for two years and is serving his sixth year as an adjudicator for Drum Corps International and Bands of America respectively. Mr. Olson also contributed to the growth of the organizations that govern winterguards, he was a founding member of TRWEA and served on the very first management committee where he remained until 1997. Jim served on the WGI Board of Directors for 14 years, the WGI Executive Board for 10 years, and the WGI Steering committee for 2 years. Jim continues to instruct nationally recognized groups including Signature Winterguard, Zydeco Witnerguard, Belbrook High School, and the national Scholastic World power Miamisburg Winterguard.

Louis Joseph (L.J.) Hancock
After his graduation from Gettysburg College in 1974, L.J. dove into Music Education head on offering passion, resilience, and dedication to every endeavor he undertook. As Director of Bands, L.J. was the foundation, cornerstone, and frame work for the program that was built at Norwin High School. L.J. served as a music educator from 1974 until 2001, earning the Teacher of the Year Award from Norwin High School in 2001. L.J. went on to claim over 1200 competitive first place finishes as the director of Norwin’s program, none more important the 1982 Bands of America Grand National Championship. L.J. served as Director of the Bands of America Summer Symposium, and as a member of the Bands of America Advisory Board Education Committee, Music Educators National Conference, Sigma Nu Fraternity, and locally serving as an Adjunct Music Professor at Duquesne University. During his tenure at Norwin, the band was awarded the Sudler Order of Merit by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and was recently named a "Lowell Mason Fellow" by MENC - The National Association for Music Education at a ceremony in Washington D.C. He was the recipient of a Citation for Teaching Excellence by Duquesne University, named to Who's Who Among American Teachers, and named to Outstanding Men of America. He is also the recipient of a "Mouseker," Disney Corporation's Highest Award recognizing outstanding people. L.J. continued to share his wealth of knowledge and passion as an adjudicator for the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges and as a founding member of the PFCJ Winter Ensemble Association which later became the Three Rivers Winter Ensemble Association. L.J. was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2003. His passing in January of 2002 left an indelible void in the world of education, music, and activity.

2006 Inductees

Bonnie Beal
Decades of service to her own high school program and her tireless work for TRWEA have elevated Bonnie's love for this activity to a fanatical passion. Her continuous involvement with Northgate High School has made her a fixture of pageantry in this area. She served on the TRWEA Management Committee and as its Individuals Coordinator.

Peter J. Spadaro
Peter was a band director at Central Catholic high school, a well-known music arranger in the area, and a founding father of TRWEA. Peter's involvement with TRWEA from its inception was crucial in providing a positive performance and competitive environment for all winter ensembles. A scholarship founded in Peter's name is presented yearly to a deserving youth that excels both on and off the floor.

Lee Kumer is a staple of the pageantry activity in the Pittsburgh area. Her continuous and ongoing involvement in the activity has taken on many roles. She has been involved with the Golden Triangles from its inception in 1963. As a model instructor, Lee has produced many award winning ensembles including East Allegheny High School. Lee has been as an adjudicator for Winter Guard International, Drum Corps International, and Bands of America, and served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges for five years. Lee was an instrumental figure in the creation of TRWEA, providing her knowledge and expertise to structure an environment harboring for both students and instructors.

Lee has carried her love for pageantry into her professional life. She is the owner and operator of the Performer’s Corner, a retail establishment that caters to the needs of dancers, colorguards, gymnasts, twirlers, marching bands, and ice skaters.

Jan McMahon’s continuing support of youth as an instructor at Penn Trafford high School, as an adjudicator for the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges, and as the current Executive Director for TRWEA has earned her the honor of being an inductee of the inaugural class of the TRWEA Hall of Fame. Her guidance, patience, dedication, and passion continue to lead the circuit in a very promising direction.