From the end of July through today have been busy for the Pioneer in many ways. It has been unusually different from past summers. However, our purpose of serving youth and adults involved in corps life is almost at a maximum level.

South Milwaukee Heritage Days Parade

The Pioneer Percussion ensemble, along with several alumni, marched in South Milwaukee’s annual Heritage Parade on Saturday, July 27th. It was not a long parade, and took place just minutes away from Pioneerland. After the parade, Shari Drake prepared a spaghetti dinner for all. It made for a comfortable day. Senior members Bob Grotz and Chris Smith played. Alumni Bill Nylund (#159), John Schoenknecht (#444), and Kurt Mueller (#1004) were also joined by Don Schofield (Gilligan), Shari Drake, and Roman Blenski.

DrumLine Battle

In conjunction with DCI Championship week, the annual DrumLine Battle competition took place in Indianapolis on Saturday, August 10th.  The Pioneer Percussion Ensemble performed three times as part of the festivities.  They were also joined by several color guard members, as shown in the picture below.  While the the older-aged corps lines beat them in the competition, they looked great!  The bright green T-shirts donated by John Schoenknecht (#444) made no doubt that the ensemble was Pioneer.  After the performances, all of the members had tickets to watch the DCI Finals. It was a hot day in Indianapolis, but the members enjoyed nice cool A.C. supplied by Bus #68. It worked great throughout the entire day! 

St. Patrick's Day Parade Patches Have Arrived!

The patches for all of those who participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago have arrived. They are beautiful, as was the day of the parade. Those who participated please email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) me your home Mailing Address so we can be sure that you get yours! It will look great on your corps jacket!

CHICAGO’S THANKSGIVING PARADE!
Mr. Bonslater is floating the idea for members and alumni to participate in this highly publicized and attended in this parade in Downtown Chicago. Spread the news!

GOOD DEED
Pioneer buses helped out Mr. Fugh’s River West Pizza & Tavern with a 3 day bus load of customers to the Alpine Valley outdoor concert. They heard the group, “PHISH”, a nationally known band…The concert drew between 15,000 -20,000 fans each day! We also drove a load from a wedding party in Madison to the concert.

MOVING FORWARD:
Pioneerland has soccer being played on it, buses are traveling, and Bingo is running. Now we are beginning to build up our membership base with recruitment…. parades….exhibitions, as well as some great experiences…. We now have, “PIONEER PERFORMANCE CORPS".

SIMULTANEOUSLY:
Plans are underway to affiliate ourselves with a school/church in the greater Milwaukee area that can provide us with indoor rehearsal facilities and a recruitment base for new Pioneer members…..Do you have an idea or connection?... If so, please contact us! More news concerning this is coming soon!!!

PIONEER’S NEW DIRECTOR:
Mr. Bobby Bonslater will organize rehearsals and some parades in June, using his students and new members as mainly a drumline and color guard. Our goal would be to begin brass participation with the first week of July’s week long rehearsals and performances. Bobby will also assemble the teaching staff and coordinate rehearsals. Of course, a lot of flexibility will be needed as our efforts will dictate the schedule. Anyone interested in performing with the mini corps or being an instructor for the summer youth initiatives should contact Bobby at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WELCOME BOBBY BONSLATER!

Mr. Bobby Bonslater is an educator, designer, and performer within marching arts. He’s had the honor and privilege of performing on the field and floor with Racine Scouts, Americanos, East Coast Jazz, Madison Scouts, Americanos Indoor, Pioneer Indoor, Kilties, Chops, Govenaires and the Chicago Bears Drumline. Bobby has earned an abundance or awards and recognitions in the marching arts that includes the 2007,2008 WGI Percussion Independent A Champion, 2014,2015 WGI Percussion Independent Open Class Silver Medalist, 2006-2019 WGI Percussion Regional Finalist, 2004 DCI Midwest Division III Champion, 2005 DCI Division II/III Grand Champion, 2006 DCI Division II Silver Medalist, 2009,2011,2015 DCA Class A Champion, 2012-2014, DCA Class A Silver Medalist, 2011-2014 DCA Individual Trumpet Champion, 2014-2017 Mellophone Individual Champion.

Bobby resides in Chicago as a performing arts instructor for Orion’s University. Through Orion’s University, Bobby is able to spread the art and discipline of pageantry arts to Pre-K through 8th grade aged youth in Chicago. He offers a specialized in-school music academy to south side elementary schools to expose young students to instrumental, choral and general music to better prepare them to be productive members of high school music programs. After school, many of his students participate in drill team, percussion ensemble and competitive color guard programs that are rarely offered to inner-city youth.

In addition to Bobby’s new role with Pioneer, he is currently the Program Coordinator and Brass Arranger for the Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps, Director of Avant Garde Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Percussion Coordinator for Maine West High School, and Music and Visual designer for Phoenix Drumline and Eagan Drumline.

Bobby looks forward to being active in the rebrand and rebirth of the Pioneer. He has immediate goals to incorporate and form strong extracurricular summer/winter programs and in-school academies to serve as a core to the return of the historic field corps. Through hard work and determination, Bobby hopes to create an organization that is affordable, memorable and effective to youth and adults of all skill level in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Wish List is:

OUR GOAL:
Our goal is to assemble 40 to 50 students in preparation to compete and travel to WGI and MCCC Contests in the drum, color guard, and mini-Corps circuit “Winds” from January 2020 to April!

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS:
While alumni/age-outs/and former members can perform with the group at any time in the parades, exhibitions, or mini-corps (also known as winds / Sound Sports), These 3 events have been chosen particularly because of dates, locations, and festive opportunities to enjoy besides drum corps, and to participate for a more mature individual.

On Saturday, July 27,you are welcome to participate in the South Milwaukee Heritage Parade, the most popular parade in the Milwaukee area, formerly known as the Spectacle of Music going back to the early 1950’s. That evening you can camp out at Pioneerland and socialize at the “Gathering of the Clans” all night and the next day!

On Thursday November 28th, you are also welcome to participate in Chicago’s “Nationally Televised” Thanksgiving Parade. There will be a huge crowd and an excellent opportunity for the Pioneer Performance Corps and alumni to shine on a huge stage right here in the Midwest…Being a major festival at the same time and location makes it an additional event for the alumni and members in a tentative holiday social at Pioneerland.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2020 our annual Chicago’s Side Irish Parade will take place. The 2019 parade turned out to once again be successful. For 2020, let’s add on the evening before, a Concert Night. That will give us a chance to gather, socialize, and play some great past arrangements of many of your old favorites. Combined with the pioneer Performance Corps and Friends of Pioneer, this could be the “Premier” Alumni Event for years to come.

DIFFERENT PACKAGING???
The answer is Yes…In design it will still serve young people and adults alike. With the focus being the 2020 WGI Winter Season, the possibility of returning to DCI’s Summer Tour on is still fresh on our minds but not a top priority. Priority shall be given to recruiting a local membership base in Southern Wisconsin/ Northern Illinois, developing and implementing a Health and Wellness plan as well as a diverse educational plan. However, much depends on the needs and demands of our prospective membership. This new approach will be similar, but less travel, less cost, and a shorter time commitment in the summer. However, by adding a year-around rehearsal/training programs, this gives us new light and direction from our previous 58 years. It’s worth a try!

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

Q: Will we charge dues?
A: Yes. The exact fee has not yet been set, but it will be minimal.

Q: Will the name be changed?
A: No! It will still be the Pioneer Drum & Bugle Corps and Color Guard, Inc., but its winter divisions will be: Pioneer Percussion, Pioneer Color Guard, and Pioneer Winds. Pioneer has plans to sponsor and coordinate affiliate ensembles that may/may not carry the Pioneer name.

Q: Will all rehearsals take place in Milwaukee?
A: No. The Indoor Percussion Ensemble will rehearse primarily in the Chicago area. The Winds and Color Guard ensembles will be Milwaukee based as of now until we have a better idea of where our membership and staff will be located.

Q: Will the Pioneer Guard be mixed (men and women)?
A: Yes. That has worked well for us the past 3 years.

Q: What will the music be that we play?
A: For parades we will play Garry Owen (Theme Song) and Stars & Stripes. The music for exhibitions and the winter ensembles will be decided by the staff. While it will be ideal to program Irish music in our repertoire, we do want to design programs that on par to what’s mainstream in current Pageantry Arts. This may mean a conceptual design that doesn’t include a dominant Irish identity. But no worries, you’ll always hear a strain here and there to keep your Irish Eyes Smiling.

Q: Will each member get a number?
A: Of course. The next numbers will start with 2740

CONGRATULATIONS!
At the recent WGI’s Percussion and Winds weekend contest in Dayton, Ohio, we saw our past Program Coordinator and Drill Writer Mr. Dave Campbell, as well as our Percussion Caption Head, Mr. Josh Logan. Their Independent A Winter Indoor Group, NOMAD, made WGI’s Finals!

Mr. Bonslater’s percussion line, Phoenix Drumline of Hutchinson, MN made Semi-Finals for the very first time as a nationally competitive ensemble.

Mr. Charles Mierecke was in Dayton, Ohio for 3 days viewing drum lines and winds groups. Living and working in Chicago, he will be a huge help with our winter ensembles.

SELFIES…
Many of Pioneer’s 2018 members were at the WGI Championships in Dayton, Ohio. Several of them took pictures with RB . It was surely a great feeling seeing these Better Every Day extraordinary human beings once again! If some of you could, would you share copies of those selfies with us?

A HUGE THANK-YOU!
To former Mellophone, Drum Major, and Mentor, Jackie Bilder # 1787 who presented us with beautiful flowers and a plaque at the post Chicago Southside Irish Parade party held at her restaurant, “Natural Law”. We were very surprised and appreciative!
The plaque read:

Thank you and “Better Every Day”
Roman & Sue Blenski

SELFIES…
Many of Pioneer’s 2018 members were at the WGI Championships in Dayton, Ohio. Several of them took pictures with RB . It was surely a great feeling seeing these Better Every Day extraordinary human beings once again! If some of you could, would you share copies of those selfies with us?

HELP WANTED!!!
After solving the “jacket fire” crisis….we now have a new challenge. Davis Reed, our videographer cannot put the 2018 tour video together….We have the footage, but we need someone with the skills and corps knowledge to put it together. Does anyone have ideas???

DRAGONS DRUMHEADS AVAILABLE!
The bass drum heads that had the dragon logo printed on them are still available. We have all 5 sizes, some new, and some are used! They would make a great decoration for your bedroom wall or dorm room!!! It would remind you of your hard work and dedication. $25.00 donation to Pioneer plus shipping.

BINGO….
This is our principal fund-raiser that is held every Wednesday and Saturday evenings, both beginning at 6:30 pm. This past Saturday, one of our customers who won the Progressive Jackpot, went home with a $4,375.00 payout! Could you use some extra cash? Come to play or come to help and meet Murray, Sue, Roman, Charity, Kris, and several other Pioneer volunteers.

PIONEER VIDEOS from 1989/90. 91, 92, and 93 are now available in both CD and VHS. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Ed Panko # 1005 Soprano, they were professionally made from the originals. Some are prelims, finals, and tour videos. By sending us a donation of $20.00, we will rush a copy to you so that you can relive the “Good Old Days)!

IN MEMORY OF:
Mr. Patrick Krenz, the 44 year old son of Pioneer volunteers Joe and Bonny Krenz, suddenly passed away of a heart attack while getting a medical prescription at a Milwaukee Target store’s pharmacy. While Patrick never marched in the Corps, he often was with his parents when they helped. Patrick was a food service person with Marquette University. Bonny Krenz was a Pioneer cook for several of our summer tours. Joe Krenz helped out in several areas, especially with our bingo fundraiser. He was also the last Director of the Midwest Legends Senior Corps who rehearsed at Pioneerland. Prayer for Patrick’s family would be much appreciated. Flowers were sent by Pioneer for his funeral. Roman and Sue attended the service and a special Mass in Patrick’s honor held at St. Patrick’s Parish on S. 7th and W. Washington St. in Milwaukee. (The original home of our Corps.)

Thanks to your efforts, another donation to the Pioneer Corps has been given to us from the Amazon People. It is so easy to use! For every purchase you make from smile.amazon.com a percentage is donated to help us. If you have not already, just type in the above address and designate Pioneer!

PARADE PATCH….
A one of a kind patch symbolizing your participation in the 2018 Chicago Irish Parade will be sent to you shortly. Do we have your current address??? Please send us an email of it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. also, keep in shape! Could we see you at the South Milwaukee parade or the thanksgiving parade at Downtown Chicago?

PIONEER BASEBALL???
The Corps is officially sponsoring a team in the Wilson Premier Youth Baseball League. Like Pioneerland, they have a couple of acres about a mile away with grounds to serve the baseball youth. Their leaders are members of Milwaukee’s Southside Business Association. The playing grounds are meticulously maintained. It is a good partnership in the making!

LOST AND FOUND
A beautiful white blanket embroidered with “St. Joe Soccer 2011” with the name Katelynn Katie was found at Pioneerland. It is too beautiful to give to the Good Will as it may have significant memories for someone. Can anyone help us with contacting her Phone, email address???

MEGAN JUSTUS #2448
Megan Justus, former Pioneer Pit Performer, also needs to call the Office (414) 327-2847, as her Pioneer Jacket has been turned in. Can anyone help with contacting her? Might you have her phone number or email address???

ALUMNI & INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF
As we retool our direction, former members who are willing to help teach, manage, perform with our mini-corps or be involved in some way….We would like to hear from you. Your musical experience and Pioneer values would be a great help in keeping Pioneer alive serving youth…Please call or email us. We will enjoy speaking with you.

EVERYBODY
LET’S BE
BETTER EVERY DAY!

Mr. Garry Owen

Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at: smile.amazon.com… Thank you all who have been shopping here and helping the corps at the same time! There’s no extra fee to use this service. You can get all of the same products that are listed in Amazon’s regular website. I’ll bet you can even get some great Easter Candy for your basket from them!

♣ The huge colorful Dragon Prop is on everyone’s top of the list.

♣  But we did purchase new Uniform Pants from Fred J. Miller Company. They are a bit narrower than the old ones. They are made of very durable material, easily washed, and they made everyone look slim and trim!

♣  Likewise, our new Jupiter Brass Instruments were especially appreciated. Our old set of Selmer (King) horns were in good condition and now being used in the marching band activities in Oklahoma and Alabama. Maypex (Jupiter) Brass is every bit as good as their percussion products.

♣  Another accomplishment was the asphalt road from our multipurpose building to the tower next to the 50 yard line. If you were a pit player, pushing the mallet instruments up to the rehearsal fields was almost effortless compared to the old stone road with ruts, standing water, etc. So there was no extra stress on the ankles and muscles this year!

♣  Also our Bus #75, a huge 55 passenger motor coach looked awesome and ran well until the Wausau Show when the air-conditioning unit went out. Never-the-less it was a great addition to the fleet.

♣  Cheers for another great Color Guard Costume made by the Fred J. Miller Company and skillfully designed by our own Ja’Malh Wallace along with Michael Cesario. They looked great and were vital to the entire show design.

♣  Yes we have memories of our Pioneer summer of 2018. Please accept a sincere thank you who were there and made it happen.

SEE YOU ALL FOR THE CHICAGO ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
MARCH 17TH
BETTER EVERY DAY!
Garry Owen

WE ARE GOING TO DO IT!

We have 60 people so far…. and we need more to march in the annual Southside Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade!  Persons interested in participating in the parade can complete the Parade Application by clicking on the button below:

Parade Application

We will either march, or potentially sit on a trailer (more info to follow). The music for the parade, GARRY OWEN and STARS & STRIPES is online:

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

From The Top

It is that time of the year to wish everyone you know a joyous, pleasant, and hearty “Thank You” for being part of your life’s experiences this past year. Pioneer Corps also has a large list that is too numerous to mention everyone, but I would like to give a special mention to Bill Strube, Ron Ruggles, Tim Osterbeck, Lisa Savage, Dr. Cecil Austin, Murray Davis, and Roman Blenski for their efforts in dealing with Drum Corps International. While no additional information has yet been determined, it will be coming at the DCI Annual Convention in January in Indianapolis, IN. No doubt that this has become a gut-wrenching experience these past 4 months…... But rest assured that Pioneer will continue to serve youth many more years in addition to the previous 58. This holiday season, everyone should demonstrate “Class” and don’t forget to be, “Better Every Day”!

SHOP AT AMAZON SMILE and they will make a donation to the PIONEER CORPS!  Here is the link: https://smile.amazon.com/