DENVER, CO – Ascend Performing Arts and the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps is excited to announce the Hall of Fame nominees for the 2019 induction ceremony.
The Hall of Fame is to preserve the memory of the incredible people who have made a substantial, positive impact to the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps and who can serve as role models for present and future generations. The Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding alumni, educational staff, administrative staff, and volunteers that have contributed significantly to the organization.
∴ Read about our past Blue Knights Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
Mark Arnold
Mark Arnold is one of the longest-serving Directors in Drum Corps International, serving as Executive Director of the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps since 1985. Today the Blue Knights is just one of multiple ensembles under the umbrella of the Ascend Performing Arts organization. Mark has tirelessly worked to support and develop members in the corps fostering lasting impressions on more than 6,000 youth from around the world.
In addition to shaping the course of the Blue Knights, Mark also has played an integral role in the ongoing development and successes of Drum Corps International as a collective. He served as chairman of the DCI Board of Directors in 1994 and again from 2008 to 2013. Mark was honored as Corps Director of the Year in 2004, and was the inaugural recipient of the George Bonfiglio Chairman’s Award at the 2012 DCI World Championships, which is given to an individual each year who demonstrates extraordinary leadership and service on behalf of DCI and its performing drum corps. Mark was inducted into the DCI Hall of Fame in 2014.
Nominated by: Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame Committee
Dan Burke
Music was a passion in Dan’s life. He started as a snare drummer in the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. After “aging out”, Dan assisted the Blue Knights’ instructional staff and served as percussion instructor for local high school bands.
The Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble was Dan’s vision and he developed it into a respected performance group both locally and internationally since its inception in 1993.
Dan served as Director of the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble, with three of the four Winter Guard International World Championship titles under his direction.
Until his passing in 2012, Dan was a member of the Board of Directors, serving as Vice President. As a devoted teacher and inspiring mentor, he helped young musicians develop their crafts and life skills.
Nominated by: Blue Knights Hall of Famer, Abe Eng
Rosalie Danskin
Rosalie Danskin has been an integral part of the operation of the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps since the 1990s.
As Office Manager, for over 25 years, Rosalie’s role was paramount in understanding the organization’s finances, logistics, and day-to-day operations.
Her role required that she facilitate communications with staff and the Board of Directors. Her perseverance, dedication and loyalty made it possible for Ascend Performing Arts to run successful programs for over three decades.
Nominated by: Blue Knights Alumni, Alyssa McCollum
Lynn and George Lindstrom
Lynn and George Lindstrom first became involved with the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps when George served as the Executive Director in 1983. The duo have been ardent supporters and dedicated staff members ever since.
Lynn and George headed up Ascend Events for over 30 years, planning and managing the Drums Along the Rockies, Corps Encore and the Friendship Cup Marching Band Competition shows.
Lynn had been the Drums Along the Rockies chairperson since 1985 and was also one of the founders of Winter Guard International and was inducted in the WGI Hall of Fame in 1992. Lynn passed away in 2016 and George stays active as a Board Member and currently serves in a Board Advisor role.
Nominated by: Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame Committee
Dinah and Del Owens
Dinah and Del had been consistent volunteers for both the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps and Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble for more than 20 years.
Although the Owens never had a child participate in the corps, they dedicated their time to assist the success of educational camps and facilitating member success.
Even in passing, the Owens left their legacy by gifting a fund to the organization that supported the new mobile food truck for the Blue Knights.
Nominated by: Blue Knights Alumni, Daniel Belcher
Joe and Phyllis Ratterman
Joe and Phyllis have been dedicated volunteers for both the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps and Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble for 31 years by administering the Blue Knights Bingo program. The profits have allowed the organization to earn funds to expand its educational reach.
Their son, Eric, was a member from 1988-1993. In 1996, they were recognized as Blue KnightsVolunteers of the Year. In 1999, they were recognized as DCI Volunteers of the Year. Joe served on the Booster Board as its Treasurer and President and was instrumental in the construction of the first Blue Knights mobile food kitchen.
Nominated by: Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame Committee