It was the fourth of July 2010, and Julie was traveling with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” when she first noticed Diana’s playing. Accompanying Julie to the Bristol, RI show was fellow Boston Crusader Alum, Joe DeMarco. “Solo #1”, a timpani piece that Joe had composed, helped earn Julie a second place finish at the 1990 DCI Individuals competition, and was also played by Diana during a 2010 recital.

Fast forward to the present.

Following the February birth of her daughter, Julie developed pregnancy-related carpal tunnel. While it is steadily improving, she found herself unable to perform at Easter and in need of a replacement. Posting a note on Facebook, both Joe and Diana were the first to respond. Understanding the importance of this opportunity for a young player, Joe respectfully bowed out.

Diana flew into DC, stayed at Julie’s house, and enjoyed Thai food for dinner followed by a soak in the hot tub while "talking shop." Diana asked Julie a “million questions about the Army Band and timpani in general”. Diana “loved” hearing Julie’s stories about drum corps, and about Boston specifically. “We compared our experiences having to deal with the timpani heads changing drastically in the weather, getting ‘timpani calves’ and having to drag our drums out individually and set them up on an uneven field (things you only really experience playing timpani in a drum corps)” commented Diana.

The next morning, Julie dropped Diana off at the church and went back later with her family to hear her perform at the 2nd service. According to Julie “It was surreal to hear someone else playing my timpani at the church, where I've performed for 13 years. To know that she was born the year I ‘marched’ BAC really puts life in perspective”.

Diana, while echoing Julie’s sentiments, shared the following reflection: “so many things have changed in the time from when Julie marched in 1990 to now, but a lot of things have still remained constant. That just shows how much Boston is growing as a corps, while the traditions and history are still very meaningful. This experience reminded me how important the Boston alumni are. I have always heard that they are extremely supportive and will do anything for the kids in the corps.”

As principal timpanist of the premiere Army Band, Julie has performed countless times in venues all across the country. Yet Julie stressed to Diana that developing her rudimental skills is the key to landing a job in a premiere military band. Julie would love nothing more than to see her, or someone from the Drum Corps activity replace her when she retires in 6 years. Diana feels the same way.