In the sixth installment of our summer “Where are they now” series we interview past member and instructor Ed Choi.

What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?

I marched snare drum from 88-90 and taught: 91,93,97,98.

What are you doing now ?

I am Principal Percussionist w/ the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in Korea.  I have been in the orchestra for 5 years.   Before joining the orchestra, I was in school for a very, very long time.  I'm actually still working on finishing my doctorate in music.

How did you get involved with the corps?

I marched drum corps in the Calgary Cavaliers from Canada and was always a BAC fan.     I still remember seeing the corps in Madison for the first time in '85.  There was a real buzz in the crowd when Boston entered the field and of course everybody went nuts during Conquest.  I actually got on the recording during the drum solo which of course was way ahead of its time with the electronic synth (years before DCI would finally allow this!).  Classic 80s BAC.  "Quality not quantity" was the motto back then.

What are your fondest memories?

I have so many fond memories... but being part of the 50th anniversary was very special considering how far we came in the three years I was a member.  Al Murray really pushed the drumline and helped develop us not only as players but as leaders.  So many people from those years have gone on to succeed in life as a result.

What are you favorite BAC traditions?

Being in the corps itself means joining a long tradition of Crusaders who personified the never quit "Esprit de Corps" that the BAC is known for.  We went through some tough times but stuck together.  That's a tradition I'm proud to be a part of.

Who do you keep in touch with?

I keep in touch w/ so many Saders from back in the day especially now that we have Facebook!

What is your favorite Crusader show of all time?

Can't say that I have one favorite show but it was really cool to be in the stands at finals in 2000 and feel the crowd really pulling for the corps.  It really felt like the culmination of so many years of work by so many Crusaders.