Drum & Bugle Corps

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Becky Rucker Pritchard, who passed away January 6, 2022, due to complications from Covid-19, multiple sclerosis, and a minor stroke.

Becky joined MBI in July of 1986 for the DCM Championships in Dekalb, IL, and was a marching member through 1992. She played French horn and mellophone, was a mellophone soloist, was part of the legendary and infamous lady-mid Gabline, and served as drum major her last year with Ron Haselius and Lori Maxwell. She was the 1987 Hornline Rookie of the Year and served on the Board of Directors. She was an integral part of recruiting University of Minnesota Marching Band members to join MBI. She was a founding member of the Classic Brass Inc. quintet, which was made up of MBI members and alumni.

Becky completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota and graduate work at Boston University. She spent several summers at Tanglewood located in Lenox, MA, first as a student, and then returning as a teacher and coach in the B.U.T.I. brass quintet seminar. Along with her husband, Joe, Becky established Pritchard Music-Kentlands in 2009. She was the Director of Music Education, overseeing 250 students while keeping an active teaching schedule herself. Becky coached several chamber ensembles, including the Powerhouse Brass, an award-winning brass quintet that performs at national festivals and competitions.

Becky was a strong advocate for funding music and arts in the schools. She and Joe worked with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation and members of Congress on the wording of the ESEA bill that was signed into law in December 2015. This bill makes music and arts a core requirement for all students to receive a well-rounded education. Becky served on the board of directors for the Gaithersburg Arts and Monuments Funding Corporation (GAMFC), The Patriot Brass, and was on the board of the Montgomery Philharmonic Orchestra.

Becky loved what she did. She loved teaching music and LOVED coaching the Pritchard Music ensembles. She leaves her husband Joe, her stepdaughter Olivia, and J.W. and d’Artagnan, the family dogs.

The family is hoping to host a celebration of life this summer in Maryland when they can safely gather as many of her students, friends, and family to honor a true lover of music. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.com), The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (mhopus.org), and/or The ziMS Foundation (zimsfoundation.org).

For All We Know.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jordan Jergenson, a longtime member, instructor, and friend of Minnesota Brass, Inc., who passed away unexpectedly in October.

Throughout the years, Jordan made a huge impact on the Minnesota marching arts community, in particular, his efforts to revive and cultivate a vibrant cymbal community and culture. As an instructor, Jordan was known as a passionate, motivating, and caring teacher who pushed his students to be the very best they could be, both on and off the field.

Jordan was well known for his electric personality and show-stopping performance skills, but most of all he was known for being a kind and caring friend to all. His contributions and impact on MBI and the entire Minnesota marching arts community is truly immeasurable.

We are all going to miss Jordan and will carry on his legacy. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

For All We Know.

Rick Stephenson  07/23/1944-03/19/2021

In a drum corps career touching six decades, Rick marched and instructed drum corps from the late 1950’s to the early 2000’s. He started in his hometown of Austin, MN with the Austin Lancers and the Spamtown Lancers in the 1950’s. While attending the University of Minnesota, he marched with the St. Paul Scouts from 1964-1966. After a tour of duty in the Navy in Vietnam and then work in Texas, Rick returned to Minnesota. He began marching with MBI in the early 1970’s, playing to the end of the 1990’s. During that time he played soprano, mellophone, and finally baritone. He was a well-respected player by those who played alongside him.

Rick’s contributions to MBI went far beyond performing: he was Corps Director in 1977, and a visual instructor and Show Coordinator in the early 1980’s. Rick’s teaching contributions extended beyond MBI, writing and teaching visual to the St. Croix Rivermen in their most successful period (1979-80), and also the Zuhrah Shrine Drum Corps into the early 2000’s.

A spirited, very well-liked individual with a quick wit, Rick was one of several who helped to usher in the transformation MBI experienced in the mid-1980’s, which set in motion a 30 year period of success for MBI on and off the field. 

For All We Know

Tribute written by MBI Alum Henry Wadsworth