alumni Archives - Minnesota Brass

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

Andrew Angle July 18, 1977 – January 31, 2021

Andrew Angle – a huge personality in the Minnesota Marching Band community and longtime Minnesota Brass Visual Caption Head passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.   He is survived by his wife Jessica, whom he met in MBI.  Andrew was known as a passionate contributor to the marching arts community both nationally and in Minnesota as a teacher, designer, judge, and clinician.  

Andrew had a huge impact on the visual program at MBI during his time with the corps.  He was a meticulously driven teacher who pushed members to perform beyond where they thought that they could.  In addition to his high school and DCI instruction, Andrew was instrumental in bringing the Minnesota Brass visual program to the upper echelon of the All-Age drum and bugle corps activity from 2008-2014.  Andrew was a large contributor for the designs of the corps in that era as well and brought a higher level of accountability to the design team. 

Andrew’s passion and commitment to excellence were well known, but he was also known for his sense of humor and gregarious personality that was very motivational for the Corps during his tenure.  Andrew had a larger than life demeanor that carried him through everywhere that he worked.  His impact at MBI and on the Minnesota Marching Arts community is immense. 

As a professional and as our friend,  we will miss Andrew .  “For All We Know,” 

March 19, 1974 – December 9, 2020

Greg Guffey – a longtime teacher, designer and friend to Minnesota Brass, lost his brief battle with cancer peacefully this morning.  He is survived by his wife Kim and children Evan and Nora.  The memorials across Facebook speak to Greg’s contribution to the marching arts nationally and in Minnesota as a teacher, designer, judge, and clinician.  

Greg met his wife Kim while working with the Madison Scouts and moved to Minnesota in the late 1990’s to work in marketing design. He began teaching with MBI in 2001 as a marching instructor and served on the design team as Visual Caption Head from 2003-2007.  

Greg had a huge impact on our members during his time with the corps.  He was a great teacher who pushed members to perform at their highest levels.  He was a passionate motivator and leader during his time with MBI and many members speak of the huge impact that he had on them.  Greg was diligent in bringing in a professional staff to work with Minnesota Brass and the corps improved greatly during his tenure.  He was insistent that the design be at the highest level and yet, something that could be mastered by the members.  

Greg was always kind and generous with those around him.  He taught with professionalism and a giving heart.  Greg became an integral part of the MBI Family and he will be missed by all who knew him.  His impact here on the Minnesota Marching Arts is immeasurable. 

As a professional and as our friend,  Greg’s passing leaves us with a heavy heart. The words of our corps song “For All We Know,” certainly ring true today.

Remember Kim, Evan and Nora in your prayers.  Donations are being received at:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/greg-guffey-family-fund