Yerkeys inducted to Hall of Fame in 2016

We are proud to announce and recognize our latest inductees to the Bluecoats Hall of Fame. At the “Innovations In Brass: Massillon” show held on June 25 the President of the Bluecoats Board of Directors, Scott Swaldo, presented John and Suzanne Yerkey as the 2016 inductees. The Yerkeys began their many years of service to the Bluecoats when their daughter Ellen joined the corps in 1985. Mr. Yerkey began his volunteer work as a driver of one of the buses and the equipment truck. Mrs. Yerkey helped with the uniforms and with the meals.

The couple took over the Bluecoats souvenir operation where they spent several weeks each summer selling corps related items at shows around the country. They helped design a T-shirt that became iconic on the drum corps circuit - “10 Reasons Why Drum Corps is Better Than Band.”

Even after Ellen aged out of the corps the Yerkeys continued to volunteer with the corps. They often opened their home to corps members and became surrogate parents to hundreds of Bluecoats who were away from their own homes and family.

The Yerkeys gave countless hours to the Bluecoats and are beloved by the members of their era. Regrettably John passed away this past April. There is no doubt that he would be thrilled with the success the current corps is having in 2016.

Bluecoats Executive Director David Glasgow said “the corps is very proud to induct John and Suzanne Yerkey into the Bluecoats Hall of Fame and we are most grateful for their years of service to our members.

Photo: Scott Swaldo, President of the Bluecoats Board of Directors, presents the 2016 Hall of Fame award to John (posthumously) and Suzanne Yerkey with their daughter Ellen.