BKSTEPPERS Marching Arts includes programs such as the Music Creation Project at P.S. 316, Brooklyn Collegiate High School Drumline, Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem Drumline, BKSTEPPERS Drumline and X-Factor Drumline. Under the auspices of the Jackie Robinson Center for Physical Culture, BKSTEPPERS began life in 1989 as the Jackie Robinson Steppers Marching Band, playing in the shadow of Ebb
ets Field and its great baseball ghosts. Founded by principal Johnny Walker, the Jackie Robinson Steppers Marching Band adopted a southern style of performance and expression using precision dance and musical styles to create what was called “The Ultimate Musical Experience” for both audience and membership. In 2004, the band reorganized to become The Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band. The Brooklyn Steppers’ roster exploded to a peak strength of nearly 200 members. The world would soon take notice as The Brooklyn Steppers began receiving invitations to play at major events across the New York metropolitan area. A typical week consisted of performance dates with the New York Mets, the New York Knicks, The United Nations, and the Borough President of Brooklyn. Film and television soon came calling, with the band appearing on every network from ABC to MTV. The Steppers made silver screen appearances in such blockbusters as “Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey” and Disney’s Academy Award-nominated fantasy “Enchanted.” All the while The Steppers balanced their practice and performance expectations with the academic demands, which have become a cornerstone of the program. The Brooklyn Steppers Marching came through time and time again, and nearly two decades of work culminated in what to date is the ultimate gig: representing the state of New York in the January 20, 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade for President Barack Obama. Today, the BKSTEPPERS Marching Arts is soaring towards a future of artistic renewal, expanded programming, and social and community leadership. Board of Trustees
Janice Bonsu
Social Work Supervisor II
New York City Department of Homeless Services
David A. Boyd, Interim Board Chair
Assistant Director
DC 37 Schools Division
Jerede Brown
District Manager
Cook Medical
M. Guerrier
Consultant
GCS
Michael Huttenlocher
Partner
McDermott Will & Emery
Cynthia Pacelli
Teacher
NYC Department of Education
Keisha Salmon
Audience Development & Communications Director
American Documentary | POV
William F. Shea
Partner
Floyd Advisory
Antonio Thompson
Executive Director
BKSTEPPERS Marching Arts
Clement J. Waldmann, III
Percussion/Kit Swing
Blue Man Group
Our Team
Jason Brown, Percussion Assistant, and Teaching Artist Assistant
Darick Kelly, Percussion Consultant
Benjamin Nadler, Percussion Director and Teaching Artist
Michael Mendoza, Percussion Assistant, and Teaching Artist Assistant
Thierry Rémion, Teaching Artist
Antonio Thompson, Executive Director
Lance Wright, Percussion Teaching Artist and Teaching Artist
