The Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps announced today that George Hopkins, Executive Director of Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!), has fired Jim Coates as the director of the Crossmen, effective immediately. Dean Musson, brass caption supervisor and current staff coordinator, will take over the director position.

A statement released by YEA! noted that recent camp attendance has been lower than anticipated. However, in an interview after the announcement, Hopkins said the corps is in good shape for the summer, and corps attendance was not a factor in why Coates was let go.

"The Crossmen have a full roster as of today," Hopkins said. "We did have some issues in April and May with members missing rehearsal because of college responsibilities. This kind of absence is something we encourage, as much as it is painful to live through.

The brass members will have new Yamaha instruments.

"The change was made because I believed, after discussion with advisors and team members of the Crossmen, that a change in direction was necessary," Hopkins said. "I brought Jim in with the hope that we would together be able to regenerate some of the excitement of the past Crossmen years. This did not seem to happen."

Hopkins said the Crossmen's membership in YEA! was not the issue.

"I made the change now for the simple reason that I believe it is the right thing to do for the corps.

"Jim has been, and I am sure will be, a success at the many projects in his life," Hopkins said in the statement. "In the case of the Crossmen, we simply have been unable to create an atmosphere conducive to a positive experience for staff, volunteers and members. I do not blame Jim. It is my mistake.

"In my opinion, there (was) no chemistry. Rather than wait until the corps moves through a difficult summer, I decided to make the change now. Dean will do a fabulous job."

Chuck Naffier, Crossmen Brass Arranger, agreed.

"Dean is the leader of the team in many ways," Naffier said. "His longevity, experience and commitment to excellence is something the members have always been attracted to. This change, although not coming at the best of times, will do well for the Crossmen."

The corps' announcement stated that the music would be completed soon. Naffier later clarified that the corps' music book was finished in March, but they're simply tweaking the show like any corps. Further, Naffier said, the musical book had nothing to do with the removal of Coates as the director.

Musson is currently pursuing his doctorate in music education at the University of Kansas. This will be his third year with the Crossmen, and he also has experience instructing the Colts.

Musson will work with Deb Rogerson, the tour manager, Eric Posner, the assistant tour manager and Charity Musielak, the transportation manager, on the logistical side of the corps. In addition, Hopkins is currently looking to add an additional administrative assistant to support the overall effort. Of course, all activity is coordinated through the YEA! offices, therein handling much of the prep work, tour planning, and overall coordination.

"I see the Crossmen as having a great possibility," Musson said in the corps' statement. "With the addition of Darryl Pemberton, we addressed a perceived weakness in drill design, so, with the continued improvement of the brass, percussion, and guard programs, we have nothing but good news ahead. I am happy to accept the position and I look forward to working with a great administrative team as well as the YEA! office (staff). Thus far, the year has been fabulous. I am especially excited to have a set of Yamaha brass instruments in the members' hands."