Al Chez

Al Chez was the longtime trumpet player on CBS's "The Late Show With David Letterman." He was with Paul Shaffer and the Late Show for over 15 years, appearing on both CBS and NBC. Al previously has toured/played with Bon Jovi, Robert Cray, Tower of Power, Arturo Sandoval, The Young Rascals, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Maynard Ferguson, Eric Clapton, and The Dave Edmunds Band.

Al has performed at 3 presidential inaugurations and traveled the world many times. He has appeared at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions every year since 1986 and has performed `The Concert for New York City, The Concert of the Century, and A Very Special Christmas Concert at the White House and The Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Alan has appeared numerous times at The DCI Championships lending his horn for the National Anthem and concerts.

Mr. Chez has been involved with many drum corps over the years beginning in 1969 with The Saints from New Jersey. In the late 70's early 80's Al became a marching member and soloist of The Garfield Cadets. Alan has also performed with The Bushwackers and Reading Buccaneers.

After his marching days were over, Chez became a brass and visual instructor. He was part of the team that was instrumental in winning numerous Drum Corps International Championships. Mr. Chez worked under George Zingali, Mark Sylvester, Donnie Van Doren, Dean Westman, Wayne Dillon, Jimmy Steele, Dean Musson, Tom Swan and Gino Cipriani.

Alan has also worked with the Brass lines of The Oakland Crusaders, Reading Buccaneers, The Cadets, Crossmen, The Bushwackers, Kingston Grenadiers, and Empire Statesmen. Since 2000, Alan has been on the brass staff of the Crossmen World Class Drum Corps. Chez also wrote drill for a period of time, co-writing The Bushwackers 1986 DCA Championship drill.

Mr. Chez also worked for numerous high school bands across the country and continues his work with The University of Virginia Cavalier Band. Al holds an honorary Masters Degree in music performance. He is an active clinician and speaker throughout the country. Additionally, Al is a member of The John P. Stevens Hall of Honors, Drum Corps Buglers Hall of Fame and The Cadets Hall of Fame.

Alan Chez had been involved in the drum corps activity since 1969 and intends many more years of service to this non-profit based youth development activity. Al still believes he owes this great activity and is looking to pay it forward to future generations of drum corps enthusiasts. Al is pleased to be returning to the Crossmen, performing the duties as a consultant for brass and music programming.