Robert Notaro - DCI Hall of Fame

Robert Notaro

Inducted in 1990

Robert Notaro, better know in the drum corps arena as "Pepe," started his long career in drum corps at the age of 9. Perhaps it was his start at such a young age that caused him to have a special place in his heart for the younger corps. "Pepe" was a staunch supporter of Class A and A-60 (which later became Division II & III) corps and championed for their rights.

"In my opinion, 'Pepe'was a mover and a shaker, responsible for the upward growth of the Class A and A-60 movement we see today," Hall of Famer Roman Blenski said. "More than anyone else, he spoke the loudest and opened the door so that all corps, regardless of size, talent, maturity and goals, had a place in the activity."

In addition to his involvement with the Division II & III corps, "Pepe" was a well-known figure in the senior drum corps circuit. His drum corps career consisted of teaching and judging, but most of all, performing. His good friend, Carmen Cluna, explained, "He lived the lyrics of the song, "There's No Business Like Show Business," except 'Pepe's' stage was a football field. I don't think there were five minutes in his life when he wasn't thinking or doing something with drum corps."