Drum Corps International Executive Director Dan Acheson announced today the appointment of David Eddleman as coordinator of Divisions II & III. Eddleman will replace outgoing coordinator JW Koester, who leaves the post he has held for the past four and a half years to become tour director of the Phantom Regiment. There he will work closely with the corps' executive director Rick Valenzuela to coordinate the operations of the Rockford, Ill.-based organization. Eddleman, a longtime Drum Corps International contest coordinator, has been a band director for 20 years and is currently director of bands at Avon Lake High School in Avon Lake, Ohio. "I'm excited to be able to serve the directors of Divisions II & III. I look forward to working with the member corps as well as the Drum Corps International Board of Directors," said Eddleman.

David Eddleman presents the Division II drum major of the year award
at the 2006 DCI World Championships.

The coordinator of Divisions II & III is a member of the Drum Corps International staff, overseeing all activities for the corps in these divisions, monitoring the operations of the member units and scheduling the II & III tour, among other duties. The coordinator also works as a direct liaison between the advisory committee of Divisions II & III and the Drum Corps International Board of Directors. Involved with the drum corps activity for many years, Eddleman is a former member of both the Cleveland Caballaros and the Glassmen, and has also served as director of the Cleveland Caballaros and Marion Cadets. At the 1985 Drum Corps International rules congress in Chicago, he presented a proposal for a three-division competitive system to classify Drum Corps International member corps, which provided the framework for the way corps are organized today. "The nearly five years I've spent in the coordinator position have been very fulfilling for me personally and professionally," said Koester. "I believe that I have helped the directors of Divisions II & III to accomplish many goals, and I look forward to assisting them in the transition to their new leadership team.

JW Koester presents the Colts' Vicki Schaffer with the most improved
Division II corps award at the 2006 DCI World Championships.

The appointment of Eddleman marks the second major change in II & III leadership this year. At the Division II & III annual meeting this January in Atlanta, Vicki Schaffer was elected to chair the advisory committee of Divisions II & III by a vote of the membership. While overseeing that committee and the general body of the two divisions, Schaffer will serve as their official delegate to the Drum Corps International Board of Directors. Schaffer, who is director of the Division II Colt Cadets, became just the fourth chairman in the history of Divisions II & III and the first female director to hold the position. "These leadership changes help to signal the start of a new direction for Divisions II & III as we move into the future. I know Dave and Vicki will make a great team and bring continued success while serving the member corps of Divisions II & III," said Drum Corps International Executive Director Dan Acheson. "It will be great working with Dave," said Schaffer. "With both of us starting in our new roles at nearly the same time, we look forward to continuing the great work that has gone on before us, while taking a fresh look at many areas of interest to the corps in Divisions II & III."