Barry Bell and Stephanie (Stacey) Ann Lynde were elected to the Drum Corps Hall of Fame by the Hall of Fame Legacy Committee last week. Both were surprised upon learning of their nominations. "It hasn't hit me yet," said Lynde, who served as the Blue Devils' principal dance choreographer in the 1980s (after having marched with the Blue Devils from 1971 to 1977), and helped usher in a new style of guard movement with roots firmly planted in modern dance. Lynde said, "I think that I would have expected for many others to have gone before me. For me to be elected into the Hall of Fame by my peers is truly an honor. There's such a plethora of talent and creativity, it's fun to be acknowledged," Lynde said. "It was a delight and surprise," said Bell, who became the musical director of the Toronto Optimists in 1958, and went on to write the drill, design the uniform and logo for that corps. "Vern Johannson (who submitted nomination papers on Bell for the Hall of Fame) called (to tell of Bell's nomination). It was a complete surprise," Bell said. James Elvord, a DCI Hall of Famer who nominated Lynde, said in his nomination letter, "Stacey was and still is a leader among our family. She gave us her style, creativity and sensitivity that are part of the basis for the drum and bugle activity today. For those who knew her, she stands for the character traits of commitment, responsibility, focus, and above all friendship. I feel extremely fortunate to know Stacey and to have been affected by her enormous talents. She is a giant among our peers, and should take her place alongside us." George Oliviero, also a DCI Hall of Famer who supported Lynde, said in his letter, "Stacey was one of those unrecognized behind-the-scenes forces. She took her ideas to other units. She helped foster the careers of many current instructors. Inspiration can bear much fruit. With Stacey, those with whom she worked, and those who saw the results of her work often were inspired." In addition to her drum corps career, Lynde worked in massage therapy for patients seeking neuromuscular pain relief. She now spends her days as the full-time mother of her 6-year-old drumming son, Mason. Vern Johansson, who nominated Bell, said in his nomination letter, "Barry Bell is the embodiment of the shining side of human character. He passed on his strengths to others without any pomp, ego or anger. I believe he is more than worthy to be considered a DCI Hall of Fame member." Ray Roussel, who also supported Bell, said in his letter, "For me and many others Barry was a teacher, an inspiration and hero. He had the deft ability -- provided we had the good sense and desire to listen -- to inspire and draw from you more than you thought you had, to take you beyond what you thought your talents and abilities could achieve."

In addition to his drum corps career, Bell was an architectural representative for an international glass firm. He is currently an instructor for the Toronto Optimists alumni corps, which began rehearsing late last year. Full biographies of Bell and Lynde will appear on DCI.org in the coming weeks. The Hall of Fame selection process by the board of directors and hall of fame members is taking place the remainder of this month; the results will be announced during the week of April 5, 2004 at DCI.org.