Meet TeamBush 2015 is a series of introductions to the members, staff, and administration of the Bushwackers Drum Corps. We want to highlight and feature the people who make this Corps unique and exciting. Up Next:
Judy Sheffield – Volunteer Bookkeeper, Uniform Manager, Driver, Corps Super Mom
For the past three years, attending a Bushwackers camp or performance weekend has started with a smile and a hello. Actually, around Bush, we call it the “Go Say Hi to Mom” part of the daily schedule. Greeting a long line of members sits Judy Sheffield, the volunteer Bushwackers Administrator responsible for checking in the members, collecting tuition, filling out paperwork, and making sure the members are staying responsible to their Corps obligations. Judy also sets the tone for the the family vibe and all-inclusive atmosphere that members experience every weekend. Although her two biological children are in the Corps, she truly has 140 other members, staff, and administrators she calls her own.
Mrs. Sheffield personifies what volunteerism is all about. Along with the already listed duties she performs on the weekends, Judy spends countless hours duri
ng the week outside of her normal full-time job balancing the books for the Bushwackers, paying the bills, sewing and repairing the uniforms, and checking in on all her Corps members. During the summer she can be seen chopping veggies for dinner, or driving a member to get a sprained ankle X-ray. With her trusty sewing machine tucked away on the equipment truck, Judy has been known for fitting a large person in a small uniform jacket in less than ten minutes right in the parking lot of a show site as the Corps walks to the gate. That is a whole lot of hats to wear for one person, and Judy does it all with a smile and a Wawa coffee.
Born and raised in Ohio, Judy Sheffield was raised in a very musical family. Having moved to New Jersey at a young age, her parents and siblings were involved in local radio broadcasting, church choirs, opera productions, and school bands. In the 1970’s, Judy learned to play the rope tension snare drum with the Battle of Monmouth Ancient Fife & Drum Corps under the instruction of the famous Alfred “Duke” Terreri. Terreri was a popular big-band drummer with the likes of Gene Krupa and Frank Sinatra, and had a major influence in the drumming styles of marching units across the country. Judy continued through junior high and high school as a percussionist in the Manalapan High School marching band. She performed with the school wind ensemble, concert band, and developed a strong appreciation for performing arts education.
Judy and her husband Aaron’s children Maggie and Corwin, both talented musicians, always were steered towards the performing arts as she felt it was important part of their education. As an active booster officer for the Pemberton High School Band Booster Club, she continues to support her children’s involvement in the music program today. Both her children became involved with the Bushwackers in the 2012-2013 season, and remain active today as performers in the 2015 Corps.
Mrs. Sheffield’s dedication and contribution to the Bushwackers sets an example that all the Corps is proud of. All day long at rehearsal, you can hear “HI MOM” being shouted across the field. You can see the pride and tremendous love of this wonderful volunteer and mother to all.
If you would like to join Judy and the rest of the volunteer administrative team, the Bushwackers have several needs for full time and part time administrative volunteers. Visit the Bushwackers’ Volunteer Page for more information on how to get involved and make a difference in these amazing performers’ lives.