Marty Hurley, adored drum instructor and band director died on Monday, September 12, 2011 of complications from a major stroke. Marty was a founding father in the formation of The Greater New Orleans Drum Corps Association in 2004. He was a charter member and also served on the first GNODCA Board of Directors.

In 1999 Marty Hurley was named Brother Martin High School’s Teacher of the Year, in 2004 inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, in 2008 inducted into the Louisiana Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame based on his impact on Drum & Bugle Corps in Louisiana, and in 2009 inducted into the Louisiana Music Educator's Association Hall of Fame based on his fine work at Brother Martin High School.

Marty Hurley picked up his passion and love for drums from his father. He began his drum corps career in 1955, playing snare drum for the Neptune, NJ, Shoreliners. He also played with Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights and the Hawthorne Caballeros.

Marty was drafted and served in The Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss., where he was placed in the band. As luck our luck would have it, he was close enough to New Orleans to begin visiting. After moving to the New Orleans area in the 1970s, he was the percussion instructor/arranger for three Lousisiana corps: Stardusters, Bleu Raeders and Southern Rebels. He also instructed and arranged for Belleville Black Knights and Phantom Regiment.

Marty’s unique precise melodic style was well known among bands and corps worldwide. His “Marty Style” will live on. The success of Marty’s units and individual musicians was a result of his never settling for less than their best. He demanded of himself and his students quality work, professionalism and personal pride. This inspired many of his students to pursue music education as a career.

Marty has been the Director of Bands at Brother Martin High School since 1974. His bands have been consistent winners of regional concert and marching competitions. He arranged much of the music his band played.

Our prayers are with him, his family, friends and students. New Orleans, Louisiana and the music industry have lost a treasured musician, instructor and friend. We will all miss you Marty. Rest in Peace.