Chad Moore: Success & Sacrifice

by Alex Mendoza

“The law of sacrifice is uniform throughout the world. To be effective it demands the sacrifice of the bravest and the most spotless,” – Mohandis Ghandi

At its core, this activity demands a level of commitment that most people would perceive as daunting. Consider the amount of time and effort required to perfect a show and its intricate details – regardless of class - as well as the financial obligations required to maintain the stability of a program. There are no simple methods in balancing the lofty tasks of assuming the role as student and performer; especially given the ever-changing economic landscape.

Yet, there is the often overlooked aspect of holding a career as an adult and still remaining deeply involved in the activity – an equally demanding task. Chad Moore represents this unique gallery of individuals who manage to juggle the task of maintaining successful careers, as well as contributing to spreading their knowledge to the percussion community.

He is a member of the WGI Percussion Advisory Board and the director of United Percussion, and has a considerable amount of performance experience – beginning in third grade, playing throughout high school and with the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps; something Chad attributes as a positive influence on his life.

“I think the drive, commitment, and determination I have in my occupation is a direct result of my marching percussion experiences. Whether you are a member, instructor or director, this activity teaches you all of those qualities, but they are qualities that you can transfer to any walk of life. I am very thankful to have learned that from the activity.”

In addition to his WGI and United Percussion roles, Chad serves as a partner in the firm at Hoagland, Longo, Morant, Dunst & Doukas – earning an impressive list of accolades that included the 2009 “Top 40 Under 40” award by the New Jersey Law Journal, identified as a “Rising Star” since 2007 by the New Jersey Super Lawyers magazine and certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney.

Success at this level requires passion and dedication, something clearly imbued in Chad’s personality since an extremely young age.

“I started playing drums between 3rd or 4th grade. My interest in law began midway through the 4th grade. Of course at that point in time, I never thought about how or if the two could co-exist,” Chad recalls.

And yet one feels compelled to think about how Chad manages to excel in every aspect that he’s involved with. He is not only rising in his law career, but his ensemble United Percussion has experienced a similar ascension in the ranks during the past two years.

“It's difficult for sure, but I really enjoy both of my jobs. In addition to that my family supports and loves everything WGI. That makes things a lot easier,” Chad says. “It also helps that my law partners all support and encourage what I am doing. To them, the idea of it is great and they provide a lot of support to United. Having that type of support system around you makes it achievable.”

“But without question the credit goes to the membership. They are a great group of kids who really put their hearts into United, the show and its performance. It’s been an absolute joy and honor to see them develop as performers.”

“Add to that a very dedicated and hard working staff, a lot of support and a lot of prayer and you have a good mix. It definitely has not been easy and there's been a lot of sacrifice, but I'd like to think what you are seeing is the manifestation of that.”

How fitting then that United’s 2010 emotionally charged program, “Eternal”, told a story of the ultimate sacrifice – giving one’s life to their country. The show detailed the life of soldier before his passing, with thoughtful dialogue that recalled poignant moments from his life and those affected by his presence. Aided by a powerful selection of songs – with an especially beautiful arrangement of Sigur Ros’ “Saeglopur” – the performers effectively conveyed the portrait of a man, his life and his legacy carried on by his family.

“I can remember being absolutely blown away by the idea of it. The gravity of the topic was so real and so powerful that it immediately struck an emotional chord. Not many people know but it was a concept that we had actually had on the table since 2005. We just were not sure if we could handle such serious and important undertaking. This year seemed like the right time to tell that story,” Chad says.

“No matter how many times I saw it, it still had the same resonance. Even still, I wasn't prepared for others' reaction. The positive support the show received from the audience and judges was humbling. I'll never forget after United's preliminary performance at the Dayton Regional, a gentleman approached me and Bill Woodward from the stands and asked if he could say thank you to the unit for presenting the show. He was an Army war veteran who was lucky enough to make it home. I remember us saying we should be thanking you. Reactions like that will forever stay with me.”

Genuine responses such as these are ever-inspiring for a man that deals with insurmountable challenges – both in the past and present – as Chad was faced with having to choose between his career as a lawyer and his role as a percussion educator/performer.

“When I first started my legal career I actually thought there was no way I could be involved with both so I actually stopped playing and teaching all together. After about a year, one of my good friends and mentors, Bill Woodward, called me because he needed help with his indoor line. Once I got back in, I found a way to do both and it has worked out ever since. So even though I know that possibility exists, I share my story with others to show that you can still do this and have a career. If it is important to you, you will make the time.”

Often times when you look at the membership of an ensemble and the way they present themselves, from their behavior to their work ethic, it’s a prime indicator of the person in charge; and Chad leads by example not only in his role as a percussion educator, but as a lawyer and as a family man, so it is no surprise that United is attracting members fiercely dedicated to each show, its conceptual premise and the organization as a whole.

His success is a direct result of his tireless work ethic and the comprehensive understanding that success requires a level of sacrifice that few people can attest to. For Chad, though, he presents his passion for the activity, and his career, in an influential manner that we can all admire.

“I really feel WGI is the best thing going. It's so well run and such an inspiring activity that I just hope it continues on that track. The vibe and camaraderie that exists amongst the members, the staffs and judges is such a positive force that it breeds success. It allows you to be a member and a fan at the same time. And while I hope that all the percussion ensembles continue to push the envelope and raise the bar, I hope that the mutual respect and admiration the units have for each other never changes.”
 

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