Shirley Stratton Dorritie joined the Blue Devils Drum & Bell Corps in 1968 and was a founding member of the Drum & Bugle Corps in 1970. A member of the BD rifle line through 1977, Shirley also instructed the line and served as Color Guard captain. After aging out, Shirley taught the BD guard until 1984, and led the program through the transition from military to modern, introducing spandex, sequins, and the “wings.” She was part of the management team from 1981-1984 and served as Office Manager from 1997-2003.
Having adjudicated the Marching Band, Drum & Bugle Corps and Winter Color Guard activities since 1983, Shirley currently serves Director of Adjudication Philosophy for BDPA/USBands, Judge Development Manager for Winter Guard International, and Director of Judge Education for the Winter Guard Association of Southern California.
Shirley has also instructed the Santa Clara Vanguard color guard, the Arizona Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Clovis West and James Logan High School marching band programs.
Founder of The Center for Performance and Achievement in they SF Bay Area, Shirley holds an MA in Counseling Psychology, with a Certificate in Sport Psychology and specializes in training performers throughout the world for optimal achievement. Her book, PERFORMING AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME, is available at www.PerformAndAchieve.com.