Charley Poole started his drum corps career in 1957 at the age of six. He was a four-time Connecticut and Northeastern States Individual Snare Drum Champion, as well as a three-time All-American National Champion. His many accolades include induction into the World Drum Corps, Drum Corps International, Massachusetts Drum Corps, and Boston Crusaders Halls of Fame, and he is a recipient of the United States Association of Rudimental Drummers Lifetime Achievement Award.