In The News: Picturing the Past – The Heyday Of Drum And Bugle Corps

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Sally Hall of Springfield remembers fondly the heyday of competitive drum and bugle corps teams in Springfield.

“During the period of 1968 through 1981 the American Legion and VFW posts of Springfield along with various other local merchants and businesses helped sponsor three drum and bugle corps. In the fall of 1968, the Falcons, above left, were formed. In the spring of 1970, the Capital Chargers, above right, were formed. During the fall of 1974, the Falcons and Capital Chargers merged to form the Statesmen, top. During this time period, approximately 600 young men and women from the ages of 13–21 marched with these corps. During a typical marching season, it was not uncommon for one of these corps to travel an average of 10,000 miles to perform in numerous parades, competitions and exhibitions. Eating fast food and sleeping on the floors of churches and schools was the lifestyle for these drum corps nuts. Marching in long parades, followed by intense practicing in parking lots and fields for the evening shows, helped to build strong character in these young individuals.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Posted by on Saturday, May 15th, 2010. Filed under DCI World.