On August 7, 2004, an amazing number of original members of the 1954 Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights converged on Union, NJ, to commemorate the “1954 Gold Rush,” the 50th anniversary of the dual national championships won by the corps that year (American Legion and VFW).

Amazing, because the number represented almost 50% of the members who marched in 1954. Also amazing is the fact that both nationals were won just 26 months after the corps entered field competition for the first time — a feat that has not been duplicated in drum...

Executive Director George Lavelle is proud to announce that the Bridgemen Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps will host their inaugural open house on October 2, 2004. The festivities will begin at 7:00 PM in the Bayonne Senior Center (formally the St. Andrew’s Chapel).

From 7:00 to 8:00 PM will be registration. Visitors will receive an information package that will include all the things needed to get started with the Bridgemen. You will then register with the organization.

Registration will consist of corps registration, alumni association...

by Christina Mavroudis-Dempsey, DCW staff

Undefeated. It is a rare corps that can boast an undefeated season in their inaugural competitive year. In 2004, Arizona Academy did just that.

On June 19 at the “Moonlight Classic” in Stockton, CA, this virtually unknown corps, dressed only in black bibs, shakos and corps jackets, began their very first competitive show, and at first impact, had the crowd roaring its approval.

On July 6, at “Southwest Corps Connection” in Arizona, this same division II powerhouse ended their...

by John Stark, corps director

Almost two years ago, DCW reported on efforts to revive the Pembroke Imperials (“Imperials make a comeback” by Kelly Bitter). At that time we were just getting re-established.

The Imperials board of directors was in place; that was about it. We had some initial ideas of acquiring equipment and establishing a parade corps, with the hopes to someday becoming a competition corps.

I am happy to report that our efforts have brought forth some fruit. We are now well onto a course that pretty much...

The executive board of the Chicago Royal Airs Drum & Bugle Corps recently announced an annual scholarship for a member of a competitive Midwestern junior corps to help defray rising costs of participating in the activity. The minimum annual award will be $600.

The Ethel M. Devitt Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established through a gift from Dr. and Mrs. Jurgis Karuza, of Buffalo, NY, and the Devitt Family of Illinois. The Chicago Royal Airs will award this scholarship annually to one youth who meets specific criteria:

1. Be a...