(via Dunner’s)
My very good friend VKGARRY sent me an e-mail today to let me know that the Purple Lancers of Auburn, NY is being reborn. That’s excellent news. For those of you not as well versed in your drum corps history 
, the Purple Lancers started out as a senior corps in 1949 (as most corps of that era did), with the senior corps eventually folding in 1957. However, in 1960, the Purple Lancers were revived as a junior corps and became very prominent among the many, many New York State corps of the late 60s and early 70s, winning the state’s American Legion championship in 1974 (which was a very big deal in those days) and placing tenth in the DCI Open Class finals that year. The Purple Lancers were and still are the only New York State drum corps to have ever placed in the 35 years of DCI’s Open Class/Div. I finals. (Those were the days when making the DCI finals was truly an achievement, where you had 56 other corps to compete against in the 1974 prelims to make 12 spots, compared to the measly 22 corps competing in 2007 for the same 12 spots.) And then the corps collapsed that winter, and all of us in New York drum corps were stunned.
Link: Purple Lancers Drum & Bugle Corps
of Auburn, New York, Inc.
I’ve been writing about the LACK of a New York contender Corps in the DCI activity for years. DCI never promoted much in the NYC area where I lived. Plus our director didn’t like what DCI represented. The drum corps activity is a faded echo in my community. I stopped going to DCI shows years ago. I got tired of rooting for corps that didn’t represent my state. I no longer had a hometown team. That’s a real shame that New York nevr produced another contender for DCI after the Purple Lancers. By the way, I marched with St. Rita’s Brassmen. We would had made finals easily in 72 and 73. Ihave no regrets that we didn’t go. Look wahere the activity is today. Could I have afford to march at these prices these youn adults spend today?
At least corps are better in todays drum corps world…
different, not better. cars in the 1930’s were not inferior to todays cars, just different. by the way, that s what they evolution.
I’m part of the “New” Purple Lancers as a Contra player and were growing and improving, we kick ass, alot of ass ha but were really focusing on the roots of the purple lancers and we’re always looking for new members!!!
those were some good times. I was 1 yr too young for the lancer cadets the last yr. but did play in Freedom drum and bugle corps with some of the next generations best.
I did march in the 74 purple lancers and i can tell you it was the best drumcorps experience I had in all the years I have been part of this activity You go Purple Lancers Hope to see you in DCI finals someday again
Yes, I too was a tad to young to be in purple lancers, but was in their feeder corp. the Lancer Cadets then to Freedom D&B Corp. I so wish that Auburn could get back on the map with a D & B. It is an awsome experience, one that you will remember for life! Not to include the friends you make!
I remember you in the lancer cadets drum corps and then in the freedom corps. I marched with you in the feeder corps in 1975 and 1976. I then went on to march with Squires and then Garfield in 1980, 1982 and 1984. I also remember your family was very active in the corps. Like you, i wish to see a drum corps come from Auburn that will once again be in the top 12. Say hello to your family and I hope time has been good to everyone.
Sincerely, Kevin S Haines
WOW, Great to hear those names again from the Lancer Cadets. I remember both you guys and your families.I marched three years with the lancer Cadets then advanced to the Purple Lancers,practiced a couple months with them but that was the year they folded; I never got to take the field as a Purple Lancer.That was a bummer, but it didn’t diminish all the great times had while marching in the Cadets.Best wishes to you guys , say hello to families for me……..Purple Pride Never Dies. Also, special thanks to all the parents and directors who gave their time so we could have these memories.
Go to auburnpurplelancers .com for latest “youtube links to our i debut of our winter ensemble.Very successful evening.Standing ovation from approximately 225 patrons at Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Our call goes out to current and former brass players..Need contra bass players along with baritone and mello’s This will fill out our brass ensemble and make us great .Percussion can always use snare and tenor players..but as you listen to their solo part called “Illumination “you will marvel at its talent level..Come join the corps now for performances throughout the winter months we have a number of performaces already planned before Feb 2010. Come to our next practice on Nov 22 from 12 noon to 4pm..Check website for practice location..Now is the time to join and prepare yourself to a great exhibition season.The Purple Lancers are and all age drum corps..
Richard Gagliardi-President