1965

On the strength of a very good showing in 64, the Kingsmen moved into the winter season with great anxiety. Minor changes were made in the music as it was a year to perfect what we had and rise even higher in 1965 and this the Corps did to say the least.

Open house was held in November with great success as far as acquiring new members and also for promoting drum corps in the area. Movies were shown and demonstrations put on by the various sections of the Corps. This was followed by an informal party which was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

A new venture was taken on this winter as the Color Guard started competing in Guard Contests and doing a very commendable job in their first year of competition.

Once again the time arrived for The Annual Banquet and it was held on December 3, 1965 at the Fire Hall on Lake Street. With Jack Keller as chairman the plans were formulated and carried out with a tremendous turn out.

Kingsman of the year – Tom Zimmerman
New Member “ “ – Bob LaDuca

With the first of the year the Corps moved into high gear. The drum line increased to 5 snares, 5 tenors, 3 bass drums, 3 cymbals and 2 rudimental bass drums. Another contra-bass was obtained and the horn line became a solid 36 men.

Early in March drill rehearsal was started in Hamburg High School Gymnasium which carried us right into outdoor practice while some snow remained on the ground. Snow and cold weather did not hamper the spirit it only gained momentum as we prepared for our summer contests.

On April 24th we sponsored a standstill contest at Kleinhan’s Music Hall before 1,100 spellbound people. In competition were The Crusaders from Rochester; The Commanders from Hamilton, Ont.; The Ambassadors from Toronto and The Gauchos from Fulton, N.Y. [Syracuse Brigadiers is added in the margin] The Crusaders scored an impressive victory but every Corps was sensational.

Corps Appearance Schedule 1965

Batavia, N.Y. 6-5-65 2nd place $400
Hamilton, Ont. 6-12-65 4th place $400
Warren, Pa. 6-19-65 2nd place $500
Rochester, N.Y. 6-26-65 1st place $1,200
Oswego, N.Y. 7-4-65 3rd place $500
Dunkirk, N.Y. 7-10-65 2nd place $500
Buffalo, N.Y. 7-17-65 4th place $250 (State Legion)
Syracuse, N.Y. 7-24-65 2nd place $900
Rome, N.Y. 7-31-65 3rd place $500
Buffalo, N.Y. 8-14-65 1st place $1,300
Utica, N.Y. 8-21-65 1st place $1,000
Helmuth, N.Y. 8-22-65 1st place $300
Falconer, N.Y. 8-28-65 2nd place $600
Salamanca, N.Y. 9-4-65 1st place $250 (NY-Penn)
Endicott, N.Y. 9-11-65 2nd place $275 (NY-Canadian)

Total $8,875

Record: 5 victories, 6 seconds, 2 thirds, 2 fourths

Total from competitions $8,875
Parades & Exhibitions $1,200
Total $10,075

Highlights of the Year “1965”

The M&M execution held our corps back in the first three contests but the Drums and Bugles were working beautifully.

On June 2 at “The Tournament of Drums” the Corps scored a tremendous upset and captured 1st place by beating the Interstatesmen by .5 tenths of a point, our score 81.55.

The following week on the 4th of July we took a long ride to Oswego, N.Y. and placed 3rd behind The Crusaders & Syracuse.

On the 17th of July at our first State Competition we did not produce the goods after a fine showing the week before in Dunkirk and the result was a disappointing 4th.

A determined Corps practiced hard because on the next Sat. we had a very big contest in Syracuse, N.Y. competing against Hawthorne, Princemen, Marksmen and Reilly. What an unbelievable show we put on. Hawthorne stood on the sidelines amazed as was everyone in the stands.

The Kingsmen received the biggest ovation of the evening as most of the crowd and many of the Cabs thought we were winners. Cabs scored 83.9, Kingsmen 81.10 and the closest other Corps, the Princemen, 75.6.

Right on to Rome, N.Y. and once again great. Within 3 points of first and our first victory over Syracuse and by 1.5 pts.

Improving with each performance the Corps won at both Buffalo and Utica, N.Y. beating The Brigadiers both times.

Our only losses the rest of the season were to The Crusaders who went to Seattle Oregon [sic] to become National Champs and guess to pushed them to the top.

Officers

Don Ahrens – Pres.
Tom Zimmerman – V. Pres
Sam Hutka – Treas.
Jack Keller – Bus. Mgr.
Dick O’Dell Corps Comm.

Instructors

Milt Shettler – Bugles
Doug Reynolds – Drums
Mac McClain – M&M

Drum Majors – Mac and Dave Betts
Guard Capt. – Pete Brown

Respectfully submitted,
Jack Keller