Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps

The Connecticut Hurricanes, an all-age, co-ed, competitive drum and bugle corps hailing from the Lower Naugatuck Valley of the State of Connecticut, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

The Hurricanes, also known by their nickname the Hurcs, are one of seven charter member corps of Drum Corps Associates, (DCA). The Hurricanes reign as the oldest, continually active organization in the DCA.

Founded in 1932 in Derby Connecticut as the John H. Collins American Legion Post Fife Drum & Bugle Corps, the Hurcs have called the Lower Naugatuck Valley home, for periods in Derby, Shelton, Ansonia as well a their current base of Seymour, for over eighty years.

Mission statement

"The mission of the Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps^[1] is to provide a competitive platform on which members can build successful healthy lifestyles through music and performance, as well as to promote artistic excellence. Emphasis is placed on development of self-esteem, self-motivation and self-reliance. It encourages team work, sportsmanship, civic pride and contributions of ones personal best to a group effort geared toward individual achievement of common goals. It is an education designed to help members become the best they can be."

History

The extensive history of the Hurricanes^[2][3] can be divided into three distinct periods as follows;

Pre-competitive years, 1932-1954

The Hurricanes were formed in 1932 and were originally known as the John H. Collins Post Fife Drum & Bugle Corps. Members were predominantly veterans from WWI. They thrived as a parade corps for twenty three years accompanying the John H. Collins American Legion Post in local parades as well as to the American Legion’s State and National Conventions throughout the U.S.A. In the post WWII years of the 1940s the ranks were swelled by returning vets, as well as many new members, and the interest began shifting towards competitive field competition, an activity rapidly gaining in popularity. The fifes were phased out beginning in 1949 as the corps transformed to drums and bugles only.

Pre-DCA, 1955-1963

The Corps officially transformed into a competitive field corps in 1955 and became a member of the Northeastern Circuit. Hurricane Diane and Hurricane Connie, powerful back to back storms that devastated the Naugatuck Valley of Connecticut in 1955, served as the inspiration to change the name of the corps to the Connecticut Hurricanes in that very first year of competition. The fledgling corps endured the expected growing pains that accompanied the transition in those first few years, but a top notch instructional staff and gritty determination propelled the Corps towards new heights and they would eventually become one of the premier corps of the Northeastern Circuit, where they competed through 1963, garnering two championships.

Modern years (DCA), 1964-present

In 1964 on the heels of a successful rise to prominence in the Northeastern Circuit, the Hurricanes became a charter member of Drum Corps Associates (DCA).^[4] Since that inaugural year of DCA competition, they have captured three DCA Championship titles, (1967, 1969 and 1981) and have failed to reach the finals in the DCA championship contest but three times, (1986, 1989 and 2003). The Hurricanes have finished in the coveted top five in DCA finals competition a respectable twenty four times.^[5]

Identity

There are several distinguishing characteristics the give the Hurricanes their unique identity.^[6][7] Among them are;

• The Hurricanes are often introduced as “The Pride of Connecticut.”
• The official colors of the Hurricanes are green, black and white. In a nod to their weather themed name, they feature a lightening bolt prominently on their uniform.
• The official logo is a shield containing two Storm Warning flags (Hurricane Warning) slashed by a green lightening bolt.
• The designated theme song identified with the Hurricanes is the theme from The Magnificent Seven
• The official street beat of the Hurricanes is “Downfall of Paris” as well as the marching beat known as “The Horse Walk.”
• The Corps song is sung to the melody of They Call the Wind Maria

Championships

Major Titles garnered by the Hurricanes;^[8]

• Northeastern Circuit Champions, 1962 & 1963
• World Open Senior Champions, 1964
• American Legion National Champions, 1967
• National Dream Champions, 1967, 1968 & 1969.
• Drum Corps Associates Champions, 1967, 1969 & 1981

Notable alumni

• The Hurricanes Hall of Fame^[9] was established in 1994^[10] to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated a high level of commitment, dedication and contribution to the Corps as well as the marching arts community. As of 2013 the Hall of Fame has enshrined sixty five Hurricanes for their outstanding service.
• There are forty six Hurricane alumni^[11] who have distinguished themselves in the realm of drum corps as well as the marching arts community on the whole that have been recognized as such through induction into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame^[12][13] and/or the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame.^[14]

References

External links

• Official website
• Drum Corps Associates