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From 1949 to 1957, the Carnicelli-Indelicato American Legion Post 1776 sponsored a Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, known as the Purple Lancers. The Corps was made up mostly of ex-servicemen and Legionnaires. They competed all over New York State against what were, at that time, the top drum and bugle corps in New York State, the East Coast, and the Midwest.
The Corps also carried the name of Auburn, NY to the American Legion National Conventions held in New York City and Washington D.C. At these Conventions, the Purple Lancers of Auburn, New York, thrilled and delighted people from all over the Country. As a result of business, Family obligations, and the start of the Korean War, the C&I Post deemed it necessary to disband the Purple Lancer Senior Corps temporarily. After the Korean War an attempt to revive the Purple Lancers did materialize for a short period of time. The Corps was disbanded after the 1957 season. In 1960 the Purple Lancers Junior Drum and Bugle Corps was formed and sponsored by the C-I Post 1776. This Corps was made up of boys from the ages of 11 through 18, who were doers not followers. They had a burning desire to be contributors and to be useful. In all the years of their existence, there was no one instance when one of the Corps members had been in trouble in school or with Law enforcement. From 1960 to 1962, the Junior Purple Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps participated in parades throughout Central New York. In 1962, they entered the field of competition for the first time. The Corps was made up, at this time, of boys and girls from the ages of 14 through 21. At the end of the 1962 season, many members knew they had real potential. In 1963, the Corps new uniforms gave them a new look and their hard work improved their sound. The publics response encouraged and spurred them on. In 1964, the instructors were: Jack Bullock, horns; Gus Barbaro, drums; Hardy Carrasus, drill. Devoted Corps Officers were: Tom Aubin, chairman; Nate Morabito, quartermaster; Lou Bernardoni, business manager. Talented field leadership included: Ron Finch, drum major and Jim Miller, color guard captain. The Corps continued on to greater heights and popularity from 1964 to 1974. Let us not forget the little guys "The Cadets" who eventually became Juniors. Through their hard work and dedication to perfection, the Junior Purple Lancers achieved Top 10 Status throughout New York State and Nationwide. Through their hard work and their instructors: Albert "Corky" Fabrizo, horn instructor; Ray Bennett, drum instructor, Phil Cerimelli, drill instructor; Billy Decker, percussion line and the number of Assistants along with their Devoted Corps Officers, they became New York State Champions in 1974. The zestful and snappy field drill accompanied the musical arrangements of: King of Kings, Lot of Living, March Grandioso, Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Sound of Music, Lonely Bull, The Party's Over and San Fransisco. The Corps traveled all over the East and Midwest to compete. Expenses were raised by the Families working at bake sales, spaghetti dinners, raffles and in other ways. Throughout the 1960's, The Junior Purple Lancers won competitions all over New York State and the East Coast, In 1972 they placed 10th in the National Competition. In 1974, their last performance challenged each member as heavy rains pelted them as they competed. Soaked uniforms did not dim their determination. With their heads held high, they finished their routine. News reports wrote, "the music melted the hearts of the audience." Unfortunately, for us, the Junior Corps ceased operation at the end of the 1974 season. The Junior Purple Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps left a memory in the hearts of many Auburnians. We can all be proud of the reputation they built and maintained during the years of their existence. In my opinion, "that was a Great Loss of ambassadorship for our City of Auburn and a loss of great talent they had developed." Joe Gagliano To All The Past Purple Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps Members and Their Devoted Officers. "Thanks for a Great Job" If anyone has pictures of the Corps that they would like to see on here, send them as a small sized file and they will be posted. |
Auburn Purple Lancers
Pictures from the Past (click to enlarge) 
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