Purple Lancers Drum & Bugle Corps

By: Clem Dagnesi & Joe Gagliano

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.

Off The Line in 1951 Gloversville, NY
from left to right-  GOOD LUCK!



New York City
from right to left- David Delarenzo, Clem Dagnesi, John Saricausa and Orazio (Riggi) Leonti

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.



Memorial Day Parade In Auburn in 1956
from left to right- John Guido, Mike Dagnesi, Carman Penna, Paul Gagliano,
Tom McNabb, Dick Gagliardi and Bill Moore.







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.


Parade in Auburn in the 1950's
Front row left to right- Mike Dagnesi, Jack Coraci, Carman Penna, John Relario, Sam Caruona
Second row - (getting names)

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.


1960"s

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.

Summer of 1969









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, percussionlineand the number of Assistants along with their
Devoted Corps Officers, they became
 New York State  Champions in 1974.


1974 rain soaked field did not dampen spirits.


Photo compliment of - Geoff Whiting - who marched with the Jr.'s

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, there 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"

Hopefully we can bring drum corps back soon.

If anyone has pictures of the Corps that they would like to see on here, send them to me and I will post them.
"Joe"