1993
Music
Ashokan Farewell
Cheyennes
Western Overture
Charles County Overture
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Awards & Recognitions
Represent Wyoming at President Clinton’s Inaugural Parade, Washington, DC
Corps Members
Drum Major: Mathew Krum
Guard Captains: Darci Reed, Bobbie Jo Spaine & Roger St. Vincent
From the 1993 Excitement of Sound, Houston, TX Program:
Earlier this year, Troopers crossed the country by bus to represent Wyoming at the Presidential Inaugural Parade. On the return home, the corps traveled much the same path as the settlers that went “Westward, Ho” during the mid to late 1800s. The Last Crossing – East Moves West represents the coming together of these immigrant cultures, both with one another and the Native Americans. The look of the guard has changed, with flags wearing costuming of the Sioux, Apache, Cheyenne, and Arapaho nations. The newly-coed rifle squad is dressed in a variation of the Cavalry outfit.
Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar shows the meeting of immigrant and native cultures, with flags representing the West, and horns and rifles coming out of the East. Although the initial introduction of the two forces is peaceful, tensions break into conflict in Cheyennes from Alfred Newman’s score to “How the West Was Won.” Battalion formations are surrounded by Native Americans armed with giant bows, with the ensuing clash of battle shown in the drill.
Thom Ritter George’s Western Overture, flavored with musical images of the settled West, is a jubilant work that sounds like it “belongs” to Troopers. After as short chorale from Joseph Wilcox Jenkins’ Charles Country Overture, the “mother of all renditions” of Battle Hymn of the Republic features an updated look at some of the classic drill moves of the past, highlighted by the appearance of several of the corps’ sponsor and victory silks (flags and banners) from years past.
The Troopers’ story began in 1957 when Casper, Wyoming contractor Jim Jones founded the corps. Since then, the corps has won 11 international titles including the World Open, VFW, American Legion, and CYO National titles. With uniforms fashioned after those worn by the 11th Ohio Cavalry, the Troopers have a reputation for discipline and excellence which are fundamental to their motto of “Honor, Loyalty and Dedication.” Wyoming’s only drum corps was instrumental in creating the concept of the modern-day touring drum and bugle corps. This year’s Troopers will have an extended tour in the state of Wyoming in addition to their national competitions. The 121 members of the 1993 corps include 1 drum major, 64 brass musicians, 30 percussionists, and 26 color guard members. The Troopers’ 35th anniversary show will combine rich traditions of the past with a new, innovative concepts when taking the field this summer.
