US Coast Guard Academy

The origin of this special group dates back to 1972, when the Windjammers was formed as a traditional marching band to provide the cadets of the Coast Guard Academy with a meaningful music program. This band evolved from a traditional military marching band to a contemporary, bell-front, corps-style band and finally to a full-fledged drum and bugle corps.

The current corps is made up of cadets aged 17 to 21. Unlike other junior corps, the Windjammers annually puts its show together in just five weeks for an August-to-December performing season.

Since its founding, the Windjammers have performed with distinction at special events, festivals and competitions throughout the United States. Some of their most memorable performances include NFL halftime shows for the Redskins, Colts, Eagles, Bills, Giants and Patriots; the Cherry Blossom Festival in our nation's capital, Fall Foliage Festival in North Adams, Massachusetts, and the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina. Special performances over the years have included the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, several presidential inaugurals, Walt Disney World, and the Shrine Bowl at Molson Stadium in Montreal, Quebec. Participating in the Inter-service Band Competition against Navy and Air Force in Colorado Springs is another highlight for the group.

The 2003 Windjammer presentation, based on the music of the Tijuana Brass, included such well-known favorites as "America" from the "West Side Story," "Love Potion #9," "Tijuana Taxi," and "Malaguena."

"Pride in Performance" is the Windjammers' motto.

[DCW, 5/04, p.30; http://www.cga.edu/cadetlife/activities/windjammersdrumandbuglecorps.htm]

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