Trumbull Cadets

The Trumbull Cadets were formed in 1966 or 1967 in Trumbull, Connecticut. In Connecticut almost every town had a drum corps in the 1960s, and the Cadets were a respectable drum corps for its time, being very competitive throughout the state.

The Cadets was organized and directed by Sam Walker. The horn instructor was Wayne Hiller, the drum instructor Earl Stirtz, and William Briea was in charge of the color guard.

The Trumbull Cadets performed standstill concerts for its first two years of existence. It then advanced to field competition, under the M&M direction of Jack Sullivan. The corps finished as high as 25th in the World Open, in 1970.

After the corps split up in 1973, the majority of its marchers migrated to the Emerald Cadets, based in nearby New Haven.

Although never a top contender, the Trumbull Cadets did provide a great experience for all involved. The corps’ achievements are especially noteworthy considering that members came to the drum corps experience in the 1960s and 1970s without any musical training. Everything they achieved was through the patience and teaching of the instructors, and the desire of the corps members themselves.

[Jeffrey A. Amoroso]

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