GALLERIES:
Decades
Corps
2019
Shows
Photos
Collections
People
Publications
Blog
Links
Newest

Troopers

Casper, WY United States
Founded: 1957

Active Junior
World Class
Return to
Results from final championship competition of the year
  • Position: 19
  • Score: 73.650
Repertoire for 2000
Symphony of Freedom
America The Beautiful by Samuel A. Ward | Katharine Lee Bates Americas Greatest Hits - Platinum Distribution - #3660 ASIN: B000000BMS
America's Struggle by Original Original - based on Star Spangled Banner
America (from West Side Story) by Leonard Bernstein Dave Grusin : West Side Story
Amazing Grace by Frank Ticheli Frank Ticheli version
Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa Tintypes - Original Broadway Cast - DRG 5196
The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps is a World Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps based in Casper, Wyoming.

James E. "Jim" Jones, a Casper, Wyoming building contractor and United States Army Air Forces veteran of World War II had won the American Legion individual snare drum championship as a member of Casper's Sons of the American Legion drum and bugle corps, in which he had also been the corps manager from age fifteen. To give a younger generation the same opportunities, Jones formed the Troopers in 1957 as an activity for local youth/ He did so in a veritable drum corps vacuum on the Great Plains, where there were no other corps for hundreds of miles around. In order to fund the new corps, Jones personally took out a $4,000 loan to buy drums and bugles. He decided to name the new corps the Troopers in honor of the 11th Ohio Cavalry, a U.S. Army unit stationed at Fort Caspar, Wyoming Territory during the Civil War to protect telegraph and mail service and the supply trains traveling west on the Oregon, California and Mormon trails. The Troopers' initial sponsor was the same Casper American Legion that had sponsored his own earlier S.A.L. corps. The corps' first cavalry uniforms were made from hand-me-down items and Boy Scout uniforms at a cost of about cost $13 each.

Early on Jones established the policy that "if a kid wanted to be in it, he could," a policy that continued for many years. As part of the open-door policy, the corps was co-ed, allowing and encouraging girls to perform right alongside boys from the very beginning, although the guard remained exclusively female for many years. The Troopers appeared in public for the first time at the state American Legion Convention.in Riverton, Wyoming, There they began their long tradition of Western-themed shows by playing "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "Wagon Wheels," and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." After its first season as only a parade corps, in 1958 the corps entered its first field competitions. . Because of their hometown's location, far from most competition, the Troopers were one of the pioneers of long-distance bus travel, a concept now central to the summer drum corps experience. Jim Jones chartered passenger buses to carry the Troopers around the country on trips that would last for several weeks, making the corps a "touring corps." Jones fairly well wrote the book on drum corps travel, establishing principles and practices that are standard today. To help cover the expenses of their touring, the corps' buses were then, as they still are today, accompanied by the "Sheep Wagon", a trailer set up to look like a small covered wagon that sells Troopers souvenirs wherever they perform.

The corps' first national competition came at the 1961 American Legion National Championships in Dallas, where the corps finished fourth. In 1965 the corps won their first major title, the World Open. The next year, they were VFW National Champions. The Troopers went on to win the World Open in 1969 and 1970, CYO in 1968, '69 and '70, and then VFW again in 1970. They also performed on national TV in 1970 during halftime of a Minnesota Vikings game. In 1971, the Troopers were the stars of their own television special, "The Troopers Are Coming", narrated by actor Walter Brennan.

The Troopers were one of the innovators in the move away from strictly linear drill; they introduced a circular drill element, the "Sunburst" which drew enthusiastic crowd approval for many years. Meanwhile, the corps' musical theme was unabashedly patriotic and celebratory of the Western tradition and of national patriotism, earning them the nickname, "America's corps. 

In 1971, Jim Jones and Cavaliers founder Don Warren pulled together the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers to form the Midwest Combine. This was a reaction to the rigid, inflexible rules of the American Legion and VFW (the primary rule makers and sponsors of both corps and shows) and the low or nonexistent performance fees paid for appearing in the various competitions. A similar group of Eastern corps, the United Organization of Junior Corps (also known as the "Alliance"), was formed by the 27th Lancers, Garfield Cadets, Boston Crusaders, Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, and Blue Rock. These corps stated that not only were they having their creative potential as artistic performing groups stifled, but they were being financially starved. The Combine and Alliance members further declared that the corps should be making their own rules, operating their own competitions and championships, and keeping the bulk of the monies those shows earned.

For the 1971 season, the Combine corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the Combine corps were not only booked into a number of shows together, but they found a host for a show of their own, which was a spectacular success despite fears of failure.

In 1972, the Troopers, along with the nine other corps from the Midwest Combine and the Alliance, plus the Anaheim Kingsmen, Argonne Rebels, and De La Salle Oaklands were founding members of Drum Corps International (DCI), which remains as the sanctioning body for junior corps in North America.

The Troopers were Top 12 Finalists at the first four DCI Championships, 1972-75, returning to Finals in '89 and '81. When DCI went to a preims, semifinals, finals format in 1983, Troopers were in semis seven out of the first eight years and in Finals two of those years.. In 1985, the year of Jim Jones' induction in the DCI Hall of Fame, the Troopers shifted musically to a more sophisticated repertoire, initially especially featuring that of Aaron Copland, and the color guard got new, more contemporary uniforms. The changes helped propel the corps back into DCI Finals, at ninth place--- the corps has not finished higher since then. The Troopers had opened 1985 also by marching in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.

In the middle of the 1980s, the Wyoming legislature declared the Troopers the "Official Musical Ambassadors" of the state. The corps spent a large part of 1990 traveling throughout the state to help celebrate the Centennial of the State of Wyoming.

Jim Jones retired as director in 1988, after 30 years at the helm of the corps. Trooper alumni who are also DCI Hall-of-Famers include Fred Sanford, Pete Emmons, and Gene Monterastelli..

For some years following Jim Jones' retirement, the Troopers struggled to attract members and quality staff. The corps gained DCI semifinals only three timesa between 1989 and 2005, the last being in 1995. During those years, the corps also began to encounter financial difficulties.

The Troopers went inactive for the 2006 season to reorganize.

Opening their program with "Ghost Riders in the Sky," the Troopers returned to the field in 2007 bigger, better, and with a more stable organization. The corps returned to DCI semifinals in 2008, the first time in a dozen years.

The 2009 "Western Side Story" show, a "westernized" program loosely based on the classic Broadway hit by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim placed 12th at the DCI Championships. It was the Troopers first finalist appearance since 1986--- two or more years before any of that season's members had been born.

Although the Troopers have not returned to Finals since 2009, they have challenged for a placement and have been a semifinalist every year since with shows that once would have easily been in Finals. Only the recent overall growth in the strength of nearly every other corps has prevented their being more successful.

Continuing Jim Jones' philosophy, the Troopers of the 21st century, often called "America's Corps," carry on their long traditions of honor, loyalty, and dedication.


[The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps; Encyclopedia of Drum and Bugle Corps, 1966; A History of Drum & Bugle Corps, Vickers, 2002-03; Drum Corps World, multiple issues; Drum Corps International]




Members (118)

Member Name Section Years Involved
Bailey, Trevor Brass 2003 to 2006
Beerman, Jon Soprano 1983 to 1984
Beraun, Sergio Mellophone 2003
Beraun, Sergio Soprano 2004
Blair, Joshua Mellophone 2002
Boden, Kenneth Soprano 1982
Boyce, Jonathan Bassline(auditioning) 2004
Boyce, Jonathan bassline 2004
Bradford, Scott Baritone 1998 to 2001
Brown, Erik Soprano 2000
Brown, Robyn Guard 1984
Carlson, Chris snare 2003
Chagnon, Pat Hornline 1987
Claussen, Mikahla colorguard 2003
Coppinger, Jonathan Snare 2007 to 2011
Crocker, Greg Soprano 1989 to 1990
Cross, Megan Baritone 2005; 2007 to 2008
Cuglietta, Ethan Trumpet 2007 to 2009
Davenport, Paul Baritone 2007 to 2009
Deisher, Kevin Soprano 1981
Delohery, Amy Soprano 1980 to 1981
Dillavou, Phil Contra 2004
Donelson, Al Contrabass 1979 to 1981
Doogan, Tom Percussion 1982
Eagle, Wes Contra 1999
Fairchild, Allyson Colorguard 2003 to 2008
Fairchild, Allyson Rifle/Colorguard 2003 to 2005; 2007 to 2008
Feuerborn, David Baritone 2005
Feuerborn, Lory Colorgaurd 2005 to 2012
Feuerborn, Mark Contra 2004 to 2005
Fiedler (Smith), Kellie Colorguard 1989 to 1992
Fiedler, Shannon Drum Line 1990 to 1992
Fleenor, Clinton Percussion 1983
Foley, Kristina Soprano 2002 to 2004
Fouse, Courtney Color Guard 2005
Freelend, Mike Mellophone 2004 to 2005
Gilbert, Chuck Brass 1989 to 1990
Gough, Michael Soprano/Drum Major 2000 to 2003
Gough, Michael Soprano 2001 to 2002
Gough, Michael Drum Major 2003 to 2004
Gough, Michael America's Core (Documentary) 2007
Gough, Michael Hell Bent For Victory (Documentary) 2009
Greenwald, John M percussion 1976
Grissom, Chris Colorguard 2000
Grissom, Chris Colorguard 2000
Guldin, Justene Mellophone 2005
Hawley, Spencer Color Gaurd 2002
Hawley, Spencer Color Guard 2002
Hersh, Justine Baritone 2003
Hill, Samuel Soprano 2005
Holden III, Charles Baritone 2002
Holtz, Erin Mellophone 2004 to 2005
Jankowski, Debbie Flag Line 1981
Johnson, Tamara Color Guard 2005
Jones, David Brass Tech 1999 to 2000
Kawai, Daigo Mellophone 2003
Kimsey, Amy Mellophone 1984
Kimsey, Amy Marching Tech 1985
Koehn, Eli ContraBass 2002 to 2003
Koehn, Eli Contrabass 2002 to 2005
Labrosse, Charlotte Contra Bass 1995
Leitzel, Alex Mellophone 2003
Lennox, Christopher Bass Tech 2009
Lippincott, Matthew Battery (snare) 1999
Lynge, Brandon Pit Percussion 2003
MAYEUX, RANDY Baritone 2002
MacKenzie, Yvette Mellophone 2005
Madonia, Jimmy Front Ensemble 2005
McDonald, Steve Pit 1985 to 1987
McLarty, Jerry Baritone 2007
Medford, Ed Contra, Visual, Drill Design, Pres. Inauguration 1987 to 1992; 2000 to 2001
Merchant, Wil Trumpet/Soprano 2012
Miehe, Nicholas Tuba 2010
Millard, Braden Soprano 2016; 2018
Murphy, Mat Hornline/Contrabass 1998 to 2003
Neely, Jen mellophone 2004
Oneyear, Kari Color Guard 1983
Pack, Connor Brass (Trumpet/Soprano) 2010 to 2012
Pack, Connor Trumpet 2010 to 2012
Paddie, John Bass Drum 2008
Perkins, Daniel Drum Major 1997 to 2002
Petropavlovskikh, Anastasia colorguard 2004 to 2007
Poste, Mike Cymbal Line 2001
Prescott, Kayla Guard 2003
Pyburn, Ariana Baritone 2007
Rayas, Jimmy brass 2003 to 2006
Rayas, Jimmy baritone/soprano 2003 to 2006
Richard, Kristen “KK” Visual Staff 2016
Riehl, Tim Tuba 2007
Ryals, Lauren Front Ensemble 2002 to 2005
Sampson-Davis, Kobina Trumpets 2015
Shortall, Mike Drumline 2007
Shreeman, Ryan Brass 2005 to 2007
Specht, Genny color guard 1995 to 1996
Srubar, Karl Bass line 2002
Srubar, Karl Bass line (Auditioning) 2005
Sturm, Eileen Guard 1986
Suzuki, Kenta cymbals 2004
Thiem, Vicki soprano 2004 to 2005; 2007 to 2008
Tonnies, Teresa rifle line 1977
Trader, Kyle Soprano 2004 to 2005
Underwood, Megan Guard-Flag 2003 to 2010
Uzick, Matt Trumpet 2010
Villarreal, Samuel Color Guard 1996; 1998
Waits, Gary Drum Line Cymbals 1980
Waits, Gary Drum Line Bass Drum 1981 to 1983
Watson, Scott Front Ensemble 2004 to 2005
Williams, Justine mellophone 2005
Williams, Tim Tenors/Quads 2003 to 2008
Wilson, Tristian Brass/Soprano 2000 to 2005
Wiselogel, Dieter Baritone/Euphonium/Contrabass 2003 to 2008
Woods, Josiah Soprano 2008
Young, Mike Baritone 2004 to 2005
ahram, danya Color Guard 2005
doherty, mike soprano 1972 to 1975
hawley, spencer color guard (flag) 2002
lewis, rufus timpani 1980 to 1981
riehl, tim contra 2004 to 2005

CORPS 87 items

Troopers

Troopers from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers 1 from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers 2 from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers Casper WY-2 from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers Casper WY-40thAnniversary from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers Casper WY-45thAnniversary from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers Casper WY-5 from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers

Troopers Casper WY-50thAnniversary from the Bill Ives Collection
Troopers
PDF Document

412-417, Troopers from the Steve Vickers Collection
Troopers

Drum-O-Rama Show Poster featuring the Troopers from the Steve Vickers Collection
Troopers

Drum-O-Rama Show Poster featuring the Troopers from the Steve Vickers Collection
Troopers

Troopers Compilation from the Steve Vickers Collection
Troopers

Troopers Compilation back from the Steve Vickers Collection
Troopers

Troopers Compilation inside from the Steve Vickers Collection
Troopers

Troopers 50 year History - 2008-2008 from the Steve Vickers Collection
Troopers

The Troopers Profile from the Steve Vickers Collection

LOADING.....

Privacy Notice
Copyright © 2017-2024 Modotech, Inc in partnership with the 21st Century Foundation d/b/a DCX: The Drum Corps Xperience