(Windsor, Ontario, Canada)
The Windsor Guardsmen was a Drum & Bugle Corps between 1966 and 1978.
They were formed in 1966 by Don Robitaille & Paul Davenport as a drill team & drum line. The first uniforms were green & white. The percussion instructors were Leon & Sylvester Smith of the Harrow Community Band. Brass instructor was Jack Jones of the Amherstberg Community Band. Colour guard & drill instructor was Linda DiNard or Praesidium All Girl Drum Corps. Guardsmen were the only Drum Corps in the area sorounded by many bands. Competitions were always a lengthy weekend road trip away.
In 1976 the corps won Great Lakes Jr. A Chapinonship. The following year they fielded a record 100 members plus consisting of 45 horns, 30 drums and 25 colour guards. Their look was fresh & bold with new taylor made blue on black uniforms. This would be their sixth uniform in 13 years.
They Executive Board of Directors were governed by Don Merlo, assisted by Leon Smith & John Zavitz and business manager Guy Hamel. Supported by a Booster Club and a Winterio Project.
After their pinnical year the corps started a downward spiral and folded in 1978 due to funding.
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