The History of The Edmonton Strutters Drum & Bugle Corps dates back to 1963 at the inception of the Medical Corps, when an all-male musical unit marched out of the Prince of Wales Armory in Edmonton. They operated as a function of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve. In this same year, many members from the Armed Forces Corps banded to form a co-ed group named, “The Northernaires Drum & Bugle Corps”, under the sponsorship of Molson’s Brewery. In that year, they used the brewer’s colors for their uniforms – blue and gold.
In keeping with the pioneer heritage of Edmonton, the name was later changed to “The Klondike Drum & Bugle Corps”.
In 1967, the Corps acquired a new sponsor – The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club, through their main half-time sponsor, Canada Dry Limited becoming, “The Edmonton Eskimo Wink Strutters” and they wore colors of Green and Gold, representing the colors of Canada Dry’s Wink Soft Drink.
Incorporated on October 8th, 1968 the Edmonton Strutters became a self supporting organization. Highlights include winning silver and bronze medals at the World Music Festival in Kerkrade, Holland. In 1976, The Strutters founded a Junior Corps, called the Edmonton Sabers Drum & Bugle Corps. The group continues to operate independently today as the Edmonton Sabers Marching Band. In 1977, the 1st Canadian Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps was formed using the red and black uniforms of the British Royal Dragoon Horsemen. That year, “Drum Corps News” was so impressed that their headline read: “The 1st Canadian Regiment Commands a Stunning Physical Presence”. In 1982, the 1st Canadian Regiment participated in the prestigious “Tournament of Roses Parade” in Pasadena, California.
During the next several years, the Strutters faced economic difficulties and declining membership. In 1988, in an attempt to turn the tide, the Corps decided to choose new uniforms depicting a much more casual style; the name “The 1st Canadian Regiment” was dropped and the Corps returned to the name of “The Edmonton Strutters Drum & Bugle Corps”. In 1990 The Edmonton Strutters once again received recognition, being ranked 9th out of 36 in the Division III annual Drum Corps International World Championships held in Buffalo, New York, and 2nd out of 40 groups at the Canadian Nationals held in Hamilton Ontario. The Strutters began to see steady growth and maturity in their programs throughout the 1990's, obtaining many accolades and performance awards in their community and beyond. In 2004, the corps found themselves obtaining placement as Drum Corps International World Championship Finalists.
Into this new millennium, The Strutters have continued to offer a progressive and innovative performing arts program for youth. The Edmonton Strutters continue to proudly represent their City of Champions and the Province of Alberta nationally and to the World. |
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