Alliance of Greater Boston

In 1980, the Heightsmen of Arlington and Spectra of Weymouth merged to become the Spectra Heightsmen Alliance drum and bugle corps.

In their opening season, the corps participated in several regional championships including the VFW Nationals (6^th in finals), the World Open (9^th in finals), the CYO Nationals (11^th), DCI East (23^rd in prelims) and finished 40^th at the DCI “Open Class” championships. In 1981, under the “Alliance of Greater Boston”, the drum corps activity began to take notice of this relatively unknown group as they had made considerable strides year over year.

With appearances at the VFW Nationals (3^rd in finals), the American International Open (5^th in finals), the CYO Nationals (11^th), the World Open (14^th in prelims), their season culminated with a 27^th place finish at the DCI championships, two positions out of an “Associate” membership. In 1982, the St. Francis church in Weymouth dropped its support for a co-sponsored dual regional corps. The corps' only backing became the Heightsmen bingo game, even though they still practiced in Weymouth and Arlington and shuttled members back and forth by bus.

The corps had great success in 1982 under the guidance of newly hired George Zingali as they started attracting members from all over the region. Alliance continued improving in the rankings and competed in the most regionals to date. This resulted in strong showings at the American International Open (2^nd in finals), the Key to the Sea Open (5^th in finals), the World Open (7^th in finals), the US Open (9^th in finals), the CYO Nationals (11^th), the DCI Midwest (14^th in prelims) and a 17^th place finish at the DCI championships, achieving “Associate” membership. They were also crowned the 1982 Eastern Massachusetts champions.

In 1983, the corps continued to draw members from greater distances including the recently folded North Star. This would prove to be the most successful year in their short history with performances at the Key to the Sea Open (4^th in finals), the US Open (5^th in finals), the CYO Nationals (7^th) and a 14^th place finish at the DCI semifinals. The corps also defended their Eastern Massachusetts championship title.

Unfortunately, the Alliance of Greater Boston could not meet the financial demands of a touring corps and disbanded in 1984.

Merrett; David Vose; Paul Legault (DCX)

Name History (Frank Egan Nov 2017)

CORPS 2 items

Alliance of Greater Boston

Alliance,Boston,MA,LCP1-White(Site)J_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection

Alliance of Greater Boston

Alliance,Boston,MA,Pin1-GreaterBoston(RE-2.25)J_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection

LOADING.....