Bethesda Emerald Knights

The Bethesda Emerald Knights drum and bugle corps was originally founded in 1964 as the Hurricanes parade corps, sponsored by the Saratoga Cadet Corps, former VFW state champions.

They proudly represented Saratoga Springs in many area parades. Their goal was to build every year until they could one day take the field as a competitive unit. Unfortunately, the financial burdens of sponsoring a such a corps plagued their growth. In 1966, Jeff Perkins joined the group as assistant director, who had marched previously with the Interstatesmen.

In 1968, Father Thomas Parke, rector of the Bethesda Episcopal church, realizing their need for financial support, offered the church’s backing as their sponsor. Mainly through his dedication, the Bethesda Hurricanes were able to grow at an accelerated pace. In 1972, the corps was selected to march in the Great Salute to Israel parade, winning the coveted first prize. This was their first major victory. The corps finally entered the field of competition as members of the Yankee circuit, finishing in 3^rd place in the “Class B” championships. Jeff Perkins took over the role of director.

For the 1973 season, the corps changed its name to the Bethesda Emerald Knights, removing any past stigma that the group was a feeder corps to the Connecticut Hurricanes. They participated at their first regional event, placing 11^th at the World Open “Class B” preliminaries, one spot out of the finals. They also competed as members of the Northeastern circuit, placing 5^th in the championships. The Knights returned to 1974 World Open “Class B” preliminary round, improving to a 7^th place finish and competed at their only DCI championships, placing 44^th. They closed out the  season finishing 3^rd at the Northeastern circuit championships.

In the fall of 1974, Ron Ghetti, director of the Speigleaires and Jeff Perkins, director of the Bethesda Emerald Knights, met to discuss the possibility of a merger between the two organizations. From this meeting, the Avant Garde was born.

2^nd annual Pageantry in Brass program - 1973; Paul Legault (DCX)

CORPS 1 items

Bethesda Emerald Knights

EmeraldKnights,SaratogaSprings,NY,Pin1(GBA)J_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection

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