Ambassadors

The Ambassadors drum and bugle corps was formed in 1948 under the direction of officer James Watson and sponsored by the Metropolitain Police Boys Club of Washington.

The corps was initially organized for civic and club functions as the Metropolitain Police Boys drum and bugle corps. In 1950, officer Harold Watson became coordinator of the corps with Edward Saunders directing. At that time, the corps participated in parades and civic events. Shortly thereafter, Lloyd McNeil took over as corps director.

In 1954, Aubrey Saxon became the corps director. With limited funds, the corps participated in local parades, the school Safety Patrol being the most popular. During the summer months, the corps attended summer camps, participating in the Board of Directors day activities.

In 1963, Larry McDonald became director of the corps. The Metropolitain Police Boys Club decided to transform the corps into a drum and bugle corps which included new instruments and a new uniform.

The corps, under their new name, the Ambassadors, began an upward swing, participating in National parades and events and in 1964, participated in their first parade outside of the state, in Philadelphia, and was awarded first prize. The following year, the Ambassadors placed 2^nd in the Amvets national convention parade in Boston, the National Cherry Blossom parade, winning the chairman’s trophy and 2^nd place in the Safety Patrol parade.

In 1966, the corps entered the field of competition as members of the Eastern States circuit. Their first contest was at the National Guard Armory where they made quite a hit in the drum corps activity. In 1967, they continued their progression that finally paid off the following season when the corps earned the right to compete in the Eastern States championship as part of the Southern division.

In 1968, the Ambassadors continued advancing as members of the Eastern States circuit’s “Southern Division” and enjoyed what was likely their most successful season in 1969. Bobby Johnson became corps director in 1970 after his tenure with the Marines drum and bugle corps, upholding the highly competitive standards developed over the years. In 1971, the corps went coed and remained active as a parade and exhibition unit from 1971 to 1975.

In 1976, the Ambassadors resumed field competition at the Eastern States championships, finishing in 15^th position, returning to parade status the following year.

The Metro Police Boys Club finally decided it no longer wanted to support the drum corps and they disbanded in 1978.