Precisionnaires

The Osage Precisionnaires were formed by American Legion Post #278 of Osage, Iowa in 1965 for boys. Originally 35 boys started in the parade unit. Within the first 9 years they were State Champions at the Legion contest held in Des Moines, Iowa in 1974. In 1975 the corps was 14th in the Drum Corps International contest held in Philadelphia, PA. at Franklin Field.

According to the History of Drum & Bugle Corps - Volume 1, pages 117 & 125 the corps holds the record for most improved season (1975). That season began with a score of 46 points and ended at DCI with 78.65 points. The corps was known for their Las Vegas style of show featuring Rock 'n Roll, Jazz, and Big Band arrangements. Doug Denisen was their horn arranger/instructor. He is also known for his association with the Argonne Rebels arrangements of "Love Story Theme" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" in 1971 and 1972.

After 10 years in competitive existence the corps still had 15 of it's original 35 boys marching. In 1967 it excepted girls into it's ranks and by 1976 had 110 members. Darvin 'Doc' Crosser was it's director from start to finish. In 1969 Doc was voted 'Director of the Year' by the Badgerland Association. The corps folded due to it's heavy financial burden on a small farm community of 3,500 people. The corps was known for it's friendly accomodations and attracted instructional staff from both coasts to the middle of Iowa's cornfields from 1973-1976.

The corps has several alumni playing music professionally to this day in 2005. Greg Orwell, long-time director of the Dubuque Colts, marched with the Precisionnaires in their last season, 1974.

Submitted by Mike Flack

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