Braves

In October of 1951, the Braves drum and bugle corps organized as the Braintree Corps Juniors, a feeder unit to the Braintree Seniors, later known as the Braintree Warriors.

They participated in the Eastern Massachusetts (E-Mass) “Class C” association, performing in parades and exhibitions in their inaugural year before entering the field of competition in 1953, under the sponsorship of the Braintree American Legion Post 86, placing 4^th at the E-Mass circuit championships. They followed up with 3^rd (1954) and 2nd (1955) place finishes, winning the E-Mass “Class C” championships for the first time in 1956 under their new name, the Braintree Braves.

Over the next two seasons, the corps went through a rebuilding phase, continuing participation in the E-Mass circuit and claimed their 2^nd E-Mass “Class C” championship in 1959. They were runner-up in the 1960 and 1961 campaigns before being crowned the 1962 champions, their 3^rd and final championship title. The next two seasons saw the Braves finish in 3^rd place at the championship finals, competing within the circuit from 1965 to 1968 and captured the 1969 Rhode Island “Class B2” circuit title before going back to parade and exhibition status the following season. Over the 60’s, the instructional staff included such individuals as Ed Denon and Paul Palange, members of the Lieutenant Norman Princemen senior corps, John Fisher, Paul Schrader, Robert Schrader, Marilyn Steele and Allen Turner.

In 1970, a shift in the organization transpired as the Braintree Warriors merged with the Sacred Heart Sabres to form the Union Brigade. The new “Union” decided to keep both of their feeder corps intact, hence the Braves remained active that year as a parade and exhibition unit. They however went inactive for the 1971 and 1972 summer seasons before reactivating to field competition in 1973 under the direction of Jim Buglio, who took over management of the corps, a position he would keep until their final appearance over 25 years later. In fact, he was considered the most loyal and dedicated person ever connected to the Braintree drum corps family, where he began his marching career with both the Braves and Warriors.

The corps was reinstated in the E-Mass circuit in 1974, competing until 1977. Over the years, the corps was also a member of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) circuit. From 1978 to 1981, the corps went back to inactive status but the organization remained determined, as they continued to work towards fielding once again in the near future. In 1982, their realizations were met and the Braves were back on the field, remaining competitive until 1999 in the E-Mass “Class C” division. The corps was renown as being the smallest corps to ever hit the competitive scene, often fielding between 5 to 10 members. What they lacked in membership more than made up in spirit and dedication.

In 2000, the corps remained active with local events and celebrated their 50^th anniversary in 2001 with an exhibition before disbanding in 2002.

DCW, 5/04, p.29; Paul Legault (DCX)

Members (1)