Drum & Bugle Corps
In August of 1930, the American Legion Acadia Post 15 formed a committee to organize a drum ad bugle corps. The committee was comprised of Charles J. Macholl, Chairman, and Dorsey Peckham, and M.L. McCorkle. By March of 1931, 25 Legionnaires had signed up.
The Crowley Drum & Bugle Corps made its first appearance on the streets of the city on August 3, 1932. Under the musical direction of Professor Fowler Lendennie, the group marched from Crowley High School (then located in the 1100 block of North Parkerson Avenue) to Third Street downtown. The band performed several numbers for the hundreds of citizens who had gathered for the occasion.
New uniforms purchased in July of 1933 featured white trousers, blue caps, and blue jackets. The Corps attended state conventions of the American Legion and won state championships for five consecutive years 1933 through 1937. When Crowley’s first Rice Festival was held in connection with the city’s Golden Anniversary on October 5, 1937, the Drum & Bugle Corps was a part of the program. During this time, A.B. Core, Sr. served as director, while E. Dorsey Peckham was the drum major.
Over the next few years the band participated in fewer events as many members moved from Crowley or joined the military. However, the group reorganized and in September of 1943, members of the Rice City Drum & Bugle Corps, with Peckham still leading the band as drum major, participated in a war bond drive. This reorganization resulted in the election of the following officers: Bob Schlicher, President, E.P. Richard, Vice-president, Isaac “Ike” Broussard, Secretary-Treasurer, Bert Lehman, business manager, Nic Broussard, bugle sergeant, and E. Dorsey Peckham, drum major.
As World War II intensified, there were very few activities. However, by 1948 under the leadership of Charles Macholl and Jackson Hoffpauir, the band resumed its activities. In 1954, 38 members of the Rice City Drum & Bugle Corps captured first place in competition at the state convention in Baton Rouge. The Corps participated in the parade march during the National Convention in Washington, D.C.
The Corps disbanded soon after this.
