Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps
| Company type | Nonprofit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Performing arts |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Vincent Bruni |
| Defunct | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Rochester , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, international tours |
| Products | Drum and bugle corps performances |
The Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps was an all-age ensemble located in Rochester, New York, USA. Established in 1983, this corps uniquely achieved a top-four placement at the DCA finals for 24 straight years (1988–2011), including five occasions where they earned the championship title during that timeframe.
History
Having performed across more than twelve countries on three continents, the Empire Statesmen was founded by Vincent Bruni. The organization comprised both the Empire Statesmen Drum & Bugle Corps and the Empire Cadets, previously known as The Little Americans. Its membership primarily consisted of individuals from the Greater Rochester region as well as from various parts of the United States and Canada. The corps functioned as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity.
1997
During the 1997 season, the group’s repertoire featured pieces from the Broadway show Miss Saigon. At the DCA World Championships held in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the Empire Statesmen tied for first place alongside the Syracuse Brigadiers, each earning a score of 97.300. They remained undefeated throughout the regular season, with their sole defeat occurring during the Championship Preliminary round.
1998
The 1998 program included selections from West Side Story. That year, the Statesmen completed an unblemished season by capturing first place at the DCA World Championships in Allentown with a score of 97.900.
2004
In 2004, their show featured music from City of Angels. The Statesmen won their fifth DCA Championship title in Scranton, Pennsylvania, finishing with a score of 96.513.
Inactivity
After concluding their participation at the DCA Finals in Annapolis, Maryland following the 2013 season, the Empire Statesmen ceased active competition.