Eastern Oregon Corps
Corps are relationally grouped (if applicable)
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Go to “Historical Perspective” in the header above for additional Eastern Oregon Corps articles
For additional Pre-1960 Oregon Corps information, use the “Pre-1960 Corps” link in the header above.
Falcons – Athena-Weston, OR
Established: October 22, 1959 37
AKA: Athena-Helix-Weston Falcons, Falcons Jr.,
Adams-Athena-Weston Falcons
Founder/Manager/Director: 1959 – Lee Allen (see Pendleton Rangers) 37
Manager/Director: 1964 – Lyle Shields
Last Documentation: 1967 16
Last Known Field Show: 1964 DCX
Disbanded: 1966?
Uniforms: Light blue blouses & shakos. Also listed as Red, White & Blue.
The 1960 US Census lists the three cities of Athena (950), Helix (148), and Weston (873) with a total population of 1,881 people. Small town America right here folks.
From a 1960s Eastern Oregon corps member: “Parades in the small eastern Oregon towns were always short and sweet. We did a parade in Weston one year, which was an experience in itself, as the town (just a stone’s throw away from Athena) is basically built around a state highway. People were always appreciative in those small towns of [our] appearances, and always thanked us with comments like: ‘The best band I’ve seen in years.’ “
Editor’s note – No matter how long you’ve been in drum corps, you’ll always hear people refer to us as “bands”. Grrrr… At one time there was a difference. Now days (2021) there is less of a difference with the transition to trombones, three-valve instruments, props, costumes, and the like. It’s a moot point now. “Band”? Yes.
The Baker Scouts – Baker, OR 1
Established: 1952
AKA: Baker Boy Scouts, Baker Explorer Scouts, Baker Elks
Founder: Jack Lew
Sponsored by: Baker Elks Lodge #338
Last Documentation: 2003
Last Field Show: 1964 (verification needed)
1965: Converted to a parade corps
1975: Reorganized into a senior parade corps
Disbanded: Still active as of 2019
Photo: ca 1955
Uniforms: Typical for the era Explorer Scout Uniforms
1960 US Census lists Baker with a population of 9,986.
Pendleton Drum Corps – A Short History
A synopsis of Pendleton drum corps from 1925 thru 1973
The Rangers – Pendleton, OR 1
Established: November 1963
AKA: The Rangers of Eastern Oregon
Founder: Lee Allen51
Director:
1964 – Lee Allen (Former founder/director of the Athena-Weston Falcons)
Lee Allen passed away in 1965.
1966 thru 1972 – Ted White (Former drum major Pendleton Sr corps)
Manager: George Grieve (1964)
Horn Instructor: Ted White (1963 – 1971)
Home Show: “Round-up-Arama”, first held July 16, 1971
Disbanded: 19745
1960 US Census lists Pendleton with a population of 14,434.
Pendleton Sr. – Pendleton, OR 10
AKA: Pendleton Cowboys
Established: 1955 or 1956
Mostly a “Parade corps”
Earliest Documentation: July 29, 1956 Halftime Show
President: Ralph Isackson (1960)
Director: Ted White (1960)
Drum Major: Ted White 1956 – 1963
[Ted would go on to be the director & horn instructor for the Rangers]
Drum Instructor: Roger Allen (1964) – Father is founder/director of Pendleton Rangers
Last Documentation: 1963 Oregon AL Championships
Last, Last Documentation: 1971 newspaper article.
Disbanded: 1963 or 1964
Photo – ca1960