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Written in 1968 (derived from the content. Webmaster).
Bellevue Sentinels – A Brief History
Late in 1965, Duane Andrews, Steve Mills and Bob Thompson conceived the idea of a CAP (Civil Air Patrol) Squadron Drum and Bugle Corps in Bellevue. Preliminary planning was completed and on January 5, 1966, a public meeting was held at the Puget Power Building to see if there was enough interest to make it possible. The hall was packed and many charter members were signed up at the first meeting.
By the end of 1966, they had decided that affiliation with the CAP and serious drum corps competition was impossible so the group was renamed the “Bellevue Sentinels Drum and Bugle Corps.” The Corps had nearly 100 members and had instruments for all. After leaving the CAP, the Sentinels had dressed up the military style uniforms with red dickies and cummerbunds. As new members came in, the Sentinels changed to white shirts, black pants, red dickeys and cummerbunds. The Corps purchased its first bus, “Old Mac,” and used Mr. Andrews’ cattle truck to haul the equipment.
In 1967, the Sentinels acquired new Spanish style uniforms, mainly through the efforts of Phyllis Plesha and Duane and Ginny Andrews. They sold “Old Mac” and purchased a larger bus and more instruments. They entered competition seriously and took a first place in their first competition at Buckley, WA. The “big event” of the year was a two week trip to Salinas, CA for the Colmo-del-Rodeo parade.
It was decided to form a “feeder corps” and in early 1968, the Guardsmen Drum and Bugle Corps was born. It consisted of about 80 youth between the ages of 12 and 14. Many Sentinel members had younger siblings in the Guardsmen.
The Sentinels were noted for their outstanding showmanship and musical repertoire. Parade honors in 1969 included first place awards in such major parades as the Wenatchee Apple Blossom, Daffodil, Seattle Grand Seafair and the Portland Rose Festival.
In addition to the local Northwest competitions in 1969, the Sentinels participated in the International “World Open” Competition in Lynn, MA, the Heritage Days Parade in Salem, MA, and the VFW Nationals in Philadelphia, PA
The Bellevue Sentinels Junior Drum and Bugle Corps is sponsored by the Bellevue Kiwanis Club of Bellevue, Washington and represents Lake Washington
VFW Post #2995 and Cascade American Legion Post #99 at events sponsored by these organizations. The corps is composed of 100 young people between the ages of
13 and 20 and as such is the largest group of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
The talents featured in the corps include 42 fully chromatic bugles, a 20 man percussion section, an all girl color guard and precision rifle squad, baton and
cape twirlers and majorettes. The bugles range in size from sopranos to contra basses and utilize the exciting mellophones and french horns as well as baritones.
The percussion section is similarly diversified using 6 different kinds of instruments including timbales and the unique timpani basses and features Swiss rudiments.
The historic and colorful Spanish style uniforms worn by the group represents some of Spain’s earliest history and has brought to the Pacific Northwest Spanish culture familiar to Californians.
During 1967 The Sentinels traveled over 11,000 miles to perform in 52 events before over 2 million people. They have won first place in every major parade entered and have taken top individual and group awards in most competitive events. Highlights of the 1967 2 week tour was the famous Invitational COLMO del RODEO Parade in Salinas, California.
This year the busy Sentinels again return to California for their annual concert tour that commences immediately after a performance in the Grand Seafair Parade in Seattle Washington. Concerts Parades and field show will be given in the communities of Redding, Merced, Anaheim, Morro Bay and Klamath Falls.
The tour ends with Omak Stampede Parade in Omak, Washington. Special performances will be featured at Disneyland on Aug. 2nd and at the new Cal. Expo on Aug. 7th in Sacramento, California. The Sentinels will do parades, two concerts in the beautiful grounds and a full field show at night at CAL EXPO.
The Bellevue Sentinels traveling caravan includes two giant red busses, a instrument and uniform van, a chuck wagon, a van – type trailer for luggage and several cars for Staff and Chaperone personnel. The entourage creates a carnival atmosphere as the bright red busses and postered vehicles roll into communities. Funds to purchase instruments, uniforms and equipment are raised by the members through rummage sales, candy sales, and similar promotions. Many Bellevuites, including business and professional
people have lent support to this activity through the recent formation of a Bellevue Sentinels Booster Club.