Berkshire Pom-Poms

The Berkshire Pom-Poms “All Girls” drum and bugle corps was founded by Mrs. Virginia M. Quaglietti on October 23^rd, 1962, and directed by her husband, Alexander Quaglietti. Mrs. Nelson Ferreira was elected President of the newly formed parents group.

The original instructional staff was formed of members of the Interstatesmen senior drum and bugle corps that included Kenneth Daigneault on brass, Tim Sorrensen on percussion, Ronald Ghetti on marching and James Ostrander on guard. In May of 1963, shortly before their first parade for Memorial Day, a split occurred in the organization at which time several parents withdrew their kids from the corps. This event became the nucleus in the formation of a second “All Girls” corps, the Royal Blue Angels. Consequently, the Pom-Poms’ debut was delayed but they managed, through hard work and perseverance, to perform that year which led to their motto “Lesson in Living”.

In 1964, the corps entered the field of competition under new sponsorship of the Pittsfield Girls Club and performed locally in its first season. Bill Siddon, Drum Corps World Hall of Famer, instructed the brass. The following year, the corps participated at the World Open “Class A” championships, placing 28^th in the preliminaries.

As members of the Northeastern circuit, the corps competed at the 1966 circuit championships, finishing in 12^th position in the prelims before shifting to a parade corps the following year. In 1968, the corps competed one last time as members of the 1968 International circuit, finishing 4^th in the “Class B” division.

In 1969, the corps returned to parade and exhibition status before converting in 1970 to a coed corps under the name Berkshire Pom-Poms drum corps.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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