Blackhawk Voyageurs

The Blackhawk Voyageurs drum and bugle corps existed as a local organization of young 8 to 21 years of age talented people that became a part of Rock County in a very positive and significant way.

In the fall of 1969, Ray Stewart approached Richard Romack about starting a drum and bugle corps consisting of the local Boy Scout Explorers from area churches such as Cargill, United Methodist, Saint Paul’s and a few others. The Rock County Sheriffs Association and Kieow Hilt VFW Post 1621 were among those supporting and sponsoring the corps and its activities and events. The result was the Janesville Explorer Scouts drum and bugle corps. Ray organized the group’s first shows and Richard created and donated the first equipment trailer for the new corps. They performed within the community in their inaugural season and in 1971, the Explorers hosted a drum corps competition at Monterey Stadium and were also competitive that year, participating at the World Pageant of Drums “Class C” championships, placing 15^th.

In 1972, the Janesville Explorers competed in the Badgerland Association and by 1973, it was decided that the all-male corps would go co-ed and the name was changed to the Blackhawk Voyageurs to differentiate the change from the Boy Scout inference, continuing their competitive prowess within the midwestern region. In 1974, they participated at the VFW Nationals in Chicago, placing 19^th in the preliminaries and in traveled on their first tour that saw them compete at the 1975 “Class A” prelims of the American International Open, placing 27^th and the US Open, finishing in 38^th position. The corps also entered the DCI Midwest “Open Class” championships, placing 22^nd in the preliminary round, returning the following season and finishing 36^th in competition.

In 1977, the corps went inactive for the season, regrouping and returning to the field of competition with an appearance at the 1978 American Legion Nationals in New Orleans, placing 16^th in the prelims competing regionally over the next two years. In their last season of competition, Rock County’s Goodwill Ambassadors competed at the DCI Midwest “Class A” championship prelims, placing 6^th and remained active in 1982. 

Highlights of the Explorers & Voyageurs existence were such performances as Drum Corps International sanctioned competitions and a show for then President Gerald Ford. The corps was also featured at the then Blackhawk Technical Institute dedication with around 80 members sporting newer uniforms. Although the corps disbanded in the fall of 1982, several members kept in touch over the years and even met to reminisce by sharing stories and memories.

Paul Legault (DCX)

CORPS 3 items

Blackhawk Voyageurs

BlackhawkVoyageurs,Beloit,WI,Pin1-1976-Bicentennial(RE-3.0)J_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection

Blackhawk Voyageurs

BlackhawkVoyageurs,Beloit,WI,Pin2-1982-Montreal(Site)J_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection

Blackhawk Voyageurs

BlackhawkVoyageurs,Beloit,WI,Pin3(BIV-2.5)J_U_S from the Richard Elmquist Collection

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