El Toreadors

The El Toreadors drum and bugle corps was formed in April of 1961 as the West Seattle American Legion (AL) Post 160, under the direction of Jerry Chambers as a parade and exhibition unit.

After their first two seasons of activity, the corps reorganized as the El Toreadors and entered the field of competition, participating in the 1963 Washington VFW state convention, placing in 5^th position. Parental strife within EL Toreadors in May of 1964 caused a split resulting in Jerry Chambers’ departure and Bill Komorek taking over the helm until the end of 1967.

Over the next few years, sporting their uniforms of turquoise tops & black pants and skirts, the West Seattle group participated in parades and competitions in the “Class B” division placing 4^th in the 1966 WA VFW & 5^th in the AL state contests. In their final season of competition, the corps finished 2^nd in the 1967 WA VFW convention. Some of their instructional staff included Duane Andrews as musical director, Tom Grinolds on brass and Loren Grinolds on percussion.

They disbanded in 1968 and several members joined the Sentinels of Bellevue.

Northwest Drum Corps Association website; Paul Legault (DCX)