Dirigo Jets

The Dirigo Jets drum and bugle corps was formed in July of 1963 through a split with the Andrews’ Sabres Jets organization, feeder corps for the Andrews’ Sabres, under the leadership of Grant. M. Wilder. The name “Dirigo” derived from the Latin word which means “I lead”, found as part of the state of Maine’s official seal.

The new Jets entered the field of competition as members of the Northern New England Association in 1963, placing 2^nd in the “Class B” division and participated in the 1964 International circuit championships, finishing in 4^th position in “Class C” action. The following year saw the corps improve to a 3^rd place finish in the 1965 International “Class C” contest, repeating the feat in 1966.

The Dirigo unit entered the busiest season in their history with appearances in the preliminaries of both the 1967 American Legion Nationals and the World Open “Class A” division, placing 51^st and 32^nd respectively. The corps closed out the season as representatives of the state of Maine at the Montreal Expo ’67. They remained competitive regionally the next year before converting to a parade corps from 1969 to 1971.

They disbanded in 1972.

Paul Legault (DCX)

LOADING.....