discovered letter from our founder

Written in 1984, our founder Roderick Stubbs, hand wrote a letter describing the history of the Cascades. His son, Garth Stubbs, who march in the very first year of the Corps and still volunteers his time today, found the letter and brought it to our attention. This is the Corps' 53rd year of operation. Rod Stubbs never missed a Cascade performance even after retiring in 1997, Forty-one years of selfless volunteering for the organization he loved so dearly. Rod passed away in 2006.

History - "Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps"      2/10/84

Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps is a continuance and outgrowth of the former Thunderbird Drum & Bugle Corps which was organized in North Seattle the fall of 1958. The organization successfully performed until 1966 when they disbanded following an All American Judges Association National championship. Organizational leaders - Rod Stubbs, school principal of Wilson Jr. High and Jack Avery the original leaders of the T-Birds, reorganized the Corps under the new name of Seattle Cascades. With a beginning group of 15 girls and 10 boys at Wilson Jr. High as a nucleus, a rebuilding program for the Corps was begun. Support and a helping hand was given with sponsorships from Wilson Jr. High, Fletcher Daniels V.F.W. Post and Starr Sutherland American Legion Post. All being located in North Seattle.

A main high light in the Corps rebuilding program occurred when new horns & equipment were made possible by the efforts of three local youth minded men, who helped meet some of the needs of the Corps. George Chemeres & Joy Velez, boxing promoters sponsored a "Smoker" at the Greenwood Boys Club with all proceeds going to the Corps' instrument fund, the event featured Eddie Cotton who was preparing for a World Championship title try. With further recruitment to thirty four members, the Cascades completed a summer season as a successful parade Corps.

In 1967 with several former and mature members rejoining the organization, the Cascades entered a program of field competition and numerous parade events. Success grew rapidly and membership increased to the point whereby the Cascades have averaged an eighty to one hundred ten members each year to the present time. The Corps travels in three buses with a forty foot fifth wheel equipment trailer and truck, a twenty foot cook shack, and two passenger vans.

The Corps' original two sponsors have been joined by a parent booster club and the Ballard Elks. Temporary interim sponsors have been North Seattle Exchange Club, Ballard Rotary, Seattle Teamsters Bldg. Assoc., and Seattle Public Schools. The later providing practicing facilities much needed by the Corps.

During the past years, Corps members and leaders can reflect upon many accomplishments to which they can point with pride. Notable events occurred as follows: Washington State Parade Champions four years straight when points were issued for parade events; Seven years as first place Champions of the Northwest Color Guard Circuit; State Drum Corps Champions on six occasions. National Championships have been earned on three occasions. These were: (1) All American Judges Assoc. National Champions for Drum & Bugle Corps in 1966. (2) American Legion Color Guard National Championships in 1976. (3) Veteran of Foreign Wars Color Guard National Champions in 1982.

Time and progress for the Seattle Cascades span a period of 26 years of performance and enjoyment for a great number of North Seattle Area youth. Some former members have become professional musicians, others are teachers of school bands, while the majority of former members fondly remember the parades, competitions, tours and new friends as lasting memories of their drum corps years.

Key leaders with twenty six years in the organization are: Rod Stubbs, Lucille Stubbs, Garth Stubbs and Jack Avery. Others with fifteen yrs of support to the Cascades are Larry Gledhill and Frank Kosciolek. It is a fortunate circumstance that we have dedicated adult booster club members of five to seven years along with the various instructors who have been a plus to Cascade activities. All of these excellent people have made Seattle Cascades an inspirational organization.

If you have any memories or images of the Corps' history that you would like to share, please email them!

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