Reading Buccaneers
West Reading, Pennsylvania
Bugle Instructor and arranger: Frank Ferraro
Drum Instructor: John Dowlan John Flowers
Drill Instructor: Bud Johnston
Drum Major: Bud Johnston
The Reading Buccaneers, formed in 1957, is a senior marching and maneuvering corps based in Reading, Pennsylvania. In their early years they were sponsored by the Greater Reading VFW Post 179, and are currently sponsored in part by the Ray A. Master American Legion Post 217 of Topton, Pennsylvania. The Bucs are also supported by many businesses in the Reading and Berks County area, and from the Buccaneer Alumni Association.
In their earlier years, beginning in only their third year of existence, the corps won three VFW national titles and retired that crown in 1962. The Bucs then won the first DCA Championship ever held (1965) and have been DCA Champions three other times (1968, 1979 and 1980). They ascended the ladder of success faster than anyone in senior drum corps history, including an amazing leap from seventh in 1978 to first in 1979. The Buccaneers have finished in the top three at DCA Finals 20 times through 2003.
1963 Competition
1965 Parade
1967 Parade
1968 on stage
1968 Soloists
1971 Color Presentation at Sr. World Invitational
1971 Drums at Sr. World Invitational
Field 1975