Grey Knights (CoC program)

The Grey Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from Rochester, New York, is sponsored by its own American Legion Post, The Grey Knights Post No. 952. The corps is affectionately known as "Rochester's Own" and proudly carries the official city flag in its color guard.

The 1961 season marks the 14th competitive year for the Grey Knights. In the thousands of miles the corps has traveled to date, it has appeared in Penn., Mass., New Jersey, Minnesota, Illinois and Canada. The Knights have competed in 3 of the last 4 National American Legions' "Parade of Champions", placing 6th in the 1959 Nationals held in Minneapolis. The Grey Knights currently hold the Championship of the New York-Canadian Association. This Association is comprised of some 42 Corps from Penn., Michigan, and Canada. On the evening of August 12th, the Association will hold its 4th Annual Championship Contest in Rochester and The Knights will be battling to defend their title against the best.

This year the Grey Knights are presenting a New Look. In addition to the colorful new blouses and shakos, they are presenting an entirely new drill, designed and taught by "Mr. Drum Corps", Vinnie Ratford. A highlight of the drill is the Knights "Trade Mark", their color presentation depicting the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima. Not to be outdone, several new musical scores arranged by Sal Sparrazza have been added to the repertoire. This includes such numbers as, Clyde McCoy's "Sugar Blues", "Exodus", and for their concert, the semi-classic jass tune, "Rachmaninoff Rock".

The Officers and Instructors are:
Corps Captain & Drum Major -- John Concannon
Corps Lieut. ------------------- Ronnie Ackerman
Color Guard Sgt. -------------- "Lefty" Atkinson
Business Managers ----------- Fran Pratt and Harvey Martin
Drill Arranger & Instructor ---- Vinnie Ratford
Bugle Arranger & Instructor -- Sal Sparrazza
Drum Arranger & Instructor -- Richard Scutter and John Pratt (from West Point)