If my memory serves me, the Corps was formed in 1955 at the William Clinton Story American Legion Post, which was located on Sunrise Highway, Freeport, L.I.; hence, the name “Sunrisers.” We were primarily a parade corps consisting of about 25 horns, 3 snare, 1 bass and 1 cymbal.
In 1957 or thereabouts, St. Catherine's “Queensmen,” already an M and M corps of considerable standing, was terminated by the church due to finances. Quite a few of its members decided to come to the “Suns,” including John Sasso, Teddy Sasso, Bill Hightower, and Orus Cavnor - all key members of the “Queensmen.” They eventually became instructors and writers and the “Sunrisers” M and M Corps was born.
The first association we joined was the Northeastern Circuit. After many years of hard work, we finally won the Circuit Championship. Then we decided to go after the “big boys” - Skyliners, Hawthorne Caballeros, Reading Buccaneers, and so on. They were in what is now the D.C.A.
In the years that followed, we won many contests including the American Legion Championship which was always dominated by the Hawthorne Caballeros. And, then the coveted title - the D.C.A. Championship, I believe two years in a row.
The “Sunrisers” were a very innovative corps:
1) First to have a girl's color guard in senior competition.
2) First to carry Tympany drums on the field plus Xylophones which today are played by the pit crew.
3) First corps to be paid for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
My sixteen years with the Corps were very rewarding to me, starting as a member on horn, then becoming Corps Director. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Al Beck .. Always a Sunriser, Founding Member, Past Director
