The Beginning: The Red Raiders
In the post World War I environment, military bugle and drum units were considered obsolete after the invention of radio communications. The ensuing surplus of instruments was auctioned off by the government, often scooped up by American Legions, churches, and other similar organizations.
In 1933, one such organization, the Frank A. Johnson American Legion Post #758 in Johnson City, NY established their own group, aptly named the Frank A. Johnson Drum & Bugle Corps. As the activity began to evolve and grow, many corps chose names for themselves outside of their home sponsor. In this case, the corps was renamed to the Red Raiders. As drum corps evolved and the local circuits began to combine into more regional and national options, many local legion, church, and VFW corps began to fold. This was also the case for the Red Raiders.
*Please note, there is very little documentation from the earliest years of the corps. Any additions or edits you may have can be emailed to info@conquistadorsdbc.org.
An Attempt at Revival: The Stateline Guard
In the early 1990’s, an attempt was made to revive drum corps at Post 758. A new organization was formed that planned to retain the Red Raiders’ colors and intended to use the legion as home base. The group was named the Stateline Guard, playing on the geographic area on the southern border of New York State. The group unfortunately never came to fruition and the project discontinued.
Modern Day: The Conquistadors
In late 2008, planning began for a new competitive drum and bugle corps in the Southern Tier. The last remaining competitive corps went inactive in 2001, leaving a void in the area. The group was founded in Johnson City and there was an early decision that it should retain history and tradition of early drum corps by gaining legion sponsorship. Post 758 was again approached to discuss the new project. The legion offered an in-name sponsorship to the Conquistadors to carry on that legacy. Access was granted to the legion that, at the time, was falling into disarray and was slated for demolition. In the attic, in a dusty closet, hung the Red Raiders’ uniforms, untouched since they were put away decades before. The Post gifted all of the remaining assets of the old corps to the Conquistadors and with their blessing, we were able to carry on this legacy.
The corps moved to Owego in 2013 and began focusing more on winter guard as it was a more tangible goal at the time. Many attempts were made to go competitive but none came to fruition. In 2016, the corps’ colorguard participated in the final Apalachin Firemen’s Field Days parade before the group decided to take time off to rebuild instead of attempting to produce an ensemble annually.
As the COVID-19 pandemic was winding down and things were starting to return to normal, including drum and bugle corps shows that were put on hold, the group decided to begin fundraising and recruiting once more. In 2022 as the corps was continuing its efforts, a meeting was held with the administration of the New York Skyliners, who had recently begun recruitment efforts in the area as well, although their home at the time was the Scranton, PA area. It was decided that rather than compete for territory, the staff and administration would direct their resources towards the Skyliners to assist in stabilizing their presence in the area. In 2023, the Skyliners fully moved to the Southern Tier as the Conquistadors staff continued to support by providing local rehearsal space and assisting behind the scenes and in instructional roles. After the 2024 season, the partnership ended and the Skyliners ultimately went inactive, leaving a void and a member base with no place local to perform. The decision was again made to restart the Conquistadors with the goal of performing in Drum Corps International in 2026.
