About Us

The Golden Eagles Drum and Bugle Corps were organized in 1951 under the auspices of the West Sayville Fire Department.  In its first two decades of existence, the corps changed in character from a predominately adolescent musical marching group to an all Fire Department members Drum Corps.  In 1971 the Golden Eagles received permission from the Fire Department to enlist non-firemen into its ranks thereby allowing the corps to grow in size and diverse talent.

 

In May 1981 Donald VanEssendelft was selected as the Corps director, a position he still holds today.  Don has led the Golden Eagles through more than 25 years of growth through which he has served as the liaison between the unit and the Fire Department.  Under his direction and through the efforts of Assistant Directors; Patrick Dugan and Donald Fries, the Golden Eagles Sr. Drum & Bugle Corp has emerged as a well respected name on the Drum & Bugle Corps circuit.

 

Today’s Golden Eagles parade corps members come from a variety of musical backgrounds.  We have had members who have played in DCI and DCA corps, some local high school and college students with the balance of the corps made up of adult male and female musicians, all of whom have the time and enthusiasm to commit to the Corps.

 

The Golden Eagles also sponsor an award winning Mini-Corp. Competitive mini-corps is made up of a minimum of 11 participants and a maximum of 21 participants.  The Golden Eagles have competed in DCA Mini Corps Championships and are 2004 DCA Mini Corp Champions.  The Golden Eagles Mini Corp recently received the honor of winning first place at the First Inaugural MCA Mini Corp Championship contest held in Harrisburg, PA.