[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 25, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAPITOLAIRES DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS

 Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, 1994 marks the 25th anniversary 
of the CapitolAires, an all-female drum and bugle corps that was formed 
in 1969 and originated in Madison, WI. I rise today to pay special 
tribute to this organization and to provide you with a background of 
their accomplishments and activities.
  Currently there are only five all-female drum and bugle corps in the 
world. The CapitolAires was formed to give young women from Madison and 
the surrounding area the same opportunity to participate in an activity 
that had previously been open only to young men through the Madison 
Scouts Organization. The corps has an open membership to any girl 
between the ages of 13 and 21. A dedicated and qualified musical staff 
assists in providing instruction since no experience is required to 
become a member of the corps.
  While the goal of the corps is to provide young women with the 
opportunity for a high degree of musical education, it also offers 
young women the opportunity to travel throughout North America and 
participate in various competitions. In fact, the CapitolAires has an 
outstanding record in competition.
  Formed in 1969, the corps had already won their first nation 
championship in 1973 at the American International Open in Butler, PA. 
They went on to repeat this victory in 1974, 1975, and 1982 as well. 
The corps also won three U.S. Open National championships held in 
Marion, OH in 1974, 1975, and 1976; the only all-girl group to win this 
title three consecutive years. In addition to this, the corps finished 
second in the all girl division at the Drum Corps International World 
Championships in both 1975 and 1976.
  In more recent years, the corps has proceeded to the finals at the 
Drum Corps Midwest Championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993. In 1992 and 
1993 they also made the finals at the Canadian Open in Kitchener, ON, 
and the Drum Corps International World Championships, where they placed 
third out of 21 corps in 1993.
  The list of accomplishments of the CapitolAires is exceptional. 
Impressive, as well, is the their commitment to expand opportunities to 
young women. It is this dedication that has driven the CapitolAires to 
achieve the success and respect they rightfully deserve. I applaud them 
on their 25th anniversary and wish them every success in the years to 
come. 

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