Lt. Norman Prince Drum & Bugle Corps

Other Names: Princemen, Lt. Norman Prince Renegades. Founded: 1946 in Malden, MA, U.S. The Lt. Norman Prince Drum & Bugle Corps and Alumni Chorus, The Princemen, have a rich history spanning fifty-five years. The corps traces its roots to when the Sacred Heart Crusaders, moderated by Father John J. Sheehan of the Sacred Heart Parish of Malden, Massachusetts, won the 1940 New York World’s Fair National Championship. This attracted the Lt. Norman Prince Post 1506 in Boston to sponsor the Crusaders in statewide VFW competitions. Thus was born the association that continues today. The Princemen, formed in 1946 out of returning servicemen, was a senior marching and maneuvering corps based in Malden, Massachusetts. They were also known as the Lt. Norman Prince and Lt. Norman Prince Renegades. The corps’ colors were white, red, gold, and black. Their signature tunes were “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Someday My Prince will Come.” In a hair-raising maneuver, the drill team tossed actual 12-pound M1 rifles backward over the shoulder - with bayonets attached. This dominating corps won the VFW National Championships in 1946, 48, 49, 53, and 1955, plus the Massachusetts State VFW Championships for 12 consecutive years. They also competed in DCA for three years, as well as in the Dream Contest. World Drum Corps Hall of Famer Harry Latinik was a soprano with the corps from 1948 to 1966. The Lt. Norman Prince Drum & Bugle Corps was inducted into the World Hall of Fame in 1982, an achievement reserved for very few. An alumni association was formed in 1967 and met regularly. In October 1980, the members suggested that Joe McNaught, a former music instructor, arrange some four-part harmony to “spark up” their meetings. That first group of 15 men has grown into the 50-member chorus of today. The Prince Alumni Chorus has inspired other senior drum corps to begin their own choruses, and now they meet once a year to perform for each other. The chorus and drum ensemble continue in 2002.