Blue Barons Mini Corps
The Blue Barons Drum and Bugle Corps founded in 1979 by a group which broke away from the band of the 3rd Glasgow Boys Brigade. Two brothers Derek and Colin Dobbins were highly influential in directing the new corps towards the DCI style of performance. Legend has it that the corps was to be called the Red Barons but for the lower cost and availability of blue material for uniforms. The corps visual emblem of a yellow chevron on a blue shield originates from a stained-glass window design which was common in the windows of homes in the area where corps was formed.
The new corps quickly established a competitive drive and joined the fledgling DCUK in 1982, finishing a credible thirteenth out of almost thirty competing corps. In 1983 the Barons jumped nine places to finish 4th at the DCUK Championships and featured on the ‘Bands of Gold’ television programme. The Blue Barons travelled extensively throughout the UK and in 1984 visited Belgium for a 2 week camp which was subtly disguised as a holiday, but was driven by our US instructional staff. . That season firmly established the corps amongst the top echelon in the UK and built the foundation for even greater success.
Then came the 1985 season. Since its formation the corps had worked hard and spent a huge amount of time and effort in learning the rehearsal fundamentals needed to reach the top. Practicing long hours in inclement Scottish weather, the corps took to the competition field in June of 1985 and quite simply blew the opposition away. The rest of that year is a bit of blur but the statistics are worth mentioning: being undefeated all season; winning every caption award; and achieving the highest points score to that date at the DCUK Championships. On a personal note I still receive positive comments surrounding our 1985 show and believe there were few more memorable moments than “the wall” of sound in McDuffy’s March where our powerful brass section excelled.
Blue Barons Alumni are back as a mini-corps competing on the IndoorMusic Games circuit
