Our History

The roots of the Connecticut Hurricanes organization traces to 1932. Though it’s not known exactly who initiated the birth of Derby’s John H Collins Post Fife Drum & Bugle Corps, we do know that the initial members, comprised of veterans of WWI as well as a few local guys, were perhaps looking for an escape from the grip of the Great Depression. By the end of that first year their membership had grown to fifty members. The venture quickly gained in popularity, so much so that in a few short years they’d become the premier marching musical unit in the region! By 1937 they’d earned enough money to outfit the Corps in snappy Cadet inspired uniforms…they not only played the part, they now looked the part! This early corps enjoyed great fun and lasting friendships that was highlighted by many years of travelling to the American Legion National Convention’s representing the Collins Post.  

Following WWII the competitive drum & bugle corps activity quickly gained in popularity and spread far and wide. With many members returning from the military, coupled with a large influx of youth, the Collins Post boys found the thought of competing appealing and began itching to get into the fray! The transformation was slow, but sure….by 1949 the fifes were gone and as the calendar flipped to 1955 the Corps was preparing for their first season of competition. Since 1951 the corps had unofficially been known as the Hurricanes, but towards the close of their inaugural season of competition, in the wake of two vicious storms that pounded Connecticut, the Corps formally adopted the name they’d become attached to …they were now “The Connecticut Hurricanes.”   

The first couple of years brought mixed results, but the tenacity that would become a hallmark of the Hurricanes soon took hold. They embraced the challenge of the learning curve and by the 1960’s they became a dominant force in the Northeastern Circuit. In 1963 they were instrumental in forming a new circuit and thus became charter members of the newly formed Drum Corps Associates. In 1964 the Hurricanes captured the coveted World Open Championship Title…They had arrived!...In ten short years they’d become one of the elite corps on the senior scene!

In the years and decades that followed, the Hurricanes rose to fabulous heights, having garnered every major title available, including three DCA titles. The Hurricanes have also weathered their share of lows, but by tapping the inherent pride and determination of their heritage, the long green line perpetuates. True to their heritage, the Connecticut Hurricanes are preparing and anxiously looking forward to future competition seasons, and true to their history, their aspirations to be in the hunt for the DCA Championship Title remains an ongoing quest….2026 marks the 95th consecutive year of continuous operation for the Hurricane organization.

Those original members of 1932 would certainly be amazed if they could see today’s Hurricanes. It’s certain they’d appreciate and be proud of how their little neighborhood corps has evolved into Connecticut’s pre-eminent unit in the Marching/Musical Arts activity. The co-ed, All-Age Hurricanes is essentially a youth organization, with approximately 88% of their membership comprised of high school and college students. This nearly ninety year odyssey of the Hurricanes has been fueled by thousands of members through the years, all enjoying the fellowship, competitive spirit, focus towards excellence, tradition and an enduring legacy fraught with the lasting memories that make the Hurricanes what they are……The Pride of  Connecticut!