The History of the Govenaires.

The Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps is a non-profit organization which has been in existence since 1927. The Corps was first organized as the St. Peter Legion Corps in 1927.  In 1944, under the direction of Cliff Hermel, the corps became active again and went on to win many state and local VFW and American Legion titles.

Other successful Minnesota drum corps during this time included the Laidlaw American Legion (now known as Minnesota Brass), Chisholm, Sleepy Eye, Litchfield, Faribault, Chaska, Pine City, Mankato, and Austin Legion corps, as well as the Hamm's Indians, the Golden Valley Raiders, St. Paul Scouts, and the Mapleaires.

In the late 1950's, the St. Peter legion was bankrupt and Cliff Hermel bought all the drum corps' equipment. Also during this time Cliff and his wife, Katie, created two junior corps. The Black Knights were for members 8-13 yrs old, and the Crusaders were for members 13-21yrs. The St. Peter Drum and Bugle Corps continued to operate as a senior corps (members 21yrs and up) and officially became the Govenaires in the late 60's. The name was changed to honor the five governors who hailed from St. Peter.

By 1975, the Crusaders and the Black Knights had folded because of the US's involvement in the Vietnam Conflict. Quite simply, young men were being drafted and not returning from Vietnam. Up until this time women were not allowed in drum and bugle corps. This stems from the original legion corps' whose members were men. Women were first allowed in the corps in 1966 although Margaret Mayer was an unofficial member for an entire year before that.

In 1976, the Govenaires were chosen to represent Minnesota at the National American Legion Convention in Seattle, again at the 1977 National Convention in Denver, and again in 1985 at New Orleans.

Other big names in the corps include Bill Stangler, Bob Friedman, Pat Mayer, Greg Anisted, Stu Hanson, Nancy Hanson, Bill Wencl (eventually left the corps to start the Jesse James Gang in Northfield, who have since folded), Don Freid, Mike Mayer (who started Chop Stix percussion line in 1991 after he left the Govenaires), Nick Rosa, Lars Wach, and John Mayer.

In the past several years, the Govenaires have performed at about 6 or 7 drum corps competitions each summer, culminating in the Drum Corps Associates Championships held in Scranton, PA. The Govenaires first traveled to the DCA Championships in 2004, and earned an amazing 2nd place in Class A competition! The Govenaires also earned 2nd place in 2005, but in 2006, the Govenaires achieved first place in Class A at these championships, the first world championship won by the Govenaires! In 2007, the Govenaires again placed in 2nd at the DCA Championships, cementing a DCA history of success. The Govenaires have also won many caption awards in DCA competition, including several Top Guard and Best Drum Major awards.

The Govenaires' list of local appearances also includes the St. Peter Drum Corps Expo, which in 2008 will be held at the brand new, state-of-the-art Hollingsworth Field at Gustavus Adolphus College. We also perform in approximately 7 to 10 parades each summer in Minnesota communities, such as St. Peter, Le Sueur, Mankato, Morristown, Minnesota Lake, Waterville, Mapleton, Lakeville, and New Ulm. In addition, we have performed in the Minnesota State University-Mankato's Homecoming parade, St. Peter's and Le Center's St. Patrick's Day parades, St. Peter's Winterfest parade, and St. Peter's Rockbend Folk Festival. In 2007 the Govenaires also helped to dedicate the new Hollingsworth Field Stadium at Gustavus and performed at halftime of their home opener football game.

As one of the oldest competing drum corps in the world and as one of only three competing drum corps in the state, the Govenaires are truly good will ambassadors for St. Peter, the State of Minnesota, and the drum corps activity.