In 1953, The Thunderbolt was created in Cedarburg, a suburb of Milwaukee. In 1961, a Milwaukee parish founded the Imperials of St. Patrick, known for its Irish heritage. Those two corps merged in 1973 to form The Thing; so identified as the corps lacked a sponsor and new name. Their current name was adopted in 1974 to honor a major sponsor. Pioneer won the DCI Division III World Championship in 1991, and then moved to Division II status, winning that World Championship in 1994 and 1995. The group then advanced to Division I competition in 1997 and is best known for its Irish music and themes.
In 1953, The Thunderbolt was created in Cedarburg, a suburb of Milwaukee. In 1961, a Milwaukee parish founded the Imperials of St. Patrick, known for its Irish heritage. Those two corps merged in 1973 to form The Thing; so identified as the corps lacked a sponsor and new name. Their current name was adopted in 1974 to honor a major sponsor. Pioneer won the DCI Division III World Championship in 1991, and then moved to Division II status, winning that World Championship in 1994 and 1995. The group then advanced to Division I competition in 1997 and is best known for its Irish music and themes.
