Drum Corps International

Clarence Beebe - DCI Hall of Fame

Clarence Beebe

Inducted in 2002

C.H. Beebe's contributions to the drum and bugle corps activity and to those whose lives he touched were so exemplary that he is a standard against which future Hall of Fame nominations will be measured. C.H., as he was known to many, had no grand plan or strategy, but he understood and relished success for the drum and bugle corps activity and for "his boys." He was a groundbreaking pioneer for the concept of the professionally directed, highly trained and competitive, touring drum and bugle corps, exemplified by today's top drum and bugle corps.

In 1937 C.H. was convinced to become the executive director of a new drum and bugle corps. With the acquisition of secondhand equipment and Beebe's boundless energy and enthusiasm, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps was born in 1938. After interruption by World War II in the early years, Clarence coupled the combined talent level with his drive for competitive excellence and organizational ability to make touring a reality leading the Madison Scouts from the Midwest to compete in the East. Not only did C.H. create a powerhouse in the Madison Scouts, but by his personal examples of dedication and character he instilled in his boys the desire to succeed through the pursuit of excellence; he created a legacy that has survived his passing.