In 1994 The Ventures became a winter guard enterprise operating as many as 3 programs at a time. The Ventures Drum & Bugle Corps wa formed in the fall of 1972 by the late Peter Vanderkolff after the chief of police asked him to establish a youth activity for young ladies in the Waterloo Region. The first uniform of The Ventures was a gold dress causing the corps to become affectionately know as "The Ladies in Gold". The nickname held a special meaning for each member who wore that uniform and a definition respected by all. It also became part of The Venture motto which remains part of today's organization. Since the first season more than 3,000 young ladies have experienced the joys of belonging to our program. Although the uniform has changed many times over the year, the dedication, desire, spirit and pride retains The Ventures as a unique and sough-after unit. Venture members traveled extensively over the years with stops in Washington, Miami, New York City and even Japan! The Ventures Drum & Bugle Corps operated as a competitive unit for 22 years achieving numerous awards including FIVE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! The corps was heralded as a trend-setter and one of the most respected units of it
s time. In 1981 a feeder or training unit for the corps began in the form of a baton corps. Within two years the baton unit evolved into a winter colour guard program for girls between the ages of 8 and 12. This "junior guard" program proved highly successful both competitively as well as graduating many members into the drum corps. Change came about in January of 1995 with the heartbreaking decision to take The Ventures Drum & Bugle Corps out of competition but to continue the operation of the organization as a winter guard enterprise. A "senior" guard program for 13 - 21 year olds was formed to compliment the existing junior guard. Since that time, The Ventures Winter Colour guards have changed many times over. We have gradually progressed through the classes all they way into World Class. The members have traveled as well, to such destinations as New York city, Tampa, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Boston, Philadelphia and San Diego. As membership changes so do the programs. What has remained constant is the unbelievable hours spent in rehearsal working towards the goal of perfection. the time is well spent as musical education, friendship, dance experience and travel are rewards attained through The Ventures. Not much has changed since 1972.
