History

Top Hats, originating as a drum & baton corps in 1963, hold the most impressive Drum & Baton Corps record in the State of Pennsylvania carrying numerous State, National and International Drum & Baton Corps Championship titles.

Top Hats joined a local winter guard circuit in 1986, still twirling batons and spinning flags, as an exhibition unit. Top Hats continued as a baton & flag exhibition unit for 9 years, utilizing winter guard as their secondary activity.

Top Hats broadened their horizons in 1995, competing as a color guard for the first time. That year, they won their first local championship.

Since, Top Hats have captured numerous local championships and have placed as finalists in various WGI regional competitions.

In 1999 & 2002, the Top Hats were a WGI Independent A Class Finalist. In 2000 & 2001 a WGI Independent A Class Semi-Finalist.

As a 2002 Finalist Top Hats were promoted to the Open Class in Winter Guard International for the 2003 season. Their first year competing as an independent open class color guard, Top Hats placed second at three WGI Regionals and were also a WGI Championship Finalist.

Top Hats remained successful in the Independent Open Class as a 5 time WGI World Championship Finalist.
Top Hats are taking the next step as they move to World Class for the 2010 season.

Although Winter Guard has become a primary activity of Top Hats, Top Hats continues its 47 year tradition of entertaining audiences in parades and special events.