Americanos Alumni Association

We are sad to announce that Jon "Chip" Wright had passed away on October 25, 2025. Jon was an alumni of the Americanos and played the soprano with the corps from 1973-1976. He also marched with the Americanos Alumni parade corps in 2011 and 2012.
The following is a tribute from his brother and fellow alumni Nathan:
Jonathan T. Wright (AKA Chip Wright)
July 5, 1960 – October 25, 2025.

Jon was a gentle, humble man who found happiness in life's quiet moments and in the beauty of the natural world. The rivers of southern Wisconsin were among his favorite places. With his kayak gliding across the water, he found a sense of freedom and peace that reflected who he was. Surrounded by nature, he felt at home, and those moments brought him deep contentment.
Music was also a lifelong part of Jon's heart. As a teenager, he proudly marched with the Americanos Drum and Bugle Corps and years later found great joy in reuniting with fellow alumni, where old friendships, shared memories, and the thrill of making music together were renewed. Those experiences stayed with him, reminding him that some of life's greatest gifts are the people we journey alongside.
Jon showed us that a meaningful life isn't measured by grand achievements, but by kindness, humility, and an appreciation for the world around us. His strength was quiet, his heart was gentle, and his calm presence was a gift to everyone who knew him. He lived with gratitude for life's simple pleasures and left an enduring example of patience, compassion, and quiet joy.

A Legacy of Perseverance: 90 Years of the Americanos

To the Americanos family, fans, and supporters,
As we gather to celebrate our milestone 90th anniversary—hitting the streets today for the Brillion Parade and marching tomorrow through Appleton—we don’t just carry our instruments; we carry nine decades of grit, evolution, and pride. Tomorrow isn't just a massive milestone for us; it is also the landmark 75th anniversary of the Appleton Flag Day Parade itself. As the nation's oldest and largest Flag Day celebration, the Americanos have been right there to anchor it almost every single year of its existence.

Our story is one of relentless perseverance. We began in 1936 as the Sons of the American Legion, an all-male corps rooted in community. While we didn't officially adopt the name 'Americanos' until 1957, that fiery, unmistakable Latin musical identity was born with us—we played it from our very inception. When challenges arose in the late 1960s, we didn't fold; we adapted. In 1968, we broke barriers by opening our membership to females, becoming a co-ed corps. Over the decades, we became a sanctuary for everyone—welcoming individuals from broken homes, diverse backgrounds, and all walks of life. We accepted everyone, and that inclusivity became our true superpower.

Today, we also take a moment to honor and remember those who laid this foundation and who are no longer with us. From the generations that first started this corps to those who carried it forward, their dedication and honor made the Americanos what they are today. We especially remember the impact of individuals like Bill Schultz, who was a driving force from the early days and continued his passionate leadership up until 2015. His strength and vision were a true superpower for this organization, and his spirit lives on in every note we play.

Every era had its battle. We remember the heartbreak of the 1970s, when a full, talented unit of 128 members was yanked off the bus and forced to disperse before concluding their season. We honor the 1994 crew, who defied the odds—facing critically low membership but rich in spirit—to fight through and claim a triumphant championship. We recall the sting of 2000, when our corps was ranked first for nearly the entire season, only to be derailed at the last minute when the Seattle Cascades dropped a division, ultimately displacing us to a heartbreaking second place. And we remember 2004, when despite having dedicated members, a lack of funding and structural support forced the competitive corps to fold.

But an Americano doesn't know how to stay down. The silence didn't last. In 2009, the Alumni Corps was born. What started as a spark has transitioned into the powerhouse organization we are today: the proud keepers of the flame, ensuring that the Americanos remain a legendary, living tradition in the streets.

To the incredible alumni from the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, and beyond who are marching today, and to the non-member fans and supporters who show up to pack our ranks and carry this experience forward: You are the champions. The music we are playing right now has surpassed anything this corps has ever produced, and it is because of your unwavering dedication.
To those alumni who are not present with us this weekend: We miss you, and frankly, it’s just not the same without the full family. An organization cannot survive without support, and this milestone is exactly where you belong. But where there is absence, those of us standing here see an opportunity for opportunistic perseverance. We will rehearse, we will work our butts off, we will march, and we will keep this heartbeat driving forward.

We've proved time and time again that good things come in small, fiercely dedicated numbers.
Here’s to 90 years of pride.

Here’s to the Americanos!

May the tradicion continue...

Viva!

Americanos Alumni Association