After a chilly November camp at the Pine Hill Scout Reservation, the 1996 corps continued to develop its crowd-pleasing reputation; with an extremely strong winter at the Ft. Dix military installation and having all of its drill completed by Memorial Day! The corps added three diesel buses to its fleet, including the infamous “SEPTA” staff bus. The repertoire, “Cool Tunes from the Back of the Bus,” featured music of Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder and Tower of Power. The corps attained finalist status for the first time at the DCE Championships, held in Allentown PA. As a finalist, the corps captured high percussion honors and completed the DCE tour undefeated in percussion. After achieving finalist status at the North American Open in Nashville, TN, the corps experienced bus problems which were nearly catastrophic, but the corps proceeded to complete the tour to the World Championships in Orlando, FL. The corps finished the season ranked 7th in Div. II.