The Railmen is the only drum and bugle corps located in the state of Nebraska. The group was formed in 1939 as the Union Pacific drum and bugle corps. Until 1971, the group performed in parades and events to represent the Union Pacific Railroad and was made up of children of the workers. After 1971, the group started to transform into a junior drum corps, accepting anyone, and made its competitive debut in 1983. By 1994, the Railmen made a switch to being a senior drum corp, accepting members of all ages, for a short time before losing funding.
In 2013, the group was re-formed under the direction of Wade Kellet and board members from the original group. Since then, the group has been working towards a full sized summer drum and bugle corps. Along with the summer activities, the Railmen also compete in Winter Guard International (WGI) and Heartland Winter Arts Associations (HWAA) with Winter Guard, Winter Winds, and Winter Percussion.
The Railmen have held several championship titles over the years, including being DCI finalist, HWAA champions, WGI Percussion finalist, and most recently, winning Gold at the 2016 Soundsport competition in every category.
Although a large portion of the members are from the Omaha, Nebraska area, there are several individuals who come from all across Nebraska and the surrounding regions including Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Auditions are held each season for anyone 13 years of age and older who has a good attitude, dedication, musical ability and marching skills.
The Drumline:
Railmen Performing Arts is a group based out of Omaha, Nebraska. In recent years, the organization has seen many changes and growth throughout the group. Not only has the organization grown within the ensembles, but they have merged with others in the area to provide an experience of a lifetime for musicians in and around Nebraska. During this period of growing, Railmen has combined with other local independent groups to bring back Railmen Indoor Percussion. The group participates in their local circuit, Heartland Winter Arts Association (HWAA), as well as Winter Guard International (WGI).
WGI Winds:
The Railmen Performing Arts have recently introduced a new ensemble to their organization. In 2015, The Executive Director, Wade Kellett formed The Railmen Winter Winds. The group is based out of Omaha, NE and competes in class Independent A Winds in the Heartland Winter Arts Association (HWAA), and Winter Guard International (WGI).
Although The Railmen Winter Winds is fairly new, they have no doubt made an impact in the world of WGI. During their inaugural year, 2016, they travelled to Dayton, Ohio where they competed in World Championships. Here they were a fan favorite and placed 4th in finals. During the 2017 year, the group travelled to several competitions and did very well. While at the Mid-East Power Regional, Railmen placed 2nd in Independent A class. In their home circuit, HWAA, Railmen Winter Winds placed 1st at Championships. When travelling once again to Dayton, OH for the 2017 World Championships, the group placed 5th in finals.
The group’s staff members include Director Wade Kellett, Percussion Head Dylan Butler, and Brass Head Patrick Hunninghake.