Les Johnston initiated a number of important programs with the Empire Statesmen, beginning in 1997. He served as recruiting director and established the concept of an extended corps, which allowed expansion of the group for non-competitive performances; was recruiting director and marching member when the Statesmen won the Drum Corps Associates (DCA), World Show Band and American Legion titles in 1998; negotiated a New York State College music credit program for corps members; managed office operations. His drum corps career began in 1966 when he was a lead soprano player with Albion Grenadiers. While part of the Rochester Crusaders organization from 1971 to 1979, he played lead soprano, acted as chair of the board of directors and served as co-director.
