Marquis of Granby Open House

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Marquis of Granby to hold open house

By Lori Catlin Garcia

The Marquis of Granby Ancient Fyfe and Drum Corps will hold an open house on Wednesday, March 18 at First Congregational Church of Granby on Route 189. Membership in the corps is open to interested youth, typically age 9 and up, from Granby and surrounding towns.

At the March recruitment event, prospective members will be introduced to marching and the musket drill, and will learn about playing the fyfe and the snare or bass drum. Those who do not wish to play an instrument may aspire to be a part of the flag line. A separate meeting for parents will explain the parade season and the many leadership and travel opportunities that come with a Marquis membership.

The Marquis was founded in 1969 with the intention of creating a corps that could add both music and pageantry to local events. The original founders sought to demonstrate the sound and presence of a pre-revolutionary colonial militia sponsored by a titled Englishman, John Manners, who was titular head of a militia in the colonies before the Revolution. The same street discipline of colonial troops is seen today with the unique marching style of the Marquis with its “high stepping” and “trooping.” Over the past 45 years, the corps has gained both national and international recognition, performing by invitation at such diverse locations as the International Muster in Basel, Switzerland, the Yorktown Victory Monument, and the Big E. The 2015 summer trip will be to Fort Ticonderoga, NY, and another international destination is under consideration. The Marquis gratefully acknowledges the support it receives from the Granby Community Fund and other town organizations, which allows it to offer this wonderful opportunity to area youth.

To join the Marquis, a child must be formally registered by a parent, and after a successful three-month probationary period, will be considered a full member of the corps. Members receive weekly music lessons, and instruments and uniforms (except shoes) and are provided by the corps. Practices run from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and are held at First Congregational Church of Granby. For more information, visit www.marquisofgranby.org or email director Audrey Lampert at director@marquisofgranby.org.