By Polina R. Crotty
Another full summer is in store for Marquis of Granby Ancient Junior Fyfe and Drum Corps. The corps has already participated in a flurry of events including the Granby Little League Opening Day parade at the end of April, the North Haven, Enfield and Simsbury Memorial Day parades and, most recently, the Gaspee Days celebration in Rhode Island.
Another full summer is in store for Marquis of Granby Ancient Junior Fyfe and Drum Corps. The corps has already participated in a flurry of events including the Granby Little League Opening Day parade at the end of April, the North Haven, Enfield and Simsbury Memorial Day parades and, most recently, the Gaspee Days celebration in Rhode Island.
Marquis of Granby marched in the Gaspee Days celebration in Rhode Island. Photos by Kent McCord
We all missed Granby’s own Memorial Day parade since the weather did not cooperate for the morning celebration—although some lucky residents may have caught an impromptu performance by the Marquis on the town green later that afternoon. Marquis of Granby Director Kim McCord said that the corps leaders Jonah Garcia, Ivy Nguyen and Mike Spence, all Majors, decided how to go about honoring the fallen. “They chose the music and the maneuvers. They are all amazing leaders,” says Director McCord.
So what is next? On July 4th, following long-standing tradition, the Marquis heads to East Longmeadow to march in the Independence Day parade. On July 16, the corps will participate in the Deep River Ancient Muster, which, as the town website boasts, is “the oldest and largest gathering of fife and drum participants and enthusiasts in the world and has been referred to as ‘A Colonial Woodstock’”. The Marquis has been invited to two other musters later in the summer. The Hale at the Homestead Colonial Encampment and Muster in Coventry in late July at the historic grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead where reenactors will engage adults and children in activities that let them experience the sights, smells and sounds of colonial living. In late August, the Marquis, along with over 40 other corps from across the United States, will attend the Westbrook Drum Corps Muster, which the members of the Marquis have come to love for its energy and fanfare. Another local, open and free-to-the-public muster where the Marquis will perform is the Windsor Muster, which will take place in September.
So what is next? On July 4th, following long-standing tradition, the Marquis heads to East Longmeadow to march in the Independence Day parade. On July 16, the corps will participate in the Deep River Ancient Muster, which, as the town website boasts, is “the oldest and largest gathering of fife and drum participants and enthusiasts in the world and has been referred to as ‘A Colonial Woodstock’”. The Marquis has been invited to two other musters later in the summer. The Hale at the Homestead Colonial Encampment and Muster in Coventry in late July at the historic grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead where reenactors will engage adults and children in activities that let them experience the sights, smells and sounds of colonial living. In late August, the Marquis, along with over 40 other corps from across the United States, will attend the Westbrook Drum Corps Muster, which the members of the Marquis have come to love for its energy and fanfare. Another local, open and free-to-the-public muster where the Marquis will perform is the Windsor Muster, which will take place in September.
Marquis of Granby marched in the Gaspee Days celebration in Rhode Island. Photos by Kent McCord
And there is the summer trip! In August, the Junior Fyfe and Drum Corps heads to Bennington, Vermont to participate in the weekend celebration of the Battle of Bennington, a Vermont state holiday commemorating the Patriots’ victory in the summer of 1777. This success greatly contributed to the defeat of British troops at Saratoga a few months later and thus helped decide the outcome of the American War of Independence. Apart from the Battle Day events, the corps will camp and enjoy swimming, canoeing and hiking at the beautiful Woodford State Park, as well as explore nearby adventure parks. It will be another summer of friendships built and memories made.
As always, the Marquis corps would like to express its thanks to the community, especially to the Granby Community Fund for its ongoing support and to the First Congregational Church for providing the use of its beautiful space.
The Marquis invites you to check out the corps’ website, www.marquisofgranby.org, to learn more about the organization and to ‘Like’ the Marquis of Granby Facebook page.
As always, the Marquis corps would like to express its thanks to the community, especially to the Granby Community Fund for its ongoing support and to the First Congregational Church for providing the use of its beautiful space.
The Marquis invites you to check out the corps’ website, www.marquisofgranby.org, to learn more about the organization and to ‘Like’ the Marquis of Granby Facebook page.
