This autumn the Marquis of Granby Junior Ancient Fyfe and Drum Corps will celebrate its 50th anniversary. For those who don’t know, the Marquis is a fife and drum corps that was founded in Granby for the purpose of preserving our nation’s history and entertaining the public with instrumental songs from the Revolutionary War era. It is one of the largest youth fife and drum corps in America.
Marquis of Granby
Muster Weekend
Sept. 21-22
East Granby Farms
Marquis is an integral part of Granby culture – you may have seen us perform in the Granby Memorial Day parade, on the town green, and at other special events. The corps is comprised of kids from Granby and surrounding towns, who have carried the torch for 50 years.
In addition to teaching young kids how to play the fife or drum, and educating them on American history, Marquis provides its members with discipline, a sense of respect, and the confidence to become a leader. Supporting Marquis means supporting Granby youth—so please come out to the event.
Every five years, we host a muster, which is a public showcase, to commemorate the founding of the corps. Other fife and drum corps from around New England are invited to attend and perform along with us. This muster is one that you do not want to miss. The members have been working tirelessly to learn new music to debut at the event and are currently preparing a unique marching maneuver. The visiting corps are bringing with them music of different eras and styles, from American Civil War to modern interpretation of a Swiss tradition. Switzerland, incidentally, isthe nation where fife and drum music has its origins.
The muster weekend will take place on Sept. 21-22 at East Granby Farms recreation area on 79 North Main Street. It will begin with an evening performance on Saturday at 7 p.m., traditionally called a “tattoo,” and will feature the Marquis as well as a few of the visiting guest corps. All gathered corps will parade through East Granby Farms recreation area beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday. After the parade, each corps will perform a selection of its choice, showcasing their unique style. Both days are open to the public and are free. East Granby Historical Society will have food for sale and will open their barn for tours, and children will have some old-fashioned games to play. Come enjoy the music, pageantry and traditional spirit of this local event!
Rebecca Rose Kaczmarek joined the Marquis in September of 2012, and has attained the rank of Major. She begins her studies at College of the Holy Cross this year but is sure to be back to play fife with the Marquis whenever her schedule will allow.