Fifty-seven years ago, a group of dedicated Granby volunteers created a unique youth organization. The vision of those ambitious residents became Marquis of Granby Ancient Fyfe and Drum Corps. Over the years since, hundreds of families, including mine, have built memories, relationships, life skills and truly special experiences by embracing the Marquis.
As members learned to march and play the ancient instruments of our revolution and reenacting drills from General Von Steuban’s manual of arms, they gained the ability to bring pageantry and honor to Granby Memorial Day parades and ultimately thousands of events in North America and Europe. Those members learned discipline, responsibility and leadership, along with their music and history lessons. They built friendships and character, while honoring the memory of those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.
As with many organized youth activities, Marquis is 100 percent lead and operated by parent volunteers. Its only paid staff include some of fife and drum’s most talented instructors. The McCord family’s journey with Marquis of Granby began 16 years ago, and it breaks my heart to think this treasure may soon vanish. Over the decades Marquis of Granby has seen many challenges, even going to the brink of collapse on a few occasions, but was brought through these crises because of the hard work of dedicated families. The work-to-fun balance is particularly challenging when children expect instant gratification, unlimited screentime, and seemingly endless options for fun and enriching activities. Parents are often spread thin navigating all of life’s responsibilities, and can’t or won’t commit to volunteer work to keep youth organizations going. Burnout is a very real problem among volunteers in all nonprofit organizations.
We are currently experiencing another time of crisis, having struggled to retain membership, and currently having no snare drummers ready to march with us. For the first time in decades, our low numbers have necessitated canceling participation in many holiday parades. Without paid parades, our coffers diminish and the downward spiral escalates.
So, what do we need to keep this institution alive? We need more committed families, more interested youth members, and we’re also seeking assistance from our valued alumni. If you would like to learn more, bounce ideas around or offer assistance, please stop by our practice at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Granby Congregational Church–North campus, 219 North Granby Road. If that day is inconvenient, we welcome visitors at any rehearsal (all Wednesdays except the first of the month or holidays). We also welcome emails to director@marquisofgranby.org or notes of encouragement or corps stories/memories to P.O. Box 112, Granby CT 06035.