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Joining the CorpsThank you for your interest in the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps. We hope this will answer some of the questions you may have about our organization. Remember . . . we are always looking for motivated individuals like you. The 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps was formed in November of 1974. The Corps completed its first public performance in August of 1975, at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. It has performed before many audiences since that time and has acquired a reputation for excellence and historical accuracy. We now invite you to add your talents to our organization and to help us to continue to strive for excellence. Welcoming you in the Ancient Spirit,
View a short video clip here.
InvitationThe members of The 1st Michigan Colonial Fife & Drum Corps invite you to explore a unique and exciting hobby -- the Ancient Art of Fifing and Drumming! The 1st Michigan is a group of young men and women, and their families, who enjoy recreating the music and times of the American Revolutionary War Era. Like you, many members are middle school, junior high or high school students. Some of the senior members and parents are college students, teachers, engineers, or medical personnel. Some came to the Corps looking to broaden or develop their musical skills. Some came because of an interest in history. Some members were looking for a family oriented group, while others came just to investigate an interesting new hobby. If you're looking for a different outlet for your musical talents, a way to make new friends, a way to learn more about history or just think this whole thing sounds interesting, why not give The 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps and the ancient art of fifing and drumming a try? What is a Fife and Drum Corps?Historically, the fifes and drums provided a source of entertainment, kept pace for the soldiers on the march, and helped relay commands on and off the field. Each regiment would have one or more fifers and/or drummers (usually those too young or too old to carry a musket). When forces were joined, the group of musicians was called a CORPS. Why join the 1st Michigan?The 1st Michigan provides a unique way to further your interest in music and/or history, while also providing the opportunity for traveling and making new friends. Besides improving playing abilities, members have the opportunity to serve on the board of directors, develop medleys, arrange music and instruct new members. Who should consider joining?Members should be 12 years of age and possess the desire to develop or enhance their musical and/or marching skills. Musical background is preferred for the fife and drum ranks. Interested non-musicians are welcome to join as ensigns (flag bearers). What will the Corps provide?We provide you with uniform, instrument, music, friendship and travel opportunities. What must I provide?The most important thing for you to provide is desire. You will also need black, plain-toed, leather-like, tie shoes, plain white socks, white eighteenth century pants & shirt, and a sleeping bag for overnight trips. When available, pants and shirts may initially be borrowed from the Corps. Members can wear jean-style white pants until their 18th century pants are constructed. You will also be expected to assist with providing transportation when necessary. What will it cost to join?There are no dues to pay for belonging. You will be responsible for purchasing your own shoes, socks, shirt and pants. A $15 deposit will be collected for the use of the drum sticks or fife. The deposit will be returned when the recruit qualifies for rank or chooses to leave the Corps. At performances, you will be responsible for bringing or purchasing your own food and refreshments. The fees we charge for performing go toward insurance, bus charters for long distance trips, and for maintaining instruments and uniforms. How often does the Corps get together?The Corps enjoys a busy summer season, while in winter, the focus turns more toward training. Some performances occur during the week. A few events may take place during school time. Can my family participate?Family members are encouraged to become Campfollowers and to follow the Corps in authentic clothing. Adult Campfollowers help with chaperoning when necessary. Parents are not required to be Campfollowers for their children to be involved. Some parents choose to help the Corps by volunteering such services as driving or sewing. The Corps can provide patterns and material suggestions for clothing. Campfollowers are required to purchase their own material. 1st Michigan Members Activities1st Michigan members....
What Do Members Say About the Corps?"The Corps has helped me develop social skills and people skills" -- Tim Taylor, Fifer "The 1st Michigan has really improved my self confidence." -- Holly Frendt, Fifer "If it wasn't for the Corps, I wouldn't have won the MMA Open Division Snare Championship." -- Jill Van Belle, Drummer "With the Corps, I've had the opportunity to travel to places I normally wouldn't have gone." -- Brent Wandel, Ensign "Everyone in the Corps is like a family. You always have friends around." -- Katy Taylor, Drummer "The Corps has opened up a whole new world for me." -- Pam St. Peter, Fifer "The 1st Michigan has really helped me develop my musical abilities." -- John Hurbis, Drummer Where does the Corps Perform?The Corps performs at parades, concerts, historical events, banquets, and festivals throughout Michigan. The Corps travels each year to Boston, Massachusetts; Youngstown, New York; and Lafayette, Indiana. We also try to plan a week long trip each summer. We have performed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia and Canada. The Corps has also completed four trips to England, Scotland and Wales. Specifically, performances have included:
How do I join?Complete this form to let 1st Michigan know of your interest. You will be invited to attend a practice to meet the members. If you decide to be a fifer or drummer, you will be given music to begin working toward making rank in that section. Before marching as a fifer or drummer, you will be required to memorize ten songs, and to learn the marching style and mace signals. If you decide to become an ensign, you will begin instruction on carrying the flags and learn the marching style. Assistance and encouragement are available from current members. New members are encouraged to attend practices and to march in the recruit ranks at events to become familiar with the Corps, the mace instruction and the marching style. |
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