EnCorps Drum & Bugle Corps
What is EnCorps? EnCorps Drum & Bugle Corps is a project of the MYPAA (Mid-South Youth Performing Arts Association) designed to provide another avenue for support of the Memphis Sound Drum & Bugle Corps. EnCorps will function as an exhibition unit open to all ages as well as all sections of the Drum & Bugle Corps. The format will be more of a stage show/mini-corps set up, with a flexible repertoire. Selections will come from the world of Drum Corps Classics, Jazz, Pop, Classical, Rock, Patriotic, and maybe some original tunes. EnCorps will reflect both our first home of Memphis, TN, as well as our new home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of North Texas. We have beautiful college and high school facilities available to us for rehearsals, as well as some great venues with the Parks and Recreation Department of Grand Prairie.
What will EnCorps do? EnCorps will serve as another fundraising arm of Memphis Sound. EnCorps will be very visible in local arts festivals, community events, drum corps functions, Holiday Events, Parties, and maybe even the occasional parade. We will host fundraising events to help raise awareness of Memphis Sound and help off-set the increasing costs of running a competitive DCI Corps. EnCorps will also be able to provide scholarships to members of Memphis Sound in need of financial assistance.
Who can be a member of EnCorps? Students ‘age-out’ of Memphis Sound at 21 years of age, EnCorps allows those students to continue on in a part time ensemble. This also allows our fans and volunteers a chance to perform to help raise funds for Memphis Sound, who is in the process of moving to TX.
How can I join EnCorps? EnCorps will meet one evening a week for most of the year. Participants in EnCorps make a minimum donation of $5 each rehearsal (by monetary or barter/equipment donation). EnCorps members will purchase their own uniform (stylized logo shirt, black pants and shoes), and cover their own travel expenses (with some exceptions). Membership in EnCorps will not interfere with membership in other ensembles as our schedule is flexible and is not competitive.
Who is on the staff of EnCorps? Currently, members of the staff and administrative team of Memphis Sound will coordinate the efforts of EnCorps. If you are interested in being a part of our volunteer staff or helping out with some of our events and programs, please email us at director [at] memphisdrumcorps [dot] org
For More Information: The website is coming soon… www.encorpsdrumcorps.com. Until then, you can fan the corps on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/EnCorps-Drum-Bugle-Corps/67022273404?ref=ts#/pages/EnCorps-Drum-Bugle-Corps/67022273404?ref=ts or if you are interested in joining as a performer- http://www.facebook.com/pages/EnCorps-Drum-Bugle-Corps/67022273404?ref=ts#/group.php?gid=91809050976
For more information about this ensemble, stay on this group and join the MYPAA Newsletter by email – director [at] memphisdrumcorps [dot] org
Some Quick Points about EnCorps:
#1 No dues or membership fees. We ask for a $5 minimum donation per rehearsal. Donation can be monetary, food, or other item the junior corps needs.
#2 All equipment we use is Memphis Sound’s or your own (if you prefer)
#3 We won’t be a traditional drum/mini corps. We may use dancers, electronics, video, theatrics, etc. This ensemble isn’t about sweating to death, it’s about having fun PERFORMING
#4 We won’t be a marching ensemble. (Outside of maybe a parade if we decide to)
#5 Rehearsals will be indoors, unless it’s just a beautiful day at the park!
