SG Director

We have been getting a lot of interest in Plymouth, but as anyone who has started a corps from scratch, it is not easy. We hope, over the next 3 years to grow a respectable class A corps. The good thing is that with opportunities like the upcoming Buglers Hall of Fame shows, DCA mini-corps championships, etc., we will be able to do just that. We plan on being regional first and then try to build up from there. Perhaps with the growth of new corps coupled with established ones, we can bring back something of the vitality we knew back when. Any corps directors who would like to discuss this, a meeting could be set up. I'm sure that if we all pull together and see about being mutually beneficial, we can bring a new era of drum and bugle corps to New England. And that can only help all of us. Dennis O'Neill Standish Guards Plymouth, MA

This is going to be a great show. Would be nice to see more drummers entering though. Dennis Standish Guards

Let bands be bands and let those who wish to remain a drum and bugle corps be themselves. If a big band plays a rock song are they a now a rock band? What constitutes a drum and bugle corps is just that; drums and bugles. No disrepect to color guards, but talking specifically speaking on the musical instrumention that makes up a musical group. A fife and drum corps is just that also, fife and drums. Bands have woodwinds saxaphones and trombones. Change is constant but for those who wish to stay a drum and bugle corps let them not be punished for doing so. SG

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I will certainly check them out. And just in case Melligene is wondering, not only are my drummers able to spell Rudimental, I got them to walk upright! Dennis

Anyone?

Can anyone recomend some resources for intermediate percussion such as street beats, solos and ensemble? Looking for anything that's interesting without being too difficult and yet fun to play. We are doing some of our own writing but it would be nice to have other pieces too. Currently have a basic line, snare, quads, bass, cymbals, bells and some various percussion. Thanks! Dennis Standish Guards Plymouth MA

This Sunday, January 31st from 1:30 - 3pm, the Standish Guards will be having an informal open meeting for anyone interested in helping us bring drum and bugle corps to America's Hometown. Located at the VFW Post 1822, 22 Seven Hills Rd. Plymouth, MA. I will be discussing what our goals are for 2010 and beyond. Whether you are interested in performing or just looking to help, come on by say hello. If you can't make it that's ok, perhaps you could spread the word to someone who may be interested. Hope to see you there. Dennis O'Neill Director Standish Guards, Inc.

True, there are fine units this area, but we thought about it carefully and we decided for a number of reasons to start our own. Plymouth County has a large enough population base with lots of talent to support multiple corps, many potential members can't or won't travel 50+ miles in a blizzard no matter how dedicated, more corps brings greater awareness and opportunity for our activity, we are going to try some new and unique ideas to help make our mark, we are also going to emphasize being a competitive corps. Many new corps are starting as parade and exhibition corps, which is fine, but we are going directly into competition. Lastly, why start a new corps? Why not? I support all drum corps activity and I think if we can continue fostering growth we can see increasing opportunity for everyone. Dennis Director SG, Inc

I am hoping with the the formstion of our corps, the Standish Guards of Plymouth, we can help bring more awareness to our activity and help bring more participation from all the corps in this area. One of our goals is to begin hosting our own shows and it would be great to have all the eastern MA corps participate. Dennis Corps Director Standish Guards

Happy New Year everyone! The Standish Guards of Plymouth, MA is having an open house/meeting of interest for those interested in joining an all-age corps. We have a board of directors in place, instructors lined up or in the process of aquiring, and actively pursuing equipment and funding. We would love to have enough members for a DCA, class A corps in 2010, or at the very least a mini-corps. Some of us will be attending the Bugler's Hall of Fame shows in the I&E competitions and we welcome anyone who would like to join us for those shows. Starting from scratch is no easy feat, but we have generated alot of positive feedback from the community, and I feel that there is enough talent and interest here on the South Shore to have a viable program. No matter how many members we have, I can assure you that our goal is to compete and perform, and to pursue musical and visual excellence. Watch for our website coming soon or send me a pm for more information. Sunday, January 31st, 1:30-3pm at the VFW, Post 1822, 22 Seven Hills Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 I'm looking forward to a great year of Drum and Bugle Corps! Dennis O'Neill Corps Director Standish Guards, Inc.

Hello everyone and wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season. I just wanted to give a preliminary announcement that the Standish Guards Drum and Bugle Corps, Inc. is getting ready for the 2010 season. We are looking to bring a viable all-age program to Plymouth, MA and to compete in DCA and other competitions as available. We have our executive board in place, instructors are lined up or in the process of aquiring, equipment and funding is being pursued and we currently have 20 members. As we are starting a corps from scratch, we have no idea about how many members will commit but I can assure you that our main goal is to compete and perform no matter what size corps we have. We will be having an open house/meeting of interest in January with twice monthly rehearsals starting in February. We will also be travelling to all three of the Bugler's Hall of Fame shows entering in the I&E. If we can have a mini corps in time for April we will do that also. If anyone is interested in finding out more send me a pm or watch for our upcoming website which will be up and running soon. I feel that this is an exciting time in drum corps and I'm looking forward to this challenge! Dennis O'Neill Corps Director/Percussion, Standish Guards (If anyone out there is starting a new corps and you need help with the legal filings, check with your local school of law. They may have a community outreach program for free. We have had a great experience with the Southern New England School of Law, Dartmouth, MA. A big thank you to our law student Elizabeth Broadway and her faculty advisor, Linnea Michel, who are now big drum corps fans!)