Concord's Extensive Development Programme

As a part of the ongoing review and development of the group, Concord Drum and Bugle Corps has announced a range of projects that are in the planning stage for implementation beginning in the 2006 / 2007 winter period. These projects are designed to reflect the Corps’ ongoing policy of offering its members a range of musical and performance opportunities that will allow exposure to a wider range of musical genre, widening the members musical skills and will introduce the Corps activities to wider audiences and potential memberships.

In summary the activities planned include :

COMPETITIVE DRUM & BUGLE CORPS
A continuation of our main 22-year objective of entering competitions at an appropriate level and within the current rules of the national organisation. In addition to the competitive element, the drum corps will be developed into a more diverse performing unit allowing them to participate in a wider range of engagements. High profile and prestigious bookings will continue to be sought both on a domestic and international stage.

CONCORD ALLSTARS JUNIOR MARCHING BAND
Further development of our under-12 activity designed to introduce young people to playing musical instruments and taking part in basic performance opportunities. This unit will incorporate brass and percussion playing plus an auxiliary unit.

CONCORD CONCERT ENSEMBLE
A “sit-down” ensemble comprising members of the drum corps, AllStars, staff and parents/supporters who will get together to play a series of concert items suitable for a range of performance opportunities.

CEREMONIAL FANFARE TEAM
We will continue to develop and extend the repertoire of our very successful team of ceremonial fanfare trumpeters and will continue to seek opportunities for them to perform at a wide range of appropriate engagements.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
This ensemble will comprise both marching percussion and static instruments and will be trained to participate in both indoor and outdoor exhibitions and/or competitions.

WINTER BRASS ENSEMBLE
A parallel group to the above featuring brass players and minimal percussion to provide an ensemble that will participate in mainly indoor winter season events.

FRONT LINE PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
A whole range of varying percussion input clinics and workshops have been arranged to widen the skills base of our expanding front line percussion ensemble. The ultimate aim is not only to contribute to the overall excellence of the drum and bugle corps, but to offer this ensemble a range of opportunities to perform as an independent unit.

SAMBA BAND
Strictly for fun – this ensemble will learn to play a range of different instruments in the infectious, rhythmic samba style. Whilst it will undoubtedly lead to extended skills and an appreciation of yet another facet of percussion, the main aim is to have fun and participate in any festivals or other performances that might be appropriate. Open to all members of the Concord family.

WINTERGUARD
The organisation will continue to encourage members of the colour guard to participate in the winterguard activity through membership of local competitive units. The creation of our own Cadet group may also be considered.

ALUMNI GROUP
An invitation will be issued to all alumni from Concord’s 22-year history to re-form the alumni performance group as a social activity. Rehearsals and engagements will be at the total discretion of the members of the group.

For details of any of the above projects – either as a potential member (subject to current DCUK "Movement of Members" rules) or, especially, with any offers of help, please call 0114 249 1460 or email : rcs@concord.org.uk

18th August 2006

Source: Concord