Liberty Drum Corps hits the BYBA scene
On October 9th 2008 a new band had its first rehearsal and Liberty Drum Corps, based in Duston - Northampton, finally moved from planning to happening. For the last 6 months the steering group had been working on the 'behind the scenes' operations to make sure the band started with good foundations.
Funding had been applied for, instruments begged and borrowed and a great rehearsal venue found. Recruitment road shows had been held, schools informed and training courses attended through the local youth club network.
The band has started with 24 members, and is continuing to recruit with the aim to have 30 players by the end of November. Half of the Liberty's initial members have no experience of playing in a band so they are pleased to have brought new people to this great activity. A colour guard will be added in January 2009.
Liberty's staff had all previously been involved in a local Boys' Brigade band. Their corps director, Dale Willis is delighted with how far they have come, "Six of us met in April with a dream. It has been hard work, but that first rehearsal made it all worth while." The staff have been bowled over by the support they have had in setting up the band.
Matthew Kemshed, the band's drum major, commented 'Everyone we speak to locally just can't do enough for us. However we need to especially thank Adam Dudley and his team at Trinity School Showband who have generously donated some brass instruments to us and loaned us an entire Drumline. Thanks Trinity. That's what BYBA is all about!"
The band has also had tremendous support from First Brass, based in Northampton who have brought instruments along for kids to try at our recruitment evenings and who made sure Liberty started its first rehearsal with an instrument for every player.
"We aim to get as many of our members as possible involved with this year's Individuals and Ensembles competition and are looking forward to putting Liberty Drum Corps onto the competition field next Summer", Kemshed said.
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