Scouts March to Virgin Territory

June 15, 2015 - PRLog -- Although the Corps are flying Virgin, the US is familiar territory, as they travelled to New York for the first time in 2010, to perform on the world Drum Corps stage as part of their centenary year celebrations. After finishing in sixth place and receiving an outstanding welcome and reception from the American audiences, the band returned again in 2012. Both in 2010 & 2012 they were crowned International Champions. This year, the band will once again return to the competitive circuit in America, making them the only British Drum Corps to compete in the US on three separate occasions.

Established in 1910, as part of the First Kidsgrove Scout Group, the band’s mission is to provide an environment in which to excel at musical and dance education, whilst offering exciting performance opportunities. Regularly competing across the UK and Europe, KSDBC are currently the reigning UK champions and ranked second in the whole of Europe. Since 2007 the Corps have been recognised as the most successful marching band in the UK, being crowned British Champions six times over eight years. Based on a traditional American style marching band, the Corps is made up of four sections, the marching brass, marching percussion, front line percussion and the colourguard, who complement the music with dance.

Members have co-ordinated music and movement in a themed show, under the instruction of a highly skilled team of musical and creative experts. Each year the band co-ordinate a new show which takes about eight months to learn and perfect. Kidsgrove Scouts’ 2015 production is entitled The Stone Circle, a show which will depict the magic and myths of the iconic British landmark; Stonehenge.

For the 2015 season, 121 marching members make up the Corps across the four sections, supported by over 30 instructional staff. Members are aged from 10 years old up to 60 and travel from across the UK and Europe to be a part of the Corps. Whilst in America the band will be joined by over 100 supporters made up of friends and family making it the largest of the three American tours.

Kidsgrove Scouts are thrilled to have several instructional staff from world class American Drum Corps joining them on the tour to help the band perfect their show on rehearsal days. Rob Swindells, Corps Director commented: “Competing in America and meeting new fans and supporters across the pond is a real pleasure and I’m overjoyed we have had the opportunity to return again and allow more members than ever to share this magical experience.”

Darren Truby, Tour Manager said: “Being the largest of the three tours the logistics and organisation has been no mean feat. However, the support we’ve had from colleagues in America, our own members and our Travel Agent have made the organisation a whole lot easier.” UK-based Blue Sky Travel have worked with the group to put their transatlantic travel arrangements in to place. Starting in New Jersey, The Corps will spend five days before travelling to Rochester, New York for the Drum Corps Associates World Championships. As well as rehearsal time, the band will enjoy leisure and sightseeing as part of their trip. Travel Director at Blue Sky Travel, Emma Colclough commented “it has been an absolute pleasure to be part of this trip. They have a complex itinerary and we have thoroughly enjoyed helping them on their way. We wish them every success in the competition”.