LCFD Ancient
|
January of 1974 brought the corps to a new year
and a new budget. With uniforms included it was a budget that the LCFD budget committee could not see their way clear to provide the corps with - a budget was approved that would cover transportation only. All other expenses must be paid with monies raised by the corps. Included in these expenses are salary for the Music Director and all instrument repairs or purchases. Once again the expense for securing some type of uniform for the corps fell on the shoulders of the parents. The parade season was to have an early start in 1974. The corps managed to get themselves invited to the St Patrick's Day Parade in NYC. At the close of the 1973 season there were quite a number of new applicants to become a part of the fife & drum corps. A junior corps was instituted which will be a feeder group to the First Corps. The Junior corps is being trained in the same manor as the senior corps and will be expected to go out on their own this season. With many committments already in hand, both the senior and junior corps will have a very busy season. |
The corps, its make up musically and with respect to uniforms and equipment is designed with 1975 in mind. This will be the 200th Birthday of our country.
The corps hopes to be able to parade in each of the original 13 states for the bi-centennial celebrations in 1976. It is hoped to open up to the youthful members of the corps all aspects of the fields of music, discipline, travel, history and friendships. All this will be very beneficial to the members of the corps and to the community at large. However, it will mean a large amount of cooperation and support by the community. The corps wants the community to be proud of them as they carry their name and that of the sponsoring fire department. Within one year the LCFD Ancient Fife & Drum Corps has grown from the original seven members to over seventy. It is hoped that someday the corps will be able to field a unit of 120 members for a parade or competition. There is also plans for a unique color guard which will be the only one of its kind in the country. . |
There is a fine group of
children in the community and it can be kept that way by giving these children the opportunity to learn the disciplines necessary for life, to learn from their travels and new friendships, to enjoy a sense of leadership and to develop pride in their own accomplishments.In order to assist these children accomplish their goals, it is important to supply them with the instruction, equipment, and uniforms necessary. All of this costs money. While the equipment and uniforms are a one time item, the instruction must be continuous. Within three to four years, the corps, through being paid by others to perform will become a self supporting unit. Initially, however, there must be a large outlay of funds to keep the corps operating. It is believed that this activity is one of the best methods to accomplish the goals that have been set and hope that the community and LCFD can continue their encouragement and support. Editors Note: This information was taken from a packet put together in the early 1970's written by founding parent, Eileen Mulgrew. |