Staffordshire Knights

The Staffordshire Knights were formed in October 1992, A group of people met, to discuss the possibility of starting a new, independent drum & bugle corps in the Staffordshire area.

Whilst enthusiasm was very high, the reality of the mountain to climb hit home immediately. We had just over £100, we did not own a single musical instrument, and we had nowhere to even think about holding a rehearsal. However, we did have a list of possible members who had pledged support for a new corps.

Since the humble beginnings the Staffordshire Knights have gone on from strength to strength amassing various titles along the way including:-

- 3 BYBA Premier League Titles

- 2 BYBA Premier Champions Titles

- 1 DCUK A Class Champions Title

- 2 DCUK Junior Class Champions Titles

Members of the Knights include young people between the ages of 10 and 26 from all parts of Staffordshire and beyond. No experience is necessary as we teach all levels, from beginner to expert. All equipment and uniforms are provided.

The season begins late in November with Sunday afternoon rehearsals held at the Orme Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme. This 'closed season' continues through to around April when the corps moves outside to learn the marching show.

Throughout the year the corps goes on 'camps' where all sections attend training weekends, where they learn and rehearse the show. These camps are a great time for the various corps sections to get together in both a formal and informal environment.

Competitions start in June and are held throughout the UK, usually on Sundays at various athletics and football grounds. The season climaxes with the national finals in September/October.

Please feel free to come down and have a look for yourself and if you want have a go on some of the instruments available. You too can have the chance for fun travelling the country competing against similar units, making new friends, and also the opportunity to learn or develop music or dance skills

Drum Corps (an abbreviation for Drum & Bugle Corps) first hit the British Isles in the late 70's, and it is essentially a competitive youth Marching Band activity with a high level of performance quality. Generally, a Drum Corps has a higher performance level than a Marching Band.

A typical Drum Corps would not generally play 'oompah' music, but more likely Classical, Symphonic, Jazz, West End musicals or contemporary compositions. The musical arrangements are visually enhanced through the use of precision motion (marching) and props including colourful flags, imitation rifles, and scenery backdrops. While the repertoire choices can be endless, there are strict rules pertaining to other aspects of the activity, such as the maximum number of individuals being limited to 135, and a 13 minute time limit imposed on the duration of a show. A drum corps performance is designed by the arrangers and designers to be exciting or to arouse emotion.

Drum corps evolved in the USA as veteran groups from World War I, in fact one surviving aspect of those times is the Colour Guard which originally honoured the national colours.