Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps
Posted by Doug Barry
on Mar 23, 2015
On March 16th, Paul G. LaFlamme, Jr. Paul is the Director of the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps. The Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps which was founded in 1955 by Albert Laflamme (Paul’s Grandfather) as a way to keep at-risk youth off of the streets. The Spartans are one of the most respected and established organizations in the drum corps activity. The organization has an outstanding record in promoting youth involvement and participation, having attained multiple Drum Corps International gold medals.
The Spartans are a community-based organization for youth ages 14-21. The group performs in summer competitions and performances throughout the Midwest and Northeast. They are not affiliated with any school or government-sponsored group. The organization is run by a dedicated group of volunteer parents and a professional teaching staff who work in close harmony with all members to create and maintain a proud, responsible youth organization.
Mr. LaFlamme presentation included a step by step PowerPoint of the organization’s routine during a competition trip. The Corps travels by bus overnight arriving at the destination in early morning. They bring their own food truck to feed the almost 150 members. Once arrived, members prepare their bedding and typically sleep in a gym setting. Their day includes a very intense schedule of teambuilding, meals, practice, pack-up, drive to venue, unpack, practice, perform, pack-up and head home. The organizations budget is approximately $350,000 annually. Funds are raised by performance fees and fund raising events.
Mr. LaFlamme presentation included a step by step PowerPoint of the organization’s routine during a competition trip. The Corps travels by bus overnight arriving at the destination in early morning. They bring their own food truck to feed the almost 150 members. Once arrived, members prepare their bedding and typically sleep in a gym setting. Their day includes a very intense schedule of teambuilding, meals, practice, pack-up, drive to venue, unpack, practice, perform, pack-up and head home. The organizations budget is approximately $350,000 annually. Funds are raised by performance fees and fund raising events.