The RED KNIGHTS was started at a meeting of drum corps
veterans at VFW Post # 448 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on
Saturday, October 10th, 2009. These people marched in corps
such as the Pittsfield Monarchs, Cavaliers, Royal Blue Angels,
Interstatesmen, Springfield Targets, Troy, NY Spiegleaires, and
the Syracuse, NY Brigadiers. Also present, where people from
Troy, NY and Connecticut, who currently march with the Alumni
Corps for the Hawthorne Caballeros. They offered many helpful
comments and ideas. Lastly, but not least by all means, I promised
Contra Bass player Bruce Bolich that I would mention that he
came from the Westshoremen from Harrisburg, PA. Bruce marched
with the Westshoremen in their HeyDay.
The RED KNIGHTS is an ALL-AGE drum and bugle corps. This means
members can be anywhere between the ages of youngster on up to senior
citizen. It is a non-profit organization, and offers instruments, equipment,
and instruction free of charge to it's members, for nominal dues.
The corps gives its members an avenue to learn and peform the
various aspects of the drum and bugle corps activity; these being brass,
percussion, marching, dance, and visual design.
Mostly, the following concepts are instilled into its members: music,
music perofrmance, visual performance, friends, teamwork, work ethic,
sacrifice, dedication, confidence, and accomplishment. Also, a desire to
share their talents and the fruit of their hard work, by giving to audiences
wherever they travel to. These are values the members will use througout
life's journey.
The RED KNIGHTS carry the name of VFW Post # 448 of Pittsfield, MA,
and has use of the facilities for meetings and rehearsals. In return for these
privilages, the corps is obligated to march with the VFW in three parades
per year; these being the Pittsfield Memorial Day Parade, the Pittsfield
Fourth of July Parade, and the Pittsfield Veterans Day Parade.
The RED KNIGHTS is a parade and exhibition corps at this point, with
the emphasis on fun and enjoyment for its members, while striving for
quality appearance and performances.
