Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps
Tax deductible
Please Help PFDC. We Need New Uniforms, Instruments, Guard Equipment and a Truck.
Click on this awesome video.
The PLYMOUTH FIFE AND DRUM CORPS (PFDC) is a self-supporting non-profit organization based in Plymouth, Michigan. We are an all youth Corps made up of a diverse group of students ranging in age from 12 - 18. Any student who wishes to join is welcome. We are an internationally renowned, elite precision marching fife and drum corps. We wear historically accurate uniforms of the Commander in Chief's personal Life Guard of 1776-1783, a prestigious unit that protected the life and important documents of General George Washington.
ABOUT OUR UNIFORMS:
Each PFDC member requires one uniform which consists of a black tricorn hat, a wool blue Continental coat with red trim, a wool buff waistcoat, two white cotton shirts, a leather neck stock, wool buff knee breeches, a pair of white knee stockings, black leather shoes and a black ribbon for longer hair. These uniforms have no zippers but use 64 buttons of real pewter to keep them together.
The constant rubbing from the drums while marching has worn holes through the knees of the wool breeches. Many of our shirts are worn so thin you can see through them. We are unable to mend most of them.
Marching for hours in bright sunlight and years of dry cleaning also takes its toll, especially on the Continental coats which have faded terribly. You can see the difference between our old uniforms and a new one.
We need new uniforms. Holes, patches and faded uniforms are not an acceptable option to maintain the high level of integrity and excellence that is expected of the Corps.
To maintain historic authenticity, our uniforms must be custom made. They are very expensive. It costs approximately $1,500.00 to outfit one Corps member with a complete uniform.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT:
In addition to uniforms, we also need new fifes, drums and guard equipment.
The Fifes:
A fife is a wooden instrument rooted in history. Over time, the wood expands and contracts or cracks from environmental conditions, they warp and are unable to tune. They also break easily if dropped. PFDC's fife section plays a two piece, 10 hole wood fife in the key of B flat. The two-piece design maximizes tone and allows for more accurate pitch, resulting in a true ensemble sound. Crafted now with modern updates, it is carved out of the perfect piece of African Blackwood and seasoned under a controlled process for lasting integrity. The cost for a new fife and fife carrier is nearly $400.00.
The Drums:
The Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps' drum section play on custom hand painted rope tension snare and bass drums.
They are historically accurate. Over time, the stress of tuning the drums through rope tension takes it's toll. Two of our drums were destroyed as the wood was fatigued and cracked under the pressure. PFDC is in dire need of two new snare drums. Replacement costs can be up to $1,600 per drum.
The Guard Equipment:
Our color guard uses leather holsters to carry up to 14 Flags flown by Revolutionary War units, a Drum Major Mace, Spontoon, Halberd, Replica Brown Bess Muskets, and Swords, (or hangers), and a Banner. Replacement of the needed equipment is estimated at nearly $5,000.
ABOUT OUR TRUCK:
PFDC travels thousands of miles each year. This could not be accomplished without our drum truck. This truck accompanies the Corps on parade routes and tour. It carries the equipment, drums and uniforms. It would be impossible for the Corps to function without the drum truck. For many years, the drum truck has served us well, but it is getting old and may not last much longer. The PLYMOUTH FIFE & DRUM CORPS is in great need of a new truck. Without it, we would cease to exist.
ABOUT US:
The PLYMOUTH FIFE & DRUM CORPS is a self-supporting non-profit organization. The funds to maintain the Corps are generated mainly from performance revenue. In these hard economic times, many communities are canceling their parades and festivals. With each new season, PFDC is growing in popularity and more children wish to join. This is a good thing! However, the larger the corps, the higher our operating costs. The need for more uniforms, instruments and equipment has reached a critical point.
Many of PFDC's new recruits don't read music or have any musical background when they join. Thanks to our excellent instructors, in a matter of months, they are transformed and ready for the performance season. They not only benefit by receiving an education in music, they also learn and get excited about American History! They learn discipline, respect, camaraderie, patriotism and leadership skills. It would be tragic to turn away a child just because we simply don't have enough uniforms or equipment.
The Corps also assists its members with the transition from middle school to high school and provides a close-knit group of friends.
The experience gained by each Corps member is widely recognized by state and national universities as well as military recruiters. Some of our alumni are now members of United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the official ceremonial unit and escort to the President.
This dedicated group of teens sacrifice every Monday evening, year round, for practice to prepare for the performance season.
The season consists of 40-50 performances from April to October. They can be seen at parades, historical and patriotic celebrations, concerts, cultural affairs, and other civic events throughout Michigan, Ohio and Canada.
War veterans and policemen stand and salute as this elite group marches by, drilled in the exactness of military precision. These fine musicians present a striking figure in their historically accurate red, white, and blue Continental uniforms. 
They also pay it forward by volunteering their off time for charities such as the Salvation Army and the Kiwanis Club.
A ten day Tour every August is the highlight of the performance season. In the past, these tours have taken the Corps to perform at many high profile venues such as the White House, U.S. Capital Building, Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA. T he Corps has also performed at the re-dedication of the Statue of Liberty after 9/11, on the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, the Flight 93 Memorial, Monticello, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell as well as many other significant landmarks.
In 2014, the Corps toured Virginia from August 3-12, 2014. They performed at many significant U.S. landmarks, including Fort Ligonier, in Ligonier, PA, where George Washington served as a Colonel at the young age of 26; Historic Kenmore Plantation, Fredericksburg, VA, which was the home of George Washington’s sister, Betty and her husband Fielding Lewis; Monticello, Charlottesville, VA, the home of Thomas Jefferson, who was the third President of the United States; Michie's Tavern, Charlottesville, VA, which has welcomed travelers with food, drink and lodging for over 200 years; Montpelier, Montpelier Station, VA, the home of fourth President of the United States and his wife, James and Dolly Madison.
In 2015, PFDC toured New York and Washington D.C. from August 1-9, 2015. Highlights of this Tour included performances at the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Corps also gave a moving performance at The National September 11th Memorial, where many spectators were moved to tears over the patriotism the Corps represented. Some even commented on the pride in our country that they felt while watching the Corps perform.
The Tour continued in Washington D.C., where the Corps performed at the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and World War II Memorial. Hundreds of spectators and tourists were in awe of the precision and musical skills of the young Corps members. Many expressed disbelief that they were teenagers, having first thought they were a group of adults until they looked more closely! Another highlight of this part of the Tour included a performance at the Twilight Tattoo at Fort Myer and meeting members of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
2016:
PFDC has begun the new season for 2016 and is practicing every Monday night, perfecting the performances that it will showcase this year. Tour 2016 is being planned for the New England area, including Old Fort Niagra in Youngstown, NY, performances in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and historic Fort Ticonderoga in New York.
The Corps needs as much financial assistance as possible to meet its goals of providing a memorable learning experience for all of the students who comprise its members.
The pride of Plymouth, Michigan, PLYMOUTH FIFE AND DRUM CORPS has been a staple in Michigan's rich history for the last 45 years. Since 1971, the primary mission of PFDC remains unchanged: to preserve the ancient art of fifing, drumming and color guard through the musical education and high-level performance of its members. Our music spans the 17th to 20th centuries with an emphasis on music played during the Revolutionary War yet, we encourage our members to compose their own original music. Presentations focus on strong personal and group discipline, musical excellence, and marching precision.
Please consider supporting this worthy group of teens to allow them to continue in this proud Plymouth, MI community tradition.
If you would like to learn more about this extraordinary group, please visit our website, www.pfdc.us/ or find us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pfdc.us and You Tube.
Here is a sample of what PFDC does:
HUZZAH!!
Thank you for your kind consideration and generosity! Even $5.00 will make a difference!
Click on this awesome video.
The PLYMOUTH FIFE AND DRUM CORPS (PFDC) is a self-supporting non-profit organization based in Plymouth, Michigan. We are an all youth Corps made up of a diverse group of students ranging in age from 12 - 18. Any student who wishes to join is welcome. We are an internationally renowned, elite precision marching fife and drum corps. We wear historically accurate uniforms of the Commander in Chief's personal Life Guard of 1776-1783, a prestigious unit that protected the life and important documents of General George Washington.
ABOUT OUR UNIFORMS:
Each PFDC member requires one uniform which consists of a black tricorn hat, a wool blue Continental coat with red trim, a wool buff waistcoat, two white cotton shirts, a leather neck stock, wool buff knee breeches, a pair of white knee stockings, black leather shoes and a black ribbon for longer hair. These uniforms have no zippers but use 64 buttons of real pewter to keep them together.
The constant rubbing from the drums while marching has worn holes through the knees of the wool breeches. Many of our shirts are worn so thin you can see through them. We are unable to mend most of them.
Marching for hours in bright sunlight and years of dry cleaning also takes its toll, especially on the Continental coats which have faded terribly. You can see the difference between our old uniforms and a new one.
We need new uniforms. Holes, patches and faded uniforms are not an acceptable option to maintain the high level of integrity and excellence that is expected of the Corps.
To maintain historic authenticity, our uniforms must be custom made. They are very expensive. It costs approximately $1,500.00 to outfit one Corps member with a complete uniform.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUMENTS & EQUIPMENT:
In addition to uniforms, we also need new fifes, drums and guard equipment.
The Fifes:
A fife is a wooden instrument rooted in history. Over time, the wood expands and contracts or cracks from environmental conditions, they warp and are unable to tune. They also break easily if dropped. PFDC's fife section plays a two piece, 10 hole wood fife in the key of B flat. The two-piece design maximizes tone and allows for more accurate pitch, resulting in a true ensemble sound. Crafted now with modern updates, it is carved out of the perfect piece of African Blackwood and seasoned under a controlled process for lasting integrity. The cost for a new fife and fife carrier is nearly $400.00.
The Drums:
The Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps' drum section play on custom hand painted rope tension snare and bass drums.
They are historically accurate. Over time, the stress of tuning the drums through rope tension takes it's toll. Two of our drums were destroyed as the wood was fatigued and cracked under the pressure. PFDC is in dire need of two new snare drums. Replacement costs can be up to $1,600 per drum.
The Guard Equipment:
Our color guard uses leather holsters to carry up to 14 Flags flown by Revolutionary War units, a Drum Major Mace, Spontoon, Halberd, Replica Brown Bess Muskets, and Swords, (or hangers), and a Banner. Replacement of the needed equipment is estimated at nearly $5,000.
ABOUT OUR TRUCK:
PFDC travels thousands of miles each year. This could not be accomplished without our drum truck. This truck accompanies the Corps on parade routes and tour. It carries the equipment, drums and uniforms. It would be impossible for the Corps to function without the drum truck. For many years, the drum truck has served us well, but it is getting old and may not last much longer. The PLYMOUTH FIFE & DRUM CORPS is in great need of a new truck. Without it, we would cease to exist.
ABOUT US:
The PLYMOUTH FIFE & DRUM CORPS is a self-supporting non-profit organization. The funds to maintain the Corps are generated mainly from performance revenue. In these hard economic times, many communities are canceling their parades and festivals. With each new season, PFDC is growing in popularity and more children wish to join. This is a good thing! However, the larger the corps, the higher our operating costs. The need for more uniforms, instruments and equipment has reached a critical point.
Many of PFDC's new recruits don't read music or have any musical background when they join. Thanks to our excellent instructors, in a matter of months, they are transformed and ready for the performance season. They not only benefit by receiving an education in music, they also learn and get excited about American History! They learn discipline, respect, camaraderie, patriotism and leadership skills. It would be tragic to turn away a child just because we simply don't have enough uniforms or equipment.
The Corps also assists its members with the transition from middle school to high school and provides a close-knit group of friends.
The experience gained by each Corps member is widely recognized by state and national universities as well as military recruiters. Some of our alumni are now members of United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the official ceremonial unit and escort to the President.
This dedicated group of teens sacrifice every Monday evening, year round, for practice to prepare for the performance season.
The season consists of 40-50 performances from April to October. They can be seen at parades, historical and patriotic celebrations, concerts, cultural affairs, and other civic events throughout Michigan, Ohio and Canada.
War veterans and policemen stand and salute as this elite group marches by, drilled in the exactness of military precision. These fine musicians present a striking figure in their historically accurate red, white, and blue Continental uniforms. They also pay it forward by volunteering their off time for charities such as the Salvation Army and the Kiwanis Club.A ten day Tour every August is the highlight of the performance season. In the past, these tours have taken the Corps to perform at many high profile venues such as the White House, U.S. Capital Building, Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA. T he Corps has also performed at the re-dedication of the Statue of Liberty after 9/11, on the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, the Flight 93 Memorial, Monticello, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell as well as many other significant landmarks.
In 2014, the Corps toured Virginia from August 3-12, 2014. They performed at many significant U.S. landmarks, including Fort Ligonier, in Ligonier, PA, where George Washington served as a Colonel at the young age of 26; Historic Kenmore Plantation, Fredericksburg, VA, which was the home of George Washington’s sister, Betty and her husband Fielding Lewis; Monticello, Charlottesville, VA, the home of Thomas Jefferson, who was the third President of the United States; Michie's Tavern, Charlottesville, VA, which has welcomed travelers with food, drink and lodging for over 200 years; Montpelier, Montpelier Station, VA, the home of fourth President of the United States and his wife, James and Dolly Madison.
In 2015, PFDC toured New York and Washington D.C. from August 1-9, 2015. Highlights of this Tour included performances at the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Corps also gave a moving performance at The National September 11th Memorial, where many spectators were moved to tears over the patriotism the Corps represented. Some even commented on the pride in our country that they felt while watching the Corps perform.
The Tour continued in Washington D.C., where the Corps performed at the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and World War II Memorial. Hundreds of spectators and tourists were in awe of the precision and musical skills of the young Corps members. Many expressed disbelief that they were teenagers, having first thought they were a group of adults until they looked more closely! Another highlight of this part of the Tour included a performance at the Twilight Tattoo at Fort Myer and meeting members of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
2016:
PFDC has begun the new season for 2016 and is practicing every Monday night, perfecting the performances that it will showcase this year. Tour 2016 is being planned for the New England area, including Old Fort Niagra in Youngstown, NY, performances in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and historic Fort Ticonderoga in New York.
The Corps needs as much financial assistance as possible to meet its goals of providing a memorable learning experience for all of the students who comprise its members.
The pride of Plymouth, Michigan, PLYMOUTH FIFE AND DRUM CORPS has been a staple in Michigan's rich history for the last 45 years. Since 1971, the primary mission of PFDC remains unchanged: to preserve the ancient art of fifing, drumming and color guard through the musical education and high-level performance of its members. Our music spans the 17th to 20th centuries with an emphasis on music played during the Revolutionary War yet, we encourage our members to compose their own original music. Presentations focus on strong personal and group discipline, musical excellence, and marching precision.
Please consider supporting this worthy group of teens to allow them to continue in this proud Plymouth, MI community tradition.
If you would like to learn more about this extraordinary group, please visit our website, www.pfdc.us/ or find us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pfdc.us and You Tube.
Here is a sample of what PFDC does:
HUZZAH!!
Thank you for your kind consideration and generosity! Even $5.00 will make a difference!
Organizer
PFDC Ways and Means
Organizer
Plymouth, MI
PLYMOUTH FIFE & DRUM CORPS ASSOCIATION
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
