As a new drum corps is born in Nashville (see “Direct From … Music City Drum and Bugle Corps”) elsewhere in Tennessee, another corps is departing. The Memphis Sound Drum and Bugle Corps will march under that name for the last time this season as it plans to move to Dallas at the end of the summer.
Due to school regulations, Memphis Sound had trouble getting rehearsal space in the city—sometimes practicing two hours away—making other logistics such as airport runs and access to food supplies more difficult as well, according to corps director Chris Green.
The corps chose Texas as its new home since about half of the participants currently come from either there or Mississippi.
With a new location, come a new name and logo. After a contest and feedback from members, alumni and supporters, the name Forté was chosen.
“Everyone wanted to keep something regarding sound,” Green says. “We decided not to tie ourselves down to one location in the name. We’re trying to re-brand, so that people know what to expect when we come on the field.”
The corps will also have new uniforms in 2010. “We’ve spent some time identifying the things that were most important: the corps song, initiation and color.” Green says. “We’re re-envisioning everything else.”
For the latest news on Forté, check www.fortecorps.org.
