OUR INSTRUCTORS
Granby Memorial Day Performance (2016)
Lead Drum Instructor
James Clark
Jim holds masters degrees from Weselyan University from the New England Conservatory of Music, as well as a Ph.D in Music History and Theory from the University of Connecticut. He has been active in Connecticut's Ancient fife and drum community since 1965, teaching corps such as the Junior Colonials. Connecticut Blues, and Middlesex County Volunteers. For the past 30 years, Dr. Clark has been the president of the Connecticut Valley Field Music. In the Marquis. Jim works with the drum line with a focus on helping to improve understanding of music theory and overall musicianship. Clark has been an instructor for the corps since 2013.
Recruit Snare Drum Instructor
Paul Cormier
Paul Cormier began his fife and drum career with the Col. John Chester Corps in 1948 and has been drumming ever since. He has playing experience with several corps including the St. Paul Seniors (1959-1962), The Connecticut Yanks (1973-1976), The Connecticut Blues (1980-1981), the Connecticut Patriots (1991-2006), and many others.
Paul is highly regarded in the fife and drum community and has won numerous individual competition titles including CT Senior Snare Drum (1960, 1965, 1973, 1974, 1975).
Paul is also a highly sought after drum instructor, having taught every corps in 100 mile radius of Hartford, CT. He joined the Marquis in 2005 and has re-energized our drum line, rebuilding from a single snare and bass to its current line.
In 2013, Paul retired from teaching the Marquis playing line members, but he still instructs the recruits so they can become developed and skilled drummers.
Recruit Fyfe and Marching Instructor
Carol Sullivan
Carol joined The Marquis of Granby at the age of 10. After aging out, she marched with The New York Ancients, Connecticut Valley Field Music, and is currently a member of The Bluff Point Quahog Diggers Band.
Recruit Fyfe Instructor
Jen Wick
Jennifer Wick became involved with the Marquis when she joined in 1970 and rose to the rank of Major. She is currently a member of Connecticut Valley Field Music, where she is a board member. Jen's philosophy of teaching is "fun and fundamentals."