Watch Port Chester Drum & Bugle Corps in July 4 Parade on TV

Two years ago, The Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps was just a gleam in Frank Barchella's eye. A successful businessman who grew up in Port Chester, he was well aware of the town's rich and proud musical tradition so he set out to offer kids in the community even more opportunities.

Barchella formed the non-profit organization that not only offers musical instruction and instruments at NO COST, but also each student (who participates and meets the required criteria of the drum corps), receives a FREE college scholarship.

Based on the number of years he/she successfully serves the corps, Barchella believes "we are probably the only drum corps in the United State providing scholarships to members who don't need to pay a penny to join."

For the uninitiated, The Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps is a musical marching group consisting only of brass and percussion instruments, and a color guard. Participation is open to musicians of all abilities and ages, and they are primarily a parade and exhibition corps.

The Saints Brigade performed in its first parade back in March and has since performed in several parades in the region. On Sunday, June 2, they marched down 5th Avenue in the internationally televised "Celebrate Israel Parade" in Manhattan. To see video from the “Celebrate Israel” parade, Click Here  They also be nationally televised in the Bristol Rhode Island parade on July 4th. You can watch them here at home in the Port Chester Day parade (Aug. 24) and the Columbus Day parade on Oct. 6.   

One of the TV announcers, knowledgeable about drum corps, was impressed with the professionalism and playing abilities demonstrated by the drum corps members after just 18 months together. The director of the event phoned Barchella afterwards and asked The Saints Brigade to participate again next year.

"These kids are ambassadors for the town of Port Chester and represent the town name nationwide," says Barchella. "As a non-profit organization, The Saints Brigade must rely on the Mayor, town officials, local businesses, and citizens to assist in sponsoring the Corps. Most towns sponsor their drum corps, and we hope Port Chester will come through with assistance." Barchella added, "We are working synergistically with The Port Chester High School Marching Band and compliment Port Chester's other musical activities."

The Port Chester High School Marching Band is known as the "Pride of Port Chester", with a rich history dating back to 1933. Port Chester's annual Band Night, each June, features the musical talents of kids from elementary school through high school. Robert Vitti, who has been High School Band Director for over 25 years, is like the "Pied Piper" of Port Chester. Vitti has changed many lives for the better...Barchella is one of them. 

Now Vitti serves as the Saints Brigade Musical Director, and Barchella as its Executive Director. Barchella hired other former Port Chester High School Band members, Madeline Rende and Carlos Beccerra, as Assistant Directors. He also hired a third Assistant Director, Troy Williams, who has had previous experience with drum corps. 

When forming the Saints Brigade, students in the high school band, including those that play woodwind instruments, were invited to learn the percussion and brass instruments, or to join the color guard. "These kids are amazing," says Barchella enthusiastically, "without the involvement of the Assistant Directors and top notch instructors, we couldn't have done this; but the kids are the real heroes here."

 About

The Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps hails from Port Chester, New York.

The Saints Brigade welcomes new members, young and old, throughout the Tri-State area. Practices take place at the Carver Center on Westchester Avenue in Port Chester on Friday nights.

Mission:

The Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps is a community based non-profit organization where its members learn musical enrichment and performance skills through the activity and the arts. The Saints Brigade strives to instill qualities such as honesty, dedication, teamwork, commitment and pride.

The drum corps seeks assistance from anyone who supports music and the mission of the association. Tax-deductible donations are welcomed.