Govenaires Parade and Concert Corps

non-competitive ensemble

The Govenaires Parade and Concert Corps entertains audiences far and wide through appearances in parades and festivals. The group was established in 2017 as a community-focused performing ensemble with the same spirit and energy as the competitive group.

This ensemble provides two key benefits to the community:

  • We are able to accept more performance opportunities, making our music available to a wider range of rural communities in Southern Minnesota and occasionally internationally.

  • We offer a community-oriented, flexible, and inclusive model for members, providing a performance arts outlet for busy adults.

Community-Focused Performing Arts

Audiences reached

We primarily perform in rural communities in and around St. Peter, MN. We perform directly in St. Peter an average of five times per year. On several occasions each summer, we appear in performance with the Drum and Bugle Corps. Through international tours the ensemble has performed in Shanghai, China, as well as Obermarkersdorf, Roshitz, and Retz, Austria. We are looking forward to performing in Limerick and Tralee, Ireland in August of 2025.

Accessible Member Model

As a non-competitive ensemble, the rehearsal and performance schedules are much less intensive than the Drum and Bugle Corps’ schedule, providing a marching outlet to adults that supports the growth and stability of the Govenaires. Our repertoire caters to adult performers with a broad range of skill levels and remains consistent year after year. There are no auditions and we do not perform a field show, allowing us to focus on music, friendship, and community while connecting with the audience.

The majority of the participants are alumni of the Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps, but the group is open to all adults. We have had members under the age of 18 participate with their parents as well.

 

Thank you to our platinum level sponsors!

 
 

This activity is made possible with support from:

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Sponsored in part by the City of Saint Peter Tourism Bureau.

The Govenaires use Ultimate Drill Book.