The Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps was originally organized as the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department Fife and Drum Corps and sponsored by the fire department.  In 1964, the corps re-organized and has continually been sponsored by the Groton Lodge of Elks #2163.      The corps is open to anyone between the ages of 9 and 18 years.  Prior musical experience is not necessary but welcome.       On average the corps performs 45 times per year and travels approximately 3500 miles throughout New England and New York.                              Current Openings: Nutmeg has openings for fifers for the current Marching Season. Individuals with prior musical experience can audition any Monday night or by appointment. Individuals without prior musical experience are also invited to join a beginner's class, all new prospects will begin on the fife and after learning the first 24 tunes can request to learn another instrument.  Snare and Bass Drum positions are currently filled.  However a waiting list is temporarily available to learn these instruments.            How to Join?  Come to any Monday night rehearsal and check us out, ask questions, meet the instructors, and other members and parents.  Try out a lesson and see if you like it.  Complete an application, and come every week.  It's that easy! Email nutmegfifedrum@aol.com or call (860) 449-0101 days for more information.	Members share reasons to join... N.R.~ I have learned about myself, developed self-discipline and motivation.  I like all the trips like New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade (18 performances so far)! I have also learned that we wear modified versions of General George Washington's Continental Line Officers' Uniforms and the historical accuracy of the music we play. N.G. ~ Nutmeg has given me the opportunity to learn about history first hand.  I love music, my friends, and learning about myself.  I like that I have a lot of responsibilty in the corps.  I am proud that I have made this a priority and have honored my committment for the past 8 years. M.H.~ Our instructors are really cool! And they teach very well.  I like playing music & learning new instruments. And it's a lot of fun to go to the different places for parades. L.R. ~ Fife and Drum is Great! What I like most about Nutmeg Fife and Drum is that we go on trips and perform for thousands of people like when we travel to Maine for the Lobster Festival.  After the parade we went to Old Orchard Beach, then stayed overnight in a campground.  They let us swim in the pool after hours, just us Nutmeggers!  We had so much fun that weekend! A.L. ~ Nutmeg is fun because we get to go lots of places for parades.  It's also fun because of the people I have met.  I like learning the rudiments to play the drums. A.S.~ I like playing the drums and marching in the parades and musters.  But I really like being able to travel and perform in different places instead of just playing at school.
Nutmeg Fife and Drum is a year 'round activity, however most performances are scheduled during the summer school vacation.  Performances during the school year are limited so as not to conflict with school-work and school activities.
Why Join a Fife & Drum Corps? Learn to play an instrument (or learn to play better) Make new friends Be apart of an award-winning, outstanding, musical, youth organization! Travel & See New Places Perform for tens of thousands of people Develop self-confidence Develop self-esteem Develop self-discipline Develop teamwork skills Have Fun, Lots of Fun!	How do you join? Come to any Monday Night Rehearsal During School Year = Groton City Municipal Building During Summer= Groton Lodge of Elks Club Meet at 6:15pm Rehearsals end at 8:30pm or Email us at nutmegfifedrum@aol.com