YULETIDE TUNES
Diplomats play for charity
For the third year in a row, the Diplomats Drum and Bugle Corps offered up tuneful seasonal melodies outside the Real Canadian Superstore on Walker Road, playing live music in return for donations from the shoppers for a good cause. Proceeds from Saturday’s two hours of music-making, in the form of food and money, were destined for the Unemployed Help Centre’s People’s Choice Pantry food bank. “We are so grateful for the efforts of our young people, especially at this time of year that’s all about giving,” Unemployed Help Centre CEO June Muir said. “To see the next generation thinking of others and doing what they can to help is so inspiring.
“Because of their generosity, we can continue to feed hungry people and fight hunger in the community,” she added.
When not spreading cheer for a charitable cause, the Diplomats are busy gathering acclaim. The young Windsor musicians recently won Best in Class at a competition in Kentucky, and they took home silver from a competition in Indianapolis.
Next May, the ensemble represents Canada at the West Virginia Strawberry Festival parade, where they will perform for more than 100,000 spectators and be seen by many others viewing the event on live television on NBC.
The drum and bugle corps is looking to recruit 10 new teenage members.