John Mcnamara – New Marching Ensemble In The Uk

Long serving SABIAN endorser, John McNamara, who has been involved with many marching groups in the UK, has become a founding member and Percussion Co-Caption Manager for a new ensemble called The Company.

John’s involvement over the last two decades with groups such at the Anchormen and the Senators has seen him reach championship success both in the UK and Europe.

This recently formed group brings together the talents of many leading marching proponents in the UK, Europe and beyond and, in a short space of time, is producing performances of a first class standard.

Within four months of inception, John was contacted to provide a small marching ensemble to perform in the video of the official England World Cup [soccer] song. The ensemble were soon at the world famous Pinewood Studios in London to shoot the video with British popstar and X-Factor alumni, Chico.

With the competitive season now upon them, John is busy rehearsing their first seasons show, entitled Expect the Unexpected, featuring the music of Sting, Michael Buble and Michael Jackson.

Johns says, “We want a very accessible show that has twists and turns whilst making the audience or adjudicator think; we would ultimately like them to go home enjoying the production and the way we present ourselves.”

The ensemble will be utilising various SABIAN instruments including AA and AAX crashes, Chinese and splash cymbals as well as the very popular 28” Zodiac gong.

THE COMPANY will enter 4 Drum Corps United Kingdom shows, 4 British Youth Band Association shows and the Drum Corps Europe Championships this summer:

June 20th –  BYBA Barnsley

July 4th – DCUK Stoke

July 17th – BYBA Barnsley

July 18th – DCUK Warrington

September 5th – DCUK Eastleigh

September 18th – DCUK Championships Mansfield

September 19th – BYBA Coventry

September 25th – DCE Championships Netherlands

October 3rd – BYBA Championships Coventry