The Govenaires Performing Arts Association (GPAA)

A non-profit organization from St. Peter, Minnesota.

 
Govenaires Performing Arts Association Logo
 

Mission Statement

To serve as a gateway to performing arts through education, access, and opportunity

Overview

The Govenaires are the longest continuously operating drum and bugle corps in the United States and will celebrate their 100th year in 2027. Since their founding in rural St. Peter, Minnesota in 1927, it is estimated that they have given more than 2,500 performances in front of more than a million people. Across a history, the Govenaires have won 10 state Championships, 4 national titles, and many additional citations and accolades.

In 2017, the Govenaires re-organized and re-branded as the Govenaires Performing Arts Association (GPAA) to more effectively serve their performers, alumni, and community. Today, GPAA’s three ensembles — The Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps, Govenaires Winter Percussion, and Govenaires Parade and Concert Corps — connect performers and audiences through a contemporary approach to the marching arts. All components of GPAA serve to promote the vibrancy and cultural significance of music and pageantry to people of any age. Although focused on St. Peter and surrounding rural areas, GPAA’s ensembles perform locally, regionally nationally, and sometimes internationally. 

GPAA is comprised of four main components, each of which are inclusive of persons of all ages: 

  • The Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps performs a new, contemporary-style field show each year at competitions through Drum Corps Associates (DCA) and Drum Corps International (DCI). Their season primarily runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

  • Govenaires Winter Percussion performs a new, contemporary, WGI-style indoor show each year at competitions through Minnesota Percussion Association (MPA) and for students via local clinics. Their season runs from October to early April. 

  • Govenaires Parade and Concert Corps is composed mostly of alumni of the drum and bugle corps. They perform consistent musical and visual repertoire year-round at parades, concerts, and events, with a focus on connecting with audiences in rural communities and through periodic international travel. 

  • The Alumni Group serves current and past Govenaires through monthly social events and by organizing scholarships for performers in the drum and bugle corps. 

“Wooo!” The 2009 Govenaires Colorguard performs in a parade in Madison Lake, MN.

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.

 
 
legacy_logo-H_rgb.jpg

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.

Thank you to our Platinum Level Sponsors

 
 

Govenaires Performing Arts Association
P.O. Box 235
St. Peter, MN 56082