The Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus and the Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps have reached a partnership agreement between the two organizations to extend the reach of music and performance arts education to more students involved with both organizations. As part of this agreement, The Columbus Saints will provide weekly youth drumming, choir, and color guard classes for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs at their Westside Boys & Girls Club location in Franklinton. The Columbus Saints will use the Westside Boys & Girls Club as their practice location for their winter and spring rehearsal camps. The Saints will also provide scholarships for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs and corps members will have opportunities to join in Boys & Girls Clubs programming.
“The partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus is a blessing because we share the mission of enriching the lives of young people.” said Marshall Cheatham, Founder and Executive Director of the Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps. “We knew we were going to be growing this season and needed larger facilities. Being in Franklinton at the Boys & Girls Clubs provides the perfect location with a great partner to reach more students. The energy from our junior drumming program is so exciting and I can’t wait to see those young club members some day mature into full corps members.”
“Our club members have become completely enthralled with the program.” said Delmar Coleman, Club Director, Westside Boys & Girls Club. “They enjoy the creative expression and talent of the Columbus Saints staff. Our members have taken the initiative to practice at home to prepare for future lessons. Most importantly, they attend the club more frequently, complete homework assignments and meet expectations at home and school to participate in this program. The Columbus Saints have provided a welcomed program and made an immediate impact on our club culture.”
The junior drumming, choir, and color guard classes are being held at the club and are running in an 8 week cycle. Classes are held every Wednesday. The corps will be preparing for their performance season which starts in early June and ends at the Drum Corps International World Championships in Indianapolis in August.
For more information on The Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus, visit their website at http://www.bgccolumbus.org/.
For more information about the Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps, visit their website at http://www.ColumbusSaints.org/.
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About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus provides comprehensive and affordable afterschool and summer programming to youth ages 6 through 18. Their Clubs offer a safe and positive environment for kids to spend non-school hours and a variety of enriching extracurricular activities.
About Columbus Saints Performing Arts Inc
Founded in 2003 as the Saints Drumline, Columbus Saints Performing Arts Inc. of Columbus, OH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering music education and performance excellence in the marching arts within Central Ohio. Competing in Drum Corps International’s Sound Sport Class he goals of the Columbus Saints organization are to grow participants into exceptional performers on the field, in school, and in life, and to provide a unique experience for performers, volunteers, supporters and fans. For more information, visit http://www.columbussaints.org.