DRUM & BUGLE CORPS FAQ
WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE COLUMBUS SAINTS?
Being a member of a drum corps is like being part of a close-knit community that likes to have fun, support each other, and love marching music! The Saints build a community of members, alumni, parents, and local educators that are supportive, friendly, and challenges you as a person.
Our program is perfect for age-outs & working adults who just love to march and want to grow their family of friends; college students who are seeking a competitive band experience; or students age 12 and up who want to gain skills to help them in college, DCI or WGI. We also have social events like private movie screenings, kickball games, gaming events, and more so you’ll have a chance to make new friends!
We compete in Drum Corps International’s all-age class (DCI), allowing us to provide a competitive, affordable, weekend only, all-age drum corps experience.
WHEN AND WHERE ARE AUDITION AND REHEARSAL CAMPS?
Our evaluation and rehearsal camps are held at churches, community centers, dance studios and other facilities across Ohio. They are generally a one or two-day instructional camp, where new members are evaluated and the corps begins to set its lines for the season.
Regular rehearsal camps are on weekends throughout the winter and spring, usually two weekends per month. Camps are almost always scheduled from 9am-6pm Saturdays or similar.
The Saints utilize churches, often as a lower cost or in-kind as a method of keeping costs low. The average school rental for a day of rehearsal ranges from $800-1800 while a church can often be free or just a few hundred dollars.
WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE LIKE?
The Saints are primarily a “weekends-only” activity with rehearsals and events that are each very important to the organization. For this reason, we recommend that you live under 3-4 hours from Columbus to make driving to and from rehearsals weekly for competitions much easier, especially if you carpool with other members and families.
From mid-June until mid-August, each weekend almost every Saturday, and some Sundays is filled with rehearsal, travel and or competitions. Prospective members should expect most each weekend from June through August to have a one day (Saturday) required event.
At least two of our trips require we leave on Friday morning for travel and we will be conducting a 4 day our over 4th of July. It’s a large time commitment but the rewards are great as you make friends and memories that will last a lifetime! The season runs through 2nd Weekend Of August with the corps departing Thursday morning for World Championships; – be aware of this when joining.
WHAT IF I HAVE A SCHOOL CONFLICT DURING CAMPS OR SUMMER PERFORMANCES?
Members are expected to attend all required rehearsal camps for their section. In the event of a conflict, members are expected to make an effort to attend at least part of the camp when possible.
We realize school-related performances and academically required events are priorities; however, absence from all or part of a camp must be approved by the director and your caption head no later than one week prior to camp.
To the member: as soon as you know of a conflict – let us know; school is the priority but be aware you’re making a commitment to the Saints as well.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MARCH DRUM CORPS?
Cost should not be an obstacle to you marching – if you want to march we can work on solutions to make that a reality for you. We have scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to make sure NO ONE is priced out of participating and can experience competitive drum corps.
Tuition for our DCI competitive season is $800 New Member Fee, and $30 for 18+ Background Check (which members can keep). You are responsible for any associated fees as part of your Safesport protection required by DCI and membership into the corps usually $30 a year.
Members are required to participate in a single fundraiser of the season, with a goal of $100 per member, or opt to pay the fundraising fee. We offer many simple fundraisers like raffles, telethons and more which can be applied to reducing the cost.
All members are asked to pay a flat membership fee which covers out-of-state travel, education, and associated costs, and also participate in fundraisers.
The complete financial cost will be outlined in detail during the open house as well as discussions regarding scholarships, sponsorships and more.
WHAT DO THE FEES AND TUITION ASSOCIATED WITH MEMBERSHIP COVER?
Audition costs including Membership packets, t-shirt, facilities, instruction, logistics and legal matters, and music.
Membership Fees cover housing for camps, instruction, some meals, music/drill, instruments, equipment, and uniforms for camps and performances Member keepsakes (e.g., member shirts, etc.) Travel OUT-OF-STATE to and from out of area summer competitions.
Running a drum corps is expensive and the Saints are able to provide this experience at a deeply discounted rate because of everyone participating and paying on time, utilizing scholarships, or finding other ways to work off their fees through volunteering.
WHEN ARE PAYMENTS DUE AND WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
All fees required to be paid by certain deadlines during the winter season and on those dates are due at or before you arrive for camp. For the 2025 season, you can make payments monthly, weekly at rehearsals or online based on or organized feed schedule over 6 months. This allows families to spread the membership fee across 6 months, which makes it easier to manage for both member and the corps. This will require a deposit at time of plan setup, and will automatically run weekly till the end.
ARE THERE DRUM CORPS SCHOLARSHIPS?
There are a limited number of needs based scholarships to help members offset their tuition, as well as scholarships for students who are living in Ohio. Scholarships are awarded by the Executive Director and multiple factors are considered in awarding them – including attendance, need, personal fundraising efforts and other factors.
Full Details Here: https://www.columbussaints.org/drumcorps/student-scholarship/
HOW ARE HOUSING AND MEALS ACCOMMODATED AT CAMPS?
For those more than 1 hour away from Columbus, the Saints will provide lodging on a first come first served basis for rehearsals and competitions starting 2025 in Columbus on Friday nights BEFORE a Saturday rehearsal, and then on full weekends on Friday and Saturday nights.
At rehearsals, we will not provide food for members unless specifically stated. While on tour, we usually provide breakfast, lunch, and occasionally dinner or snack. At some local competitions, we won’t provide dinner giving members an option to purchase concessions/restaurant/local food.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO WEEKEND CAMPS?
A face mask, and hand sanitizer Your own equipment (horn/mouthpiece, sticks/mallets, flag/rifle) Your printed / tablet based exercise packet Your Covid-19 Waiver For Turn-In Athletic/workout clothing (no jeans) and running shoes (dance shoes for guard) Water jug (minimum ½ gallon) Pencil and 3-ring binder with inserts to hold music (for brass and percussion) Personal music stand
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SAINTS DRUMLINE INC?
Marshall Cheatham; Executive Director and founder of The Saints Drumline Inc., grew up in urban Chicago during the 1960s and 1970s. One of the most formative experiences for him was marching for nearly a decade as a member of the St. Andrew’s Hornets’ Drum & Bugle Corps continuing the tradition of African-American Drum & Bugle Corps. In 2012 he desired to provide a broader entertainment and educational experience to the greater Columbus community and transitioned to the Saints Performing Arts. The Saints Drumline is part of the organization but is one of the many ensembles under the Drum & Bugle Corps.