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 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 Associates Class (DCA), Drum Corps International's all-age class (DCI), allowing us to provide a competitive, affordable, weekend only, all-age drum corps experience.

Drum Corps Associates was founded in 1964 as an all-age, formerly “senior” or over 22, drum & bugle corps circuit. Today DCA is the premier all-age circuit, drawing members from around the globe. While not as large as the under 22 circuit DCI; Drum Corps Associates, provides a unique experience that rewards crowd engagement, aids in developing life long friendships, and making drum corps a life-long performance experience for many!

The unique factors of DCA are: weekend-only competition schedule; corps develop programs around weekend-only rehearsals; general effect has a higher weight in scoring. We’re fortunate to be able to participate in both major circuits which gives our members a unique experience!

Our evaluation and rehearsal camps are held at local schools, churches, and 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 are primarily a “weekends-only” activity with rehearsals and events that are each very important to the organization. From mid-June until Labor Day 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. It’s a large time commitment but the rewards are great as you make friends and memories that will last a lifetime! The Drum Corps Associates season runs through Labor Day Weekend with most of the corps departing Friday morning; and Friday evening – be aware of this when joining.

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.

Tuition for our DCI and DCA competitive season is $500 Member Fee, $300 Fundraising Requirement, and $30 for 18+ Background Check (which members can keep). Running a drum & bugle corps is an expensive proposition but the Saints work hard to keep costs low for everyone.

When you take a detailed look at the value of education, out-of-state travel, lodging, food, and more for nearly 8-9 months – it’s an incredible value (and a fraction of the cost of other summer educational programs). 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. Currently with COVID-19 and the potential for a more adapted season with virtual learning, a combination of distanced rehearsals, and competitions.

Audition costs including Membership packets, application processing, online member account set up, t-shirt, facilities, and music. This fee is non-refundable. Out of state tour housing, 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.

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 2023 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.

There are a limited number of needs based scholarships to help members offset their tuition, as well as scholarships for students who are attending a Columbus City Schools Public School. Scholarships are awarded by the Executive Director and multiple factors are considered in awarding them – including attendance, need, personal fundraising efforts and other factors. We do advise you not to count on these funds to help cover regular tuition payments.

The Saints do not provide lodging for rehearsals or competitions in the state of Ohio. We can, however, assist members in obtaining hotel discounts, organizing lodging at low cost, or discussing with local members for lodging.

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 many competitions, we won’t provide dinner giving members an option to purchase concessions/restaurant/local food.

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

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.