At the Columbus Saints, we have a firm conviction: Cost should never be an obstacle to marching drum corps. We work incredibly hard behind the scenes to keep our operations lean, allowing us to offer a full competitive season for just $1,000 total ($800 membership fee + $200 fundraising requirement). Even so, we know that inflation, gas prices, and everyday expenses make things tough right now, and finding those funds can feel incredibly overwhelming.
If you want to march this season but look at the tuition sheet with anxiety, take a deep breath. We have your back. What matters most to us is that you get to build your skills, reclaim your passion for performing, and find your lifelong friends.
Here is our promise to you, but we need your commitment in return: Do not stay home because you are worried about the money. SHOW UP TO CAMP. Put the work in on the field, show us your dedication, and we promise we will sit down and find a pathway that works for you. We can fix a financial plan, but we can’t clean a drill form if you aren’t there. Get to camp, and we’ll make the rest work together.
To give you peace of mind before you walk through the door, here is a breakdown of how we can drastically reduce your fees—or even help you march for free this season.
1. Needs-Based Scholarships
We offer two tiers of scholarships based on your financial situation. All we ask for in return is absolute honesty: if you have the means to pay your tuition, we ask that you do so to save these funds for those who truly need them.
- The 25%-75% Scholarship: This covers the bulk of your membership fees. In exchange, you’ll help us out with standard fundraising and pitch in with in-kind work like facility cleanup or helping the kitchen crew.
- The 100% Scholarship: For those facing severe financial hardships, this covers all membership and fundraising fees. To help the corps offset this, you’ll trade sweat equity by taking on regular operational roles like working the merchandise booth, managing storage days, or leading event setup/teardown.
2. Trade Your Skills (In-Kind Discounts)
Do you, your parents, guardians, or your partner have a useful trade or professional skill? Let’s trade! You can completely wipe out or reduce tuition by taking a major operational burden off our shoulders.
- Handy with tools? Help us build steel or wood carts and props for the front ensemble (we have the blueprints ready to go!), or provide routine maintenance and repair on our fleet of corps vehicles.
- Have family or a partner who wants to get involved? If a parent, guardian, or partner takes on a vital, ongoing volunteer staff role, it can directly credit your tuition. We are currently looking for:
- Social Media Wizards & Videographers/Editors
- Volunteer Coordinators
- Truck Drivers (for local rehearsals or summer tour transport)
- Kitchen Crew Leaders
3. The Power of the Squad: Recruiting Discounts
Want an easy way to slash your dues? Bring your friends. This discount stacks, fills the secondary spots, and puts money directly back in your pocket:
- You receive $50 off your tuition for every person you bring.
- Your friend receives $50 off their tuition when they sign their contract.
4. Volunteer Your Way to Free Tuition
If you or your support system have free time, you can earn direct credit toward your dues by volunteering at camps, home shows, or on tour. Parents, guardians, or partners can easily wipe out a member’s entire tuition just by spending a few weekends cooking for the corps or helping on the road!
- Volunteer at a local in-town camp/show = $25 off per day.
- Volunteer for an out-of-town trip or tour = $50 off per day.
5. Need More Time? Extended Payment Plans
If you don’t necessarily need financial assistance but just need smaller, more manageable monthly bites, ask us about an Extended Payment Plan. We can lower your monthly dues and extend your deadlines until after the competitive season ends. Because this plan extends past the active season, it simply requires a quick, notarized payment agreement to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Want to Help Us Keep Drum Corps Affordable?
If you are reading this and are in a stable position to give back, please consider throwing a few dollars toward our membership relief funds. Every single dollar goes directly toward keeping these exact programs alive so no talented performer is left on the sidelines.
- Got $5 a month? Become an Angel VIP Donor
- Want to make a quick splash? Make a One-Time Donation to our General Fund
Your spots are waiting for you, and the clock is ticking. Don’t let hesitation or money hold you back from doing what you love. Pack your gear, get to camp, and reach out to the executive director at lcarlton@columbussaints.org today so we can have a private, honest conversation. Let’s get you in uniform!