Saints Create Drum Corps To HBCU Pipeline with Wilberforce University MB

Drum Corps to HBCU Pipeline

Central Ohio NonProfit Creates Pathway to HBCUs, and Scholarships To Further Students Education, & Provide Alternatives To Violence

June 8, 2022

Columbus, Ohio — The Columbus Saints Performing Arts are happy to announce a new relationship with the Wilberforce University Marching Band to create a corps-to-college pipeline for local students.  Students seeking a college education and a strong desire to participate in the Columbus Saints now have an added benefit. 

In an agreement with the director of bands, Dr. Virgil Goodwine II, successful completion of a competitive season with the Columbus Saints waives audition requirements for the Wilberforce University Marching Band and pre-qualifies students for WU band scholarships up to $10,000 a year.

Wilberforce University is the nation’s oldest private, historically black university-owned and operated by African Americans. Its roots trace back to its founding in 1856, named to honor the great 18th-century abolitionist William Wilberforce. The university offers 19 areas of study (majors), leading to an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) and one area of study offering a graduate degree (Master of Science).

The Columbus Saints operate a competitive Winterguard, DCA & DCI All-Age Drum & Bugle Corps, and many developmental and entertainment-focused programs. Since 2013, the Saints members have had a 100% HS graduation rate, a 90% college acceptance rate, and an 80% World and Open Class DCI & WGI acceptance rate.  

About Wilberforce University 

Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University can trace its origin to a period of history before the Civil War, when the Ohio Underground Railroad was established as a means of escape for all those blacks who sought their freedom in the North from the yoke of slavery, one of the destination points of this railroad became Wilberforce University. The university is the nation’s oldest private, historically black university, named to honor the great 18th century abolitionist, William Wilberforce.

For More Information, visit https://wilberforce.edu/the-sounds-of-music-return-to-the-nations-first-private-hbcu/

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. The Saints use music, dance, and performance as a method to build friendships, provide alternatives to violence, and strengthen the performing arts in Central Ohio.

For more information, visit http://www.columbussaints.org

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