Help Me March My Ageout with the Cadets!
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Help me march my Age-Out year with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps! Every dollar counts, and if you can't donate, please share this with your friends!
About Me:
My name is Joshua Wilson. I'm a student who has attended Central Michigan University and Macomb Community College. I have played the tuba for ten years, and have played piano since grade school.
I was a member of the L'Anse Creuse High School - North Marching Crusaders for four years and Low Brass Section Leader for my last two years of high school. It was in high school that I first realized my dream "“ to take my favorite hobby to a professional level.
I started working towards my dream when I marched with the Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps (Toledo, OH) in the summer of 2011. Then in 2012, I had the privilege of marching with the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps (Rockford, IL), winning the Bronze medal at the DCI World Championships.
This summer is my age-out year; members only participate until age 21. I will be marching as a member of The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps (Allentown, PA) in their 80th anniversary year.
What is this Drum & Bugle Corps thing anyway?:
Drum & Bugle Corps is a type of performing ensemble traditionally called "Marching Band." Drum Corps originated from military and parade bands, and in the early days was associated with the American Legion and VFW. Today's World Class Corps consist of 150 members who play brass (trumpet, tuba, etc.), percussion (drums) and color guard (flags, dance, etc.)
Members attend Spring Training for a month prior to tour, enduring 12-hour daily rehearsals to perfect a 15-minute production. These young musicians perform across the USA, traveling over 15,000 miles, participating in more than 30 competitions from mid-June to August, culminating at the World Championships in Indianapolis, IN.
Drum Corps is a life-changing activity that reaches the hearts of thousands.
For more information, watch:
What is Drum Corps International?
Why I need you:
The cost of marching in such an ensemble is very high, as these are not-for-profit organizations. With skyrocketing gas prices, having to provide meals, housing, instruments, and much more, the cost of Drum Corps per member can exceed $6000 per season. Fees for the summer tour are $3600, not including supplies/ camp fees.
What Drum Corps Has Done For Me:
I was the overweight, unpopular band nerd in high school. I didn't hate it, and there was nothing wrong with being unpopular; it only helped to develop antisocial tendencies. When I first marched corps, it was a shock, physically and mentally. I lost 70 lbs in my first year at the Glassmen, and I was forced (by the nature of the activity) to come out of my box and get to know people. It's required that you connect and build bonds with the people around you in corps, that's how you put together a good show. This new found skill of bonding, along with some good old Corps confidence, has helped tremendously in my life beyond high school. I can walk up to total strangers and get to know them; I have the confidence to stand up and speak; I keep myself in good physical shape, and can perform tasks I would find impossible before!
Corps has also taught me how to live life to its fullest. I have a determination and work ethic that was foreign to me before; I get things done, and well done. When I'm set to a task, I'm going to finish it. I've also learned to appreciate life in a way that not many people know. In Corps, you appreciate every second, because it's another breath, another moment that you're surviving, living, pushing through, and going on. Every moment is a struggle, but also a gift. I appreciate that now, every little moment means something.
The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps:
The Cadets are an old and prestigious name in Drum Corps, founded in 1934, and claiming 25 National Championships and 10 World Championships. Head-quartered in Allentown, PA, the group performs and entertains, while providing a tremendous educational experience for young musicians, teaching music as well as valuable life and leadership skills.
About Me:
My name is Joshua Wilson. I'm a student who has attended Central Michigan University and Macomb Community College. I have played the tuba for ten years, and have played piano since grade school.
I was a member of the L'Anse Creuse High School - North Marching Crusaders for four years and Low Brass Section Leader for my last two years of high school. It was in high school that I first realized my dream "“ to take my favorite hobby to a professional level.
I started working towards my dream when I marched with the Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps (Toledo, OH) in the summer of 2011. Then in 2012, I had the privilege of marching with the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps (Rockford, IL), winning the Bronze medal at the DCI World Championships.
This summer is my age-out year; members only participate until age 21. I will be marching as a member of The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps (Allentown, PA) in their 80th anniversary year.
What is this Drum & Bugle Corps thing anyway?:
Drum & Bugle Corps is a type of performing ensemble traditionally called "Marching Band." Drum Corps originated from military and parade bands, and in the early days was associated with the American Legion and VFW. Today's World Class Corps consist of 150 members who play brass (trumpet, tuba, etc.), percussion (drums) and color guard (flags, dance, etc.)
Members attend Spring Training for a month prior to tour, enduring 12-hour daily rehearsals to perfect a 15-minute production. These young musicians perform across the USA, traveling over 15,000 miles, participating in more than 30 competitions from mid-June to August, culminating at the World Championships in Indianapolis, IN.
Drum Corps is a life-changing activity that reaches the hearts of thousands.
For more information, watch:
What is Drum Corps International?
Why I need you:
The cost of marching in such an ensemble is very high, as these are not-for-profit organizations. With skyrocketing gas prices, having to provide meals, housing, instruments, and much more, the cost of Drum Corps per member can exceed $6000 per season. Fees for the summer tour are $3600, not including supplies/ camp fees.
What Drum Corps Has Done For Me:
I was the overweight, unpopular band nerd in high school. I didn't hate it, and there was nothing wrong with being unpopular; it only helped to develop antisocial tendencies. When I first marched corps, it was a shock, physically and mentally. I lost 70 lbs in my first year at the Glassmen, and I was forced (by the nature of the activity) to come out of my box and get to know people. It's required that you connect and build bonds with the people around you in corps, that's how you put together a good show. This new found skill of bonding, along with some good old Corps confidence, has helped tremendously in my life beyond high school. I can walk up to total strangers and get to know them; I have the confidence to stand up and speak; I keep myself in good physical shape, and can perform tasks I would find impossible before!
Corps has also taught me how to live life to its fullest. I have a determination and work ethic that was foreign to me before; I get things done, and well done. When I'm set to a task, I'm going to finish it. I've also learned to appreciate life in a way that not many people know. In Corps, you appreciate every second, because it's another breath, another moment that you're surviving, living, pushing through, and going on. Every moment is a struggle, but also a gift. I appreciate that now, every little moment means something.
The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps:
The Cadets are an old and prestigious name in Drum Corps, founded in 1934, and claiming 25 National Championships and 10 World Championships. Head-quartered in Allentown, PA, the group performs and entertains, while providing a tremendous educational experience for young musicians, teaching music as well as valuable life and leadership skills.
Organizer
Joshua Wilson
Organizer
