Tyler dreams of Spirit of Atlanta

Band of Brothers & Sisters Leaving some Georgia on your Mind - Click here to watch this video!

Hi, my name is Tyler Middleton,  a Sophomore from Statesboro High School and a member of the Marching Blue Devils and Bulloch Blues Marching Band. Ever since I was handed that tuba in 6th grade, I have immersed myself in band. Through the years have consistently auditioned and earned a spot in various ensembles and bands, including 1st chair in GA District Honor band, the Bulloch County Honor Band, The Bulloch Blues Marching Band (a new collaborative county-wide parade band), the symphonic band and the First Baptist Church of Statesboro Starlight Orchestra among others. Best of all have had the privilege of being taught by some amazing people along the way, whom I give the credit for getting me to where I am today!

This time, I have my eye on a much larger prize, DCI- Drum Corps International. Specifically, Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. I was fortunate enough to audition & be selected out hundreds of talented young musicians from all around the country & even the world. It goes without saying that the selection process was hard & only the cream of the crop was chosen. Even the caption heads agreed it was hard to narrow down the talent as they create their roster for what will become the official 2016 Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps. Imagine my disbelief and excitement when I was extended a contract to march with Spirit of Atlanta!? ME! Never in a million years would I think that someone me, from a small town, would ever get to spend the summer touring the country doing something I love....

But the dream has just begun, now that I have cleared the first hurdle, which was being selected, I now must secure funding in order for me to actually fulfill my contract and get to march during this very special season, as Spirit is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary. I humbly ask you, my friends and family, if you can spare a few dollars to assist me in fulfilling of this amazing opportunity, please do so. No donation is too small!

The cost for membership includes Annual Tuition, registration fees, audition materials, instruction, food, housing, travel, food, plus camp and other selected fees. The exact fee structure has not been finalized, though as an estimate we can tell you it’s reasonable to budget between $3500 and $4000 to cover all corps costs plus travel money, a corps jacket, unexpected personal expense money, etc. Monthly tuition payments begin in January. Which is why we are attempting to raise funds for me to attend this amazing experience! Help me have an amazing rookie season and play in front of over 300,000 people this summer!

If you are not familiar with Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps and their rich history in the state dating back to 1976, click here  to learn more.   

Spirit is a member of Drum Corps International (DCI) , a governing body that facilitates summer educational events, performances, and competitions  for drum and bugle corps throughout the summer all across the United States.  The season ends in August with the week-long DCI World Championships. SOA proudly represents the city of Atlanta at more than 30 competitions and exhibitions before a combined audience of over 300,000 fans. SOA first competed in 1977 and has since enjoyed DCI’s coveted “Top 12 Finalist” status 18 times.

Click here  to see our Bravelets Fundraiser
Click here  to see our Tshirt Fundraiser

Cheers!
Tyler