Gabriel's 2023 Drum Corps Fundraiser

My name is Gabriel Dudley and I am very happy to say that I have accepted a contract from the two-time DCI championship-winning drum corps the Madison Scouts! This historic drum corps was founded in 1938, and I am honored with the opportunity to continue their amazing marching legacy during the 2023 season. However, the cost of this opportunity is significant, so I am reaching out in hopes that you will help me cover the costs of this amazing opportunity.

Drum Corps International is the major league of marching music. During the season Madison Scouts' corps of 165 musicians and dance performers ages 16-21 will gather from around the country and beyond to receive instruction from some of the top arts instructors in the country. We will tour across the United States, performing our show for tens of thousands of people, and making our way to the DCI World Championships in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For those who don't know, I have been in the percussive performing arts for many years, including a tour last summer with Jersey Surf, a World Class DCI drum corps. Many of you made meaningful donations last year to help fund my tour with Jersey Surf, and I can not thank you enough for allowing me to participate in the 2022 DCI season. Touring with the Jersey Surf gave me an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Not only did I gain self-confidence, learn independence, and become more disciplined, but I also got to perform amazing music in stadiums across the East Coast and Midwest. I also have performed with the 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and am marching with Empyrean Percussion this winter for the WGI season.

By continuing my DCI career with the Madison Scouts, I will continue to refine my skills in the marching arts so that I may someday teach at the world-class level of drum corps. My main goal in doing this is to positively contribute to a student's life-changing drum corps experience in the same way that I have been positively affected. I have made it a personal goal to use what I have learned from drum corps to train the next generation of percussive musicians.

As a full-time college senior, I have many responsibilities, and I am working very hard to meet these challenges while preparing for the Madison Scouts. In addition to keeping up with my schoolwork, I have a job in the college’s post office and am giving drumming lessons to help cover my drum corps expenses. I hope that you will join me in funding the 2023 season by making a donation through my go fund me campaign!

I will be contributing $2,000 of my own funds and have a goal of receiving an additional $2,000 in donations. For the rest of my tuition, I will be applying for scholarships through the Madison Scouts and the Drum Corps International organization.