Hi, my name is Christopher Milam, and I’m one of the founders of Cadence Alliance.

If you have ever been around marching band, color guard, or percussion, then you know these programs change lives. They teach leadership, discipline, teamwork, confidence, responsibility, and give students a place to belong.

But I’ve also seen something heartbreaking happen over and over again:

Students are forced to walk away from programs they love because their families simply cannot afford to keep them in.

Band and guard are far more expensive than most people realize. Between dues, uniforms, shoes, travel, meals, competition fees, instruments, and equipment, the costs add up quickly. For some families, it becomes impossible.

What makes this even harder to watch is seeing schools and students compete in areas where funding gaps are massive. Some programs have significantly more resources, while others are forced to do more with less. And too often, talented, hardworking students are left behind simply because of financial circumstances.

We believe money should never decide who gets to march, perform, grow, or belong.

That is why we created Cadence Alliance.

Cadence Alliance was built to help remove financial barriers for band, color guard, percussion, and performing arts students through assistance with participation costs, scholarships, emergency needs, and future program support.

This campaign is our founding step.

The first funds raised will help us complete federal nonprofit recognition, cover startup expenses, and begin building our first student assistance fund so we can start helping students who might otherwise lose the opportunity to participate.

Our long-term dream is bigger: creating opportunities, support systems, clinics, resources, and eventually spaces where students and programs can grow regardless of budget.

But every big mission starts somewhere.

Today, we’re simply asking for help getting started.

Whether you donate $5, $25, or simply share this campaign, you are helping us move one step closer to making sure no student loses their place because of money.

One student. One family. One opportunity at a time.

Thank you for believing in students and the performing arts.

— Christopher Milam

Cadence Alliance