Hello! I’m Gannon, and I am a second year college student studying music education.

I am raising money to help pay for my Drum Corps tuition. For an explanation on what this is, and why it’s important, please read below. 

My story and why I do this:

Marching band in public school changed my life. It helped me fight through the most difficult times of my life, gave me a community to be a part of, goals to work for, and taught me life lessons. These experiences define who I am today.

I believe the marching arts is a cornerstone of music education. Marching band is often the one of the most prominent forms of competition, discipline, community engagement, and publicity for a music program. However, keeping a program afloat is often a constant struggle in my area, and I want to become a music educator to help fix this, and change as many students’ lives as I can, same way mine was.

Ever since early High school, it has been my dream to get the opportunity to march in a Drum and Bugle Corps. Dubbed “marching music’s major league,” musicians from across the world audition every year to join a participating group and spend a summer learning from some of the best music educators in the world, and touring the country competing with other groups in judged musical and athletic spectacles.

Participation in these groups is not only a once in a lifetime opportunity that becomes a part of many participants’ identities, but also a huge step in my career; and educational experience that will elevate my skills as a music educator, and open up many opportunities through connections and on my resume.

Why I need your support:

Earlier this month, I auditioned for The Troopers, and was fortunate enough to be offered a position! For those of you who may be unfamiliar, the Troopers, also know as “America’s Corps,” are a household name in the marching arts, a name they’ve built up over the past almost 70 years with strong tradition, history, and pursuit of excellence. For the past four years, they’ve consistently made Finals at the DCI World Championships, solidifying themselves consistently among the current top 12 best drum corps in the world.

Unfortunately, especially in today’s economy, a summer with a Drum and Bugle Corps is an expensive endeavor, but necessary to provide for all the member’s needs for a whole summer. On top of pre-season travel expenses, camp fees, and supplies I may need, I must pay my tuition of 5,950$.

Being a musician already is not inexpensive, and although I have been working hard to save money for this, it is certainly difficult. Any amount of money to help pay for my tuition will be a huge help, and anything donated will go straight towards my tuition.

Aside from donating, sharing this to anyone who may be willing to help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your support, even if it was just taking the time to read a little about my story!