Hi, I’m Luis Granillo and I need your help in raising funds to march in DCI. I’m currently an undergraduate student at Cal Poly Pomona studying Construction Engineering. I started my musical journey, like most musicians, in middle school band. I’ve been a saxophone player for about 7 years now, and counting. I’m a graduate of Cathedral City High School. I’m proud to have been part of their amazing band program and marching band, The Royal Lion Regiment. I joined the marching band as a freshman wanting to play cool music, and I ended up discovering DCI one day on YouTube while looking at cool marching band shows.

For nearly a half-century, Drum Corps International (DCI), Marching Music’s Major League™, has been the leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers. When I discovered DCI, I knew I wanted to be on the field performing these amazing shows. I attended my first DCI show in 2022. I witnessed Pacific Crest for the first time and instantly fell in love with their show. Year after year, I always had a great time watching Pacific Crest perform their shows.

After graduating high school, I knew I only had a little time before I turned 21 and was no longer eligible to march DCI. Though an issue was raised, woodwind instruments like saxophones aren’t allowed in DCI. So, I decided I was going to work hard in learning a brass instrument to do DCI. I borrowed a school-owned baritone in the summer of 2025. I practiced hard from July to October, learning the instrument as much as possible. I auditioned in October with very little time knowing the instrument, and I received a callback to their December camp. I worked even harder, and by the time their December camp rolled around, I was more prepared and excited than ever. I completed my callback audition and received a contract at the end of the camp to become an official member of Pacific Crest’s 2026 season.

The big issue is that DCI is expensive. To achieve my dream of marching with Pacific Crest and doing DCI, I have a financial obligation of $6,500. I must have this paid in full by May of 2026, and there’s no better time to raise funds than now. Any donation helps me reach my goal.If you cannot donate, that’s alright. Please share my link on all your social media platforms to get the word out. Anything helps!!!! Thank you for your time. I’m eternally grateful for those who have supported me. This is only the beginning of my journey, and I look forward to sharing more of it with everyone.