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Mission Statement
The mission of The Battalion Drum & Bugle Corps is to provide learning and performance opportunities for young adults that develop their character, leadership skills, artistry, selflessness, and spirituality in a Christian-values-based environment.
Our CORE VALUES
The Battalion Drum & Bugle Corps is a values-based organization. As a team, this is what we believe and who we strive to be.
Put Students First
We prioritize what’s right for students in every decision we make. We do whatever it takes to provide them with world-class learning and performance experiences. We work relentlessly to earn and keep their trust.
Member Safety
Whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, we put the wellbeing of our students first. We embrace the measures put in place to create a safe environment for our members, and we address anything that may jeopardize their wellbeing.
Embrace Diversity
We treat people with dignity and respect. We strive to create an inclusive and wholesome environment and to prosper from our diversity.
Act Like An Owner
We take personal responsibility for the long term success of the organization. We take pride in our individual contributions. We never say “that’s not my job.”
Bias for Action
We move fast. We take calculated risks based the best data and information available. We always drive aggressively to a decision.
Stay Humble
We are quietly confident; not arrogant or overly self-promotional. We let our results speak for themselves. We are focused on the success of the corps, not on personal notoriety
Support the Activity
We know how hard it is to field a corps, so we applaud and encourage all DCI ensembles, especially amid fierce competition.
Demand Excellence
We relentlessly maintain high standards for ourselves and for our students. In every practice we employ, we compare ourselves to the best and embrace a mindset of continuous self-evaluation and improvement.
Communicate Regularly & Candidly
We keep lines of communication open and seek for feedback regularly. We use crisp, professional, straight-forward language to give an accurate accounting of the situation. We confront problems head on. We do not shy away from or delay feedback.
Be Flexible & Have Fun
We accept a certain amount of uncertainty and change will always be inherent in the activity. We look for fun and humor in our daily work. We embrace each other’s unique personalities. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.
For parents
When your child decides to be part of a drum corps, they are making a choice that requires a deep personal commitment that will require strength and focus. Facing new levels of responsibility, discipline, and self-knowledge, they will gain values that will help them succeed in life.
Every student has personal reasons for wanting to be part of a drum corps. It may simply be to become a better performer or meet new people. Students often view membership in a drum corps as a key rung in their climb to be professional performers or arts educators. For many students, it is a way to challenge themselves to become the best they can be.​ While your student’s reasons for wanting to get involved in a drum corps vary, the life-lessons and personal growth they will gain from this activity will change the course of their lives.
We guarantee your student will become a better musician and performer. Your student will learn there is no shortcut to greatness and that the path to excellence is full of hard work. Drum corps teaches students to push through exhaustion and discouragement in an effort to be their absolute best. These character-building experiences will prepare them for adulthood, whether that includes a mission trip, college, marriage, a career, or selfless service to others throughout their lives.
No matter their dream, being part of a drum corps like The Battalion can help them achieve it. Your student will make lifelong friends, perform in front of thousands of people, become a better performer, and be part of something bigger than his or herself. Your student will learn how to do hard things over and over again as they strive for perfection. This is why we started The Battalion – because the marching arts did all of these things for us! Don't just take it from us, read some of the testimonials from our parents below.
Parent Testimonials
Nisha Murray
Mark Wolfersberger
Donny & Twyla Helvey
"I couldn't ask for a better experience for my daughter to have as she has become a part of the Battalion family. She has always had a good work ethic, but to see the hours she spent training and the friendships she has made truly makes my heart happy as a mother. I am thankful for the staff and the love they show and for their willingness to help her learn and grow even more."
"I could not be happier with my daughter’s experience. I am thrilled with the Christian-values environment of the Battalion. In addition to Sundays off to attend religious services and clear separation of male and female quarters on tour, the staff has created a very positive learning environment for the members that accelerates growth. Because of this, my wife and I felt very comfortable allowing our daughter join the corps. And the payoff was huge. My daughter learned to work harder than she ever had before; she learned how to function as a part of a highly skilled and elite team; she learned life skills for independent living; she learned to make friends and work with people from diverse backgrounds; she came home from tour completely exhausted having spent every drop of energy she had; and she wants nothing more than to do it all again. My daughter’s experience in The Battalion was transformative."
"Our son, Noah has learned more in one year than what we ever thought would happen in being a member of The Battalion. He has been taught things that were missed in all of his years of band and marching band in school. He loves the staff and his corps mates. We love that he is guided by caring, knowledgable experts, and that he can take what he has learned to his college career beginning this next fall. The life experiences of dedication, perseverance, endurance and care for others is taught from the top down. He has blossomed as a member of The Battalion and there is not a moment that he dreads—well, of course, he dreads the days not being with The Battalion. This was the best choice for our son and our family."
About Drum & Bugle Corps
A drum and bugle corps is a musical marching unit (similar to a marching band) that consists of brass, percussion, and color guard. Often referred to as "marching music's major league," Drum Corps International (DCI) is the non-profit governing body for junior drum and bugle corps. DCI is responsible for developing and enforcing the rules of competition and is the sanctioning body for junior corps competitions. The Battalion Drum & Bugle Corps was approved to compete in DCI's Open Class in May of 2016.
Each year, more than 8,000 students ages 14-21 audition for DCI member corps hoping to earn the chance to compete and perform for the more than 400,00 fans that attend live DCI events throughout the summer.