Frequently Asked Questions
What is Drum and Bugle Corps?
Drum and Bugle Corps is an original American art form. The beginning can be traced to veterans organizations such as the VFW and the American Legion, as well as organizations such as the Catholic Youth Organization. Soldiers returning from World War I celebrated Veterans Day and the Fourth of July by marching parades to the drum and the bugle, just as they had done during the war. Drum and Bugle Corps is a musical marching unit (similar to a marching band) consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, and color guard. Typically operating as independent non-profit organizations, drum corps perform in competitions, parades, festivals, and other civic functions
Racine Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps begun as an activity of Boy Scout Troop 15 of Racine’s Lutheran Church of the Atonement in October1927. The Racine Scouts plans to perform in a number of parades and events during the months of November through August parallel to our rehearsal schedule and end the season at Drum Corps International Championships in Indianapolis, IN.
The organization's vision is to create a healthy environment that allows young people to display great attitudes, winning strategies and a fearless commitment to become true ambassadors of the art of music pageantry. Our ultimate goal is for our members to become great performers, experienced leaders and exceptional citizens.
Racine Scouts focuses on the musicians living in the Southern Wisconsin/Northern Illinois but is open to all regions for membership and will offer the members the chance to interact with the community and develop their leadership skills, travel the Midwest and compete at an unequaled level.
Our management team consists of a Board of Directors which will work closely with the Administrative Team of the Drum & Bugle Corps to develop a community organization to be proud of.
The mission of the Racine Scouts is to create performing arts programs which enrich the lives of young people through our commitment to the achievement of performance excellence. This commitment combined with participation in competitive Music Pageantry creates an educational environment where young people learn the important values of dedication, self-discipline, self-confidence, character and achievement. With this unique experience, our young people will carry these key values back into the community.
Who can join?
Racine Scouts membership is open to any individual ages 14-21 years of age looking for rewarding marching arts experience.
What do I have to do to become a member of the Racine Scouts?
There are Five basic requirements:
1. Desire - The courage to become a true ambassador of music pageantry .
2. Time - Our Program has been established to supplement the music education experience our members receive(d) in high school and college. It is important however that Racine Scouts members fully understand the commitment they are making to our organization in light of other obligations they may already have. Communication in this area is the key to your success.
3. Finances – Uniform/Equipment Fees and Membership fees need to be considered. Membership fee will be $1,650 for the 2017 season. If you project having difficulty paying the fees on time, please communicate so we can work together to resolve any issues.
4. Attitude - In general, membership with Racine Scouts is awarded to individuals who share our values and who display a willingness to work hard to achieve our mutual goals. A positive attitude is more important to us than "just" talent.
5. Health - Daily rehearsals, performances and travel make drum corps even more intense and demanding than many collegiate level sports. Your body must be capable of holding up under tremendously stressful physical conditions.
What does it cost to join the corps?
Membership fees will be $100 for the 2018 season.
Can parents become involved with the Racine Scouts?
YES!! Parents, grandparents and other family members are encouraged to become part of the drum corps experience. Drum Corps couldn’t operate year after year without the support of volunteers who drive our busses and trucks, cook meals, sew, sell t-shirts at shows, and keep our equipment in first-rate condition. Volunteering with the corps, even for a weekend, will give you a solid understanding of the importance of this activity. Everyone has skills that can make Racine Scouts an efficient and prosperous organization. A variety of projects from uniforms to truck re-design are done at each camp and we can always use an extra hand!