About the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps

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The mission of the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps is to provide individuals with a positive and educational environment that emphasizes character, social development, leadership, self-discipline, and the pursuit of excellence through the performing and pageantry arts.

Who Are the Raiders?

The Raiders are a competitive performing arts and music education organization which participates in the Drum Corps International (DCI) Open Class circuit.

    Our mission is to provide young adults, ages 14-21, who come from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, access to musical, educational, and character-building experiences through the vehicle of the performing arts.

    Some notable accomplishments include:

    • 20-Time World Championship Finalist
    • 2006 Bronze Medalist
    • 2005 Divisional and World Champions
    • 2001 Silver Medalist

    What is Drum & Bugle Corps?

    Today, a drum and bugle corps is a performing ensemble made up of brass players, percussionists, and color guard. 

    The ensemble presents a musical performance including a significant amount of visual components, including staging, visual contributions from the color guard using flags and other equipment, dance, and other creative movement. The performance takes place on a football field.

    Drum corps ensembles from all over the world prepare their productions and present them at competitions sanctioned by DCI in addition to other performance opportunities.

    How to Become a Raider

    At the beginning of every season, every position is available. You do not already have to be a world class performer to be a member of the Raiders — you just need the desire to become one!

    Membership is based upon the following factors:

    • Willingness and ability to learn
    • Talent
    • Physical fitness
    • Ability to meet all time commitments and financial requirements

    To become a performing member in the Raiders Drum Corps, you must audition at a camp or by video.

    Raiders Schedule

    The Raiders Drum Corps rehearses one weekend a month from November through March. Auditions take place throughout this time period.

    Rehearsals continue with two weekends in April, three weekends in May, and the first three weekends of June.

    In late June, the corps moves into our rehearsal facility and embarks on our first local tour. We return from this tour after Independence Day. 

    Then the corps meets again for our national tour in mid-July and returns home in mid-August.

    View our full rehearsal schedule or our performance schedule.

    Our Educational Team

    Members of the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps benefit from instruction from some of the best music and visual educators, with extensive performance and teaching experience. Many of our instructors are also professional educators employed by public school districts throughout the country.

    The Raiders Organization

    The Raiders Drum Corps is a program of A+ Education and Performing Arts, a New Jersey nonprofit organization that operates several performing ensembles, including Winter Star Indoor Color Guard, East Coast Percussion, and East Coast Live.

    Thank You to Our Partners

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