The six-time DCA World Champion Bushwackers are a not-for-profit drum and bugle corps in its 40th year of existence.

It is our continued goal to provide a quality, educational, fun, and competitive marching experience to our members.

An all-age drum and bugle corps does not restrict membership due to a person’s age. Our members range in age from 15 to 55. Although we do not restrict age, we suggest that anyone younger than 16 is sponsored by an older member or a parent who can act as a mentor and chaperone for the younger person. The average age of our members is 19.5 years of age.

Members must attend all rehearsals and performances which are on the official schedule unless they have been excused in advance by their caption head. Communication with staff in advance about schedule conflicts is critically important.

Our philosophy is that school comes first. If there is a conflict, it is the responsibility of the member to notify the caption head ahead of schedule so that we may attempt to work with the school in order to resolve scheduling issues. Should a compromise be unattainable, we support our members to attend to the school function.

We are a weekend only Drum Corps. Our Winter schedule is typically one weekend per month from December through April with various parades and performances announced during the winter.

Starting in May, we rehearse every weekend. In June through the end of August we also add Friday nights to the schedule.

Only academic and band-related activities constitute acceptable conflicts. All personal time (such as vacations, etc.) must be scheduled to avoid conflicts with rehearsals and performances. If there is a conflict in which our member has no control over, they must notify their caption head and director ahead of time (at least 2 weeks in advance).

Tuition Fee – $1425 is the fee for 2023. This fee covers equipment, professional instruction, overnight accommodations, showers, most meals, and rehearsal facilities. Payment schedule is for 25% of total tuition to be paid by the end of MAY, JUNE, JULY and AUGUST. It is required that members pay according to the payment schedule on their contract which states all fees are due by the end of August. Uniform hats, marching/dancing shoe costs, and uniform t-shirts (compression shirts) are the responsibility of each member. One pair of gloves will be issued to brass members under the tuition fees. It will cost $5 for anyone needing additional gloves. Guard gloves, if any, will be the responsibility of each guard member.

Audition criteria are at the discretion of the individual caption heads. Everyone will be given ample opportunity to try out for the section of his/her choice. However, the caption head may suggest that an applicant audition for a section that he/she believes would be better suited to the individual and the corps. We DO NOT “CUT” anyone interested in being a Bushwacker.

Typically during the summer we begin rehearsal Friday evenings.  Shows are usually Saturday nights, following that day’s rehearsal, and then a rehearsal day Sunday. 

During the winter and summer season any members, regardless of distance traveled, will have access to overnight accommodations provided by the drum corps as part of their tuition fees.

Unless a show is particularly close to our usual rehearsal site, busses will be provided for travel to the shows.

A majority of meals will be provided by the Drum Corps. On occasion we may eat at a show or other venue and we will announce this in advance so the members can bring money for this.

The corps provides all brass, percussion, and color guard equipment during the competitive season.

  • Yes, in members will be expected to pay for certain parts of their uniform. The cost is currently expected
    to be around $50. You will be allowed to keep these at the end of the season.
  • Percussion and brass members will be required to pay for hats and shoes, which will be ordered at the beginning of the competitive season. The cost is usually $50-$60.
  • Brass members will be given one free pair of gloves at the beginning of the season. Any further gloves can be purchased from the corps for $5.
  • Color Guard members will be expected to supply their own gloves and will be required to purchase shoes and uniforms at the discretion of the staff.
  • Brass and Percussion members will be notified by staff of any additional needs, plain blue t-shirt, black socks,
    horn towels etc.