Happy New Year! As we look ahead to 2025, I’m delighted to share some exciting developments that highlight the fresh approach we are taking to engage more students, strengthen our civic relationships, and deliver the highest quality artistic and educational standards in the activity.
- We continue to see an increase in performers auditioning for the 2025 drum corps season:
- We expanded our remote audition sites all across the country in Rockford, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta.
- Nearly 1,600 new and returning members joined the 2025 audition portal.
- 994 auditioned for the corps so far (either in-person or by video)
- These efforts have resulted in a 14% increase in auditionees from 2024 to 2025.
- We are proud to announce that all of our key designers and caption heads are returning from 2024 for the 2025 season. This is a testament to the strength and stability of our organization.
- I’m also thrilled to share that we have re-established our partnership with Rockford Public School District, RPS 205. RPS students will benefit from access to top-notch instruments, equipment, and invaluable learning experiences, while Phantom Regiment will secure essential rehearsal facilities to fine-tune performances.
- In addition to the exciting developments for the drum corps, we are also expanding our impact on students through our PR Academy programs:
- We collaborated with DCI again this past summer on a middle school honor band program called BANDtastic!, which tripled in participation and will continue in 2025.
- 2025 will see an expansion of local Academy programs in and around Rockford.
- Collectively, we are serving nearly 2,500 students each year through our PR Academy programs.
On behalf of our entire Programs Team, I wish you a very Happy New Year. I’d also like to thank you in advance for your continued support of Phantom Regiment. We see your support from the stands, in the lot, at our events, and, of course, through your generous financial contributions. It’s not too late to make your 2024 contribution to support our year-end campaign. Every gift matters to the youth and young adults we serve.
In friendship,
Todd Snead, PhD
Director of Programs
P.S. If you are over the age of 70.5 and you have an IRA, please consider making a Qualified Charitable Contribution (QCD). It’s good for you, and it’s good for the corps! Learn more HERE
