Scholarship Opportunities

Phantom Regiment is committed to making life-changing performing arts experiences available to all. While the financial obligations associated with marching in a World Class drum corps remain a relative bargain when compared to other elite music, sports camps, and leagues, our beloved activity does come at a significant operational cost to both the organization and the members.

The following scholarship funds have been designed to give individuals that possess the talent, desire, and commitment to be a member of Phantom Regiment the ability to make that dream a reality, regardless of financial means.

Phantom Regiment Scholarships

He was simply Dr. Dan.

No last name was necessary for the man who joined Phantom Regiment as a 14-year-old in 1957 and never left. He would become an instructor, board member, program coordinator, director, advisor, medical director, and donor. Most of all, however, he was our friend and biggest supporter.

After his time as program coordinator, Dr. Dan continued to serve as an advisor to the design team and focused most of his efforts on the members’ health. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors.

As someone involved for almost every one of Phantom Regiment’s seasons, he was often asked which was his favorite show. In a 2016 interview, he said, “My favorite was New World Symphony in 1989 since it brought out the best in every section. Oh, there were so many I loved! And I loved each of them since they were the product of so much hard work, dedication, and love by the members and staff.”

Dr. Dan was inducted into the DCI Hall of Fame in 2011 and was part of the 2016 inaugural class of the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame.

The Dr. Dan Richardson Memorial Scholarship honors one of Phantom Regiment’s most legendary supporters and cheerleaders. It is awarded to a veteran member of the drum corps each summer.

Open to any contracted member of the Phantom Regiment Drum Corps who has marched for two or more years and has displayed extraordinary commitment to the organization.

$750, to be applied toward tuition at qualified educational institution (college, technical school, university, etc.) or toward Phantom Regiment membership dues.

Applications for the Dr. Dan Memorial Scholarship are reviewed by a panel of Phantom Regiment alumni & supporters and assessed using specific criteria tailored to eligibility requirements. Feedback from administrative and educational staff is considered. The scholarship is awarded to one individual per year.

This scholarship fund is managed by Phantom Regiment. Questions regarding this scholarship can be directed to [email protected].

A forever fan.
Vicki Auditore

Vicki (Parks) Auditore was a member of Phantom Regiment’s color guard in 1976-1978 after marching for several years in her hometown Chevaliers from Waterloo, Iowa. After her marching days were over, Vicki would join the instructional staff of the drum corps and the winter guard – becoming a fixture on the guard staff throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s.

Vicki was inducted into the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame in 2020.

The Auditore Family created a scholarship named in memory of Vicki after her passing in 2019. The scholarship is awarded to a veteran, non-ageout color guard member who exemplifies the skills, spirit, attitude, and perseverance Vicki showed during her life in drum corps, professional life, and motherhood.

Most significantly, this scholarship is a two-year award for the recipient in hopes of rewarding members for their long-term commitment to Phantom Regiment.

Open to any contracted color guard member of the Phantom Regiment Drum Corps.

$600, to be distributed over 2-years at $300 per year. Must return to march with Phantom Regiment in order to receive second year funding. Can be applied toward tuition at qualified educational institution (college, technical school, university, etc.) or toward Phantom Regiment membership dues.

Applications for the Vicki Auditore Memorial Scholarship are reviewed by a panel of Phantom Regiment alumni & supporters and assessed using specific criteria tailored to eligibility requirements. Feedback from administrative and educational staff is considered. The scholarship is awarded to one new individual per year.

This scholarship fund is managed by Phantom Regiment. Questions regarding this scholarship can be directed to [email protected].

A percussion legend.
Marty Hurley

Marty Hurley’s involvement with Phantom Regiment began in 1976 when he was named the percussion arranger and caption head. Hurley’s leadership led the corps to the top of the activity, finishing runner-up for the Drum Corps International world championship four times during his tenure. Except for a few years off, he held the percussion position through the 1992 season.

Many of his students would go on to teach and judge in the drum corps world; many have become terrific teachers at schools and colleges across the country.

A “Hall-of-Famer” in every sense, Marty was inducted into the Louisiana Music Educators Hall of Fame, the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame, and the DCI Hall of Fame.

The Marty Hurley Memorial Scholarship honors his outstanding legacy. It is awarded to a deserving member of the battery or front ensemble each year.

Open to any contracted front ensemble or battery member of the Phantom Regiment Drum Corps.

$500, to be applied toward tuition at qualified educational institution (college, technical school, university, etc.) or toward Phantom Regiment membership dues.

Applications for the Marty Hurley Memorial Scholarship are reviewed by a panel of Phantom Regiment alumni & supporters and assessed using specific criteria tailored to eligibility requirements. Feedback from administrative and educational staff is considered. The scholarship is awarded to one individual per year.

This scholarship fund is managed by Phantom Regiment. Questions regarding this scholarship can be directed to [email protected].

A cornerstone of the Phantom Regiment identity.
Jim Wren Headshot

Jim Wren was a founding member of  Phantom Regiment in 1956, marching soprano bugle, French horn, and serving as drum major in his final season. When the corps reformed in 1965 after suffering a devastating fire at the corps hall, Jim stepped up to the plate.

For the next 31 years, he defined the Phantom Regiment sound, cementing our classical music identity and arranging some of our most iconic productions – from the New World Symphony to Nessun Dorma. Quite simply, without Jim Wren, the Phantom Regiment we know and love today wouldn’t exist!

Jim retired as brass arranger after the 1999 season, but continued to serve on the board of directors. He was inducted into the Phantom Regiment Hall of Fame in 2016, and was elected to the position of Director Emeritus in 2017.

The Jim Wren Scholarship is fittingly awarded to a member of the Brass or Conductor section each season.

Open to any contracted brass member  or conductor of the Phantom Regiment Drum Corps.

$500, to be applied toward tuition at qualified educational institution (college, technical school, university, etc.) or toward Phantom Regiment membership dues.

Applications for the Jim Wren Honorary Scholarship are reviewed by a panel of Phantom Regiment alumni & supporters and assessed using specific criteria tailored to eligibility requirements. Feedback from administrative and educational staff is considered. The scholarship is awarded to one individual per year.

This scholarship fund is managed by Phantom Regiment. Questions regarding this scholarship can be directed to [email protected].

Application Deadline for 2023 Scholarship Applications: Friday, April 30

Don’t forget to note which scholarship you are supporting when making your donation!

Other Scholarships & Grants

The Purple Knights Drum & Bugle Corps was founded in 1957 in Rockford, IL. The corps competed in the same VFW circuit as Phantom Regiment, with both units finishing in the top 15 at the 1962 VFW National Competition. The Purple Knights were the only drum corps outside of Chicago to carry the Chicago flag in their color guard. The original Mayor Daley awarded it to the Purple Knights for their support and involvement in Chicago parades and events.
Unfortunately, the corps folded at the end of the 1967 season due to a lack of funding. The Purple Knight’s final show was the annual Rockford Labor Day Drum and Bugle Contest held at Boylan High School.
Though cross-town rivals, many of the former members, instructors, and volunteers involved with The Purple Knights went on to make significant contributions as part of Phantom Regiment.
The Purple Knights of Rockford Grant was established in 2004 and is awarded to a member of Phantom Regiment who resides in the Illinois counties of Winnebago or Boone County to be used to offset the cost of membership dues.

Open to any contracted member of the Phantom Regiment Drum Corps with the following qualifications:

  • A resident of Winnebago or Boone Counties in IL
  • Full-time HS or college student
  • Must provide a letter from the Phantom Regiment Director verifying membership, residency, and student status.

Award varies based on the number of available funds. Grant is to be applied toward Phantom Regiment membership dues.

Applications for the Purple Knights of Rockford Grant are reviewed by a panel of Phantom Regiment alumni & supporters and assessed using specific criteria tailored to eligibility requirements. Feedback from administrative and educational staff is considered. The scholarship is awarded to one individual per year.

Phantom Regiment selects recipients of the Purple Knights of Rockford Grant; however, the fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Questions regarding this scholarship can be directed to [email protected].

Diane Thompson-Wells Scholarship Logo

Diane Thompson-Wells was a long-time supporter of the Phantom Regiment, as well as a member of its Board of Directors. Her services to the Board included Treasurer and Board President (1997). She was very passionate about the organization and its students. Diane passed away in 2000. A scholarship was created in her name to help support the educational goals of the Regiment’s members.

The Diane Thompson-Wells Memorial Scholarship is available for marching members of the Phantom Regiment who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and who are enrolled in or will be enrolled in an accredited college or university for the fall semester. This year’s award will be $1,000.

“Diane loved the Phantom Regiment and had a passion for education,” said her husband, Doug Wells. “This is an especially fitting way to honor her memory and create a lasting legacy to help corps members achieve their educational goals.”

Diane Thompson-Wells passed away on June 16, 2000. Friends and family describe her as “challenging,” always striving to do her best, to be a leader, and encouraging others to do so as well.  She earned an accounting degree from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Drake University in Des Moines. Diane joined Sundstrand Corporation (now Hamilton Sundstrand) in 1971 and became one of the highest-ranking women in the company, rising to Director of Electronics Operations Finance at the time of her death.

Apply Now

Open to any contracted member of the Phantom Regiment Drum Corps that meets the following:

  • Is a graduating high school senior or current four-year college/university student
  • Has a GPA of at least 2.5/4.0
  • Demonstrates financial need

$1000. Can be applied toward tuition at qualified educational institution.

This scholarship has an application deadline of May 31st at 5 pm.

Applications for the Diane Thompson-Wells Memorial Scholarship are reviewed by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. The scholarship is awarded to one individual per year.

This scholarship fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Questions regarding this scholarship can be directed to [email protected].

dci logo

Drum Corps International awards over $56,000 in scholarship funds to deserving marching members every year. Phantom Regiment members can review eligibility and apply through the DCI website.