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.
A forever fan.
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.
A percussion legend.
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.
A cornerstone of the Phantom Regiment identity.
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.
Remembering Maria’s Legacy: Honoring Passionate Color Guard Members.
Maria Aguilar-Coton had a remarkable tenure with Phantom Regiment’s color guard, starting in the fall of 1977 and continuing until the spring of 1981. Before that, she had marched with Scarlet Knights from Gurnee, IL, for a number of years. Notably, Maria was a member of Regiment’s winter guard, and from 1978 to 1981, she clinched two consecutive championships in 1979 and 1980. Following the conclusion of her marching days, Maria went on to serve as a color guard instructional staff from 1981-1984 and 1987. Her contributions were not limited to her marching and teaching, Maria was elected as a member of the Phantom Regiment Alumni Board in 2020. She took pleasure in assembling the Show of Shows Guard Gifts while reminiscing with fellow alumni.
The Aguliar-Coton family, along with their friends, have established a scholarship in loving memory of Maria, who passed away in 2022. This scholarship will be awarded to a contract, non-ageout color guard member who embodies the same dedication, commitment, and tenacity that Maria displayed throughout her life in drum corps, her professional career, and motherhood.
The scholarship is a two-year award intended to recognize and reward the recipient’s steadfast dedication to Phantom Regiment.
Celebrating the vibrant multitudes within the LGBTQ+ community.
The Phan Shop Pride Scholarship is an initiative aimed at supporting and empowering members of the LGBTQ+ community within our organization. This scholarship is made possible through the proceeds from the Pride Collection in The Phan Shop’s online and touring store. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equality within our corps.
At Phantom Regiment, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where members can thrive and freely express themselves. This scholarship is one of the many ways we are working towards this goal, and we encourage all eligible members of our corps to apply.
By participating in this scholarship program, we hope to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions to Phantom Regiment and inspire future generations to embrace their authentic selves within our organization.
Application Deadline for 2024 Scholarship Applications: April 30, 2024
Other Scholarships & Grants
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.
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.