On behalf of all of us from the Great American Drum & Bugle Corps, we would like to take a moment to wish each and every one of you good health, happiness, and new beginnings!
As we get older, time seems to fly by at a ferocious pace. It seems like yesterday I was on the competition field with my beloved Crossmen... now I'm 50 years old, and those memories are just as fresh in my mind as they ever have been. I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about!
Our project, to form a drum corps out of thin air to celebrate our nation's most significant birthday yet, has now reached a very critical juncture. Like all drum corps, our success will be determined by the effort of each individual. The project is set up. Staff is in place. Performance confirmed!
Will it be good? Will I physically be able to make it through the parade in the July heat? Do I have my routine committed to memory? The responsibility of these examples solely resides on your shoulders. We KNOW you're gonna be ready! That's what we do as performers!
The registration deadline is set for January 31st.
Can you please help us bolster our final numbers before the 31st of January? This project will be much more fun if you get your fellow alumni to join you!
- share the information on your social media platforms
- reach out to your drum corps alumni associations and ask if you (or they) can share the information via their social media platforms
- give yourself a reason to call an old friend from your drum corps past & entice them with this opportunity!
I still see many faces online who are just now learning about this project. We have done our best to advertise and get the word out (without being a nuisance), but NOW is absolutely the time for you to assist! If you are able, we would appreciate any help in bolstering our ranks before the final cutoff date.
July will be here in a flash! We are all going to have an amazing, unforgettable experience doing what we love...performing!
If you or others have any questions about the project or if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help!
Also, do not forget to check our website at www.GADC2026.com for all relevant announcements and essential information.
Hope you are keeping safe and getting ready for the upcoming holiday season.
The Great American Drum and Bugle Corps was created for the purpose of marching in the July 4th parade in Philadelphia next summer. Along the way, we were given the chance to pick up some additional performances, which – at the time- made sense to take on and give folks more than one opportunity to perform that week. Unfortunately, one of the biggest comments we are hearing from people on the fence or unable to commit is that it is too much of a time commitment, requiring them to come in on Monday and be with the group through Sunday. So, we’re shortening it!
We understand that summertime is generally tough for many, with PTO spread out among vacations, family obligations, etc., not to mention the financial aspect. The revised week will now bring you in on Wednesday instead of Monday, and your commitments will end Friday instead of Saturday/checking out Sunday.
This project involves many people from many different drum corps backgrounds. Here are a few snapshots of factoids from our participants. These numbers are not in real-time. They will be manually updated from time to time.
33+
Different Drum Corps Represented
115
People signed up to perform
43.7
Average age of participating members
Join the GADC
Want to participate in this exciting opportunity to march in the biggest Drum Corps performance?