Life lately has been quite crazy, from taking 17 credits hours at Minnesota State University, Mankato, to working about 24 hours at TJ MAXX. On top of work and school, I’m still trying to find time for myself. I was recently offered the coordinator position for the backroom at TJ MAXX and I now teach the Mankato Area 77 Lancers color guard for their fall and winter programs. It is quite a lot of hours to work, but college is expensive and I can say that I have paid for all my semesters without loans. I also just applied to the Minnesota State University, Mankato dental hygiene program in hopes that I will start in the fall. 

If you do not quite know what drum corps is, here’s the rundown from my rookie season with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. Drum corps is a very time and physically demanding activity that takes place over the summer months; starting June 1st and ending the first week in August. During the duration I got to perform in 13 different states- it almost ends up being a new state every couple of weeks. We rehearse for 12 hours a day, unless there is a show or a free day. Free days happen about every two to three weeks, so we are able to wash our very stinky laundry and with the extra time on that day possibly explore the city we are in. 

Drum corps is not as glamorous as you may think. We travel on coach buses, get to sleep on air mattresses in high schools, and shower in the locker rooms. With that being said all the food during rehearsal days and all of the housing is paid for with our tuition dues. All of the training leads up to the World Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium or as members of drum corps call it “Indy”. This is where the Founders Trophy is awarded to the top performing corp after three days of competition, prelims, semi-finals, and finals. This weekend for Drum Corps International fans and members is as large as the Super Bowl is for football fans. 

The past two summers with the Madison Scouts was way more than I could’ve ever asked for. Drum corps brought me SO many new friends that turned into my family. It showed me what hard work is and how to push through times that are tough. My friends that turned into family I now consider a part of my support system. They are always there for me, even outside of drum corps. I tend to have a phone call at least once a week from them, if not a sweet little message to stay in contact. I always knew that I could work hard, but I never knew that I could work THAT hard. We were constantly changing the show or just doing multiple reps to get better, fatigue happened quite often, but I had my family to help push me through it.  There were some days that were super hot and days that we practiced in pouring rain, but no matter the weather or conditions that the day brought we were able to get through it. I am truly doing drum corps for myself. In the process I am learning life skills and using it as a way to prove myself there is always more that you can give to an activity, and possibly give back to an organization that got you to that position. 

Most people think that because drum corps is an activity that you audition for and get contracted to do and that you will get paid to do it, except that is the complete opposite. Drum corps is an expensive activity that the cost to do keeps rising. I was offered an automatic contract at the end of last summer for the 2026 season with the Madison Scouts. Tuition is $6,400 for the summer, however I am hoping to raise $4,000. If you are willing to donate any amount of money, your kindness won’t go unnoticed. 

With so much love,

Elie Wendinger