Hello.  My name is Robert Kimpel.  I am 15 years old and a freshman at Woodlan High School.  I am writing today to ask for your support to help me advance my dream to competeat the World Class level of Drum and Bugle Corp International.

In fifth grade, my parents gave me a choice between band or choir. Band practices were before school, during a time when I would rather be hanging out with friends.   I begrudgingly chose band because the director was known to bring in donuts once a month. My commitment to the band was purely driven by the promise of pastries.   It was during my sixth-grade year that my perception of band began to change.   Making music was becoming my passion.   My parents were quite surprised when I asked to join marching band the summer after my sixth-grade year.  

I joined marching band because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself—a group that combines discipline, teamwork, and creativity. The energy and camaraderie within the band are inspiring, and it feels amazing to contribute to performances that bring people together. Being able to blend music with movement has been an exciting and rewarding challenge.

In January, I began the audition process to join Eclipse Drum and Bugle Corp out of Indianapolis, Indiana.   Eclipse is an all-age (14 to 21 years old) Corp that is in the Open Class Candidate program of DCI.  Eclipse is known for their innovation, powerful performances, and strong sense of community.  After two rounds of auditions, I received an invitation to join Eclipse for the 2025 season!

Participating in Eclipse is an incredible opportunity.  However, it comes with significant financial costs that I’m working hard to meet. My fundraising goal is $1,742. This amount will cover all tuition for the 2025 season which runs from mid-March through the beginning of August.   

This experience is the beginning of a dream coming true for me.   Your support will provide me with an opportunity to grow as a musician and performer while being a part of a team that is striving for excellence.