Hello!

My name is Mercy and I have been doing color guard for the past eight years of my life. I am currently spinning with the BYU color guard, and am going to school full time to become a graphic designer. Although color guard requires an immense amount of athleticism, it isn't recognized as a sport at my University and I am therefore unable to receive any sort of scholarship or grant to participate and train with my professional team The Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps this summer. 

I wish I lived in a world where performing arts were supported and backed by their universities, but the unfortunate reality is that no matter what team I am on or how many qualifications I have, no matter the number of awards I win or injuries I sustain from training, color guard will never be recognized as a sport. And because it will never be recognized as a sport, I have little hope of ever getting paid to do what I love. But! I do have the chance to pay to perform this summer in competitions across the country.

While I am so grateful for my contract in the corps and the opportunity to spin this summer, I am struggling to make the amount of money I need for flights, fees, and proper athletic gear for the season. As a student working hard to make it through college with no debt, there isn't a lot of room for financial flexibility. I've been working full time since my semester ended at my student job, and doing other odd jobs for neighbors and family in order to reach my financial goals. If you're interested in sponsoring a student athlete for the summer, please consider donating!

What will my donation pay for?

Great question! My fees for the season are $4,800. That's a lot of money! Where does it all go? Here are some of the things your donation will go to:

- Meals for three months of travel 
- A brand new uniform for the season
- Housing for three months of travel 
- Buses and fuel 
- Payment for medical staff, educational staff, and other corps employees (who don't get paid nearly enough) 
- New flags and equipment 
- A once in a lifetime opportunity 

What is color guard? 

Color guard can be best described as a cross between dance, juggling, and synchronized movement. Simply put, the color guard are the flag twirlers at the front of a marching band in a parade. Color guard performers throw flags, rifles, and sabers (swords) above their heads in synch to music in order to create a story or narrative to a marching band show. Color guard is highly competitive, highly entertaining, and highly addicting. 

Why can't you save the money and participate when you're better funded?

Unfortunately for me, I'm 20 years old this year. Drum Corps International has an age limit of 21 years old, which cuts off the amount of time I will be eligible to participate in the activity as a performer. If I do not participate now, I won't be able to participate and compete later on in life. 

Thank you so much for your time! I truly believe that investing in performers is an investment in your future. Where would we be without performers? 

Anything helps! Have a wonderful day :)

Mercy