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General Information |
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| How can I contact the Boston Crusaders? |
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Email: |
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info@crusaders.com |
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(617) 268-4600 |
Fax: |
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(617) 687-2551 |
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Mailing address: |
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Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps
PO Box 51391
Boston, MA 02205-1391 |
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| What is drum corps? |
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Modern drum and bugle corps finds its origins in the
post-World War I era. Impressed by the precision and pageantry of American military and
parade units, parents launched drum corps in their own communities so their children could
benefit from rigorous instruction and discipline. Drum corps has grown steadily since the
1930s, finding sponsorship and support in groups like the VFW and the Catholic Youth
Organization.
Since the formation of Drum Corps International (DCI)
in 1972, the sophistication of creative and artistic skills in drum and bugle corps has
increased tremendously. The activity has developed to a level which is now considered to
be a contemporary art form, while the organizational efforts of DCI have elevated the
status of the activity to its current position as the second largest youth program in the
United States. |
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| Who are the Boston Crusaders? |
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The Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, founded in 1940,
is the third-oldest junior drum and bugle corps in the nation and is proud to be a
founding member of Drum Corps International. The corps, composed entirely of brass
players, percussionists and color guard members under the age of 22, travels over 10,000
miles each summer, performing in more than 40 competitions and exhibitions before a
combined audience of over 300,000 fans.
The Boston Crusaders are incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 Not-for-Profit Corporation, governed by a 17-member Board of Directors.
The Crusaders’ mission is to provide its members an opportunity to reach their highest potential, both as a person and an artist. While providing a healthy balance between education and competition, the Crusaders seek to constantly challenge members to be better every day through a dynamic and unique combination of artistic, athletic, and life goals our members will not find elsewhere. |
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| What is the season like? |
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The season begins in December with a series of
weekend-long rehearsals, or camps, held approximately once a month through May during
which prospective members will learn the show. Winter camps are held in Central Florida.
During camps, members stay at the rehearsal site; all meals are provided by the drum
corps. As the school year draws to a close in late spring, the Crusaders gear up for the
upcoming tour with more frequent rehearsals.
Members take up residence in the Boston area in late May for several weeks of intensive daily rehearsal. Then in mid-June the Crusaders, their staff, instructors and volunteers, four
buses, an equipment truck, a mobile kitchen and numerous support vehicles leave Boston on tour. Throughout
the summer the corps will be scheduled to perform almost daily. The tour will last
about six weeks, culminating in mid-August at Drum Corps International World Championships.
Members of the Boston Crusaders follow a demanding daily rehearsal schedule and give the performances of their
lives on football fields throughout the nation. They will sweat and laugh and cry. But
most importantly, they will learn about life and one another. They will learn, and never forget,
what it means to be a part of the Crusaders family. |
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| Who can be a member? |
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Members of the Boston Crusaders include young men and women
up to and including age 21. Most members have experience in high school or college
marching bands, and some have experience as members of other drum and bugle corps. We recommend that you attend camps as often as
possible in order to guarantee your membership in the drum corps. |
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| Where can I get more information? |
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For more information, please feel free to call the Boston
Crusaders at (617) 268-4600, email us at info@crusaders.com, or check out our FAQ page. |
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