Director's Desk - Gearing Up For 2015
Dear friends,
It's a new year, and we couldn't be more excited about what's in store for The Battalion. But first, I'd like to look back on an historic 2014 in an effort to highlight just how far we've come and ask you to join us to help us make 2015 everything it can be!
In March 2014, we created the parent organization for Utah's first touring drum and bugle corps, securing the appropriate nonprofit corporation approvals with the state of Utah, and ensuring the organization was on sound operational footing.
Between March and August of 2014, our executive team and board of directors assembled a world-class instructional staff and rallied the financial support to purchase the corps' first set of uniforms. You can learn more about that purchase here.
In August 2014, we officially announced the creation of The Battalion to the world and were humbled by the number of fans who helped us spread the news through social media and word of mouth. During the next four months, we were excited to connect with thousands of you at our information booths hosted at marching band competitions throughout the state of Utah.
That groundswell of interest led to an incredible turnout of 200 students at our first Battalion Experience (BEX) clinic in November 2014. BEX attendees were treated to a very small taste of the drum corps experience and came away empowered to further their development as musicians and performers.
Several hundred community members packed the gym for a standing room only show-and-tell performance at the end of that event. Those in attendance caught a glimpse of how this organization will provide incredible learning and performance opportunities for students for years to come.
In December 2014, the corps officially received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, further solidifying the organization's viability and ensuring its longevity. We were also able to raise the first $10,000 toward the purchase of the corps' first set of instruments.
Looking ahead, our next BEX (Battalion Experience) clinic is scheduled for May 22-23 at Weber State University, which will provide an opportunity for students to gauge their progress as they prepare to audition for the corps. Registration is now open for that event, which you can check out here.
In November 2015, the corps will host its first ever audition event in preparation for our inaugural competitive season in 2016.
We know it takes a community to make a drum corps successful, and we hope you will partner with us on this journey to #GrowDrumCorps in Utah. We are currently seeking opportunities to join with individuals, organizations, and companies to raise the rest of the funds necessary to purchase the corps first set of instruments. If you know of any such opportunities, please reach out to us directly at info@battalioncorps.org.
Thank you for helping us advance The Battalion onward and bring drum corps to the state of Utah!
My best to you all,
Dallin
