2025 Drum Major Announcement
We are proud to introduce our three drum majors who will be leading the 85th edition of the Boston Crusaders! Our newest drum major, Maddie Wielinga, will join veterans Wes Booker and Joe Zishka on the podium this summer.
Wes Booker
Wes Booker is entering his fourth season in drum corps and third with the Boston Crusaders. Previously, he served as a drum major for the Cadets in 2022 before shipping up to Boston in 2023. He grew up in Dallas, Texas and is a graduate of Coppell High School. He currently studies Music Education at the University of Texas at Austin on his primary instrument, the bassoon. After graduation, he is looking forward to a career as a band director and eventually pursuing a career in orchestral conducting. Wes was recently honored with the Jim Jones Leadership Award at the 2024 DCI World Championships for his unparalleled leadership qualities.
Joe Zishka
Joe Zishka is entering his fifth year of drum corps and second as drum major. Before Joe took to the podium, he played mellophone for the Boston Crusaders in 2023, The Cadets, and Madison Scouts. Originally from Lancaster, OH, Joe studies Music Education at Ohio State University on his primary instrument, clarinet. After graduating, Joe is pursuing a career as a band director.
Maddie Wielinga
Maddie Wielinga is a second year member of the Boston Crusaders, previously serving as a rehearsal technician assistant in 2024. Maddie is a graduate of William Mason High School in Mason, OH where she served as drum major for two years. She is now a Communication Design student at the University of Cincinnati College of DAAP. Maddie is pursuing a future career in communication graphics and branding where she hopes to serve charitable causes around the country. Outside of school, Maddie is primarily a clarinet player and was inspired to join the Boston Crusaders after watching her brother in the 2022 hornline!