We have openings in all sections including brass, battery, front ensemble, color guard, and drum majors/conductors.

Our current openings for 2025 include:

• Brass - all sections
• Battery - all sections
• Pit - Synth, Marimba, Vibe, Xylo, Percussion. We are NOT auditioning for timpani.
• Guard - weapon, flag, and dance
• Conductors

Begin by registering for an audition! Take advantage of early bird pricing by registering by November 2nd. Then, review your section's audition requirements and begin practicing!

For brass and percussion, you will be required to purchase an audition packet (available by clicking here.) For in-person auditions, candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises as outlined in the packet. For video auditions, candidates must prepare a short solo showcasing their best technical abilities.

For guard, you will be evaluated on dance/movement, flag, and weapon technique and choreography. For in-person auditions, you will learn exercises and choreography from our education staff. For video auditions, you will showcase your abilities through a sample of dance, flag, and weapon choreography of your choice.

For conductors, you will be emailed more information after registering. Auditions typically include a written essay, letters of recommendation, and a live conducting workshop at camp.

• Audition packet (brass and percussion only): $25
• One-day: $100 early bird ($150 after November 9th)
• Audition camp: $200 early bird ($250 after November 9th)
• Video audition: $100 early bird ($150 after November 9th)
• Callback camp: $250

If you have access to an instrument or guard equipment, please bring it with you to auditions. We have a limited amount of brass and percussion instruments available. If you do not have an instrument, please bring your own mouthpiece.

Housing and meals will be provided at full weekend camps. Candidates must arrange their own transportation from the airport. For one-day and pop-up audition events, candidates are responsible for providing their own transportation, meals, and housing (if applicable).

Yes! We encourage anyone who's interested in marching drum corps at some point to attend a camp, download a packet, and join the Facebook groups. The best way to get a feel for the audition process is to start now, even if you aren't formally auditioning.

Our membership ages range from 16-21. Our average age is 19.5 years of age. Members who turn 22 on or after June 1st are eligible to march that summer. For members under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be involved in the process from auditions through contracting and membership.

The 2026 season can be broken up into three main parts: camps, spring training, and tour. Each section's attendance requirements are listed below and on their respective audition pages.

Audition/Camps:

Brass:

• Auditions - Choose one: November Camp, December Camp, or video audition
• Callbacks - January 16th-18th in San Antonio, TX
• April Production Camp - April 24th-26th in Houston, TX
• May Camp - May 21st-25th in Houston, TX

Percussion:

• Auditions - Choose one: November Camp, December Camp, or video audition
• Callbacks - January 16th-18th in San Antonio, TX
• April Production Camp - April 24th-26th in Houston, TX
• May Camp - May 21st-25th in Houston, TX

Color Guard:

• Auditions - Choose one: Video audition or Houston one-day audition
• April Production Camp/Guard Callbacks - April 24th-26th in Houston, TX
• May Camp - May 21st-25th in Houston, TX

Conductors:

• Auditions: November Camp
• Callbacks: December Camp
• January Camp - January 16th-18th in San Antonio, TX
• April Production Camp - April 24th-26th in Houston, TX
• May Camp - May 21st-25th in Houston, TX

Spring Training/Move-Ins:

June

The 2026 Boston Crusaders’ spring training will take place in the Northeast throughout the month of June. While at spring training, members reside in dorms and eat in the campus dining hall, with an end of day snack provided from the corps’ food truck. Our facilities provide ample rehearsal space including indoor space, multiple outdoor fields, and a turf stadium. We enjoy very comfortable spring temperatures and the members have one night off per week for rest and relaxation.

Tour

Concludes August 8th

After spring training, the Boston Crusaders will embark on a tour that is approximately seven weeks long. The corps will travel the country via coach bus and house in high schools and college campuses. The corps will perform on the 2026 Drum Corps International summer tour and several special performances including parades and concerts. Between rehearsals and shows, members will enjoy free days to explore cities along the way. The season will culminate at the 2026 DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, IN. View a sample of a typical tour schedule here.