We are currently auditioning members in all brass, percussion, and color guard sections. We have openings for trumpets, mellophones, baritones, tubas, snare drum, tenors, bass drum, marimba, vibraphone, synth, timpani, and flags & weapons.

Begin your audition with four easy steps:

• Register for a one-day audition or video audition
• Purchase your brass or percussion audition packet
• Join your Facebook Interest Page to interact with staff and veteran members
• Submit an optional feedback video to check your progress (this is NOT a video audition)

Begin by downloading an audition packet and then practice, practice, practice. Your audition packet contains all of the music you will need to prepare for an audition with the Boston Crusaders. Audition requirements for each section are listed within the packets, but typically brass and percussion will be required to prepare select exercises from the packet for evaluation in an individual and group setting, plus a piece that exhibits your individual strengths. Brass candidates will also be led through a visual block and evaluation.

Color guard auditionees will be evaluated on flag and weapon basics, tosses, and technique. You should be prepared to learn choreography for body and equipment and show off any special talents you may possess. Read more about guard requirements here.

Cost to audition includes a $25 audition packet for brass and percussion plus audition registration fees. One-day and video auditions are $125 with the early bird discount. Prices increase to $150 the week before each audition date or deadline.

If you have access to an instrument or color 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.

No, there will be no overnight housing or transportation provided for one-day audition dates. Auditionees are required to arrange their own transportation from airports if necessary. However, there will be housing and transportation provided for the full weekend rehearsal camps in January and April and the Ireland trip.

There will be no meals provided during one-day auditions. There will be two 1 hour-long meal breaks for lunch and dinner. Attendees are encouraged to either bring packed meals or order out. All audition sites are centrally located near local businesses and restaurants.

Yes. The best way to get a feel for the audition process is to start now. It is never too early to start working towards your goals. Students are allowed to join Facebook pages, submit feedback videos, and attend audition dates without formally auditioning.

Our membership ages range from 16-22. Our average age is 19.5 years of age. For members under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be involved in the process from auditions through contracting and membership.

Camps:

Brass and percussion:

• January: Mandatory weekend camp in San Antonio,TX. Date TBA
• March: Optional but recommended trip to Dublin, Ireland March 11-19th
• April: Mandatory weekend camp in San Antonio, TX in late April.

Guard:

• March: Optional trip to Dublin, Ireland March 11-19th
• April: Mandatory weekend camp in Indianapolis, IN. Exact dates TBA

Move-Ins:

Mid-May through Mid-June

The 2022 Boston Crusaders’ spring training will take place at Castleton University in Castleton, Vermont from mid-May through mid-June. While rehearsing at Castleton, members reside in dorms and eat in the campus dining hall, with an end of day snack provided from the corps’ food truck. Castleton University provides ample rehearsal space including indoor facilities, 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 13th

After four weeks of move-ins, the 2022 Boston Crusaders will embark on a tour that is approximately eight weeks long from mid-June to August 13th. The corps will travel the country via coach bus and house in high schools and college campuses. The corps will perform on the 2022 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 2022 DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, IN.

Tuition for new members is $4,900. Full tuition information, including payment plans and returning member discounts, will be communicated to contracted members as soon as it is available. Returning members receive discounts for multiple years with the organization.

Your tuition includes:

• Housing, food, and education for camps, spring training, and tour.
• Instrument/equipment
• Transportation from airport(s) to camps, spring training, tour
• Uniform/costume including performance shoes
• End of season banquet.

While the cost of the Ireland trip is not funded by membership tuition, all contracted members are invited to perform in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day parade. Members are financially responsible for airfare to/from Ireland, a $200 camp fee, and spending money.

Yes. Proof of your original vaccinations AND booster will be required to be eligible to participate this summer. The only exception is to provide documented evidence of a medical exemption from a medical professional. Vaccination deadlines and more information will be communicated to contracted members throughout the winter.