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The Boston Crusaders
The Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps, founded in 1940, is the second-oldest junior drum and bugle corps in the nation and is proud to be a charter 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 before a combined audience of over 300,000 fans. The Boston Crusaders are the 2025 Drum Corps International World Champions, having been World Class Finalists since 1999, and earning the silver medal in 2022 and 2024. The Boston Crusaders have also earned five George Zingali Best Color Guard Awards (2018, 2019, 2022, 2024, and 2025), the 2025 Fred Sanford Best Percussion Award, and the 2025 Jim Ott Best Brass Award. 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 Board of Directors.

Backstage with The Boston Crusaders

Marching
Clinic / PerformanceLive

The Boston Crusaders would like to take you on a journey…

That path begins with our audition process and the types of individuals we are looking to meet.
Talent is certainly a criteria, but work ethic, attitude, and character are just as important.

The audition process includes elements of aptitude, ear training, and teamwork.
However, receiving a spot is where the real work begins.

Our Winter Development Program (video assignments/feedback) is the most critical part of the journey.
We engage the performers in skill set building, chop development, and music learning.

The goal of the W.D.P. is to arrive at spring training prepared…
We aren't looking to be preparing AT spring training, but being prepared BY spring training.

Spring Training (or move-in) is the time where the performers bring the show to life.
Through long hours and many adjustments our productions evolve and grow.

Finally, we engage in the competitive season. Each performance is an opportunity to compete.
Each day is an opportunity to grow as performers and musicians.

Lastly, the journey comes to an end on Finals Week in Indianapolis.
A few blocks from the Indiana Convention Center, the students (hopefully) give the performance of their lives.

Win, lose, or draw…the journey is the best part.
Welcome to Boston.