Columbus Saints Surge Forward: Momentum Is Strong in 2025!
The Columbus Saints Drum Performing Arts are buzzing with excitement as we barrel towards the summer season! Our dedicated members have been working tirelessly, and the progress is truly inspiring. We’re thrilled to announce that we’re on track to have our entire show completed by the end of June.
Recent rehearsals have been filled with energy and focus, and we’ve captured some of the highlights in photos. Don’t miss the Open House recaps for a glimpse into the incredible talent and dedication that makes the Saints family so special.
Winter Season Successes!
Our Saints Winter Guard is gearing up for MEPA Championships after a fantastic season. The Elementary Guard is captivating audiences with their fun, beach-themed show, showcasing their impressive foundational skills.
The Saints Indoor Percussion Ensemble is also poised for success at OIPA Championships, building on the momentum from last season. Their recent performance at OIPA Firestone earned them a score of 73.5, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Corps Membership and Staff Updates
Our baritone line is a powerhouse, featuring a blend of seasoned Saints veterans:
Casey McCauley (’21) – Who since graduation has begun a career as a teacher in Cleveland.
Kara Butlien (’23-24) – Bringing her experience at multiple corps like Cincinnati Tradition, White Sabers Erie Thunderbirds.
Ryleigh Jones (’24) – A current student at Ohio Wesleyan returning for a second season with friends.
Sam Rounds (’24) – A current music education student a Capital University who also composed our holiday program!
We’re also delighted to welcome new brass staff members Scotti Smith, an alumni of Capital Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, and Jordan Rose, a local band director and alumni of Ohio University’s Marching 110. Returning as Brass Caption is the esteemed Robert Grandbois III.
In another exciting development, we’re fielding our largest guard in corps history! Leading the charge is Alyssa Khoury, an alumni of Legends Drum & Bugle Corps, Phoenix Independent Winter guard, and our very own Saints Winter Guard. She’s joined by talented techs Corey Stanfield, an alumni of Cincinnati Tradition and current staff member of Saints Winterguard, and Rylee Birkhimer, the current Assistant Director of the Saints Winterguard.
Community Engagement and Performance Highlights
The Saints have already made their presence felt in the community with two notable performances:
Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade: A vibrant display of Saints spirit and the Ohio History Museum’s “Night At The Museum”: We were honored to be part of this unique event, bringing music and history together for an unforgettable evening. It was wonderful to see Saints veterans Shannon Varner (’24) and Bree McKeen (’24), who were a part of our swing dancers last season, at this event.
Support the Saints: Your Contribution Matters!
We invite you to join our growing family of supporters and help us continue to provide exceptional performing arts opportunities. Even a recurring donation of just $5 per month for a year makes a significant impact, helping us cover essential expenses like valve oil, drumsticks, and storage costs, ensuring our program remains accessible and affordable.
We’d like to highlight Kevin Lin, a member from 2015-2019, former Drum Major, and Baritone Lead, whose monthly contribution has been instrumental in our efforts.
We are also in need of volunteers to assist with various aspects of the corps, including food preparation, donor relations, volunteer coordination, and more. If you’re passionate about supporting the arts and want to get involved, please contact Le Ron Carlton at lcarlton@columbussaints.org. Your support, in any form, makes a world of difference! Full schedule here at https://columbussaints.org/events .