# Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps

Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps is an all-age drum and bugle corps based in Columbus, Ohio. The corps is a member of Drum Corps Associates (DCA), and also competes in Drum Corps International All-Age Class.

## History

Founded as the Saints Drumline in 2003 by Marshall Cheatham; a social worker, and juvenile corrections officer, the corps began as an after-school musical outlet for kids. In 2012, the drumline expanded into a drum and bugle corps using a stock of G major bugles.
The corps partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Columbus in 2014 to provide free music programs for club members in the Franklinton neighborhood. The "BOOM" performance ensemble resulted from this partnership.
The Saints completed a one-year residency at Flex High School, a charter school supported by the United Way of Central Ohio, in 2017. The residency allowed the corps to offer performance opportunities to students. Later that year, the corps applied to compete as a member of Drum Corps Associates (DCA). After an evaluation by DCA board members, the corps was approved for competition in Class A in June 2018.
Beginning in 2019, the Columbus Saints was approved for competition in Drum Corps International's All Age Division, which allows the corps to perform at a greater number of shows closer to Ohio, where DCA adjudicated shows are scarce due to the geographic location of the majority of DCA member corps. During the spring of 2019, the Columbus Saints equipment trailer was stolen, and with the assistance of local news, politicians, and law enforcement was recovered enabling the corps to continue its 2019 season.
As part of the 2021 non-competitive DCI season, the Saints performed at DCI shows, including the Indianapolis celebration, and livestreams.

## About

The corps is sponsored by the Saints Performing Arts, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Marshall Cheatham is the founder and CEO, and the LeRon Carlton is executive director of the Saints's programs including the corps.

### Mission and traditions

The corps' mission is "inspiring teamwork, discipline, and respect through the performing arts, in our Central Ohio community." The corps recites the "Saint's creed" to build morale and camaraderie prior to performances.

## Show Summary (2014–24)

Pale blue background indicates DCA Finalist.
| Year | Theme | Repertoire | Score | Result |
| 2014 | — | Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven / Pachelbel's Canon by Johann Pachelbel / William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini | — | SoundSport Bronze |
| 2015 | The Age of Swing | "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills / "Stompin' at the Savoy" by Edgar Sampson / "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" by Louis Prima | — | SoundSport Silver |
| 2016 | Elements of Funk | "In the Stone" by Allee Willis, David Foster, and Maurice White / "Fantasy" by Maurice White, Verdine White, and Eddie del Barrio / "Shining Star" by Maurice White, Larry Dunn, and Philip Bailey | — | SoundSport Gold |
| 2017 | Come Together | "We Can Work It Out" by Lennon–McCartney / "Ordinary People" by John Legend and Will.i.am / James Brown in the Twilight Zone by Chris Brubeck | 72.4 | MACBDA 6th (Open Class) |
| 2018 | American Struggle | "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe / "Strange Fruit" by Abel Meeropol / "Stand Up for Something" by Common and Diane Warren / "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" by Louis Prima / "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa | 67.6 63.025 | MACBDA 3rd (Open Class) DCA 8th Class A |
| 2019 | Heart of Steam | "Clockwork Heart" by Bear McCreary / "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" by Panic! At the Disco / "Curious World" by Alice's Night Circus | 74.3 50.00 68.350 | MACBDA 3rd (Class A) DCI All Age Class DCA Class A 4th |
| 2021 | Funk Spectacular | "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder / "Tell Me Something Good" by Rufus / "Shining Star" by Maurice White, Larry Dunn, and Philip Bailey" | "---" 66.200 | DCI All Age Class DCA Class A 4th |
| 2024 | | | 71.500 | 4th Place A Class Finalist |

## Gallery

* 2017 DCI Johnsonburg
* 2016 MACBDA
* 2015 WinterGuard
* 2010 Saints Drumline