DRIVEN BY DRUM CORPS SCHOLARSHIP
BUILDING BETTER BANDS
ONE MEMBER AT A TIME
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 WINNERS!
KIEREN LEE
Academy Drum & Bugle Corps
Hi, my name is Kieren-Lee! I am from Magnolia, Texas. This will be my second year marching DCI. I am currently studying for a degree in the fine arts field to use my skills to become a colorguard director. Colorguard has become my safe place that has helped me through so much. With the skills I will gain through marching, I want to help teenagers and young adults who struggle to find a place or find friends, to have a home where they can be themselves unapologetically while making beautiful art through hardwork. I am so grateful for this committee and for what they do. I am so excited to March this summer!
MASON WINDHAM
Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps
Mason Windham is a percussionist at Northwestern State University (NSU). Windham primarily studies under Dr. Molina as he pursues a degree in Music Business, but has also taken lessons with Dr. Brad Meyer and Dr. Brian Zator. At NSU, he has been a member of the NSU-Natchitoches Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony, principal chair of the Wind Ensemble, head drum major of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, a cellist with the steel band, drummer and drum major for the pep band, and a member of the percussion ensemble. Mason has performed at Louisiana Day of Percussion, LMEA with the Wind Symphony, and across Louisiana and Texas on two percussion ensemble tours. This summer, he will march with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps and then return to NSU as head drum major. In January of 2025, Mason was selected to represent the percussion studio in the McCutcheon Honors Recital. Later that spring, he won the Executive Music Business Readiness (EMBR) competition by presenting a company portfolio for his dream occupation of writing drill for the marching arts industry. Recently, Mason was awarded the Mimi Jordan Arts Scholarship which is based on the criteria of those who “have a passion for the creative arts.”
Mason is from Texarkana, Texas, where he graduated as the salutatorian of Redwater High School. He was most notably a member of the ATSSB All-State Concert Band, but he also qualified for UIL State Marching Finals and the Area Jazz Band. Mason would like to thank his parents, family, and brother, Seth, for always showing up with utmost support
2025 WINNERS
Aster Miller
Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps
My name is Aster Miller. I am originally from Black Mountain, NC and am studying at East Tennessee State University. I am majoring in Parks and Recreation Management while double minoring in Music and History. I have participated in the marching arts since 2018, including two years with Spirit of Atlanta. I will be spending my final season with the Blue Knights. The marching arts have led me to amazing people and opportunities. I am grateful to this committee for helping me participate in this incredible activity one last time.
HEATHER THOMAS
Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps
My name is Heather, and I have been doing color guard since 2017. I have marched with Orchard Park High School, Gates Chili A, White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps, and most recently, 3rd Legend Open and Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps. The marching arts are an integral part of my life and who I am today. Marching has always been my safe space, connecting me with the resources and community needed to achieve personal and marching milestones. My favorite show I've marched has been "Ne Me Quitte Pas," 3rd Legend 2025, because of the ways I was challenged and the new people I got to march with. I spend much of my time on adventures with my friends, listening to music, learning new flag tricks, and volunteering at my local bingo hall to support the White Sabers. I am passionate about helping others and advocating for mental health, LGBTQ and women's rights, equity, and diversity. I am double majoring in social work and women and gender studies with a minor in addictions and behavioral health at SUNY Brockport. I aim to use my education and personal experiences to support others through a future career in the social work field.
APPLY
Requirements for Consideration:
You must be a high school senior or older
You must be a contracted member participating in the 2027 season
You must demonstrate financial need
Support our mission
Growing up and being a product of the marching arts, Zach and Zack are firm believers in the life skills that the activity provides for its members. Using the tools they’ve gained throughout their time in drum corps, Zach and Zack have created a path in the profession as active designers, educators, and supporters of the arts. They hope to provide more exposure to the profession through their Driven by Drum Corps Scholarship and support future students pursuing careers in the marching arts.
* 100% of all donations go directly to the scholarship fund