Northern Lights Drum and Bugle Corps
Northern Lights Drum and Bugle Corps | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Muskegon, Michigan, United States |
| Years active | 2022–present |
| Website | Official Website |
Northern Lights Drum and Bugle Corps is an all-age drum and bugle corps based in Muskegon, Michigan. Founded in 2022, it competes in Drum Corps International's (DCI) SoundSport program and is currently in evaluation for full-fledged membership in DCI's All-Age Class.
History
[edit]Northern Lights was founded in 2022 by Misty Olmstead, Doug Olmstead, and a team of educators and designers who recognized a need for a local, accessible all-age corps in western Michigan.[1][2] The corps launched as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and began performing exhibitions in its first season, officially joining DCI’s SoundSport competitive circuit in 2023.
Organization
[edit]The corps operates entirely on a volunteer basis with no paid staff. Expenses are supported through member dues, fundraising, and donations. In 2024, dues were approximately $350.[2] The corps’ 2024 operating team included around 130 people between staff, volunteers, and members.[2]
The age range of members spans from 12 years old to over 60, with numerous parent/child pairs marching together.[3] The founding family – Misty and Doug Olmstead and their children – all marched together during the corps’ early seasons, emphasizing the family's central role.[3]
Growth
[edit]Northern Lights fielded approximately 42 members in 2023 and grew to 97 performers in 2024, more than doubling in size and adding a color guard for the first time.[2]
Competitive achievements
[edit]Northern Lights earned Gold Ratings at the DCI SoundSport International Music & Food Festival in both 2023 and 2024 (3rd place overall each year).[4][5] Their top competitive scores were **92.00 in 2023** and **94.667 in 2024**.[6]
In June 2024, Northern Lights premiered its show *Ignis* at the DCI Midwest Premiere in Rockford, Michigan, taking first place in the SoundSport class with a score of 74.667.[7]
In 2025, Northern Lights submitted materials to DCI to apply for affiliate membership in the All-Age Class. As of mid-2025, they remain under evaluation.[8]
Media and recognition
[edit]The corps’ mission is to “provide affordable and accessible music education experiences through the all-age marching arts.”[3]
In 2024, Northern Lights was featured by WGVU PBS in *Living West Michigan*, highlighting its family‑centered and low‑barrier approach.[3] On July 8, 2025, NPR affiliate WGVU’s *Shelley Irwin Show* profiled Northern Lights as “an award‑winning opportunity for talented young musicians.”[9]
Competitive seasons
[edit]- 2023 – *Cathedral* (Debut season; ~42 members; SoundSport Gold, 3rd place; Score: 92.00)[4]
- 2024 – *Ignis* (Expanded to ~97 members with new color guard; SoundSport Gold, 3rd place; Score: 94.667)[5][6]
- 2025 – *Sweet Dreams* (Pending All‑Age Class evaluation; show features licensed music)
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Griffith, Jeff (July 15, 2022). "Meet Northern Lights, Michigan's newest drum corps". DCI.org. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Inside the evolution of Northern Lights, SoundSport's Michigan all-ages corps". FloMarching. July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Living West Michigan: Northern Lights Drum Corps. WGVU-TV. June 14, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ a b "2023 SoundSport International Music & Food Festival Results". Drum-Corps.net. August 12, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ a b "SoundSport 2024 Results". DCI.org. August 12, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ a b "Awards – Northern Lights Drum & Bugle Corps". NorthernLightsMI.org. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ "2024 DCI Midwest Premiere Live Updates". FloMarching. June 26, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ "Northern Lights, Minnesota Brass join DCI All-Age ranks for 2025 season". DCI.org. May 14, 2025. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ The Shelley Irwin Show. WGVU-TV. July 8, 2025. Retrieved July 20, 2025.