Director’s Corner April 2019

Surf members rehearse at VoTech prior to tour

As we prepare to embark on another remarkable journey together on the annual DCI summer tour, we can’t help but look back fondly at the thousands of great people who have taken part in our organization… as performers, volunteers, supporters, friends, fans of drum corps, corporate partners and the families of those in our extended circle of support.

The challenges of running a youth-focused not-for-profit business in the twenty-first century are sizable, but so are the enormous rewards for making the investment of time and effort – as well as the financial contributions – which make things possible. As we express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has helped us to grow over our three decades of service to outstanding young adults, we also humbly ask for your continued assistance on the road ahead.

Often, when a group like ours closes up shop due to a lack of resources or dwindling support, outsiders ask, “Why didn’t anyone ask for help?” Although interest in the marching arts, the drum corps activity, and our own organization continue to reach an all-time high, the risks and demands placed on a contemporary organization like ours grow proportionately each season, even before we consider competitive pursuits. Thus, we are in fact asking for your assistance… either through a financial donation or volunteer service to the young people in our charge.

Your investment in the Jersey Surf this year will help to ensure our continued growth and success on the road ahead. As our twenty-ninth season paves the way to our thirty-year organizational milestone in 2020, our goal and desire are to move beyond a position of survival to an even healthier, more sustainable future. We have no doubt that with your support, we will be able to continue to achieve great things on behalf of those we’re privileged to serve, and will also be able to expand our programming to engage an even greater number of future leaders.