What is Spirit of Atlanta?
Spirit of Atlanta:
Drum Corps and Beyond
The Spirit of Atlanta is more than just a drum and bugle corps; it's a vibrant community committed to fostering musical talent and honing leadership skills in young individuals. Our organization is a proud member of Drum Corps International (DCI), the global authority for marching music and visual ensemble competitions. We are a symbol of the dynamic Southern charm, the beating heart of musical performance and showmanship that embodies the spirit of our great city.
Our History
Our roots trace back to 1976, when Freddy Martin, our beloved founder, breathed life into the Spirit of Atlanta with a humble dream: to create a platform for young musicians to achieve their potential and showcase their talent on a global stage. Over the decades, we've developed into one of the most revered drum and bugle corps in DCI history, gathering accolades, shaping careers, and touching hearts with our striking performances. We remain true to our Southern heritage while continually striving to push the boundaries of artistic innovation.
Our Mission
Our mission at Spirit of Atlanta is to provide youth with opportunities to develop and refine artistic, athletic, performance, and personal skills. We offer positive, high-quality, and challenging arts education programs that emphasize character building, a strong work ethic, teamwork, and the pursuit of performance excellence. We believe that through the magic of music and the rigor of marching arts, we can transform lives and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.
Our Core Values
We have enshrined seven core values that guide our every step and every note we play:
Safety: The safety of our members, volunteers, and staff is our utmost priority. We maintain rigorous standards to create an environment that protects and promotes the well-being of all involved.
Respect: We foster an atmosphere of mutual respect, recognizing each individual’s contributions and treating everyone with dignity and fairness.
Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable to our commitments. Whether it’s rehearsing a piece or fulfilling our roles in the organization, we own our actions and responsibilities.
Inclusion: We strive for inclusivity in everything we do. We celebrate diversity and believe that our strength lies in the rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and talents of our members.
Education: We are committed to providing educational experiences that enhance our members' knowledge, skills, and understanding of the arts. Our programs are designed not just to develop musicians, but to nurture well-rounded individuals.
Excellence: We relentlessly pursue excellence, both in the quality of our performances and the character of our members. We believe in the transformative power of striving for the very best.
Integrity: We adhere to the highest ethical standards in our conduct. Honesty, fairness, and transparency guide our decisions and actions.
These values are the pillars of our organization, ensuring that we maintain our strong heritage while continuously evolving to meet the needs of our members and the community. They're not just words to us - they are the Spirit of Atlanta.
Beyond Drum Corps: Embracing Diversity & Inclusion
As we march towards the future, we're committed to expanding our reach beyond drum corps. Recognizing the diverse cultural tapestry of Atlanta, we are working tirelessly to provide performance opportunities for all youth, regardless of race, color, and abilities.
We have initiated various outreach programs, workshops, and scholarships to break down barriers and make the world of marching arts more accessible. We believe in the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift, and we strive to ensure every young individual in Atlanta has the opportunity to experience this power.
In the Spirit of Atlanta, we see more than just a drum corps; we envision a beacon of inclusivity, a platform for talent, and a catalyst for change. Together, we're not just creating music; we're shaping futures.
Join us as we march towards a future that sings with promise, a future where every youth in Atlanta has the chance to shine, a future resonating with the true Spirit of Atlanta.