Mission

The mission and primary objectives of the Dragons are:
Multiculturalism, Music Mentoring and Mental Well-being.

Our members are music educators, professional musicians, and skilled youth performers (ages 18+). We are multicultural, and committed to utilizing equity, diversity, and inclusion. We stress the importance of good citizenship, and of forging connections between communities and cultures. Our long-term goal is to develop our youth leaders into future adult mentors and catalysts for system change.

What We Do

Multiculturalism:
The Dragons membership consists of people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and we perform at family-friendly venues, in a variety of communities, that feature cultural events that celebrate diversity, friendship and family.

Mentoring (Performing Arts):
During the summer break, skilled students (ages 18+) have the opportunity to perform with music educators and several professional musicians that perform in the local area. Youth performers get the opportunity to play along with these "professional mentors." During our 2021 season, within the ranks of the Dragons were over a dozen active and retired music educators (certified in Missouri and Illinois). Learn more about our professional mentors here: https://www.dragondrumcorps.com/professional-mentors

Mental Well-being:
The Dragons offer skilled brass and percussion musicians an outlet to "never stop playing...ever." Performing music is therapeutic, reduces stress, and provides many fond memories for those who performed in bands and drum corps during their youth. Veteran musicians are invited to return to those glory-days by joining the Dragons, every summer...forever. Our shows are stationary (stand-still/encore style) except for the colorguard section, which performs dance choreography with flags.