Open Letter to the Drum Corps community - Megan de Roiz Yankee
As we approach the summer, we would like to challenge ensembles to think about the traditions that they carry with their corps into the new decade of drum corps. In a world that has been greatly changed by the pandemic, we would like everyone to think about what the ‘new normal’ looks like, especially within the world of marching arts. In the recent years we have had a reckoning in regards to sexual assault, abuse, hazing and other injusticies that have happened within the drum corps world. Moving forward, we hope to champion a world where members can participate in this activity without fear for their safety and wellbeing. There has been progress made in recent years, and we need to continue this work that has contributed to a better and safer experience for members.
Recently we have had a harrowing reminder of what drum corps was like for a member in the early 2000s, an account of many harmful and damaging experiences during her time with the Santa Clara Vanguard. Megan de Roiz Yankee, with a signature role in the 2004 Scheherazade production, has couragely stepped forward to share her story of her experience as a member of this drum corps. Her intention is to make sure that no members will ever feel the distress, bullying, and pain that she experienced during her time with the corps. Her experience is not one that needs to be repeated. Looking back, many of these instances were preventable, and we hope that corps will be taking action to make sure that no one will ever experience this kind of suffering moving forward. We would appreciate it if the community would take the time to read her letter in its entirety. She shares many great points about the ways that the activity needs to continue to change and reform for a better marching experience for future members.
We thank Megan for her courage and bravery to step forward and share her story. We support experience sharing and boost statements to encourage the community to hold drum corps to a high standard for their responsibility of the health, wellbeing, safety, and education of members in their ensembles. We hope that by shedding light on Megan’s experience that changes will continue to be made within the activity so that no one will ever have to suffer in the ways that she did. Since the early 2000s drum corps has made progress and movement towards member safety, but there is still a long road ahead to make sure that every member will have a safe and supportive environment to learn and perform in.
Questions, comments, or concerns can be directed to our email at info@maasin.net. If you would like to reach Megan directly, she can be reached at scvmercy@proton.me. If you are seeking our whistleblower support committee, they can be reached at report@maasin.net and would be happy to assist you. Thank you for reading.