Mission and History:
Mission:
Momentum Youth Performance, Inc is dedicated to strengthening team-work, self-discipline, ethics, and civic duty in youth by providing a high quality performing ensemble that combines physical stamina with music and motion.
History:
In November 2008 an idea was conceived: build a drum & bugle corps in Missouri
to compete in DCI.
By January
2009, it was discovered that there was much more to putting together a
performing ensemble than collecting equipment, staff, and performers.
Although excellent people with former DCI experience were involved
with the project such as Steve C. Bell (The Cavaliers / Phantom Regiment),
Russ Chandler (Sky Ryders), Troy Hall (Blue Devils / Phantom Regiment), and
Landon Callahan (Madison Scouts / Colts), they found the task
very daunting. After much discussion, two things were decided:
1) Become a legal non-profit corporation; and 2) Be very patient in
development.
In February
2009, a cost analysis was formulated for an upstart DCI competitive
corps that would assure survival - without fear of
financial collapse. It included the cost of equipment, rehearsal site
lease, insurance, operation costs, etc... and the number totaled over $1.3 million; it was a major wake up call. The group decided they needed
to seek legal council, and the process of forming an actual non-profit
junior drum & bugle corps was set into motion.
By March
2009, legal council had been secured through Volunteer Lawyers for
the Arts. The Incorporators worked closely with the attorney and
filed the Articles of Incorporation in the State of Missouri and the drum
corps name was declared as Momentum. Thanks to Russ Chandler,
Momentum also began to receive council from Bob Jacobs - DCI Director of
Marketing, Sue Kuehnhold - DCI Director of Events , David Eddleman - DCI Open
Class Coordinator, and Kevin Smith - Executive Director of Carolina Crown.
During the months
of April through September 2009, research was conducted on many levels.
Russ continued to seek consultation from DCI administrative staff; Landon
spent time on the road with the Colts as an instructor; Troy collected information on potential
future instructional staff, and Steve spent time with various DCI Corps'
collecting information on the best way to form a drum corps. Names of
potential Board members were also collected. By the end of August, everything culminated
with the election of the initial Board of Directors: Rich Hadfield -
President, Nathan Spurling - Vice President, Joy Ellsworth -
Treasurer, Andrew Marjamaa - Secretary, and Roy D. "Skip" Vandelicht
- Director at Large. Four people were appointed as Advisors: Dr.
Michael Knight, Russ Chandler, Dr. Larry Tinnerman, and Landon Callahan.
The Board also contracted Steve C. Bell as the Executive Director.
In October 2009,
Momentum secured our first corporate relationship. Mr. Gary Roberts,
CEO of Stanbury Uniforms, invited our corps to become a member of the
Stanbury family. The company is based out of Brookefield,
Missouri and Mr. Roberts liked the idea
of a Missouri
connection. During our formation stage, Stanbury will help with
supporting any clinics that Momentum will produce for the community, and once
the corps has formed we will begin using Stanbury uniforms. This is a
great honor, and a corporate connection will go far in establishing Momentum as
a viable organization because Stanbury sponsors top corps like Santa Clara
Vanguard, Madison Scouts, Blue Stars, and Bluecoats.
On November 14, 2009, members of the Momentum Board met
in Indianapolis
with DCI Executive Director, Dan Acheson, and DCI Events Coordinator, Sue
Kuehnhold. The meeting was held to discuss the current and future status
of Momentum as well as for us to receive advice for our long-term relationship
with DCI. During the meeting, both Mr. Acheson and Ms. Kuehnhold were
very enthusiastic in their desire to help us build our organization. They
were also impressed by our methodical approach to building the organization on
a solid financial foundation, and our willingness to be extremely patient
before implementing the performance aspect of the corps. At the end of
the meeting, Mr. Acheson and Ms. Kuehnhold both stated that they fully believe
we will succeed in our goals.
On December 22, 2009 our application for federal tax exempt
status was filed, and we received official 501(c)3 approval on May 11,
2010. With that final legal step in our foundational
stage accomplished Momentum Youth Performance, Inc became a reality! We will now work
diligently and responsibly in building the Drum & Bugle Corps
into a viable entity. Although the drum & bugle corps will not
materialize for a while, the various aspects of the organization will be constructed on financial stability, exhibit methodical growth, and at the end of the process
we will bring forth a qualitative national touring performing ensemble to benefit the youth, the
community, and the arts as a whole.