In November, 2008, an idea was conceived by a group of people: Build a DCI competitive corps in Missouri
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 corps 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), Landon Callahan (Madison Scouts / Colts), they found the task seemed very daunting. After much discussion, three things were decided by the group: 1) develop a corps that will compete in DCI; 2) become a legal non-profit corporation; and 3) be very patient in developing the corps on solid financial ground.
In February, 2009 a cost analysis was formulated for an upstart DCI competitive corps that would assure survival their first year without fear of financial collapse. It included the cost of equipment, rehearsal site lease, insurance, operation costs, etc... The number totaled over $1.3 million, and 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 under the parent corporation name of Dynamic Renegade Association of Musical Arts, Inc; and the drum corps name was declared as Momentum. Thanks to Russ Chandler, Momentum also began to receive council from 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 August, 2009 research was conducted on many levels. Russ continued to seek consultation from Sue Kuehnhold and David Eddlman; Landon spent time on the road with the Colts as an instructor; Troy collected information on potential future staff, and Steve spent time with various DCI Corps such as Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment, The Cavaliers, and the Santa Clara Vanguard collecting information on the best way to form a 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 contracted Steve C. Bell as the Executive Director.
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 impressed by our methodical approach to building the organization on a solid foundation and our willingness to be patient before developing the performance aspect of the corps. At the end of the meeting, Mr. Acheson stated that he fully believes that we will succeed in our goals. That voice of approval will go a long way in keeping up our drive to succeed.
The Dynamic Renegade Association of Musical Arts, Inc became a reality! Our 501(c)3 application was filed on December 22, 2009 and we will work diligantly to build the Momentum Drum & Bugle Corps into a viable entity. Although the physical performing unit might not materialize for a while, the foundation for the corps will be constucted on financial stability, the organization will exhibit methodical growth, and at the end of the process we will bring forth a qualitative perfoming ensemble to benifit the youth, the community, and the arts as a whole.