The Marching Against The Darkness Drill Team Competition is a multi-generational event that hosts local and out-of-state drill teams from over 10 different states that highlight art & culture through dance, color guard, and percussion. These teams have been practicing all year and have traveled many hours for this very moment. This event brings out over 1,400 attendees, performers and chaperones annually. It develops future talent through performing arts for disconnected youth. 

To be a competitor at this level takes dedication, teamwork, discipline, and so much more. Each team gets a limited amount of time to perform and be judged against a strict criterion. The top three places will win a trophy and cash prize. The competition serves as a recreational safe family function to provide the community a fun exciting day full of arts, culture, and entertainment for those of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds to enjoy.

Register Your Team Today!

• All winning teams will also receive a trophy.

• All teams will have 8 minutes to complete.

Cash Prizes

• 1st Place Drill Team: $4,000

• 2nd Place Drill Team: $3,000

• 3rd Place Drill Team: $2,000

DRILL TEAMS SHOULD COMPLETE & SUBMIT THE BELOW BUTTON BY Friday, June 14, 2024

ALREADY REGISTERED?

Download the drill team information packet for full contest details. Now that you're registered, book your hotel for the weekend. Click below to see the various hotel accommodations.

Previous Winners

2023

Drill Team Winners:

• 1st Place: Brooklyn Park Lions

• 2nd Place: Elite Striders 

• 3rd Place: Union Missionary Baptist Church Crusaders

2022

Drill Team Winners:

• 1st Place: Dayton Ohio Highsteppers

• 2nd Place: Union Missionary Baptist Church Crusaders

• 3rd Place: Kansas City Marching Falcons

Drumline Winners:

• 1st Place (tie): Dayton Ohio Highsteppers

• 1st Place (tie): Union Missionary Baptist Church Crusaders

2021

Drill Team Winners:

• 1st Place: Broadway Drill Team- Kansas City, MO

• 2nd Place: Destruction Drill Team- Omaha, NE

• 3rd Place: Michigan City Soul Steppers- Michigan City, IN

2019

Drill Team Winners:

• 1st Place: Kansas City Marching Falcons

• 2nd Place: Michigan City Soul Steppers

• 3rd Place: Pleasant Green Marching Saints

Drumline Winners:

• 1st Place: Union Baptist Crusaders

• 2nd Place: Kansas City Marching Falcons

• 3rd Place: Willie Arthur Smith’s Marching Cobras

2018

Drill Team Winners:

• 1st Place: Elite Striders Drill Team & Drum Corps- Zion, IL

• 2nd Place: Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps- Des Moines, IA

• 3rd Place: Willie Arthur Smith's Marching Cobras- Kansas City, MO

Drumline Winners:

• 1st Place: Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps- Des Moines, IA

• 2nd Place: Metropolitan Youth Program- Rock Island, IL

• 3rd Place: Broadway Drill Team- Kansas City, MO

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