Best Practices in Operating a Non-profit Marching Arts Organization

Abstract

The marching arts are a niche activity that some people will dedicate their entire life to. Performance marching is a physically demanding and time-consuming activity. The rush experienced during performances, combined with the friendships that are built with your fellow corps members imprints the activity on your soul. In recent years there have been an alarming number of organizations experiencing scandal or ceasing operation. Information on these events are never publicly available, meaning other organizations cannot learn from the mistakes of others. This paper looks at the best practices of governance that ensure a non-profit marching arts organization like a drum and bugle corps or a winterguard should follow in order to remain relevant, financially stable, and free from scandal. Ten interviews were held with leaders of prominent marching arts organizations in order to gather information on four main themes: money, accountability, operations, and leadership. Each of these themes are vital to a marching arts organization functioning and being well-governed, which will result in a successful competitive season.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201