CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps is set to return to Cheyenne this week, bringing fellow drum corps together for a competitive event. The Troopers will host Wyoming’s only Drum Corps International event on Friday, July 12 at Bison Stadium at South High School, 1213 W. Allison Road, according to a press release by the organization.
The show will feature five competitive corps and a special encore performance by the Troopers. Performances begin at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m. Tickets, ranging from $20 to $35, are available online and on site.
This event will showcase performances by The Battalion, Seattle Cascades, Pacific Crest and The Academy, alongside the Troopers. Nearly 1,000 performers and staff will arrive in Cheyenne on July 11. Planners expect up to 1,500 spectators, weather permitting, from Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and beyond.
Cheyenne has a strong connection to the Troopers, with several local families involved in the corps. Mike Ottoes, a Troopers alumnus and current CEO, has long been active with the organization, according to the Troopers. His daughter, Emily, is a multi-year veteran who performs in the color guard. Additionally, Cheyenne locals Ella and Cullen Gienapp play roles in the corps, with Ella serving as guard commander and Cullen playing the euphonium.
Currently, the Troopers are in the Pacific Northwest, celebrating two competition wins and one of their highest starting scores. At the Northwest Youth Music Games in Portland, Oregon, on July 5, the Troopers scored 71.450, surpassing the Blue Knights’ 69.600 and the Seattle Cascades’ 61.650. The following day, they achieved a score of 72.900 at the Northwest Youth Music Games in Seattle, Washington, again outperforming the Blue Knights’ 72.250 and the Seattle Cascades’ 61.650.
The Troopers will rehearse in Cheyenne from July 11 to July 13 before continuing on a tour ending at the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis in mid-August. Public rehearsals offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their preparation.
The Troopers, founded in 1957 by Wyoming businessman and United States Air Force veteran Jim Jones, continue to provide enriching development for young people through music education. Known as Wyoming’s Musical Ambassadors since 1967, they proudly represent the state across the nation according to the Troopers’ website.
This year, the Troopers will perform in numerous shows, sharing Western-themed programs that celebrate Wyoming heritage. Their 2024 tour includes appearances from coast to coast, bringing Wyoming’s character to diverse audiences.
For more information on tickets and the event, visit the Troopers’ website.
To offset the hosting costs, the Troopers, a Wyoming nonprofit, are accepting sponsorships and donations. Interested parties can donate as a part of WyoGives or by contacting the organization via email.
