Meet The Passionate Team Behind The Troopers For 2026

The Troopers Legacy Corps has announced its 2026 leadership and instructional staff, assembling a team of experienced educators, performers, and designers from across the drum corps and marching arts community. This group of dedicated instructors and leaders will guide the corps as it prepares for its 2026 season and continues its mission of celebrating the history and traditions of the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps.

The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, based in Casper, was founded in 1957 as an activity for kids. The group was created and named by Jim Jones, a World War II veteran, in honor of the 11th Ohio Cavalry Regiment, who were part of Fort Caspar's history. Over the years, the Troopers have performed across the country and become a staple and tradition in the community.

For 65 years the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps has been dedicated to educating young people. We fulfill this mission by instilling in our members music and performance skills through the experience of participating in the drum and bugle corps activity, as well as life skills developed through experiencing the self-discipline and teamwork that is unique to our activity. During the competitive summer season, the 165 members of the Troopers will live, eat and learn together. They will receive the highest level of instruction available and perform in the most competitive musical marching activity ever seen.

The 2026 Troopers Legacy Corps staff includes:

Dana DeCosta, Co-Director

Dale Hillegrass, Co-Director & Field Technician

John Hoekstra, Co-Director & High Brass Instructor

Sarah Wagner, Brass Caption Head

Knute Holia, Music Arranger

Tom Beebee, Front Ensemble Instructor & Music Arranger

Bennett Coughlin, Battery Percussion Arranger & Instructor

Gary Gomez, Battery Instructor

Jill McCutcheon, Front Ensemble Instructor

Joe Pincetich, Low Brass Instructor, and Music Transposer

Design Staff:

Austin Hall, Visual Caption Head

Greg Horne, Rifle Design Supervisor

Diane Krum, Flag Design Supervisor

As the Troopers Legacy Corps prepares for the 2026 season, members and staff will once again come together from across the United States and Canada to celebrate the music, traditions, and spirit of the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps. The Legacy Corps provides performers the opportunity to return to the field, reconnect with the drum corps experience, and share that passion with audiences and fellow performers.