Frequently Asked Questions - All FAQs

The Pioneer organization has enjoyed a long and proud history of excellence in performance throughout North America. Originally founded in 1961 as the Imperials of St. Patrick, the corps merged with the Cedarburg Thunderbolts of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, in 1973. The widely respected youth organization changed its name to Pioneer in 1974 with the addition of a generous corporate sponsor, the Pioneer Box and Container Company of Cedarburg.

Over the years, the Pioneer has continued to evolve and focus on the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of their educational and musical programs. Since the corps adopted the philosophy of "Better Every Day!," its members have managed to capture seven Drum Corps Midwest titles and three Drum Corps International World Championship titles, gaining World Class Semi-finalist status in Drum Corps International and proving the Pioneer to be one of the most successful drum and bugle corps in the Midwest.

The corps' Irish heritage is reflected in its musical selections that have become the corps' trademark, enjoyed by audiences across the United States

Pioneerland is a parcel of land that the corps owns in Cudahy, WI. The seven acre property is currently the home of our practice field, which is equipped with a permanent multi-level tower and an office overlooking the field. Also located on the property is a two-story garage which houses all of our coach buses and equipment during the off season. In the near future the corps also plans to build a permanent corps hall on the property in which it will hold all of its winter camps and spring rehearsals.

For more on the history of Pioneerland, click here!

Coming and checking is the best way to answer the 'is the corps right for me' question. It's hard to tell until you meet the people and feel if it's the right place for you, how you fit with others, the staff, etc.

The corps has it's origins in the St. Patrick Church in Milwaukee, WI. It was founded as a youth activity for students and children of that congregation and the area. Since then, the corps has merged, expanded, and changed over the years as the Drum Corps activity changed. The corps membership comes from many different countries, faiths and populations, but many of our traditions are Christian in nature.  The corps' musical choices reflect a mix of music of the British and Irish Isles and Contemporary Christian music. The corps attends church on Sundays (This is optional for those whose beliefs conflict) and the corps has a prayer recited after rehearsals, before performances and other special occasions.

The first step toward joining the Pioneer is to complete our online application. After that, you'll receive information about the corps and upcoming camps by mail or through email.

You will also want to join our Interest & Auditions Group on Facebook.  You'll have a chance to interact with other members and staff members within that group.

The next step is to attend a camp and audition for the section of your choice. If you are unable to make that section, you may be offered a position in a different section of the corps. Keeping a positive attitude, displaying class, determination and a willingness to learn is a sure way to guarantee yourself a spot in the Pioneer!

If you are unable to attend one of our audition camps, there will be an opportunity to submit a video audition.  Watch for more details on video auditions to be posted on our website and social media outlets.

Rehearsal camps are typically held one weekend a month from December through May to prepare the corps for the competitive summer season. Members are expected to attend all camps. We understand that it is not always possible to attend every camp as required school events and concerts, final exams, illness, weddings for immediate family members or funerals can interfere with the camp schedule. Work, extended family events, and optional school events or trips are not acceptable reasons to miss a rehearsal. Any conflicts should be addressed with the corps director and your caption head as soon as possible and BEFORE the rehearsal begins.

Camps are usually held in Cudahy, WI (a suburb of Milwaukee).

Camp dates & locations will be posted on the calendar as soon as possible.

People typically drive, take a bus, take Amtrak or fly into one of the many locations around us. Pioneer provides a free shuttle service to O'Hare Airport, Mitchell Airport, and Milwaukee Bus/Amtrak stations.

No, you don't have to be from Milwaukee to be a member of the corps. In fact, many members of the corps travel great distances to come to our camps and rehearsals. Pioneer has also had members from as far away as Holland, Japan, and South Africa.  We consider ourselves to be a "corps without borders".

No, you don't have to buy your own instrument. Pioneer currently provides all of the equipment that you will need during camps and while on tour.