One of the countrys oldest junior drum and bugle corps is preparing for a major U.S.tour

One of the country’s oldest junior drum and bugle corps is preparing for a major U.S.tour, and they’ve returned to Castleton this week as a launching pad. Young musicians are putting in long hours of work with one goal in mind – bringing strangers together for the first time. The Crusaders have used Vermont State University’s Castleton campus for about a decade for spring training. That includes for housing, meals, auditions, and choreography. The Crusaders pack up roughly 200 high school and college-aged musicians, along with about 100 staff and an abundance of instruments and equipment for their few weeks in Vermont. Members notice the change in scenery and how it impacts their play. It’s always kind of an adventure to rehearse in the rain,” said Marielle Chrupcala, a drum major: They  hope to keep Castleton as a place to prepare for each season.