Hearts on Fire, Minds on Ice

Where do I even begin? When I auditioned for the inaugural season of Northern Lights in 2023, I was just hoping that they would like me enough to give me the chance to live out a passion of mine that I thought I would never be able to pursue. Not only did they grant me that opportunity once, but they continued to help me realize that I was valued as a member of the corps for the seasons that followed.

I didn't grow up around much more than competitive High school band. So when I began to hear about drum corps, and realize exactly what it was, I became instantly hooked. I wished so hard that I could have the opportunity to audition for a world or open class corps, but the cost was too high for a young student just starting college, and who already dealt with financial issues. By the time that I might've been able to try, COVID hit and I passed my age out during that lost season.

I never would've guessed that by joining this little group that was just starting out, that I could end up actually performing on the biggest stage in the marching arts so quickly.

Our first season in All-Age Class has taught me so much about Drum Corps, about life, about responsibility, and most importantly about myself. I have felt myself become a more confident individual because of Northern Lights. And I absolutely cannot wait to see what this program has in store for years to come. We are already making waves, and I can bet that those who have been counting us out will be regretting that choice very soon.

As we say, "Hearts on Fire, Minds on Ice"!

With that, I bid "Sweet Dreams" to 2025 and enter 2026 hoping to build an even stronger sense of purpose.

Brittany Darling: 2023-2025 Conductor