Decades after their final notes resonated across the football field, the spirit of Suncoast Sound is preparing to make a lasting impact on the modern drum corps community.
Former members of the iconic Florida-based ensemble have officially launched the Suncoast Sound Alumni Foundation, a brand-new initiative dedicated not only to reconnecting alums, but also to providing direct support for today’s performers.
“We wanted to do something foundational because we want to give back to the activity,” said Howard Weinstein, a founding member of the alumni initiative and former Suncoast Sound performer and staffer. “Suncoast Sound left a profound mark on all of us. It made me the human I am today, so I owe so much to the organization.”
Organizers began laying the groundwork in recent years as a core team of 20 to 40 alumni have been meeting regularly to establish a formal nonprofit framework. The organization has successfully established both its 501(c)(3) organization and LLC structures.
From its inception, the Suncoast Sound Alumni Foundation is focusing its efforts on direct financial support for current marching arts participants. Primary among its initiatives is a dedicated scholarship fund designed to assist student performers across Drum Corps International.
“We’ve talked about having a scholarship fund so that we can sponsor a brass person, a color guard person, a percussion person — or divisions within those — to march,” Weinstein said.
The project also carries a deeply personal tie for the alumni community. The momentum to formalize the foundation gained urgency following the passing of legendary brass composer and arranger Robert W. Smith, whose work served as a cornerstone of Suncoast Sound’s most successful years.
“When Robert passed away a few years ago, it struck us so hard,” Weinstein said. “This project has kind of been in the works since then … We wanted something that can keep the organization in people’s hearts and minds longer, and give back to an activity that has given all of us so much.”
In addition to fundraising, the foundation will look to host social gatherings and alumni events alongside major DCI-sanctioned regional and national events, offering former members a chance to reconnect.
Alumni, fans, and supporters interested in learning more, getting involved, or contributing to the scholarship fund can register for updates at the foundation’s website, suncoastalumni.com.
