825 Marching & Sky Ryders

NEW PARTNERSHIP

KANSAS CITY, MO — JANUARY 15, 2025

We are excited to announce a new partnership between 825 Marching, powered by B.A.C. Musical Instruments, and the Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation (SRPAF). This partnership designates 825 Marching Instruments as the official provider of front ensemble percussion instruments for the Sky Ryders, supporting their mission to revive the historic Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps and affiliated percussion, color guard, and brass ensembles.

The Sky Ryders, originally established in 1955 in Hutchinson, Kansas, were a distinguished drum and bugle corps known for their excellence in the marching arts. After ceasing operations in 1994, the corps left a lasting legacy in the drum corps community. In 2022, alumni and supporters founded the SRPAF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with the goal of reinstating the Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps and developing related performing ensembles.

The Sky Ryders are fortunate to be able to team with 825 Marching and B.A.C. Music, whose exceptional instruments and outstanding customer care set them apart. As we begin our road back to DCI, it’s both comforting and encouraging to have a partner like 8-2-5 and B.A.C. travel with us.

Eric Sheffler - Sky Ryders Percussion Caption Head

This partnership is particularly meaningful to B.A.C. Musical Instruments, as we share several connections with the Sky Ryders organization spanning the corps’ history—underscoring the tight-knit nature of the musical community. We are fortunate to support an organization that provides such invaluable service to the musical community at large and are especially proud to partner with a group whose impact directly benefits our local region.

Our shared dedication to advancing music education and creating exceptional opportunities for young musicians is at the heart of both the SRPAF and B.A.C. families. By equipping the Sky Ryders with 825 Marching's high-quality instruments, we aim to enhance their performance capabilities as they re-establish their presence in the marching arts community.

We look forward to witnessing the Sky Ryders' journey as they prepare to make their return to DCI showcasing the superior sound and craftsmanship of our instruments in their upcoming performances.

About 825 Marching Instruments: https://www.825marching.com/about825

About Sky Ryders: https://www.skyryderspaf.org/about