Sounds Like A Cult The Cult of Marching Band
Oct 7, 2025
Chelsea McFarland, a seasoned music educator and marching band veteran, explores the hidden dynamics of marching band culture. She shares shocking hazing tales, including a jaw-dropping incident on a drum corps bus. The conversation dives into the ritualistic and hierarchical aspects that make these bands feel cult-like, discussing everything from communal living to intense competition. Chelsea also highlights the positives, such as community and teamwork, while advocating for improvements in accessibility and safety within this spirited subculture.
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Nonconsensual Hazing On A Drum Corps Bus
- Chelsea McFarland recounts a 2008 drum corps bus talent ritual where she refused to participate and was then subjected to an unwanted lap dance by a 50-year-old man.
- She frames this as one example of how hazing and sexual misconduct have occurred in all-ages drum corps settings.
Military Roots Shape Band Hierarchy
- Marching bands trace rituals, uniforms, and drill formations back to military origins that normalize hierarchy and discipline.
- Those militaristic echoes help explain how unquestioned authority and regimented ritual persist in band culture today.
Access And Time Enable Abuse
- Chelsea McFarland identifies staff access and long unsupervised hours as the key enabler of abuse in marching band settings.
- That access combines with intense closeness to create opportunities for exploitation.
