Join Baltimore's Premier Youth Hornline
The Marching Elite Foundation's Brass & Hornline section is one of Maryland's most exciting competitive marching brass programs — open to youth and adults across Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and all of Maryland.
Expanded through a Baltimore City ARPA Diversity in Arts grant, the TME hornline brings together trumpet, mellophone, trombone, baritone, and tuba players in a full competitive marching brass ensemble. Whether you're a beginner picking up a brass instrument for the first time or an experienced player looking for a competitive outlet, there is a place for you here.
The TME hornline performs alongside Thee Standard of Percussion at Drum Corps International (DCI) SoundSport events — competing regionally and nationally, with the 2026 season culminating at the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is not a school band. This is a championship ensemble.
What Makes TME Brass Different
- Competitive DCI SoundSport hornline — not just a school band or pep band
- Open to students from all Maryland counties — Baltimore, PG, Anne Arundel, Howard, and more
- Youth (ages 8–17) and adult (18+) divisions — a pathway for every age
- Expanded through Baltimore City's Diversity in Arts ARPA grant
- Performs alongside Thee Standard of Percussion at national events
- No prior experience required — we build brass players from the ground up
- $50 registration fee with subsidized options available
Program Details
A Pathway for Every Brass Player
Whether you're picking up a brass instrument for the first time or ready to compete at the national level, The Marching Elite has a division for you.
Youth Brass
The entry point for young brass players. The Youth Brass division introduces students to the fundamentals of marching brass performance in a supportive, high-energy environment. No prior experience is required — just commitment and a love of music. Students learn their instrument, basic marching technique, and what it means to be part of a championship ensemble.
- Beginner-friendly entry
- Instrument fundamentals
- Marching technique basics
- Performance opportunities
Senior Hornline
The competitive adult brass section that performs alongside Thee Standard of Percussion at DCI SoundSport events and independent competitions across the region. Senior Hornline members are held to the highest standard of musical and marching excellence. Alumni from this division have gone on to college marching bands, drum corps, and professional performance ensembles.
- DCI SoundSport competition
- Advanced brass technique
- National performance opportunities
- College & career pathways
Full Marching Brass Curriculum
Trumpet / Soprano Bugle
The lead voice of the hornline. Trumpet players carry the primary melodic lines and must develop a powerful, clear tone, precise technique, and the endurance to lead the ensemble through a full competitive show.
Mellophone / French Horn
The harmonic middle voice that blends the high brass with the low brass. Mellophone players develop rich tone production and the ear training to lock into complex chord structures.
Trombone
The slide trombone brings expressive power and low-mid harmonic depth to the hornline. Students develop slide technique, intonation, and the physical endurance of a full marching brass player.
Baritone / Euphonium
A versatile voice that can carry melody, harmony, or bass lines. Baritone players are the connective tissue of the hornline — developing technical fluency across the full range of the instrument.
Tuba / Contrabass Bugle
The foundation of the entire ensemble. Tuba players provide the harmonic bass and rhythmic anchor that locks the hornline together with the drumline. A critical and highly sought-after role.
Music Theory & Marching Fundamentals
All brass members study music notation, ear training, and the marching fundamentals — posture, step technique, dress, and cover — that define competitive marching arts performance.
The Diversity in Arts grant has allowed us to expand our youth wood and brass sections. Our goal was 40 kids, but we have easily brought in 80 kids using the funding.KELLEY NOLAN — PROGRAM DIRECTOR, THE MARCHING ELITE FOUNDATION
As quoted in Baltimore City ARPA Insight Stories, December 2024
4 Steps to Joining the Hornline
Joining The Marching Elite brass section is straightforward. Here's exactly what the process looks like.
Complete the Join Us Form
Fill out the interest form on our website. Tell us about yourself and which program you're interested in.
Register on Dance Studio Pro
You'll be connected to our registration platform, Dance Studio Pro, to complete your new member registration and submit your $50 registration fee.
Meet with the Director
Set up an appointment with Executive Director Dennis Lee to discuss your background, goals, and determine your official start date.
Attend Your First Practice
Show up, work hard, and become a member of The Marching Elite. Your journey to the national stage starts here.
Questions About the Brass Section
Maryland's Hornline Is
Calling Your Name
Whether you're in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Prince George's County, Anne Arundel, Howard County, or anywhere in Maryland — The Marching Elite brass section has a spot for you. $50 registration. Subsidized options available. No experience required.