A former Eustis High School student is preparing for one final summer on the national stage, earning a spot with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps for the 2026 season.

Jason Santana, now a student at Florida State University, has been selected to march in what is known as his “age-out” year — the final opportunity performers have to participate in Drum Corps International before turning 22.

“I am incredibly proud to announce that I have been selected to march with the Spirit of Atlanta for the 2026 drum corps season,” Jason says. “This is the last chance that I get to march.”

Drum corps is a highly competitive and demanding activity that brings together musicians ages 15 to 21 from across the country. Participants spend months preparing a single production that is performed nationwide.

“Drum corps is an incredible journey where thousands of young individuals work countless hours throughout the entire summer to put together one 13-minute show,” Jason says. “We work 12 hours a day during spring training to perfect the show before taking it on tour across the country.”

The tour spans several regions, beginning in the Southeast, traveling through Texas and the Northeast, and culminating at the Drum Corps International World Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Jason has already marched with Spirit of Atlanta in previous seasons, calling the experience life-changing.

“It is an absolutely incredible journey that has taught me so much about myself and about many other things in life,” he says.

However, the opportunity comes with a significant financial commitment. Tuition for the season is approximately $6,500, covering housing, meals, instruction and travel for the summer-long tour.

“Drum corps is not cheap,” Jason says. “The education that I receive is top of the line and world class.”

As he balances the demands of engineering coursework at Florida State, Jason is now turning to the community for support to help make his final season possible.

Jason has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover tuition costs for the 2026 season. In addition to donations, he is encouraging supporters to share his story and attend performances during the summer tour. You can learn more on his fundraising page.

For Jason, the upcoming season is the culmination of years of dedication and a final opportunity to be part of something that has shaped his life.

“I’ve made countless memories with the Spirit of Atlanta,” he says. “It means so much to me.”