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Meet Megan!
We're excited to announce our new Interim Executive Director, Megan O’Leary!
Megan brings a proven track record of organizational development in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Her career journey has given her a broad range of expertise, from fundraising and marketing communications to operations and finance.
“I am thrilled at this opportunity to work with Chops Inc’s dedicated staff and board to further their mission to educate people of all ages in the marching arts. In this time of economic uncertainty for arts organizations and public-school music programs, it’s more important than ever to promote the many societal benefits of music education and performance, from character development and self-discipline to leadership and teamwork.”
SERIOUS FUN
We're serious about putting on a good show,
but we like to have fun while we do it!
ALL AGES
all skills
Music shouldn't have an age limit;
that's why we open our doors to all.
Started on a woodwind, and want
to play brass or percussion?
We have skilled mentors that can teach you!
work & Play
You have a life. So do we.
We keep our rehearsal schedule
reasonable so you can balance
school, work, and family, too.
Who says you can't have it all?
LUNCH INCLUDED
Did we mention our awesome
homemade rehearsal lunches? 'Nuf said.
UPCOMING
REHEARSALS/Events
2020 Summer season canceled
Due to the COVID-19 crisis,
both DCI & DCA have made the difficult decision to cancel their 2020 summer tours.
All Chops rehearsals are canceled until further notice.
We are saddened that the North Star Circuit and WGI seasons had to be cut short, and extend our condolences to all those who worked so hard on their winter show.
We are keeping a close eye on developments regarding social distancing, and hope to have performance opportunities this summer in parades, festivals, and other events as the situation eases. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to summer!
Board meetings will continue to be held online via Google Meet.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep practicing!
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Megan O'Leary or Kathy Jackson.
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About us
Do you love music? We do!
Chops Inc. is an award-winning, independent performing arts organization based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. We are best known for our all-age drum and bugle corps that competes nationally with Drum Corps International (DCI). With a dedicated world-class staff and talented mentors, we are here to provide our members with an enriching and rewarding experience.
What makes us different?
Chops is best described as a family; we are united by our shared passion and commitment to music artistry.
We offer opportunities for all those who are passionate about music to perform. We even provide mentorships and learning opportunities for members who may have started their music career on one instrument, but wish to march with us as a brass or percussion player, or even with the colorguard.
Chops' moderate rehearsal schedule makes it easy for members to still enjoy performing while balancing school or work.
CONTACT US
JOIN
Interested in joining Chops as a musician or colorguard?
Volunteer
Let us know you want to help, and we'll let you know when and where!
BOARD
Want to come to a Chops board meeting and see what happens behind the scenes?
STANDING IN SOLIDARITY
Chops Inc., and Chops Drum and Bugle Corps, strongly condemns the events surrounding the killing of George Floyd, and stands in solidarity with people of color — especially African Americans — as they protest against long-standing inequality and oppression. We strongly condemn any and all acts of racism, discrimination, and violence.
We vigorously stand behind our corps motto, "Be Yourself," and what it means in these times: that everyone should be free to live their lives, regardless of their race, skin color, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socio-economic status. We are committed to supporting this by maintaining an organization that is tolerant, diverse, and inclusive. This has not changed throughout our nearly 30-year-long history as a fixture in the marching arts community of Minnesota.
We choose to make this statement today because we firmly believe that we must always stand on the side of freedom and solidarity, and that we must stand with the African American community of the Twin Cities, of Minnesota, and of the United States. To fail to do so would be against the founding beliefs that guide our organization.
We strongly and unequivocally say that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
In Solidarity and Determination,
The Board of Chops Inc.
IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO HELP SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS IN AID OF THE COMMUNITIES DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE CURRENT EVENTS, OR THAT ARE WORKING TO CREATE A PERMANENT CHANGE, BOTH HERE IN THE TWIN CITIES AND BEYOND, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: