Field Band Foundation inducted into World Drum Corps Hall of Fame
The global honour acknowledges the Field Band Foundation’s role in advancing performance excellence and empowering South African youth through music.
The Field Band Foundation (FBF) has been inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame (WDCHoF), one of the most respected institutions in the global marching arts landscape.
Based in the United States, the WDCHoF recognises individuals and organisations whose work has significantly advanced performance excellence, leadership, community development and international cultural exchange.
The FBF’s induction marks a historic milestone, acknowledging more than 25 years of South African youth development through music and movement, as well as the organisation’s long-standing partnerships with the American drum corps community.
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“Standing on that stage to accept this honour on behalf of the Field Band Foundation, and in memory of Retha Cilliers, was a moment of profound pride,” said Field Band Foundation CEO Ushama Ross Jerrier.
“This recognition reaffirms the global relevance of our work, the strength of our partnerships, and the power of South African youth to inspire the world.”
Locally, the FBF works closely with Con Amore School and Hoërskool Birchleigh, bringing communities together through music while creating opportunities for young people to showcase their abilities.
The organisation is also committed to inclusivity, demonstrating that young people with special needs are equally capable of excellence. The FBF recently hosted its Annual Concert and Awards Ceremony at Con Amore School.
According to the foundation, the honour also pays tribute to the foundational leadership of the late Retha Cilliers, the FBF’s first chief executive officer.
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From 1998 onwards, Cilliers played a pivotal role in establishing international exchanges, artistic collaborations and development opportunities for young South Africans.
Early partnerships with organisations such as the Pioneers Drum & Bugle Corps, the Blue Devils and the FBF USA Chapter created a powerful bridge between South Africa and the United States, one that continues to serve thousands of young people today.
Induction into the WDCHoF follows a stringent nomination and evaluation process.
Nominees are assessed on demonstrated international impact, leadership contribution, artistic excellence and innovation, community upliftment and youth development, advancement of the global marching community, and sustained cross-cultural partnerships.
The FBF’s induction reflects excellence across all these areas, built over decades of consistent and meaningful impact.
The award was formally accepted by Ross Jerrier at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Pennsylvania, USA.
During her visit to the United States, the CEO also engaged with leaders across the drum corps community to explore new international funding opportunities, strengthen artistic and educational exchange programmes, champion instrument-donation and sister-band partnerships, promote the FBF’s inclusive “Music for All” model, and position the organisation as a global contributor to youth and arts development.
The induction also honours the founding vision of the Lubner family, whose belief in music as a catalyst for youth empowerment led to the establishment of the Field Band Foundation in 1997.
