The 2026 application period for the annual Kiwanis Thunder of Drums/Music Mart Drum Corps Scholarship is now open. This scholarship is available to band or color guard members to help pay the cost of tuition to participate in a Drum Corps International World Class Corps. Up to four scholarships will be awarded annually to qualifying students from high schools and colleges in the Mankato area. The scholarship award has been increased in 2026 to $500 per recipient.

To be eligible, the students must be a member of a high school or college band ensemble in good standing; have received and accepted a contract offer from a Drum Corps International World Class Corps; and have completed and submitted the scholarship application by May 1st, 2026. Scholarships will be awarded to approved applicants as applications are received.​

2026 marks the 34th year of the Kiwanis Thunder of Drums, drum and bugle corps competition featuring performances by the most elite marching ensembles in the world! The Thunder of Drums is a must-see annual delight, averaging over three thousand spectators and six hundred performers, showcasing artistry, pageantry, and precision through the fusion of music, marching and choreography. The 34th Kiwanis Thunder of Drums will take place at Blakeslee Stadium on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026. The Kiwanis Thunder of Drums is produced by the Mankato Kiwanis Club with cooperation from the Mankato ’77 Lancers Marching Band.​

Questions or inquiries about the scholarship can be directed to the Kiwanis Thunder of Drums at TODtickets@gmail.com

Scholarship applications are available via the Kiwanis Thunder of Drums website: www.thunderofdrums.org or at The Mankato Music Mart, 1014 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN.