What’s our why:

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    Mission Statement

    To exclusively raise and distribute financial tuition assistance, enabling aspiring and current members of Phantom Regiment to participate in transformative performing arts experiences, irrespective of their socioeconomic background.

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    Vision Statement

    A future where financial barriers are eliminated, ensuring that every talented and dedicated individual has equitable access to the life-changing educational and artistic opportunities offered by drum corps, fostering a thriving, diverse, and enduring legacy for the activity.

To ensure that the world-class experience remains accessible to every talented performer, we have launched the Phantom Regiment Legacy Fund.

As tuition costs have surged by nearly 6% annually—outpacing both inflation and family incomes—we face a critical risk of pricing out the very heart of our organization: the students. This independent 501(c)(3) fund is a bold commitment to breaking down financial barriers, specifically designed to fulfill our mission from economic volatility and provide equitable opportunities for performers from all backgrounds. By subsidizing member tuition from rising operational costs, we are not just funding a season; we are building a permanent bridge for the next generation. Governed by a separate and distinct board, this fund ensures that every dollar is disciplined, transparent, and dedicated solely to tuition assistance.

We invite you to join us on this mission.

Ed Collins

A seasoned financial leader and dedicated advocate for the arts, Ed’s passion and expertise was forethought in creating the Phantom Regiment Legacy Fund.

Bringing over two decades of expertise in wealth management, he has served as an executive at a major financial institution specializing in consulting with high-net-worth families on tax-efficient strategies and legacy planning. His commitment to excellence in the financial sector was recently recognized by Forbes, naming him one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for 2024 and 2025. This professional background allows him to approach the Legacy Fund’s financial sustainability with a disciplined and strategic lens.

His connection to the Phantom Regiment is deeply personal. Rooted in time as a member from 1991–1992 he would not have had this marching opportunity without an anonymous sponsor. Over the last decade, he has transitioned from a fan (Phan) to a cornerstone of the organization’s support. Serving as a Board Member from 2019–2023 and contributing to both the Development and Finance Committees, he worked to align the Regiment’s mission with sound fiscal health. His experience extends across the non-profit sector, including board service for La Plaza in Indianapolis and over fifteen years of coaching and team management for Guerin Catholic and A-Level Travel Softball, reflecting a lifelong passion for mentorship and community development.

Beyond his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Ed is an avid traveler and "experience seeker" who believes in pushing personal boundaries. Originally from the south side of Chicago, he then raised his family in Carmel, Indiana, with his wife Nicole and three children—Patrick, Megan, and Caitlin—before relocating to Celebration, Florida. Whether pushing himself in completing nine full marathons, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking the Inca Trail, or trekking the Caminos of Spain and Portugal, Ed brings that same endurance and spirit of adventure to everything he does.

Ed is honored to continue supporting the Regiment’s legacy.

Contact: ed@phantomregimentlegacy.org

Bryan Mara

For the last 31 years Bryan has been a high school band director in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  He has spent his life raising kids and trying to help them become amazing adults.  Bryan marched for seven seasons with the Regiment and was able to do so because he had a sponsor who paid his dues.  He has tried to pay that forward by sponsoring members. 

Bryan is a hometown kid who grew up in Belvidere Illinois.  After 3 seasons in the Phantom Regiment Cadets at the age of fourteen, he auditioned for and became a member of Phantom Regiment and toured nationally for the next seven summers. 1987-1993 He later joined their staff and helped the corps realize a thirty-year dream in 1996 when they became World Champions.  While attending college, he broke all stereotypes by playing football, doing drum corps while earning his music degree at St. Norbert College, in De Pere, WI.  He earned his Master of Education and later a second Master in School Administration from Hamline University.  He has thirty-one years of teaching experience in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The last twenty of those were in Willmar.  He has been the chair of the instrumental program for the last ten years. He is the varsity golf coach at Willmar Senior High.  Bryan Retired from full time teaching in 2025. 

Bryan is now spending time judging and is an in-demand clinician.  His favorite hobby is chasing his college daughters as they compete as college athletes.   Bryan is married to his wonderful and successful wife Traci, they have two daughters.  He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the Minnesota Music Educators Association, the Minnesota Band Directors Association, and the Minnesota Golf Coaches Association.  Bryan is also a member of the International Bandmasters Fraternity Phi Beta Mu and the Phantom Regiment Alumni Association.

Bryan understands the need to keep the activity affordable for families and is excited to join as a Director of the Fund.

Contact: bryan@phantomregimentlegacy.org

Megan Collins

Passionate about driving meaningful impact at the intersection of corporate responsibility, philanthropy, and inclusion, Megan specializes in developing strategic initiatives that align business goals with social good. With a Master's in Philanthropic Studies focusing on Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility, she brings a strong foundation in designing and implementing effective philanthropic strategies and social impact initiatives.

Currently serving as the Community Impact Manager at Grainger, Megan takes a strategic approach to fostering meaningful connections between the company and the communities we serve. Megan also manages Grainger's executive board placement program, oversee civic and cultural programs and partnerships, and lead local sponsorship efforts. Additionally, she collaborate across teams to advance Grainger's community engagement goals and amplify the company's social impact.

Megan is energized by opportunities to bridge corporate influence with community impact, ensuring that investments and initiatives create lasting value. Whether it's shaping philanthropic partnerships, streamlining communications, or refining policies to drive inclusivity.

Megan is committed to making a difference.

Contact: info@phantomregimentlegacy.org

Contact Us

Looking for more information, please reach out directly or use the contact form below.

Contact Ed, Bryan, or Megan at: info@phantomregimentlegacy.org