This is it

The end is here

But it’s an end that’s earned not awarded.

A finish encoded in every performance,

building to this moment, when it all comes together

One. Last. Time.

We’re reaching the summit of an impossible climb.

Every day has been a battle, now we fight to the finish.

Gauntlets, helmets. Suit up for tonight.

Head into the tunnels, then rattle the rafters!

Leave it all on the field ‘cause you can’t take it with you after.

Get the crowd on their feet.

Make then scream, make then shout.

This is our final moment. Make ever second count!

When the performance is over, and the last echo fades.

All we take with us are the memories we’ve made.

Each season ends with the birth of the next,

But first comes the part where we pay our respects.

On this journey, you all played a part.

Beyond music and mastery, motion and art,

The dream of the season lives on in our hearts.

With all of us working together, as one,

The battle is over, the journey is done.

Welcome to Rockford, Illinois, and to the 2017 colorguard and percussion camps for Phantom Regiment. By coming here today, you've taken another step on your personal journey towards excellence.

Although your auditions will focus on marching, drumming or spinning, this journey we undertake together is about something more. It's about lessons that will last a lifetime, and experiences that will stay with you forever.

Phantom Regiment is a family, and nothing we do can be accomplished alone. So we encourage you to make new friends and lift each other up. Together, you can push yourselves past the limits you thought you had. Strive with every moment to be the best you can be. And remember that even the biggest dreams start with a single step.

Nine months ago we left our homes and families behind. We set out to tell Joan's story to this land, and to start a revolution.

On the way, we sparked a fire that spread to the hearts of thousands, and made our battle cry heard time and time again, over twelve thousand miles.

What did we lose on this journey? Fear. Weakness. Doubt.

And what did we gain? Strength. Courage. A new family.

These were the fields on which we fought. These were the days that forged us into something greater than the sum of our parts. No fight that's worth fighting is ever easy. But now, at the end of the road, we have said to the world that we stand together for what is right and true. We are unbroken and unafraid.

At the end of a season, scores and placements never matter as much as people. This year we stood - and will continue to stand - for the rights of everyone to have their voice heard, to be treated fairly, and to change the world for the better.

Although the journey is over, the spirit of Phantom Regiment and the revolution carries on with us.

There are never any true endings. Just more beginnings. This was the beginning of what comes next.

Thank you for becoming Phantom Regiment.