(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) – Washington County High School senior Ella Burns has earned a contract to perform throughout the summer with the Gold Drum & Bugle Corps, an elite competitive world-class marching arts organization based in Southern California. The ensemble competes nationally as part of Drum Corps International (DCI). To secure a spot in the corps, a performer must demonstrate flawless physical technique, high-velocity movement and elite performance quality. Burns is the first person from Kentucky to earn a contract with the esteemed organization.

“I have loved Gold ever since the first time I saw them perform,” said Burns. “They’ve always had the coolest shows and always did really well in competition. I also got to see how their rehearsals went when they came and stayed at our school, which made me want to join them even more. This was one of the best feelings I had when I got the email saying I am now a Gold member.”

Ella Burns

At WCHS, Burns is a member of the Commander Marching Band and Concert Band, the WC Winter Guard, the Commander Archery team, the Commander Tennis team, the WCHS Cheerleading Squad, Beta, the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), and the National Art Honors Society. Alongside the Commander Marching Band, she won the KMEA Class A State Championships three times. She was also crowned first runner-up in the Green County DYW Program, was selected for the KMEA All-District Symphonic Band, and has earned several scholarships.

“Ella has accomplished something truly extraordinary, and the entire Washington County High School community could not be more proud of her,” said WCHS Interim Principal Malissa Hutchins. “Earning a contract with the Gold Drum & Bugle Corps is an incredible achievement that reflects years of hard work, dedication, discipline, and passion for the performing arts. To become the first person from Kentucky to earn this opportunity makes her accomplishment even more historic and inspiring. What Ella has achieved goes far beyond talent alone. Drum corps is one of the most demanding and elite levels of marching arts performance in the country. It requires an unmatched level of commitment, resilience, teamwork, and mental toughness. Ella has demonstrated all of those qualities throughout her time at WCHS, and this opportunity is a testament to the countless hours she has invested in perfecting her craft. She has represented our school, our community, and the state of Kentucky with excellence, and she is paving the way for future students who dream of pursuing opportunities in music and marching arts at the highest level. Ella’s success shows our students that with determination, courage, and a willingness to chase big goals, anything is possible. We are incredibly excited to watch her continue this journey with Gold Drum & Bugle Corps, one of the nation’s premier organizations in Drum Corps International. Ella is making history, and she is doing it with humility, grace, and Commander pride. We cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes in the future.”

Burns is set to depart to travel with the Gold Drum & Bugle Corps on June 5^th, and in the fall, she plans to attend Campbellsville University and major in chemistry/biology and then attend the University of Louisville School of Medicine to become a general surgeon. She is the daughter of Scotty and Teresa Burns.