Mike began his association with the Troopers in 1988 at age 17, marching with the Troopers for five seasons as a member of the horn line. During his time as a marching member, Mike received the Outstanding Member Award and the Director’s Award. He also served as Corps Commander during his age-out year in 1992. Mike was part of the Troopers' administration team from 1996 to 1998, and was given the Traute Gilbert Volunteer of the Year Award in 1997. He was appointed CEO of the Troopers in the fall of 2005. In 2015, Mike was elected to the Troopers Hall of Fame and received the Drum Corps International Volunteer of the Year Award. Mike currently serves as the Treasurer of the Wyoming All-State Marching Band Board of Directors.

 

Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Wyoming. He lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming with his wife Michelle, also a Troopers alum, and his two daughters. He is vice president and owner of Arrow Moving & Storage Co. Inc.

Michael was a member of the Troopers from 2000 through 2004 where he performed on soprano prior to being named Drum Major in 2003.

 

During the 2006/2007 season, Michael produced the award-winning documentary film "America's Core" showcasing the passionate return of the Troopers following their inactive year.

 

He returned in 2009, producing the follow up film, "Hell Bent for Victory" which chronicled the corps' epic return to DCI finals.

 

From 2009 to 2016, Michael worked in the television and film industry, earning multiple Telly awards and a regional Emmy Award.

 

In 2016, Michael, along with his family, moved to Casper, WY to take on the role as the Troopers Marketing Director. While in this role, he helped coordinate events like the 60th anniversary reunion with the alumni association, manage the Rocky Mountain Rivalry fundraising campaigns, and build community relationships with organizations like VIBES Fine and Performing Arts.

 

During the challenging year of 2020, Michael took on the technology efforts to completely digitize the entire Troopers operation, converting it into an online format, introducing new technologies to the organization, creating virtual performance opportunities, and establishing virtual platforms for our members and staff to continue the Troopers mission during the pandemic.

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Michael became Corps Director in 2021, leading the drum corps through the pandemic era, and back to the performance field. In 2022, Michael helped lead the Troopers back to the Top 12 for the first time in thirteen years and oversaw the continued advancement into the Top 10 in 2023.

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In the fall of 2023, Michael accepted the position of Executive Director.

 

Michael lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife Elizabeth, and their two teenage daughters, Audrey and Livie. Together they have a dog and two cats.

Mary Duerkop is currently an Assistant Band Director for Nixa Public Schools where she teaches the Marching Band, United Sound,  HS Jazz Band, 8th Grade Band, and 7th Grade Brass.

 

Before becoming a band director, Mary was a K-5 General Music teacher for 4 years.  In 2013 she graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Music Education from the University of Central Arkansas.  Mary’s previous drum corps experience was with The Academy from 2007 - 2009.  She also had the opportunity to travel to Japan with the production “Odyssey” in 2008.  Mary won an audition for Odyssey, which was an all-female cast that toured Japan, while performing 40+ shows over the course of 2 months.  Mary was a feature tuba performer in the 2 hour, on-stage show that utilized brass, percussion and guard.  

 

After aging out from The Academy, Mary began working with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps.  She worked with the Mandarins from 2010 - 2012 and 2015 - 2020 as a visual and brass instructor.  In 2021 Mary was hired as the Brass Caption Head for the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps.  In 2022 she helped the Troopers in their first return to finals since 2009.  During the 2023 season Mary continued her work as Brass Caption Head and also took on the Staff Coordinator position.  In the 2023 season Mary, and her team, made history by keeping the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in finals for the first time in 36 years.  Mary is honored to take on the role of Corps Director for the 2024 Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps.

Mat Krum is a seasoned veteran of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, having been a member from 1988-1993 and serving as Drum Major for his last two seasons. After aging out of the corps, Mat continued to work with the Troopers, eventually being named Corps Director in 1996.

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During his time as Corps Director, Mat helped guide the Troopers through some challenging financial years and played a key role in maintaining the corps' high level of excellence. In 2005, he stepped down as Corps Director and has been the Bingo/Business Manager ever since, making him the longest serving employee in Troopers history.

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Mat's dedication and contributions to the Troopers have not gone unnoticed, as he was inducted into the Troopers Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding service to the corps. His leadership and guidance have been invaluable to the Troopers, and he continues to play a vital role in the success of the organization.