Easterns Blog

At Easterns Automotive Group, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us, and we are always on the lookout for inspiring organizations making a difference in the lives of young people. One such group is The Marching Elite, a non-profit based in Baltimore, dedicated to empowering youth through instrumental music and dance.

Led by Executive Director Dennis Lee, The Marching Elite was founded with a powerful mission: to provide students with the opportunity to engage with the arts and use it as a pathway to higher education. Dennis was inspired to create this program after recognizing how the marching arts could bridge the gap in Baltimore’s school system, offering students more artistic outlets while preparing them for college.

“There are plenty of youth here in Baltimore that would like those opportunities,” Dennis shared, underscoring the importance of connecting students with future opportunities they might not otherwise have.

For young people like Kamari, a drummer who has been with The Marching Elite for four years, the group has been life-changing. Kamari was first introduced to the marching arts when The Marching Elite visited his school, and from there, his passion for drumming took off. Another member, Kiki, reflected on the value the program brings: “It teaches me leadership. It taught me things I haven’t learned before.”

Despite recently losing almost half of their participants, The Marching Elite remains resilient and has successfully relocated, continuing to offer competitive performance opportunities to a variety of age groups.

At Easterns, we were so moved by the work of The Marching Elite that we decided to surprise them with a donation, recognizing their incredible impact on the Baltimore community. We are honored to support an organization that fosters leadership, creativity, and discipline in local youth while providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed.

We look forward to seeing The Marching Elite continue to thrive, and we are proud to play a part in their journey.