Deputies Team U.S.A. to perform today before heading to Italy

ELYRIA — Before they travel to Italy to compete against the best in the world next month, area residents have the opportunity to watch the Deputies Team U.S.A. and all of the Deputies Club, Baton and Drum Corps perform in a community showcase this Saturday. "We want to recognize all of our members because all of them are terrific," said Melissa Eis, director of the Deputies Club, Baton and Drum Corps for the past 15 years. "This isn't a showcase of just one group." Although that one group, Deputies Team U.S.A., is pretty spectacular. The deputies' competition parade corps will compete at the International Baton Twirling Federation World Majorette Championships in Turin, Italy, in August. This is the first international trip for the deputies with 15 girls traveling to compete. "We didn't even know if we could afford to go," Eis, of Amherst, said of the nonprofit organization. "But we problem-solved and brainstormed and found a way. Elyria Charities awarded us a grant and we fundraised and the parents chipped in and the older girls worked." In addition to competing, the team also will be able to do some sightseeing while in Italy, particularly in the Milan area. The team performs the first four days of the 10-day competition. Medals are awarded to first, second and third place. Team U.S.A. will show off its talent at the community showcase, along with the Summer Parade Corps. "We are inclusive," Eis said of the deputies. "We're here for the youth in our communities, more than just Elyria. We have families from all over. We mentor youth, teaching baton twirling and the art of drumming. We're an affordable alternative to expensive sports programs. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is included. We offer a safe space." Eis' daughter, Madison Eis, who is now a coach of the competition parade corps along with Kyler Jump, was part of the deputies, when founder Linda Jones was at the helm. "Linda was moving and it was either take over the corps or have it disbanded," Eis said. "I thought about all of the kids in the program and it was an easy decision." The deputies have performed all across the country in major events and parades, and while the trips are great, for Eis, it's the little moments that make the deputies so unique. "The first parade of a new season, when they put on their uniform for the first time and people cheer for them, I'm so proud of them," she said. "It's a wonderful feeling inside to see those kids smile and then just light up." The Community Showcase will exhibit the talents of all of the baton twirlers and drummers. The deputies started doing showcases during the COVID pandemic when the parades were mostly canceled, and have continued them ever since. "These kids work really hard all year long with parades throughout the summer with the last parade being the Amherst Main Street parade at Christmas, then they move inside for the winter." Eis encourages everyone to come out and see what baton twirlers and drummers can do and what the deputies are all about. "Maybe it's for you, maybe it's not, the first lesson is always free," she said. The deputies practice on Tuesdays at Solid Rock Community Church on North Abbe Road in Elyria. For more information, visit deputiesbatondrum.com. Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.