Drum Corps International

Contents

Drum Corps International (DCI) has been enriching the lives of youth for over three decades.

Drum Corps summer events across North America showcase the talent of the best marchers and color guards from both home and abroad.

International World Class Groups compete in over 35 Corps events which culminates in a week long Drum Corps Championship Series which highlights the best competitors from three different classes.

Drum Corps History

The DCI was formed in 1972 to govern the drum and bugle corps for youth ages 13-22.

Over the course of a summer, competitions are held around North America which ends in a week long World Championship showcasing some of the best talent in marching, music and color guard performances.

DCI Numbers

Participants in DCI events come from over 15 countries. These events touch the lives of over 7.2 million youth. Every year over 400,000 people come to watch over 100 events.

Eight thousand plus youth compete for less than 3,500 positions. Most participants are male (66 percent), full-time college students (72 percent), music majors (59 percents) around 19 years old.

Drum Corps International Classes

The DCI splits competitors into three different classes, the World, Open and International.

Students interested in auditioning for a group can do so by visiting dci.org and viewing different groups in the class they would like to compete in.

Each group has it’s own website and set of criteria for acceptance in the corp.

World Class groups can have up to 150 members. Most competitors in this class are college-age although high-school age members are allowed. Those performing at this level maintain a rigorous touring schedule which involves traveling over 10,000 miles during the summer tour and competing at over 35 events.

Open Class groups have a minimum of 30 members and have a less intensive summer tour than the World Class members.

These groups are made up of a mixture of both college-age and high-school students. Their tour is an abbreviated form of the World Class which includes less traveling and performing at fewer events.

International Class groups come from outside of North America. They follow the organizational guidelines set forth by their own countries but are allowed to compete in the summer tour.

If they recognize the rules as set by the DCI they can compete in the Open Class.

Competition

I used to post regular updates on all of the DCI happenings, but I just can’t keep up with it anymore.

For up-to-date information on competitions and events, check out the Drum Corps International Schedule.

Drum Corps Video

There are hundreds of videos online featuring some of the best Drum Corps groups. If you’ve never attended a Drum Corps International event, this home footage will give you an idea of what you are missing.

While it can’t re-create the atmosphere of a live event, it will show you just how popular these events are. DCI official stats show that an average event can have up to 60,000 fans, filling football stadiums across North America.

One of the best sites I’ve seen for Drum Corps video is from youtube user JeremysBugles. Much thanks to him for posting such great video performances from the Drum Corps International.

He has a bunch on his youtube channel. So, be sure to check out JeremysBugles’ youtube channel for more drum corps video.

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