Drum Corps International

Last updated

Drum Corps International
DCI logo.svg
Drum Corps International logo
Location Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
FoundedOctober 1971;52 years ago (1971-10)
No. of corps52 (World, Open, and All-Age Classes)
ChairmanJonathan Powell
Executive DirectorNate Boudreaux
First champions Anaheim Kingsmen (1972)
Current champions
Website dci.org

Drum Corps International (DCI) is a governing body for drum and bugle corps responsible for developing and enforcing rules of competition and for providing standardized adjudication at sanctioned drum and bugle corps competitions throughout the United States and Canada. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Contents

In 2023, Drum Corps Associates (DCA) merged with DCI to create the new All-Age Class division, becoming the sole governing body for drum and bugle corps in North America. [1]

History

20th century

In 1971, at the urging of then-director of The Cavaliers, Don Warren, and Troopers director, Jim Jones, the directors from Blue Stars, Madison Scouts, and Santa Clara Vanguard, partnered with each other to form what was called the "Midwest Combine". [2] The Combine corps would market themselves to show promoters as a package.

The partnership was a reaction to perceived inflexibility of the American Legion and VFW, who were then the primary sponsors of competing drum corps as well as the hosts of the only high-prestige national championships. [3] :47 Another source of contention was low-to-nonexistent appearance fees paid to independent corps who were neither sponsored nor affiliated with any veterans post. Only those independent corps who placed among the top three at either of the national championships were paid any appearance fees, which deterred many corps from competing. Many local show sponsors and promoters rarely paid appearance fees to any corps. [3] :320 A similar combine had formed corps based in the Northeast, known as the Alliance. [lower-alpha 1]

Its members were: 27th Lancers, Garfield Cadets, Boston Crusaders, Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, and Blue Rock. [2] Despite objections from veterans associations, and boycotts by adjudicators, both the Combine and the Alliance remained intact for the 1971 competitive season. [2] After discussions during the VFW National Championships, the members of both groups agreed to meet at the next American Legion Uniformed Group Rules Congress to discuss forming a new, independent, governing body. [3] :321 Also invited to the meeting were the Anaheim Kingsmen, Argonne Rebels, and De La Salle Oaklands. Drum Corps International was established by thirteen corps on or after October 21, 1971. [lower-alpha 2]

DCI Founding members
Midwest CombineThe Alliance [lower-alpha 1] Other invited corps
Blue Stars 27th Lancers Anaheim Kingsmen
The Cavaliers Blessed Sacrament Argonne Rebels
Madison Scouts Blue RockDe La Salle Oaklands
Santa Clara Vanguard Boston Crusaders
Troopers Garfield Cadets

Given difficulties experienced during the 1971 season, members agreed not to interfere with the long-established regional competition circuits, especially those sponsored by the veterans organizations, but to boycott the other prestige championships, such as the Fleetwood Record's World Open Championship. The members also agreed to develop their own adjudicators committee instead of relying on any existing association. Additionally, member corps would be allowed to compete where they wished with few exceptions. However, all member corps would be required to attend a specific number of sanctioned competitions as well as an annual World Championship which would be scheduled in late-August after the other championships. Members also agreed to remain united if boycotting a particular event, show sponsor, or business, such as the boycott against Fleetwood Records over rights issues, if such an action proved necessary. [3] :322 The first World Championship was hosted at Warhawks Stadium on the campus of University of Wisconsin–Whitewater on August 18, 1972. In attendance were thirty-nine corps from fifteen states and one Canadian province. The Anaheim Kingsmen Drum and Bugle Corps was named the inaugural DCI World Champion. [4]

Following the creation of DCI, the Combine evolved into Drum Corps Midwest (DCM), while the Alliance became Drum Corps East, sometimes called Drum Corps Atlantic. [lower-alpha 3] Both DCM and Drum Corps East offered a regional circuit of competitions and a regional championship prior to the "national tour" of sanctioned competitions. DCI gradually expanded its schedule to begin earlier in the competitive season, and thus participation declined at non-sanctioned competitions.

Many of the regional circuits which pre-dated DCI, continued into the 1990s, with their high-profile competitions eventually being replaced by sanctioned competitions. Other high-prestige championships, were eventually absorbed into the DCI schedule, many becoming regional championships or annual events such as the Eastern Classic at J. Birney Crum Stadium, the largest high school football stadium in the Mid-Atlantic U.S., or the U.S. Open in Marion, Ohio. [5] VFW Nationals and the American Legion National Championships are no longer hosted. American Legion and VFW posts in the Midwest or New England host drum corps competitions as fundraising events, some of which are sanctioned by DCI.

21st century

On March 25, 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, member corps voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 competitive season. [6]

About

DCI is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of directors, with an executive director responsible for day-to-day operations. [7] [8] The board of directors is composed of three representatives who are directors of member corps, and three at-large members who are not affiliated with any corps. [9] The current chair of the board of directors is Kathy Black with Nate Boudreaux serving as executive director. [10] [11] [12]

Drum Corps Associates (DCA), a governing body for all-age or senior drum corps, is not affiliated with DCI, however the two organizations are strategic partners. [13] DCI describes all-age corps as providing value to the drum corps activity, and permits all age corps to compete at sanctioned competitions. [14] On May 31, 2023, DCI and DCA announced a partnership to create an All-Age Class for the 2024 and 2025 competitive seasons. [15]

Mission

As the self-styled "Marching Music's Major League", DCI's mission is to create an environment for participating corps "to engage in education, competition, entertainment, and the promotion of individual growth." The organization also emphasizes positive life-transforming experiences for all participants. [16]

Membership

The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, a DCI World Class member corps and seven-time World Champion based in Rosemont, Illinois Cavaliers 2004 dci world championships.jpg
The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, a DCI World Class member corps and seven-time World Champion based in Rosemont, Illinois

To become a DCI member, or to maintain membership, a corps must pass an evaluation by the board of directors. The evaluation requires corps to submit data on their financial health, fundraising capacity and income, participants, staffing, and explanations of their administrative structure. All corps are required to be tax-exempt organizations.

Once approved by the board, a new corps must achieve certain competitive requirements, such as attending World Championships. The corps must then be approved by a majority of other members at a meeting following World Championships, usually the annual rules congress later in the year. [16]

All-age corps are ineligible for membership, but they may qualify as "touring" corps during a competitive season. [14] International corps, or corps based outside the United States and Canada, are also ineligible for membership. However, an international corps that adopts DCI's regulations, specifically instrumentation and participant age limits, may also qualify as a touring corps in either Open or World Class.

Age limit

DCI limits the age of participants for Open Class and World Class corps to "21 years of age and younger." A participant who is 22 years before June 1 is unable to compete. [17] Some European and Asian drum corps associations have no age limit. Corps from those associations are allowed to compete at sanctioned competitions, and at World Championships in International Class.

Due to the cancellation of the 2020 DCI season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, DCI extended their age-out limit by one year for the 2021 DCI season, making the age limit of participants to 22 years of age and younger. A 23 year old would also be eligible to march in 2021 if they were born on or after June 1. Member corps are allowed to set their own age limit to be younger than 21.

Marketing and broadcasts

Individual drum corps derive a large part of their revenues from marketing their product, specifically memorabilia and souvenir sales. DCI derives income from ticket sales, and is the sole distributor of official media, such as championship DVDs and audio CDs. DCI is also the exclusive producer of all broadcasts of sanctioned competitions, including online streaming. Edited versions of World Championship Open Class finals were televised by PBS from 1975 until 2004. [18] [lower-alpha 4] From 2005 to 2007, a two-hour highlights program of World Championship Division I finals was broadcast by ESPN2.

Since 2004, World Championship World Class prelims have been broadcast to movie theaters by Fathom Events under the title Big, Loud & Live. [19] [lower-alpha 5] In 2011, Fathom Events added the DCI Tour Premiere. DCI previously livestream ed a number of competitions throughout the season, including the entirety of World Championship, via the former "DCI FanNetwork". [20] FloSports engaged in a multi-year agreement to livestream select competitions via the FloMarching platform. [21] Frequent hosts of the broadcasts and streaming events include former WWAY news anchor Steve Rondinaro, and percussionist Dennis DeLucia. [22]

Other programs

In 2013, DCI launched two new competitive musical activities for small groups: SoundSport and DrumLine Battle. These activities are not restricted by an age limit, nor do they have the same competitive requirements as drum corps. BANDtastic! began in 2014.

SoundSport

The stated goal of SoundSport is to provide a competitive performance experience in a low-cost, local setting. Musical ensembles of more than five members, using any musical instruments, perform a 5-7 minute marching music show in an area measuring 30 yards (27 m) × 20 yards (18 m). [23]

Two SoundSport teams Guardians and Watchmen became Open Class member corps in the 2014. [24] Southwind, inactive from 2007 to 2013, competed as a SoundSport team in 2014, and returned to competition as an Open Class member in 2015. [25]

DrumLine Battle

Intended for drumlines, or battery percussion ensembles with no wheeled percussion. Competing drumlines are staged in two competitive zones opposite each other, with each demonstrating their skills as an ensemble in alternating rounds of two minutes each. Adjudicators do not restrict their evaluation to technical proficiency, and include showmanship and audience reaction. [26]

In 2014, E-Sarn from Thailand, competed in the DrumLine Battle held during World Championship week, defeating fifteen other competitors. [27] River City Rhythm, from Anoka, Minnesota, also competed in 2014, becoming a touring corps in 2015. [25]

BANDtastic!

BANDtastic is a program of middle school honor bands sponsored by DCI. [28] The program originated in 2013 with the Indiana "INpact" honor band, organized in conjunction with World Championships. [29] Similar groups have since been organized in Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and most recently Minnesota. [30] [28]

The activities are held in conjunction with a local DCI competition, and World Class corps partner. [31]

World Championships

The week-long championship have been hosted at college or professional sports arenas in eighteen U.S. cities and Montreal. Since 2009, World Class Championships have been hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2015, DCI announced World Championships would remain in Indianapolis through 2028. [32] Championships were traditionally held the third week of August. However, the second week of August has been the preferred date due to trends in scholastic and collegiate schedules which pushed the start of the school year from early-September to late-August. [lower-alpha 6]

In 2009 and 2010, the Open Class preliminary competition was hosted at Ames Field in Michigan City, Indiana with semifinals and finals hosted a Lucas Oil Stadium. From 2011 to 2018 the Open Class preliminaries and finals were hosted at Ames Field. Open Class Championship was moved to Wildcat Stadium on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana in 2019. [33]

DrumLine Battle and SoundSport competitions were added to the week's activities in 2014.

Individual & Ensemble (I&E)

The Individual & ensemble festival, also known as I&E, is also hosted near the championship site. Participants from all member corps are eligible to compete demonstrating their ability on their preferred instrument, or as part of a small ensemble or instrument choir. Color guard and dance categories are also available. In 2005, I&E was expanded to include woodwind and vocal categories.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all I&E events were shifted to a digital format in 2020 and 2021. No I&E festival has taken place, in any format, since 2022.

Active corps

Classification and adjudication

DCI utilizes a single adjudication handbook with corps subdivided by size, and not skill level. A multi-tier classification and adjudication system was in use prior to 2008, with Division I and Division II /III utilizing different handbooks, while also being subdivided by size.

Current classes

The Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, a DCI World Class corps and two-time World Champion based in Madison, Wisconsin Madisonscouts.jpg
The Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, a DCI World Class corps and two-time World Champion based in Madison, Wisconsin

Currently, DCI groups corps from the United States and Canada into three classes based on competitive level. Corps from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and anywhere other than the U.S. and Canada are grouped into the International Class. Corps from all classes compete together but are ranked separately. In the past, classes have been fully or partially determined by the number of marching members in each corps; at present, all corps may march up to a maximum of one hundred sixty five (165) members.

World Class (formerly Division I) corps are the groups that have chosen to compete at the highest level and have proven to DCI leadership they have the ability to survive at this level both competitively and financially. The higher a corps is ranked at the DCI Championships, the higher the performance fees they will earn for the following season's performances.

Open Class (formerly Divisions II & III) corps are committed to a lesser competitive level and are generally smaller, although several corps have marched with maximum membership. In September 2007, DCI combined the former Divisions II and III into this new class. [34] [35]

International Class is for corps based outside the U.S. and Canada who wish to compete at sanctioned competitions. Corps in this class are allowed to follow the guidelines of their national governing body, such as: no age restrictions, smaller membership requirements, or the use of woodwind instruments. International corps which abide by DCI rules would be eligible to compete as Open or World Class corps.

All-Age Class is class available to all corps whose members do not meet DCI's age limits. A competitive All-Age Class and All-Age Class Championships will be made available during the 2024 and 2025 seasons in partnership with DCA. [1]

Historic classes and divisions

1972–19741975–19821983–19841985–19881988–19911992–20072008–2023 [3]
Open ClassOpen ClassDivision IWorld Class
Class AClass AClass ADivision IIOpen Class
All-GirlClass A60Division III
International Class

Member limits

  • From 1972 to 1992, Open Class corps were limited to 128 members.
  • Class A corps generally had 90 or fewer members, however the membership limit was 128.
  • All-Girl Class was restricted to girls only; there was no equivalent all-boy class.
  • Class A60, and the later Division III, required between 15 and 60 members. Between 2004 and 2007 all Division III corps were required to march between 30 and 60 members.
  • From 1992 to 2007, Division II had the same membership limit as Division I, however few corps reach this limit. [36]
  • In 2004, the Division I membership limit was increased from 128 to 135.
  • The membership limit for World Class, the new Open Class, and International Class was increased to 150 in 2007. [37]
  • In 2018, the membership limit per corps was increased to 154. [38]
  • In 2022, the membership limit per corps was increased to 165. [39] Due to the size of the corps, all on-field judges were limited to the sidelines.

Adjudication

DCI's Adjudication Manual is based on three broad categories, Visual, Music and Effect. [40] Visual and Music categories are further subdivided into three analysis captions. If more than one adjudicator is utilized in any caption, their scores are averaged before being factored. All-age corps may request to be adjudicated using scoring sheets provided by DCA. Many All-age corps may compete exclusively at DCI sanctioned competitions prior to attending the DCA World Championships, which is traditionally hosted on or before Labor Day weekend.

CategoryCaptionCaptionPoints
Music
Brass (20) / 2
+
Music Analysis (20) / 2
=
30.00
Percussion (20) / 2
Visual
Color Guard (20) / 2
+
Visual Analysis (20) / 2
=
30.00
Visual Proficiency (20) / 2
Effect
General Effect 1 (20)
+
General Effect 2 (20)
=
40.00
Subtotal
100.00
Timing & Penalties
- 0.00
Total
100.00

Past champions

Below is a list of past champions organized by class. [41] [42] [3] :255–73 DCI realigned its class structure in 1992, and again in 2008. DCI does not record or announce de facto champions.

YearOpen Class
1972
(1st)
Anaheim Kingsmen
(California)
1973
(2nd)
Santa Clara Vanguard
(California)
1974
(3rd)
Santa Clara Vanguard (2)
YearOpen ClassA ClassAll-Girl
1975
(4th)
Madison Scouts
(Wisconsin)
Cadets of Greece
(New York)
St. Ignatius
(New York)
1976
(5th)
Blue Devils
(California)
Wausau Story
(Wisconsin)
St. Ignatius (2)
1977
(6th)
Blue Devils (2)Bengal Lancers
(Connecticut)
St. Ignatius (3)
1978
(7th)
Santa Clara Vanguard (3)Black Watch [lower-roman 1]
(Washington)
Les Châtelaines
(Quebec)
1979
(8th)
Blue Devils (3)Black Watch
(New Jersey)
Arbella
(Massachusetts)
1980
(9th)
Blue Devils (4)Ventures [lower-roman 2]
(Ontario)
1981
(10th)
Santa Clara Vanguard (4)Southernaires
(Louisiana)
Les Châtelaines (2)
1982
(11th)
Blue Devils (5)Dutch Boy
(Ontario)
Les Châtelaines (3)
1983
(12th)
Garfield Cadets
(New Jersey)
Les Châtelaines
1984
(13th)
Garfield Cadets (2)Florida Wave
(Florida)
YearOpen ClassA ClassA60 Class
1985
(14th)
Garfield Cadets (3)Ventures (2)St. Francis Xavier Sancians
(Massachusetts)
1986
(15th)
Blue Devils (6)Canadian Knights
(Ontario)
St. Francis Xavier Sancians (2)
1987
(16th)
Garfield Cadets (4)Ventures (3) Mandarins
(California)
YearOpen ClassA ClassA60 ClassInternational Class [lower-roman 3]
1988
(17th)
Madison Scouts (2)L'Insolites
(Quebec)
Mandarins (2)British Crusaders [lower-roman 4]
(United Kingdom)
1989
(18th)
Santa Clara Vanguard (5)Ventures (4) Blue Stars
(Wisconsin)
No champion
1990
(19th)
Cadets of Bergen County (5)
(previously the Garfield Cadets)
Ventures (5)Academie Musicale
(Quebec)
West Coast Cadets
(United Kingdom)
1991
(20th)
Star of Indiana
(Indiana)
Southwind
(Alabama)
Pioneer
(Wisconsin)
No champion
YearDivision IDivision IIDivision IIIInternational Class
1992
(21st)
The Cavaliers
(Illinois)
Southwind (2)Mandarins (3)SGI Fuji [lower-roman 5]
(Japan)
1993
(22nd)
Cadets of Bergen County (6) Carolina Crown
(North Carolina)
Blue Stars (2)Phoenix Regiment
(Japan)
1994
(23rd)
Blue Devils (7) Pioneer
(Wisconsin)
AmericanosPride of Bristol
(United Kingdom)
1995
(24th)
The Cavaliers (2)Pioneer (2)Academie Musicale
(Quebec)
Bay Max
(Japan)
1996
(25th)
Blue Devils (8)
(tie)
Phantom Regiment
(Illinois)
Les Etoiles Dorion Vaudreuil
(Quebec)
Mandarins (4)Yokohama Scouts
(Japan)
1997
(26th)
Blue Devils (9) Spartans
(New Hampshire)
Mandarins (5)Pride of SOKA [lower-roman 6]
(Japan)
1998
(27th)
Cadets of Bergen County (7)East Coast Jazz
(Massachusetts)
(tie)
Spartans (2)
Mandarins (6)No champion
1999
(28th)
Blue Devils (10)
(tie)
Santa Clara Vanguard (6)
Patriots
(New York)
Mandarins (7)Yokohama Scouts (2)
2000
(29th)
The Cadets (8)
(previously the Cadets of
Bergen County)

(tie)
The Cavaliers (3)
Vanguard Cadets
(California)
Seattle Cascades
(Washington)
Taipei Yuehfu
(Taiwan)
2001
(30th)
The Cavaliers (4) Mandarins
(California)
Blue Stars (3)Taipei Yuehfu (2)
2002
(31st)
The Cavaliers (5) Magic of Orlando
(Florida)
Revolution
(Texas)
Taipei Yuehfu (3)
2003
(32nd)
Blue Devils (11) Esperanza
(California)
Blue Stars (4)No champion
2004
(33rd)
The Cavaliers (6)Spartans (3)
(Division II /III Grand Champion)
Oregon Crusaders
(Oregon)
Beatrix
(Netherlands)
2005
(34th)
The Cadets (9)Spartans (4)
(Division II Champion)

East Coast Jazz
(Division II /III Grand Champion)

Raiders
(New Jersey)
Taipei Yuehfu (4)
2006
(35th)
The Cavaliers (7) The Academy
(Arizona)
Impulse
(California)
Jubal
(Netherlands)
2007
(36th)
Blue Devils (12)Spartans (5)Memphis Sound
(Tennessee)
Yokohama Scouts (3)
YearWorld ClassOpen ClassInternational Class
2008
(37th)
Phantom Regiment (2)Vanguard Cadets (2)Beatrix (2)
2009
(38th)
Blue Devils (13) Blue Devils B
(California)
No champion
2010
(39th)
Blue Devils (14)Blue Devils B (2)Strängnäs
(Sweden)
2011
(40th)
The Cadets (10)Blue Devils B (3)Yokohama Scouts (4)
2012
(41st)
Blue Devils (15) Oregon Crusaders
(Oregon)
No champion
2013
(42nd)
Carolina Crown
(South Carolina)
Vanguard Cadets (3)Taipei Yuehfu (5)
2014
(43rd)
Blue Devils (16)Blue Devils B (4)Patria
(Guatemala)
2015
(44th)
Blue Devils (17)Vanguard Cadets (4)Jubal (2)
2016
(45th)
Bluecoats
(Ohio)
Blue Devils B (5)No champion
2017
(46th)
Blue Devils (18)Vanguard Cadets (5)The Company
(United Kingdom)
2018
(47th)
Santa Clara Vanguard (7)Vanguard Cadets (6)Jubal (3)
2019
(48th)
Blue Devils (19)Spartans (6)No champion
2020
(—)
Championships cancelled [lower-roman 7]
2021
(49th)
Non-competitive showcase only.
2022
(50th)
Blue Devils (20)Vanguard Cadets (7)Calgary Stampede Showband
(Alberta)
2023
(51st)
Blue Devils (21)Spartans (7)No champion
  1. The 1978 Class A Champions Black Watch was also known as Black Watch Highland Regiment.
  2. In 1980, Class A and All-Girl Class Championships were combined. Only one champion was announced.
  3. Prior to 1988, corps International corps competed in Open Class or Class A.
  4. Dagenham Crusaders, from Dagenham, United Kingdom, competed in Open Class as the British Crusaders. The Crusaders were announced as the 1988 International Class Champion ahead of the Blue Eagles, from Basildon, United Kingdom, who competed in Class A at World Championships.
  5. SGI Fugi Drum & Bugle Corps is an evangelical outreach program of Soka Gakkai International.
  6. Pride of SOKA Drum & Bugle Corps is affiliated with Sōka University in Hachiōji, Japan.
  7. The 2020 competitive season was cancelled in response to the coronavirus pandemic.


See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 The Alliance was founded as the United Organization of Junior Corps (UOJC). It was frequently called the Eastern Alliance or the Junior Alliance to distinguish it from a similar block of Midwestern senior drum corps which had formed in response to rules changes at Drum Corps Associates.
  2. The American Legion Uniformed Groups Rules Congress was likely simultaneous with, or after, a meeting of the American Legion National Executive Committee, which occurred on October 20–21, 1971. Several primary sources list the founding date of DCI as "November 1971", others disagree saying "October 1971".
  3. Drum Corps Midwest (DCM) was an independent association of drum corps, while Drum Corps East was operated by DCI.
  4. World Championship Open Class finals from 1975 to 1991, and Division I finals from 1992 to 2005.
  5. Prior to 2011, Open Class quarterfinals performances were broadcast. From 2011 onward, performances from the preliminary "all-skate" were broadcast.
  6. Drum corps are housed at middle schools and high schools over night, and often rehearse on school grounds prior to competitions.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drum and bugle corps (modern)</span> Marching group of brass and percussion instrumentalists

A modern drum and bugle corps is a musical marching unit consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, electronic instruments, and color guard. Typically operating as independent non-profit organizations, corps perform in competitions, parades, festivals, and other civic functions. Participants of all ages are represented within the corps activity, but the majority are between the ages of 13 and 22 and are members of corps within Drum Corps International.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drum Corps Associates</span>

Drum Corps Associates (DCA) was a governing body for modern all-age and senior drum and bugle corps in North America. Its responsibilities included sanctioning competitions, certifying adjudicators, maintaining and enforcing rules of competition, and hosting an annual World Championship during Labor Day weekend. Historically, DCA members were referred to as "senior corps" in contrast to the "junior corps", who limit participants to a maximum 22 years of age. As DCA had no age restriction, the term "all-age corps" has come into common use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winter Guard International</span> Governing body for competitive winter guard and indoor percussion

Winter Guard International (WGI) is an American governing body that sanctions championship events for three competitive performing arts activities: color guard, percussion ensembles, and indoor marching bands. WGI was founded in 1977 in response to inconsistent adjudication and rules of competition which made it difficult for color guards to compete nationally. Today, WGI publishes and maintains an adjudication handbook, with an accompanying "Rules & Regulations", that has been widely adopted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drum Corps United Kingdom</span>

Drum Corps United Kingdom (DCUK) is a governing organization for drum and bugle corps in the United Kingdom. DCUK operates the British drum corps circuit which holds drum and bugle corps competitions for corps across the country. It is part of the national charity Marching & Performing Arts UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drum Corps Europe</span> Music competition governing body

Drum Corps Europe (DCE) is a governing body for all-age drum and bugle corps based in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. DCE coordinates the European Music Games, including the annual European Championships, in cooperation with strategic partners from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. DCE also hosts the Dutch Music Games which were previously hosted by the defunct Drum Corps Nederland (DCN). Also known as European Drum Corps Association (EDCA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps</span> California drum and bugle corps

The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps is a World Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps based in Concord, California. The Blue Devils are members of Drum Corps International (DCI). They have finished first or second since 2007, and have placed no lower than fifth since 1975. They also hold the record for the highest score in DCI history, winning the 2014 DCI World Championships with a score of 99.65. The Blue Devils are the current DCI Champions, with a record of twenty-one titles to date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps</span> Competitive junior drum and bugle corps

The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps was a World Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps. Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Cadets was one of the thirteen founding corps of Drum Corps International (DCI), was a ten-time DCI World Champion, and was the oldest continuously active junior drum and bugle corps in North America until they became inactive for the 2024 season.

The Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps is a defunct competitive junior drum and bugle corps, based in Bloomington, Indiana. The corps was the 1991 Drum Corps International (DCI) World Champion.

The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps is a World Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps. Based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Blue Stars was one of the thirteen founding member corps of Drum Corps International.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps</span>

The Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps is a World Class competitive drum and bugle corps. Based in Sacramento, California, the Mandarins is a member corps of Drum Corps International (DCI). Holders of eight DCI divisional championship titles, the Mandarins made its first World Class Finals appearance on August 11, 2018, with a tenth-place finish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps</span>

Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps was an Open Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps based in Mobile, Alabama. The corps was a Division I competitive junior drum and bugle corps in Drum Corps International (DCI) from 1993 through 2007. Prior to competing in Division I, Southwind competed in DCI's Class A/Division II and was that division's World Champion in 1991 and 1992. Southwind performed at competitive and non-competitive SoundSport events in Alabama and surrounding states during the summer of 2014. In early May 2015, DCI approved Southwind's return as an active Open Class corps. Southwind announced the cessation of operations in October 2023.

Atlanta CV is an all-age drum and bugle corps that competes in the Drum Corps Associates circuit. It was founded in 1997 and is one of two competitive corps in the state of Georgia, alongside Spirit of Atlanta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps</span>

Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps is an inactive Open Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps. Formerly based in Rocky Mount and Greensboro in its earlier years, Carolina Gold is now based in Raleigh, NC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BD Performing Arts</span>

BD Performing Arts is the corporate entity that manages several performance groups in Concord, California. Included in these groups are the three Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps, designated "A", "B", and "C"; the Blue Devils International Corps; the Blue Devils Open Class, A Class, and Special Needs Winter Guards; the Diablo Wind Symphony; RCC Indoor Percussion, and BD Entertainment.

The Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps, also known by their nickname the Hurcs, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in Seymour, Connecticut existing as an all-age competitive drum and bugle corps. The Hurricanes reigned as the oldest, continually active organization in Drum Corps Associates until its merger with Drum Corps International.

White Sabers Drum & Bugle Corps is an all-age competitive drum and bugle corps based in Gates, NY. Founded in 1928, the corps has a long history as a parade corps. White Sabers is a two-time DCA Class A World Champion, a perennial DCA Open Class finalist - achieving 4th place in 2019. The Corps began competing in DCA's new World Class in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps</span> Drum and bugle corps based in Ohio, US

Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps is an all-age drum and bugle corps based in Columbus, Ohio. The corps is a member of Drum Corps Associates (DCA), and also competes in Drum Corps International All-Age Class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps</span>

The River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps is an Open Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps, based in Anoka, Minnesota. River City Rhythm performs in Drum Corps International (DCI) competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skyliners Drum and Bugle Corps</span>

The New York Skyliners Drum and Bugle Corps(formerly the Raymond A. Garbarina Memorial Corps, and Garbarina Skyliners) are a competitive all-age drum and bugle corps from New York City, and currently rehearsing in Broome County, New York.. The Skyliners were one of the original founding corps of Drum Corps Associates (DCA) and have won every major title available to an all-age drum & bugle corps. The Skyliners are sponsored by the Raymond A. Garbarina Memorial American Legion Post #1523 in New York City. They have won the DCA World Championship three times, the DCA A Class Championship twice, and the American Legion National Title twice.

References

  1. 1 2 "DCA & DCI announce partnership agreement for organizations' 2024 and 2025 competitive seasons". www.dci.org. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 Boo, Michael (March 12, 2004). "Determination: Believing in the Midwest Combine". www.dci.org. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Vickers, Steve, ed. (2003). A History of Drum and Bugle Corps. Vol. 1. Madison, Wisconsin: Sight & Sound, Inc.
  4. Blocher, Gregg. "1972 Season". fromthepressbox2.com. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  5. "About The US Open". WDCM 97.5 FM. February 17, 2010. Archived from the original on February 17, 2010. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
  6. Schamma, Andy (April 26, 2020). "DCI 2020 Canceled After Corps Come To Unanimous Decision". FloMarching . Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  7. "Details about". apps.irs.gov. EIN: 36-2754480. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  8. "2016 Form 990" (PDF). 990s.foundationcenter.org. 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  9. "DCI Board of Directors". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  10. "Acheson renewed as DCI Chief Executive". www.dci.org. January 7, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  11. "Kathy Black elected new DCI Board of Directors Chair". www.dci.org. May 18, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  12. "Drum Corps International appoints Nate Boudreaux as CEO". www.dci.org. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  13. "Drum Corps International Corporate partners". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  14. 1 2 "DCI Policies and Procedures Manual". Issuu. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  15. "DCA & DCI announce partnership agreement for organizations' 2024 and 2025 competitive seasons". Drum Corps International. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  16. 1 2 "About Drum Corps International (DCI), Marching Music's Major League™". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  17. Tannert, Emily (October 24, 2005). "The Ageout rule". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  18. Boo, Michael (August 22, 2003). "DCI broadcasts on PBS through history". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  19. "Coming soon to a theater near you: A larger-than-life DCI experience!". www.dci.org. April 23, 2004. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  20. "Introducing the NEW Drum Corps International Fan Network". www.dci.org. May 14, 2008. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  21. Gilley, Michael (April 20, 2017). "FloSports Announces Multi-Year Agreement with Drum Corps International". FloMarching. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  22. "Rondinaro's 40th broadcast in the "Air Chair"". Drum Corps International Field Pass (Podcast). Drum Corps International. August 8, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  23. "Rules & FAQ - SoundSport®". SoundSport®. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  24. Weber, Chris (May 21, 2014). "Influx of Open Class corps approved to participate in 2014 DCI Tour". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  25. 1 2 Koenig, Kate (May 14, 2015). "Three new Open Class corps set to join the 2015 DCI Tour". www.dci.org. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  26. "Rules & FAQ - DrumLine Battle™". DrumLine Battle™. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  27. Hollenhorst, Cecilia (August 28, 2013). "DrumLine Battle fuels World Championships excitement". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  28. 1 2 "BANDtastic! Honor Bands - DCI". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  29. "INpact Indiana's Future Band". www.dci.org. April 19, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  30. "BANDtastic! Georgia Honor Band". www.dci.org. April 19, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  31. Neff, Andrea (August 4, 2016). "BANDtastic Georgia brings middle schoolers to the drum corps scene". www.dci.org. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  32. "Drum Corps International and City of Indianapolis announce 10-year contract extension". www.dci.org. August 6, 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2015.
  33. "Open Class World Championship events relocating closer to Indy in 2019". Drum Corps International. November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  34. Boo, Michael (September 23, 2007). "Speaking with one voice: The advent of 'Open Class'". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 24, 2007.
  35. "DCI Executive Committee approves formation of 'Open Class'". www.dci.org. September 28, 2007. Retrieved September 30, 2007.
  36. Boo, Michael (July 17, 2003). "The Joy of small corps, part 1". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  37. "DCI Parents: Next Steps". www.dci.org. April 11, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  38. "2018 DCI rules proposal voting results". www.dci.org. January 6, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  39. "Directors meet in Indy, expand ensemble size limit". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  40. Boo, Michael (July 27, 2016). "Adjudication 101: Who judges what?". www.dci.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  41. "Drum Corps International: Marching Music's Major League". www.dci.org. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  42. "DCX - Drum Corps Xperience". www.dcxmuseum.org. Retrieved September 14, 2018.