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Drum Corp InternationalThe Drum Corp International (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. NumbersParticipants in DCI events come from over 15 countries. These events touche 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.ClassesThe 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. Leave Drum Corp International and Return Home New! CommentsLeave your comments below. |