Drum Corps International (DCI) is a governing body for drum and bugle corps. Founded in 1971, DCI develops and enforces rules of competition and judges at sanctioned drum and bugle corps competitions throughout the United States and Canada. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2023, Drum Corps Associates (DCA) and DCI joined to become the sole governing body for drum and bugle corps in North America.
The Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, a DCI World Class corps and two-time World Champion based in Madison, Wisconsin
Drum and bugle corps (modern)
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.
The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps (Erie, PA) perform in Annapolis, MD on June 16, 2007
The lowest-pitched of the horns used in drum corps is the contrabass bugle, or 'contra'. Here, members of a DCA corps from Upstate New York are shown performing in a parade.
The Bluecoats pit used thematic vocal amplification in their 2007 performance, "Criminal."
Rehearsal at Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps
