Scholarship Opportunities 2024

More than $85,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to deserving DCI performers enrolled and participating in summer programming on the 2024 DCI Tour.

All 2024 scholarship applications are now past deadline. Look for new opportunities posted in the winter of 2025. 

View all 2024 DCI sholarship award winners

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2024 Scholarships Past Deadline

Jim Ott Scholarship

Named after the late DCI Hall of Fame member who was a nationally-known brass arranger for several different drum corps including the Stockton Commodores, Blue Devils and Spirit of Atlanta, the Jim Ott Scholarship is administered by the San Joaquin Valley, California nonprofit Sponsors of Musical Enrichment (SOME).

This $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a World or Open Class drum corps member who is a graduating high school senior or college student majoring in music.

Submission deadline: July 1, 2024

Apply Online

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Gail Schultz International Fellowship

In memory of longtime Blue Devils supporter Gail Schultz, BD Performing arts and the Schultz family have established the Gail Schultz International Fellowship which will help non-U.S. citizens offset participation costs and achieve their dreams of joining a U.S.-based junior drum and bugle corps of their choice.

2024 submission deadline: February 1, 2024

Learn more

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Jonnie’s Goodguys Scholarships

Jonnie’s Goodguys is a nonprofit founded in 2006 by drum corps family that educates and advocates for aortic, heart, and connective tissue related health issues. To honor the late Star of Indiana member Jonathan Miller, Jonnie’s Goodguys supports the drum corps activity, encourages everyone to take care of their heart at every age and to #DoGoodStuff. Jonnie’s Goodguys will award scholarships up to $1,000 toward corps members' dues. Finalists will complete heart health based project work that will determine scholarship amount.

Application deadline: January 31, 2024

Apply online

Learn more

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March Deadlines

Rodney Goodhart Memorial Scholarship

As a drum corps judge for more than three decades, the late Rodney Goodhart contributed greatly toward representing percussion during the early beginnings of Drum Corps International. In his memory, the Rodney Goodhart Memorial Scholarship is awarded each summer to a DCI percussionist.

This scholarship award of $1,000 may be used by the selected World or Open Class corps member to pay drum corps tour fees, university tuition, books or other activity fees.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Friends of DCI Scholarship

Since 2007, the Friends of DCI program, which is made of DCI’s most dedicated supporters, has awarded educational funding to Open and World Class corps members. Up to ten (10) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to current members in good standing of an Open or World Class corps to be used toward corps tuition.

Under this application process, another two (2) additional $2,500 awards will be provided through the Richardson’s Scholarships, given each year to corps members who wish to apply their skills toward a degree in music education. This award was created by charter members of the Friends of DCI, Ken and Patty Richardson.

Another two (2) $2,500 awards will be awarded as part of the Peth Scholarship. Courtesy of Friends of DCI members Steve and Mary Peth, these awards will be given to participating members pursuing any accredited higher education degree.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Apply online

Community support toward the Friends of DCI Scholarship fund is an integral part of making this program available to our marching members. More scholarships could be made available in the future from donors like you! Any and all donations toward the Friends of DCI Scholarship fund are welcome and appreciated.

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Fred J. Miller Memorial Music Education Scholarship

The late Fred J. Miller was a man of insight and action. In predicting the new and innovative, he always said that his legacy would be "creating the future." Today, the Fred J. Miller Music Education Fund salutes his vision with tomorrow's finest young minds preparing to carry the torch forward.

This scholarship award of $2,000 is available to Open and World Class corps members participating in the DCI Tour. Students must be enrolled in college pursuing music education as their primary degree path, and must submit their applications with their respective corps director's endorsement.

Submission deadline:March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

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George and Patsy Bonfiglio Scholarship

Founded by Denise Bonfiglio and Janine McWilliams, (daughters of founding DCI director George Bonfiglio and wife Patsy) the Bonfiglio Foundation was established as a vehicle to provide scholarships to deserving individuals who participate in DCI Open & World Class corps. The Foundation awards two $1,000 scholarships each year to applicants pursuing a career in either education or the performing arts.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

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Double Beat Percussion Scholarship

Participation in a drum corps requires advanced physical, mental and emotional abilities, and the financial strain can affect all of these, hindering the success of an individual. The Double Beat Percussion Scholarship was started to make the financial commitment easier for the performer.

This $2,500 scholarship is awarded annually to a 2024 percussionist of any DCI participating corps.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

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Al Moffatt Memorial Scholarship

Al Moffatt had a passion for DCI, all drum and bugle corps, and the entire marching music activity. He loved the activity not only for the pageantry and music, but also for the qualities it instills in young people, teaching them to be self-reliant and building good character to carry them through their lives. He loved being with the members and instructors and doing his best to make their show the best it could be.

This $1,000 scholarship is for any active member of the percussion section of a World or Open Class corps member. It can be used to pay current or next season’s corps fees and will be paid by check directly to the corps.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Michelle Owens Memorial Scholarship

Michelle Owens loved the marching arts and was involved in it since she was a sixth grader at New Hartford High School in New York. She was a color guard member of the Crossmen (1990-1994), and after aging out, went on to teach several drum corps including the Crossmen, Cadets, Troopers and Magic of Orlando. With her infectious smile, her sweet disposition and high spirited personality, Michelle was loved by all. She instantly brought a light and warmth to all she interacted with. Whether she was performing or teaching, she knew how to do it with a positive attitude, encouraging spirit and genuine heart.

This $1,000 annual scholarship will continue her legacy through a color guard member of a current drum corps. It can be used to pay current or next season’s corps fees and will be paid by check directly to the corps.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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IN STEP: Women of DCI Scholarship

The IN STEP program began in 2018 to support the participation of women in all facets of Drum Corps International and marching music performing arts, from corps members to staff to leadership. The committee’s charter also supports women by sponsoring events, highlighting women in the activity, providing training, and encouraging policy development consistent with the core values of DCI.

At least one $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a current DCI participating female performer, intern or corps staff member who aspires to continue working within the drum corps activity into the future.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Marching Arts Safety & Health Scholarship

Since its inception in 2007, the Drum Corps International-sponsored Marching Arts Safety & Health initiative (MASH) has succeeded in bringing together health care professionals from varied disciplines to provide medical guidance and hands-on assistance to corps members during the DCI Summer Tour.

With an initial focus on injury prevention and treatment, participation in the project has grown from a handful of volunteer contributors to an expansive network of practitioners throughout the United States. The program is now poised to serve an even greater audience of performing arts athletes with development of “best practices” already impacting the marching band activity nationally and internationally with continued research and medical expertise, environmental and other safety areas.

This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a current DCI participating performer who aspires to work as a health, wellness or safety practitioner.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to the MASH fund

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Bones Family Cymbal Scholarship

Created in 2013 by Brent and Michelle Bones to support the Colts Cymbal Line, the Bones Family Cymbal Scholarship was later expanded to include marching cymbal members in all DCI corps. The Bones Family has been involved in multiple areas of the drum corps activity since 1991 and the scholarships have so far provided more than $25,000 in support to members tour fees, plus an additional $25,000 in electronics equipment to several DCI corps thru its CorpsPower program. The purpose of this scholarship is to allow all individuals interested in the drum corps activity the opportunity to march in a drum corps who may not have otherwise had the chance, and be able to apply the experiences and skills learned in drum corps throughout their adult lives.

Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to marching cymbal players from any World and Open Class drum corps currently fielding an on-field cymbal line to be used toward current-season tour fees.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024 

Download application form (PDF)

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Gary “Chops” Czapinski Memorial Scholarship

As a longtime visual judge and former drum corps instructor, the late DCI Hall of Fame member Gary Czapinski contributed greatly to innovation and design since the earliest years of DCI history. To this day, Czapinski's visionary approach to visual design can be seen in every niche of the world of the marching arts.

This $1,000 scholarship will be presented to a high school senior or college student who is a member in good standing of a DCI participating Open or World Class drum corps, and who intends to teach drum corps, winter guard, or marching band remaining committed to our activity by pursuing a career in music education or the arts.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024 

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Michael Boo Memorial Scholarship

Affectionately dubbed by many as the “Pen of Pageantry” after working on projects for more than three decades for Drum Corps International, Winter Guard International and Bands of America, there is perhaps no one who has amassed a bigger portfolio of writings about the breadth of the modern-day competitive marching arts than Michael Boo. Michael was sadly taken by cancer in 2020.

To support the efforts of the Boo family, The Cavaliers and Drum Corps International in continuing his legacy, a $1,000 scholarship will be presented to the student who intends to remain committed to our activity by pursuing a career in PR, marketing, journalism or writing. Student applicants must be high school seniors or college students who are members in good standing of a DCI participating Open or World Class drum corps.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Don Warren Memorial Scholarship

Donald W. Warren began The Cavaliers in 1948 to serve local youth in Logan Square, Chicago. To honor the roots of this organization and continue his legacy into the future, the Don Warren Community Service Scholarship recognizes one or more marching members of a Drum Corps International corps who have exhibited remarkable community service beyond their drum corps involvement.

This $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to any participating DCI corps member enrolled in an accredited higher education degree program who epitomizes Mr. Warren’s selflessness and desire to help others.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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John Martin Hope Memorial Scholarship

As snare drum captain in the 1968 Garfield Cadets, the late John Martin Hope became devoted to the East Coast corps and remained so for the rest of his life. As his legacy he wanted to make drumming and marching in a DCI corps financially easier for those who followed in his age-worn shoes. He wanted the experience of the drum corps activity to live in hearts and souls forever, as it did in his.

This $2,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a percussionist of a DCI participating corps for the current or next season's drum corps tour fees, university tuition, books or other activity fees.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Karen A. Raffa Memorial Scholarship

As a performer, Karen Raffa marched with St. Patrick’s of Stoneham, Massachusetts and later as an instructor with several Boston area corps. Her greatest role was running a drum corps event along with her husband Frank, "The Beanpot," in the Boston area for more than 35 years. Raffa tirelessly handled tickets, field arrangements, promotions and multitudes of other tasks to ensure the event was successful. Under their direction, proceeds from the show exceeding $150,000 have been donated to members of the competing corps, local high school musicians and family members of the Cardinal Alumni Association. 

The Karen A. Raffa Memorial Scholarship is a $2,000 award granted to a student enrolled in higher education while a participating member of a DCI drum corps.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024

Download application form (PDF)

Donate to this scholarship fund

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Iowa Music & Arts Association Scholarship

The Iowa Music & Arts Association (IMAA) is a nonprofit founded by alumni, friends and supporters of the former Emerald Knights/Nite Express Drum and Bugle Corps of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In support of its mission to promote, preserve and perpetuate the education of music and the arts for all, the IMAA sponsors the annual Tournament of Drums DCI Open Class competition. Proceeds from the show provide a portion of the funding for this scholarship, which the IMAA has established to help young people experience the life-changing experience of drum corps. Preference will be given to applicants who are attending or have attended a secondary school or college in Iowa.

The Iowa Music & Arts Association scholarship amounts and number of recipients may change each season, but is generally $1,000 per scholarship to World Class DCI corps members, $500 per scholarship to Open Class DCI corps members and $250 per scholarship to All-Age Class corps members. In 2023 IMAA selected four scholarship recipients.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024 

Apply Online

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MAASIN March with Pride Scholarship

The Marching Arts Access, Safety & Inclusion Network (MAASIN) is a branch of the Performing Arts Access, Safety & Inclusion Network, a nonprofit organization that increases equity and safety in the performing arts. The March With Pride Scholarship annually awards scholarships to assist LGBTQIA+ performers with their tuition fees and other expenses associated with performing. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated understanding of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, equity, and liberation coupled with financial need expressed in their application. The scholarship selection committee is composed of LGBTQIA+ MAASIN core organizers, and welcomes applications from all divisions of DCI, including All-Age and SoundSport performers.

Submission deadline: March 15, 2024 (Application window opens February 1)

Apply Online

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Jason Fritz Memorial Scholarship

The late Michigan Drum Corps Scholarship Fund cofounder and board member Jason Fritz was a pillar of the Michigan band community. He believed that student leadership was one of the most important parts of the marching music activity, and that drum majors can influence how good a band can become with dedication to core values of inclusivity and personal growth.

The Jason Fritz Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Michigan Drum Corps Scholarship Fund, but is open to all DCI drum majors including those who aren’t from Michigan. The value of the scholarship changes each season, but is generally around $500.

Application deadline: March 15, 2024

Apply online

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Michigan Drum Corps Scholarship

Founded in 2019, the Michigan Drum Corps Scholarship Fund is a community-focused nonprofit dedicated to making the DCI experience more affordable for all Michigan students. Scholarships are awarded to cover the cost of auditions and tuition every year for students who live in Michigan, attend a Michigan high school or college, or attended one in the past.

Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis to cover either auditions or tuition and vary in size accordingly. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as they know they are auditioning for a corps or when they are contracting to perform with a DCI corps.

Application deadline: March 15, 2024

Apply online

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