In 2021, the voting members of Drum Corps International established the IN STEP Fellowship Initiative to create collaborative opportunities between DCI corps and band directors from traditionally under-represented communities.
“This highly-interactive program places music educators into the day-to-day operations of a partnering DCI member-organization,” said Sue Kuehnhold, DCI senior director of ensemble services. “With those corps they’ll have access to professional networking opportunities, along with exclusive immersive access and invaluable insights into best practices in any number of key operational, administrative, creative design and educational areas.”
The 2024 Class of DCI IN STEP Fellows includes:
Dr. Gabriel Arnold
Dir. of University Bands, Savannah State Univ., Savannah, GA
Host corps: Carolina Crown
Benedetta Vidaure Cargile
Music Educator, Corpus Christi, TX
Host corps: Crossmen
Jerico Carrillo
Director of Bands, Guilford County (NC) Schools
Host corps: Jersey Surf
William Jung
Director of Bands, Socastee HS, Myrtle Beach SC
Host corps: Blue Devils
Elliott Stewart
Band Director, Richland (SC) School District
Host corps: Bluecoats
Chelsea Zuniga
Director of Bands, Mannford (OK) Public Schools
Host corps: Mandarins
A program endorsed by the Minority Band Directors National Association, the selected applicants will receive a $1,000 stipend to cover expenses to join up with their selected corps for a week during their 2024 summer tour. The fellows will work alongside the corps’ professional educators and tailor their learning experiences to their specific areas of interest.