Scholarship Opportunities
More than $85,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded in 2023 to deserving DCI World and Open Class corps members enrolled and participating in summer programming. Below are the scholarships to which qualifying students may apply.
NEW FOR 2023: Application deadlines for most listed scholarships have been changed to mid-April in an effort to allow awards to be applied — where applicable — to the current season's tour fees.
April Deadlines
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 percussionist of a DCI World or Open Class corps.
Submission deadline: April 21, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
May Deadlines
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: May 1, 2023
Apply online
Donate to this scholarship fund
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: May 1, 2023
Apply online
Donate to this scholarship fund
MAASIN March with Pride Scholarship
Marching Arts Access, Safety, & Inclusion Network (MAASIN) is a community-led effort to increase equity and safety in the marching arts. The March With Pride Scholarship annually fundraises to assist LGBTQIA+ performers with their tuition fees and other expenses associated with performing.
The scholarship selection committee is composed of LGBTQIA+ MAASIN core members. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated understanding of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, equity, and liberation coupled with financial need in their application.
Submission deadline: May 1, 2023
Apply Online
Donate to this Scholarship Fund
June Deadlines
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: June 16, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to this scholarship fund
July Deadlines
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 $3,000 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, 2023
Apply Online
Other Scholarships Past Deadline
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: April 10, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to this scholarship fund
Bones Scholarship
Created in 2013 by Brent and Michelle Bones to support the Colts Cymbal Line, the Bones Family Scholarship was expanded to include marching cymbal members in all DCI corps in 2022. 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 $20,000 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 $1,500 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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to this scholarship fund
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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to this scholarship fund
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: April 14, 2023
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
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 corps member.
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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to this scholarship fund
IN STEP: Women of DCI Scholarship
The IN STEP program began in January of 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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to this scholarship fund
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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to the MASH fund
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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to this scholarship fund
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: April 14, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
Donate to this scholarship fund
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 a DCI ensembles The Foundation awards two $1,000 scholarships each year to applicants pursuing a career in either education or the performing arts.
Submission deadline: April 15, 2023
Download application form (PDF)
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 value may change each season, but is expected to be up to $1,000 per scholarship with up to two scholarships given out for the award's inaugural 2023 season.
Submission deadline: April 15, 2023
Apply Online
Donate to this scholarship fund
Musicians Making A Difference Scholarship
Pearl Corporation’s "Musicians Making A Difference" scholarship will award two $5,000 scholarships totaling $10,000 to high school musicians who have demonstrated the ability to impact change in themselves, their community, and those around them.
A diverse panel of Pearl staff and artists will select recipients based on a student's contributions to their community and not their playing or vocal ability. The scholarship's objective is to reward and inspire the youth who will shape tomorrow.
Submission deadline: April 15, 2023
Apply online
Performing Arts Initiative for Students of Color (PAISOC) Scholarship
PAISOC will award up to six $500 scholarship to a 2023 DCI or DCA participating student of color to promote diversity through scholarship and programming. The organization's Drum Corps Leadership and Scholarship Program seeks to recognize current and future student leaders of color in the marching arts and broader performing arts world and provide leadership mentorship to recipients that allows them to learn and discuss how to become and stand out as positive rolemodels and leaders in drum corps and beyond.
Submission deadline: March 10, 2023
Apply Online
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.
2023 submission deadline: February 1, 2023
Learn more
Donate to this scholarship fund
Jonnie’s Goodguys Scholarships
Jonnie’s Goodguys is a nonprofit founded by drum corps family that educates and advocates for aortic, heart, and connective tissue related health issues. Formed in 2006 to honor the late Star of Indiana member Jonathan Miller, Jonnie’s Goodguys is committed to educating and advocating for early heart and aortic health, with a goal to support the drum corps activity and encourage everyone to take care of their heart at every age. Simply to #DoGoodStuff
Jonnie’s Goodguys will award up to $1,000 scholarships to drum corps members who do a heart heath-minded activity.
Application deadline: January 31, 2023
Apply online
Learn more
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