About Drum Corps International

For nearly a half century, Drum Corps International, Marching Music’s Major League™, has been the leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers. 

Thirteen original founding member organizations formed the Drum Corps International collective in 1971 to organize and unify leadership for youth-focused competitive drum corps events throughout North America. Directors of those competing groups sought to unite their corps by providing opportunities to perform together—in the end building a foundation for future success.

A non-profit entity was officially established in 1972, and today DCI supports numerous programs around the globe while sanctioning participating recognized drum corps, SoundSport^® performance ensembles and DrumLine Battle™ teams performing in more than 100 competitive events that make up the annual Drum Corps International Tour.

With a vast reach online at DCI.org, through corporate sponsorship, annual broadcast initiatives, and outreach to high school music programs, Drum Corps International delivers the message of “excellence in performance and in life” to more than 7.2 million young people, ages 13-22 involved in the performing arts across the United States.

Mission Statement

The mission of Drum Corps International is to bring the life-enriching benefits and enjoyment of marching music performing arts to more people worldwide. We do this by creating a stage for participating organizations to engage in education, competition, entertainment, and the promotion of individual growth.

Vision Statement

A world in which the positive life-transforming personal and societal benefits of marching music performing arts are widely recognized and enjoyed.

Core Values

Pursuing Excellence: DCI strives to consistently demonstrate excellence in its operations and results and remain the preeminent leader in its field.

Teamwork and Collaboration: DCI promotes effective teamwork, productive relationships, and cooperation to achieve superior results.

Visionary Leadership: DCI leads in moving the marching music performing arts toward a preferred future that inspires others to share the vision and engage.

Commitment and Dedication: DCI works diligently and tirelessly in its devotion to advancing marching music performing arts.

Creativity and Innovation: DCI demonstrates imagination and ingenuity to develop new and effective ways to accomplish its mission.

Mutual Care and Respect: DCI treats all with dignity, courtesy, attention, and appreciation; and seeks these traits in others with whom it engages

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: DCI fosters and promotes the fundamental values of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for all in the drum corps community.

Strategic Plan

Forward-looking strategic goals and objectives of Drum Corps International.

Bylaws

Articles of incorporation and governing bylaws of Drum Corps International in addition to mission and vision statements, core values, and more.

DCI Community Code of Conduct and Ethics Guidelines

Community code of conduct, ethics guidelines, and expectations for all participating organizations in Drum Corps International activities.

Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures related to Drum Corps International governance, membership, compliance, tour and events, competition, operations, and more. Policy appendices beginning page 20.