Drum Corps International (DCI): A Summer of Dedication, Discipline, and Dreams, a teacher explains

Drum Corps International (DCI) in Indianapolis practicing for the finals

As a rideshare driver and blogger, I've often transported people who were in town for "some kind of band event," but I never dug deeper to find out what it was all about. That weekend, August 7-9, 2025, in Indianapolis, curiosity got the better of me--and I'm glad it did.

"All right, my name is Peter," he began.

"I design for and teach with a couple of drum and bugle corps that are performing this weekend in Indianapolis."

I was curious to know more about DCI from his point of view being a teacher and all.

"Well," Peter continued, "the drum and bugle corps activity--or I guess Drum Corps International--is a circuit in which a lot of drum corps from around the country perform all summer and tour around the country to compete."

"The members are 14 to 21 years old, they come from all over the country and all over the world. They come out and audition and will try to make a spot."

Before speaking to Peter I thought all of this marching bands came from either high schools or college to compete here but Peter explained to me that it is something totally different.

My next question was who sponsors the events. Like, where do they get their funding from? His answer surprised me.

The members have to pay to be able to be a part of the drum and bugle corps. Usually it costs between $4,000 and $6,000."

In other words the kids who participate pay to be a part of this competition, if that's the right word for it.

Peter went on to describe a summer schedule that would make most adults think twice:

"They sleep on coach buses all summer, they sleep on the gym floors at high schools in the area. They wake up and rehearse and practice all day outside to be ready for different shows throughout the season. And then all of that culminates here in Indianapolis for World Championships this weekend."

I was curious at this point to know how Peter, a very young man, ended up teaching such talented you young adults. Came to find out, this wasn't just something Peter knew from the outside. He had lived it.

"I marched for five years as a member and then I aged out," he said. "Now this is my sixth year teaching."

Hearing his story already had me impressed, but the human side of this experience became even clearer when I spoke to a couple--a mother and father--whose son was performing in one of the corps this weekend.

I believe they were from Ohio. The mom told me her son had learned so much from being part of the group--self-discipline, resilience, teamwork, and a whole lot more.

She said he had made many talented friends from all over the world, friendships that would likely last a lifetime.

She shared how, after the championship finals, her son would be returning to college more prepared than ever--not just academically, but mentally and emotionally.

The training he had received through DCI had given him the ability to handle life with focus and simplicity, even when faced with challenges.

She was deeply grateful for that growth.

This wasn't their first experience with DCI either; it was the fourth time their son had participated in the event.

The father added another layer to the story.

When I mentioned what Peter had told me about "aging out" as a performer before becoming a teacher, he nodded knowingly.

That confirmed for him--and for me--that tonight's competition was the semi-finals, and tomorrow would be the finals. But before the finals, there would be a special event for all the performers who had aged out--those for whom this season would be their last time performing in DCI.

It's a moment of recognition, celebration, and, no doubt, bittersweet emotion.

And here's the thing: before these conversations, I had no idea this was going on. I had driven DCI participants around the city before, dropped them off at hotels and venues, but never understood the scale and heart of what they were involved in.

Meeting Peter, then speaking to the proud parents, gave me a new appreciation for this incredible activity.

These young people are not just playing music. They're living a demanding lifestyle for months at a time--traveling, rehearsing, performing, pushing themselves physically and mentally, and forming bonds that cross state and national lines.

The teachers are not just instructing; they are mentors, designers, and motivators who carry forward the tradition and discipline of the activity.

I'm grateful to that parent who asked me to write this article. Without her request, I might never have taken the time to dig deeper. But like everything else I encounter, when I see talent and dedication, I believe it deserves to be shared.

These young people--and the people who guide them--deserve recognition.

So here it is: my little contribution to raising awareness of Drum Corps International.

To the members, the teachers, and the parents--your hard work, your commitment, and your passion do not go unnoticed.

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