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Fans can look forward to seeing some new face throughout the 2026 Drum Corps International season, because three corps have been approved for "Open Class Affiliate" status: Boise Gems, Arsenal, and Eclipse.
What Is An "Open Class Affiliate?"
In order for a corps to move from one class to another (for example, moving from SoundSport to Open Class), they have to go through a three-year long onboarding process laid out by DCI, with the goal of making sure that the corps is financially and internally sound enough to be successful in a new class. Here is the breakdown of DCI’s Open & All-Age Class corps evaluations progress according to DCI:
"Once groups begin their evaluation period, highlights of the performance and competitive portion of the plan include:
- Year 1: Ensembles perform as part of DCI’s SoundSport Class with the respective distinction of “All-Age Class Candidate” or “Open Class Candidate.” Productions are evaluated/judged under DCI SoundSport guidelines.
- Example: In year 1, the Boise Gems, a SoundSport ensemble, will continue to compete in the SoundSport class with the "Open Class Candidate" monicker. Boise Gems will continue to be judged using SoundSport score sheets.
- Year 2: Assuming the successful completion of year-one requirements, candidates advance to “All-Age Class Affiliate” or “Open Class Affiliate.” Performance duration guidelines are based on the minimum/maximum of the class pursuant to the DCI rulebook. Adjudication is under the All-Age/Open Class system in effect.
- Example: In year 2, the Boise Gems, now an Open Class Candidate, will compete in the Open Class under their new monicker of, "Open Class Affiliate." They will now be judged using the Open Class judging sheets vs SoundSport sheets.
- Year 3: Assuming the successful completion of year-two requirements, affiliates advance to become full members of the All-Age Class or Open Class. Length of productions are based on the respective minimums/maximums of the individual classes pursuant to the DCI competitive rulebook. Adjudication of performances occurs within the current All-Age/Open Class system.
- Example: In year 3, the Boise Gems will officially be granted full Open Class membership status
Other considerations: In addition to the outlined performance procedures, ensembles working through the evaluation process also undergo an extensive organizational review led by DCI officials. This process includes IRS status compliance verification, a board of directors roster review, examinations of financial statements and overall fiscal health, and a review of instructional and performer rosters. The review also considers adherence to health and wellness standards, other administrative policies put in place to ensure a solid operational foundation, well-established business practices and an unquestionable focus on participant safety."
Meet the Boise Gems
Founded: 2022
Location: Boise, ID
Executive Director: Austin Moldenhauer
About: "Gems Drum and Bugle Corps is a recently established drum corps in the Treasure Valley. Our goal is to provide youth with performing arts programs that will help make them more well-rounded individuals in both life and their performing arts pursuits.
We were founded in 2022 with the simple realization that Idaho was lacking this type of opportunity, and our founders wanted to provide our community and state with this type of program. Thus Gems were created, and will strive for excellence in all ways.
In 2023, we fielded our first corps, and toured to three cities in the northwest. These include Kennewick, Washington — Boise, Idaho — and Salt Lake City, Utah. We made our official DCI debut at Corps Encore in Salt Lake City, and were proud to represent Idaho on the international stage. The 2023 program was entitled Esto Perpetua, which is also Idaho's state motto.
In 2024, the Gems fielded a corps of over 80+ members from 8 different states. The 2024 program, Ghost Stallion, featured music from The Rite of Spring, Mahler 5, and Symphonie Fantastique alongside original compositions and arrangements.
The 2025 season brought firsts in design, production, and growth, and closed with the announcement of Boise Gems Independent as the next chapter of Gems Performing Arts."
Meet Arsenal
Founded: 2016
Location: El Paso, TX
Executive Director: Caleb Tullius
About: "Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps is a marching arts organization dedicated to providing a positive and enriching experience in the drum corps activity for young performers. We foster a supportive environment that equips our members with the skills and discipline to excel in music, movement, and teamwork, while building lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for the marching arts.
Arsenal DBC was founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2016. Presently, the corps’ hometown is El Paso, Texas. The corps debuted its inaugural season in 2017 and has since competed in the SoundSport division of Drum Corps International (DCI).
Since its inception, Arsenal has been the premiere drum corps of the Southwestern United States, primarily serving students from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, and beyond. Many of whom are exposed to the drum corps activity for the first time."
Meet Eclipse
Founded: 2023
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Corps Director: Jacquelyn Brice
About: "Eclipse Drum and Bugle Corps is a youth drum corps based out of Indianapolis, IN. The corps was established in 2023 with the goal of providing local performing arts opportunities and music education to the Greater Indianapolis Community. With our member first philosophy we aim to provide the best experience for all individuals who will one day call Eclipse home.
Eclipse was promoted to the status of “Open Class Candidate” for the 2025 season, and is currently undergoing evaluation to join Open Class as an “Open Class Affiliate”, with the goal to become a full member of DCI Open Class within the next couple of years.
In the DCI 2023 competitive season, Eclipse took the field as a SoundSport Ensemble competing in five events across Indiana and Ohio performing “BANG!”. Our first year of competition we were awarded a silver rating and best in class: youth division at DCI SoundSport Finals. The corps comprised of 24 members and fielded a brass and battery.
In the 2024 season Eclipse performed “Call of the Cosmos” with an expanded tour and with the addition of our front ensemble. Growing to 34 members we competed throughout the Midwest with our summer tour coming to an end at DCI Whitewater. The corps participated in three Chicago area parades for the Fourth of July. At SoundSport finals we received a gold rating for the first time in our history and Best in Class: Youth Division for a second year in a row.
2025 was the season where the corps journeyed to “The Edge of the World” with 36 members. This was the first year adding a color guard, with a featured performer, and the battery helping add to the swing flag feature in the ballad. The corps returned for a second year to the three Chicago area parades for the Fourth of July. This was the first season Eclipse scored a Gold rating before SoundSport finals. At SoundSport finals, we received a gold rating and Best in Class: Youth Division third year in a row."