The cost to go on the Drum Corps International summer tour is more expensive than ever and one major way that performers can help lower the barrier to entry to participation is through earning a variety of scholarships that are open to anyone to apply.
Each year, nearly six figures in scholarships are given out to deserving performers from across the world that have a passion for excellence and artistry.
The application processes vary and can include everything from written prompts to spoken interviews, video submissions, and more. Awards can be used for either corps tuition or to pay for school tuition, as specified.
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Although scholarship entries are closed for the 2026 season, information for the 2027 season will become available in the coming months.
If you're interested in donating to one of the many scholarships available for Drum Corps International participants, visit DCI.org.
2026 DCI Scholarship Winners
Friends of DCI Scholarships
- Emmanuel Arias – Blue Stars
- Zachary Gifford – Santa Clara Vanguard
- Michael Jimenez – Bluecoats
- Gavin Johnson – Blue Knights
- James Kennedy – Spartans
- Isabella McGrew – The Academy
- Jorge Perez – Blue Stars
- Stephen Stange – Blue Stars
- Ainsley L Treutle – Boston Crusaders
- Jocelyn Wallen – Phantom Regiment
About: 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 $3,000 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) $3,000 awards will be awarded as part of the Peth Scholarship. Courtesy of Friends of DCI members Steve and Beth Peth, these awards will be given to participating members pursuing any accredited higher education degree. Another two (2) $2,500 awards will be awarded as the Stanley Lipinski Memorial Scholarship courtesy of the Walter J. Wiechetek Foundation. Another two (2) $5,000 awards toward college tuition for a music education major will be awarded as the Kevin Coleman Memorial Scholarship courtesy of Donna Coleman.
Peth Scholarship
- Annarela Martinez – Boston Crusaders
- Janiel Nevarez – Boston Crusaders
Richardson's Scholarship
- Marissa Berard – Spartans
- Gustavo Cano – Bluecoats
Stanley Lipinski Scholarship
- Paige Adams – Seattle Cascades
- Adam Short – Blue Stars
Kevin Coleman Memorial Scholarship
- Sebastian Cisneros Ortega – The Academy
- CJ Orrico – Bluecoats
Al Moffatt Memorial Scholarship
- Brandon Choi – Impulse
About: 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 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.
Requirements: Percussionist in a DCI corps
Bones Family Cymbal Scholarship
- Abel Arredondo – Crossmen
- David Vu – Santa Clara Vanguard
About: Created in 2013 by Brent and Michelle Bones to support the Colts Cymbal Line, the Bones Family Cymbal Scholarship was later expanded to include marching cymbal members in all DCI corps. 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 $25,000 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 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.
Requirements: Cymbal line performers
Don Warren Memorial Scholarship
- Joy Hodsdon – Pacific Crest
About: 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 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.
Requirements: Focus on community service & enrolled in college
Fred J. Miller Memorial Music Education Scholarship
- Cole Sage – Colts
About: 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 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.
Requirements: Enrolled in college, music education major
Gary "Chops" Czapinski Memorial Scholarship
- McKali Groh – Boston Crusaders
About: 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 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.
Requirements: DCI participant who aspires to teach drum corps, winter guard, or marching band
George & Patsy Bonfiglio Scholarship
- Braeden Favacho – Spirit of Atlanta
- Christopher Wilson – Blue Devils
About: The George and Patsy Bonfiglio Scholarship honors the remarkable legacy of George Bonfiglio, one of the original founding fathers of Drum Corps International (DCI) and its first Chairperson of the Board. A visionary leader and passionate educator, George dedicated his life to shaping the future of drum corps and providing young adults with the skills and guidance to thrive both in the performing arts and in life. Alongside his wife, Patsy, they created an environment where dedication, hard work, and a love for drum corps flourished—welcoming hundreds of young people into their lives, despite raising five children of their own.This scholarship carries on their mission, providing critical support to ambitious young adults who are not only involved in All-Age, Open and World Class Drum Corps but are also committed to pursuing careers in the Performing Arts, Music, or Education. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded annually to deserving candidates who exemplify George and Patsy’s values: passion, hard work, and a drive to make a positive impact on others. Through this scholarship, we honor George and Patsy Bonfiglio’s unwavering commitment to the drum corps community and the next generation of talented performers and educators. Let their legacy inspire you as you take the next step toward achieving your dreams.
Requirements: Enrolled in college as a performing arts or music education major or teacher
John Martin Hope Memorial Scholarship
- Austin Kramer – Carolina Crown
About: 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 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.
Requirements: DCI percussionist enrolled in college
Karen A. Raffa Memorial Scholarship
- Joshua Martin – The Academy
About: As a performer, Karen Raffa marched with the St. Patrick’s of Stoneham, Massachusetts and later as an instructor with several Boston area corps. Her greatest role was running a drum corps event along with her husband Frank, “The Beanpot,” in the Boston area for more than 35 years. Raffa tirelessly handled tickets, field arrangements, promotions and multitudes of other tasks to ensure the event was successful. Under their direction, proceeds from the show exceeding $150,000 have been donated to members of the competing corps, local high school musicians and family members of the Cardinal Alumni Association. The Karen A. Raffa Memorial Scholarship is an award granted to a student enrolled in higher education while a participating member of a DCI drum corps.
Requirements: DCI participant enrolled in college
Marching Arts Safety & Health Scholarship
- Alyssa Serafin – Pacific Crest
About: 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. This scholarship will be awarded to a current DCI participating performer who aspires to work as a health, wellness or safety practitioner.
Requirements: Enrolled in health, safety or related field of study
Michael Boo Memorial Scholarship
- Aubrey Butterfield – Spartans
About: 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.
Requirements: PR, Marketing, Writing or Journalism Major & Enrolled in college
Michelle Owens Memorial Scholarship
- Morgan Bieber – Carolina Crown
About: 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 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.
Requirements: Color guard performer in a DCI corps
Rodney Goodhart Memorial Scholarship
- Christian Maakestad – Santa Clara Vanguard
About: 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 percussionist.
Requirements: Percussionist & enrolled in college
Gail Schultz International Fellowship
- Laurie-Gabrielle Cingras (Canada) – Colts
- Yurika Ishida (Japan) – Blue Devils
- Noriaki Matsuda (Japan) – Blue Devils
About: 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.
Requirements: Any NON-USA member of a 2025 DCI participating corps
Double Beat Scholarship
About: 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.
Requirements: Percussionist
Driven By Drum Corps Scholarship
About: The drum corps experience instills many useful skills and values in students who participate, fostering leadership, teamwork and artistic expression while also teaching discipline, hard work, and perseverance. This scholarship aims to support and inspire talented individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and skill in the marching arts.
Requirements: Applicant must be a high school senior or older, must be a contracted member participating in the 2026 season, must demonstrate financial need, and must aspire to have a career in the marching arts (Band Director, Drill Writer, Arranger, Etc.)Any DCI participant who is a high school senior or undergraduate student with at least a 3.0 GPA who is economically underserved or disadvantaged.
Jason Fritz Memorial Scholarship
About: 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.
Requirements and Restrictions: Any DCI drum major, priority given to those from Michigan
Jim Ott Scholarship
About: 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 $5,000 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.
Requirements and Restrictions: Enrolled or accepted in college for 2025-2026, music major
Jonnie's Goodguys Scholarships
About: Jonnie’s Goodguys is a nonprofit founded in 2006 by drum corps family that educates and advocates for aortic, heart, and connective tissue related health issues. To honor the late Star of Indiana member Jonathan Miller, Jonnie’s Goodguys supports the drum corps activity, encourages everyone to take care of their heart at every age and to #DoGoodStuff. Jonnie’s Goodguys will award scholarships up to $1,000 toward corps members’ dues. Finalists will complete heart health based project work that will determine scholarship amount.
Requirements: DCI participating members that complete initial application, interview, and finalist project work dealing with heart health
MAASIN March With Pride Scholarship
About: The Marching Arts Access, Safety & Inclusion Network (MAASIN) is a branch of the Performing Arts Access, Safety & Inclusion Network, a nonprofit organization that increases equity and safety in the performing arts. The March With Pride Scholarship annually awards scholarships to assist LGBTQIA+ performers with their tuition fees and other expenses associated with performing. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated understanding of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, equity, and liberation coupled with financial need expressed in their application. The scholarship selection committee is composed of LGBTQIA+ MAASIN core organizers, and welcomes applications from all divisions of DCI, including All-Age and SoundSport performers.
Requirements: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Michigan Drum Corps Scholarship Fund
About: 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.
Requirements: Must be a Michigan high school grad or enrolled in a Michigan college
How To Watch DCI 2026 Live Streams
All live streaming for the 2026 DCI season can be found exclusively on FloMarching and the FloSports app.
Missed a show? No problem. Every streamed DCI event during the 2026 season will have a Rebroadcast airing the following day.
2026 DCI Live Streaming Schedule: Here's When To Watch DCI On FloMarching
Fans should look forward to watching multiple DCI shows each week, from the start of the 2026 DCI season on June 26th, all the way through DCI Finals on August 6-8. Watch all the action live from the comfort of your home, or watch on the go using the FloSports app.
And keep checking back as we work with DCI to bring more streamed shows to all of our fans this season!
2026 DCI Streaming Schedule
* June 26 | Santa Clara Vanguard Showcase
June 27 | Drums Along the Rockies
* June 27 | Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration
June 30 | Northwest Youth Music Games Seattle
July 1 | Drums Across Nebraska
July 10 | Western Corps Connection
July 12 | So Cal Classic: Open Class Pacific Championship Finals
July 18 | DCI Southwestern Championship
July 22 | DCI Southern Mississippi
July 24 | DCI Middle Tennessee
July 25 | DCI Southeastern Championship
July 25 | Midwestern Championship
July 31 - August 1 | DCI Eastern Classic
August 3 | Innovations In Brass
August 3 - 4 | DCI Open Class World Championships
August 6 - 8 | DCI World Championships
August 7 - 8 | DCI All-Age World Championships
August 8 | SoundSport International Music & Food Festival
* indicates FloMarching exclusive show separate from the 2026 DCI Summer Tour
Watch DCI Replays On Demand With Sound
Select replays from past DCI seasons are available with sound on-demand. Keep an eye out for more information on the 2026 DCI season and how you can watch more of your favorite shows with sound.
Encore: On The Shoulders of Giants
Watch the full 22 minute documentary following the 85th anniversary Boston Crusaders 2025 corps.
FloMarching Radio Streaming 24/7 Starting This June
FloMarching Radio is returning this June, bringing the sounds of DCI straight to your ears 24/7, all summer long! Stream it for free LIVE starting on June 1 on the FloMarching YouTube channel or on the FloSports app.
How To Watch DCI World Championships 2026
FloMarching is the exclusive streaming partner for the DCI Summer Tour. Fans can watch the action from home here on FloMarching and the FloSports app with a subscription.
When Are DCI World Championships 2026?
The DCI World Championships begin on Thursday, August 6 with Prelims before moving onto Semifinals on Friday, August 7, and Finals on Saturday, August 8.
Where Are DCI World Championships 2026?
The DCI World Championships are hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, home to the Colts.
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