Drum and bugle corps

A drum and bugle corps (or drum corps) is a musical performing unit consisting of only bell-front brass, percussion, and color guard. The majority of drum corps are independently operated non-profit groups. Very few are run by high schools or universities.

There are two competitive drum corps circuits in the United States: Drum Corps International (DCI), which consists of groups whose members are no more than 21 years old, and Drum Corps Associates (DCA), which consists of groups with members of all ages. The competition season for both circuits runs from late June to early August each year, although most corps begin rehearsing in November.