Membership Information

Drum Corps United Kingdom, part of Marching & Performing Arts UK, is a charitable organisation which seeks to promote and support its member Drum and Bugle Corps within the United Kingdom.

The basic concept is that of playing an entertaining musical programme of their own choice and performing a field show of precision marching, dance and other choreographed movement.

Established in 1980, DCUK currently has a membership of Drum Corps spread geographically right across the country. Details of past and current members can be found under UK Drum Corps Directory.

Current Competition Structure

From 2025 DCUK organises SoundSport event, in partnership with Winter Guard United Kingdom during the winter/spring months 

What is SoundSport?  SoundSport is a Drum Corps International (DCI) program that provides a less intensive, more affordable, and inclusive way for marching music ensembles to perform and compete, focusing on audience engagement and a positive participant experience rather than strict competition. Unlike traditional drum corps on large football fields, SoundSport ensembles are smaller (10-40 members) and often perform indoors in smaller "arenas," like those used for winter guard events. The program aims to foster individual growth and promote the life-enriching benefits of the performing arts to a wider audience.  Take a look at a previous years video of performing units - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iFkGbW3F8w 

To apply for Membership click here or email admin@dcuk.org.uk for more details

Past Competition Structure

Until 2024 DCUK organised Drum Corps contests throughout the summer for corps of all experience and abilities. To cater for the full range of standards, contests are split into three classes:

Open Class
A Class 
Junior Class 

The Open and A Classes are divisional classes based primarily on performance standard with no age restrictions. 

The Junior Class is a competitive class but with an age restriction with an emphasis on young performers.

Membership Requirements

Membership of DCUK is open to all British Drum and Bugle Corps as defined in the rules of the organisation. Interested potential members should initially contact the DCUK for  information.

On receipt of their application, Corps will be contacted by the local member of the DCUK Board who may arrange to visit or have an informal chat, to answer any questions and to offer advice. There is no audition or "standards" qualification for membership.