Dubuque is the smallest city nationally to host a Drum Corps International Division I drum corps, but we have extensive community support. Founded in 1963, we have had four names and thousands of members. In our most recent history, we have become a championship corps, placing in the Top 12 at DCI Finals seven times. We are also only one of three corps to support a feeder corps, the C**t Cadets, w
hich is open to children ages 11-17 who live primarily in Dubuque and the tri-state area. The C**ts are comprised of 150 members, 30+ staff, and hundreds of volunteers who all care deeply about this activity. Membership comes from all over the nation and overseas. We begin rehearsals and auditions in December, meeting one weekend a month, and twice in April, for a rehearsal “camp” until June, when we go on tour until mid-August. Anyone between the ages of 15 and 21 with the desire and drive to achieve success without bounds may audition. Anybody from a seasoned musician to a high school woodwind player can find his or her spot in drum and bugle corps. We are limited to three components: brass, percussion, and color guard. Each of these captions is further divided into sections.
