Whether you're hoping to march in a DCI, Soundsport, or DCI All-Age class ensemble in the summer season, here is everything you need to know about age limits for some of the most popular marching classes:

Drum Corps International (DCI) World & Open Classes

• Age Limit: 21*
  
• About DCI: "For nearly a half century, Drum Corps International, Marching Music’s Major League™, has been the leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers. Thirteen original founding member organizations formed the Drum Corps International collective in 1971 to organize and unify leadership for youth-focused competitive drum corps events throughout North America. Directors of those competing groups sought to unite their corps by providing opportunities to perform together—in the end building a foundation for future success." - DCI.org
• Learn more here

The age limit for the DCI World and Open classes is 21 years old. The typical age range for most World and Open class ensembles ranges from around 16 years old to 21, but this number will vary on a corps-by-corps basis.

* The only way you can march past the age of 21 is if you qualify for a "bonus year." This means that any member who turns 22 years of age on or after June 1 is eligible to march during that year.

SoundSport

• Age Limit: None
• About SoundSport: "SoundSport® gives your band members the opportunity to shine at the same event as touring DCI corps! Encourage your students to let their imaginations soar as you guide them in preparing a 5 to 7 minute non-adjudicated performance with a special focus on entertaining the audience. Choose an adjudicated performance and three judges will evaluate music, visual and overall impression on a stage that measures 30 yards wide by 20 yards deep. All instruments and ages are permitted so you can even create an all-star ensemble featuring your students along with instructors, parents and alumni in this once-in-a-lifetime experience!" - DCI.org
• Learn more here

DCI All-Age (Formerly Known as DCA or Drum Corps Associates)

• Age Limit: None
• About DCI All-Age: "The DCI All-Age Class will consist of current DCA member corps, coordinated by existing DCA president John Carr. The current DCA competitive rules will continue to apply to all DCI All-Age corps. DCI policies relating to operational areas such as participant safety, SafeSport® training, music licensing and other key areas will apply. As future schedules are created, the goal is to fully leverage opportunities to showcase a diverse lineup of corps across classes to the greatest degree and as often as possible within the existing parameters of the tour." - DCI.org
• Since DCI All-Age is a fairly new endeavor, check out this article on DCI's website for more information

DrumLine Battle

• Age Limit: None
• About DrumLine Battle: "DrumLine Battle™ puts your percussionists in the spotlight: in thrilling head-to-head matches featuring their best two minutes of drumming, stick tricks, exciting visuals, acrobatic stunts, high adrenaline movement and a whole lot of attitude! Rules are simple and the focus is on showmanship and getting the crowd to “give it up” for your performance. It’s “fast paced and in-your-face” in a fun format which showcases the talent and creativity of your students. Impress our three judges while winning over the audience and your percussion ensemble might just be crowned DrumLine Battle Champion!" - DCI.org
• Learn more here