DCI’s Impact on Its Members

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DCI, an acronym that not too many people know the meaning of, but for those who do, you’ll soon learn that it is more than marching band. Started over three decades ago, Drum Corps International has “delivered the message of ‘excellence in performance and in life’ to over 7.2 million young people” (Drum Corps International About). That motif of excellence is echoed throughout their 60 day tour around the country. While learning their music, drill and visuals, the participants learn something more important, something that can’t be judged on finals night. Having to support themselves for more than three months on the road, the kids learn values and skills that they’ll use for the rest of their life, skills such as “the value of teamwork, improved self-confidence, meeting and working with people with diverse backgrounds and origins, and making new, lifelong friends” (For Parents).
When asked what he thinks the most important value learned from Drum Corps, my friend David Haven said “I think it’s definitely teamwork. When I first marched with Spirit of Atlanta, teamwork was one of the things we were first taught. If you can’t work well with those around you, you can’t succeed, especially in Drum Corps. With teamwork you can achieve anything you want in life.” Teamwork is a very important skill in life. Without teamwork, you can’t accomplish tasks in the workplace and life. Working with others can lead to another skill DCI can teach you, making friends.
Making friends is difficult for some people. But when you do drum corps, you are with 149 other kids close to your age who have one huge thing in common, your corps. Being with those 149 other kids for over three months can start friendships that last a lifetime. While talki...

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...ou don’t think it’s for you, just do it. You’ll never regret it. It’s better to have the experience than not.” These words have inspired me to try and get into a Corps next year. Maybe not participate in one, but at least go to a camp and get a feel for the organization. DCI is an organization anyone can do and anyone can enjoy. It’s affected the lives of more than 7.2 million people from more than 15 countries (Drum Corps International About). So the only real question I have for you is, why haven’t you gotten involved in Drum Corps yet?

Works Cited

"Drum Corps International About." Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major League. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2014.
"For Parents: The DCI Drum Corps Experience Explained." Drum Corps International. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2014.
Haven, David. "The Affect DCI Has Had on You." Online interview. 17 Apr. 2014.

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