The Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps is a competitive performance ensemble based in New Jersey. Positions for the 2027 season are available in brass, percussion, and color guard.
Driven by Excellence. Built on Tradition.
Who We Are
The Raiders are a competitive DCI Open Class drum and bugle corps made up of performing artists ages 14 to 21. No matter where you come from or what your background is, we provide a welcoming home where you can hone your talent, build lifelong friendships, and discover what you’re truly capable of on and off the field.
Empowering Young Performers
At Raiders DBC, we build leaders, lifelong friendships, and world-class performers. Through the power of the marching arts, we empower young artists to push their limits, master self-discipline, and chase excellence on and off the field. Our performers come from across the country and the globe.
The Drum Corps Experience
Think of drum corps as marching arts at its absolute peak, where high-octane athletics meets theatrical performance. A drum and bugle corps brings together brass musicians, battery and front ensemble percussionists, and dynamic color guard performers. Together, they take over a football field with intricate choreography, powerful live music, and stunning visual storytelling, competing on the national stage in Drum Corps International (DCI).
Raiders at a Glance
20 times
DCI Open Class Finalist
1990
Founded 37 Years Ago
Ages 14–21
Open to Young Performers
501(c)(3)
A Program of A+ Education and Performing Arts
Why March Raiders?
World-class drum corps instruction tailored to fit your life, budget, and future goals.
DCI at Half the Cost
We keep tuition low while offering a full DCI experience. The Raiders are roughly half the cost of world class corps and travel sports teams, with nearly year-round programming.
Shorter, Flexible Tour
Move-ins begin after most high schools finish in late June. Our national tour leaves in late July and finishes at DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, allowing you to balance school, job, and corps commitments.
World Class training
Whether you stay with the Raiders until you age out at 21 or use our elite educational staff to train and qualify for top World Class corps, our alumni excel everywhere in the marching arts.
Audition & Parent FAQ
Members must be age 21 or younger as of May 31 of the current season. Members must also remain in good standing by adhering to our rules and policies and by meeting all membership obligations in a timely manner.
Auditions begin in November on Sundays. Rehearsal camps run once a month (Friday night through Sunday afternoon) from December through June. Spring training begins around June 21st, leading directly into national tour in late July and DCI Championships in Indianapolis.
Parents are welcome to attend any rehearsal and parent meeting! We maintain contact via a parent Band app and Facebook group. Volunteers assist with food preparation, driving corps vehicles, building props, moving equipment, or managing souvenirs. Email info@raidersdbc.org to get involved!
There is a one-time registration fee of $25, which provides you with an audition packet. 1-day clinic/auditions are between $25-$50 and 3-day camps are between $75-$100.
The tuition pays for the things that puts a corps on the field: housing and meals at camps and on tour, bus and travel costs, instruction from our caption staff, and the music, drill, and equipment for the show. As a nonprofit, we put what we raise back into the member experience.
The 2026 all-in summer tuition was $4,200. Tuition for the upcoming season will be announced by the end of the year. We offer flexible payment plans, fundraising credits, scholarships, and limited need-based financial aid. All financial obligations must be paid in full by June 15.
It Takes a Village.
Your contribution allows Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps to continue providing performance opportunities and changing the lives of our members.
Upcoming Events
Too far to travel? Send an audition video instead. Video auditions
