About DCA

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information on DCA corps and events, you can contact us by email at info@dcacorps.org or write to us at:
	Drum Corps Associates PO Box 229 Barrington, RI 02806 For information concerning this web site, contact Glen Johnson at webmaster@dcacorps.org

OFFICERS AND STAFF

Officers and staff members for the 2007 contest season:

Gil Silva - President
Larry Hershman - Vice President
Glen Johnson- Secretary
Michael Corso - Treasurer
Dan Rippon - Asst. Treasurer
Dick Eschenmann - Business Manager
Rich Templin - Judging Coordinator
Dick Pronti / Barbara Haring - I&E Coordinators
Joe Geswaldo - Class A Coordinator
Vic Kulinski - DCA South Coordinator
Amber Roeker - DCA Central Coordinator

Web site design by Glen Johnson, photos by Jolesch Photography

"The Finest Drum & Bugle Corps in the United States and Canada"

	The primary function of DCA is to provide an organization of drum & bugle corps with rules and regulations which provide for continuous progress and growth for drum corps.
	Using entertainment as a primary goal, DCA performances are unique and represent "state of the art" in mass appeal drum and bugle corps.
	DCA strives to provide performers with stimulating and rewarding social experiences, to provide a competitive outlet for performers, and to entertain and excite the audience.
	It is DCA's objective that member corps should be entertaining, unique, emotional, diverse, vibrant, spirited, and energetic without sacrificing the highest level of quality.
	To achieve this objective, the DCA philosophy is to encourage each and all corps to choose and perfect the vehicles that entertain audiences and satisfy membership. Audiences should expect and receive varied programs performed with the highest level of proficiency within the structure of the activity.
	The evaluations of the performances are to be based upon the DCA environment. All adjudication will use DCA standards as outlined in the "DCA Rule Book" and "DCA Clinics". Use of and reference to the standards of any other organizations in the adjudication process are totally unacceptable. Competition outcomes MUST reflect audience appreciation and provide participant gratification.
	DCA's audience has the right to receive excellence. Our corps have the challenge, the responsibility, and the commitment to deliver it!

CLASS A

Class A Champions
1997	Chieftains
1998	Generations & Heatwave (tie)
1999	NY Skyliners
2000	Generations
2001	CorpsVets
2002	NY Skyliners
2003	Heatwave
2004	Grenadiers
2005	Chops, Inc.
2006	Govenaires

DCA Class A Division Background: In 1997 the Class A Division began as part of the competitive season on a trial basis. Three corps competed in the first Class A Championships, the Chieftains, Grey Knights and Heat Wave with the Chieftains becoming our first Class A Champion.

The Class A trial was extended into 1998 with the addition of a Class A Committee to help better organize and refine this new venture. The 1998 Class A Championships saw both increased crowd attendance and the addition of two new corps. Competing that year were the Grey Knights, Les Dynamiques, Heat Wave, and Generations. The fans witnessed Heat Wave and Generations battle to a tie thereby earning each a share of the 1998 Class A title.

In 1999 the biannual rules congress was completed and the Class A Division became a permanent part of the DCA organization. This was the year that saw two long established and respected DCA corps return to the competition field as Class A competitors. The 1999 Class A Division was hotly contested by Heat Wave, Generations, Westshoremen and New York Skyliners. The Skyliners finished ahead of the pack to become the 1999 Class A Champions.

The year 2000 saw three additional corps become part of the growing Class A movement: The CorpsVets (GA), Bayou City Blues (TX), and Allegheny Night Storm (PA). All gave a strong showing against the eventual Class A Champion Generations.

In the past five years nine different corps have competed in the Class A Division of DCA. Five different corps have either captured outright or shared the Class A title. The Class A movement continues to grow and fulfill its purpose within the DCA organization.

Purpose:
The Class A Division has 3 goals: Continue the growth of DCA by attracting new corps. Provide a competitive arena for smaller or less experienced corps. Improve the motivation and quality of smaller or less experienced corps.

Requirements:
New Class A corps may make application to the DCA organization. Upon approval by the trustees and with payment of all associated fees a corps will be able to participate in DCA sanctioned events. Class A corps must consist of no more than 65 members. This number includes brass, percussion, color guard, drum major, and pit. The honor guard would NOT be counted as long as no member of the honor guard participates as one of the members of the above stated. Class A corps compete and are judge based on the same rules and guidelines as the Open Class corps.