WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TUITION
- 80+ days intensive performing arts program, including:
- 25 Day Immersive national tour experience.
- 22 performances in front of 100,000 spectators in 19 cities nationwide.
- Iconic Performance Locations, including Stanford Stadium, Rose Bowl, Alomodome, and Lucas Oil Stadium.
- High Profile Competitions, including DCI West, DCI Pacific Championships, DCI Southwest Regionals, and DCI World Championships.
- Nationwide rehearsal facilities, housing, meals, bus and air transportation.
- Music, choreography, instruction by expert teachers.
- Use of Corps-Owned instruments and equipment including King Ultimate Brass Instruments, Tama Drumline, Bergerault Front Ensemble Instruments, percussion sticks and mallets.
- Use of Corps-Owned uniforms and costumes.
- Rehearsal shirts, gloves and performance shoes.
TOTAL COST VS TUITION PRICE
- The total operating budget for the Drum and Bugle Corps program Exceeds $1,300,000. If we asked each student to cover their total cost, tuition would be $7,900!
- Because we charge $5,900, you receive a built-in scholarship of $2,000 when you complete your registration! This scholarship – 25% of your cost – is funded by our fans, supporters, and Board of Directors.
Total Fees
- Tuition and Fees after scholarship – $5900 (Approximately $72 per day)
- Mandatory – Fundraising / Volunteer Obligation – $300
- Total Program Fees: $6200
Discounts
- Veteran members will earn a $150 discount for each season completed at Gold Drum & Bugle Corps.
- Members paid in full within two (2) weeks of acceptance will receive a $150 early-bird discount.
Discounts will be applied to the final tuition payment. All previous payments must meet the standard tuition payment schedule.
Volunteer Obligation
- Mandatory – Fundraising / Volunteer Obligation – $300 (Tax deductible receipts provided)
- Option 1: Work at Drum Corps Events or on tour as Volunteer. (Credit $30/day)
- Option 2: Purchase and donate one fully cooked meal for the corps (225 members and staff).
- Option 3: Locate local restaurant to donate one meal for corps. (BJ’s, Lazy Dog, Chilis, etc.)
- Option 4: Buy Out fundraising obligation by writing check.
OTHER COSTS (not included)
- Your own transportation (airline ticket) home from Indianapolis, IN.
- Performance gear: Makeup, socks and compression shorts (musicians),
- Brass mouthpieces ($150-$200), etc.
- Spending cash ($200-$300 recommended) to replace toiletries, laundry, free day activities and meals, prescriptions, etc.
- Sunscreen, baseball hat, sunglasses, one-gallon water jug, sleeping bag, etc.
- Cross-trainer athletic shoes for rehearsals.
Payment Plans
For members contracted before April 15. Any discounts/credits are deducted from your final payment:
- Immediately upon signed contract: $1,000.00
- 1st payment: February 15, 2026 – $1,000.00
- 2nd payment: March 15, 2026 – $975.00
- 3rd payment: April 15, 2026 – $975.00
- 4th payment: May 15, 2026 – $975.00
- Final payment: June 1, 2026 – $975.00
All accounts must be Paid in Full (including remaining volunteer obligation) by June 30.
For members contracted after April 15:
- Immediately upon signed contract: $1000.00
- 1st Payment: May 15, 2026 – $1600.00
- 2nd Payment: June 15, 2026 – $1650.00
- 3rd Payment: July 15, 2026 – $1650.00
All accounts must be Paid in Full (including remaining volunteer obligation) by July 15.
Policy information
Dismissal for Cause
- If Gold terminates a member for cause due to a violation of the Gold Youth Arts Organization Code of Conduct, no refunds shall be provided, and all fees due through the termination date shall be due immediately. The member will be responsible for all costs of returning back to their home. In the event that Gold pays this cost, the member will be invoiced for the costs which will be due immediately.
- If Gold terminates a member due to performance ability, a tuition credit will be calculated based upon the Withdrawal Due to Injury policy.
Withdrawal Due to Injury
- If a member suffers an illness, accident, or injury that requires a withdrawal before the end of the season, they must complete a Performer Withdrawal Form and return it with a doctor’s note recommending withdrawal. If the Performer Withdrawal Form is dated before June 15, 2026 the member’s account will be credited 75% of tuition paid, less their $1000 deposit.
- On or after June 15, 2026, the credit will be calculated at a rate of $25 per day of non-participation through August 9, 2026. Whether a refund results depends on payments made.
Withdrawal Due to Personal Reasons
- To withdraw from Gold, the member must complete a Performer Withdrawal Form and return it by email, mail, or in person.
- Refunds will be issued for the amount of tuition paid above what is due according to the standard payment schedule above. In the event that the member’s payments are not up to the current scheduled total, the difference will still be required to be paid.
- Failure to attend rehearsal or merely giving notice to an instructor or another member will not be regarded as notice of withdrawal, and tuition charges will continue to accrue until the Performer Withdrawal Form is completed and returned.
Refunds due to Season Cancellation
While we do not anticipate this, if the season is cancelled, refunds will be calculated based upon the Withdrawal Due to Injury policy. Appeals for exceptions may be made in writing to the Gold Youth Arts Organization Board of Directors.
Exceptions to the Fees Schedule and Policies
- Except where noted within the Tuition and Fees Schedule, there are no exceptions to the Fees Schedule and Policies above.
- Appeals for exceptions may be made in writing to the Gold Youth Arts Organization Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will vote whether to grant an appeal at the regularly scheduled Board meeting following the date the appeal was received.
FINANCING YOUR SEASON
- There is a great informational video from Marching Arts Education on ways to pay for drum corps available at:
https://marchingartseducation.com/paying-for-drum-corps/ - There are also several DCI Scholarships that you can apply for that have various eligibility criteria and due dates.
https://www.dci.org/static/scholarships - “Fundraising Advice” – Gold provides a guide that will help members understand how to raise funds for their member fees.
- “Member Assistance Request Letter” – Gold provides a program information letter that can be used to help members ask for support.