Drum Corps Associates is a highly competitive marching band organization made up of members ages 14 and up. Competitions are held on weekends from mid-June until Labor Day, featuring performances with a focus on entertainment to delight audiences of all ages. Members of DCA receive instruction from professional educators in music and the performing arts that are top-tier. Drum corps members build skills, experience, confidence, and friendships that benefit them not only in musical pursuits, but in every aspect of their lives.

Each competing drum corps is made up of 3 sections; Brass, Percussion, and Color Guard. The competition is judged by a panel of 6 experts, 3 of whom who are focused on each section, and 3 others who are judging captions called Ensemble Analysis and General Effect, which look at the coordination of the 3 sections and how well they work together, through musical balance, consistency of quality in relation to each other, and how well they work together to entertain the audience.

The costs for instruments, rehearsal sites, housing sites, gear, transportation, designers, and instruction can be major obstacles for the competing corps. Some of these costs are covered by tuition the members pay, but each corps does their best to offset these costs through fundraising, grants, and donors. Many corps administrators and staff volunteer their time and often donate to help. These are truly non-profit organizations. Without support this unique and enriching experience for fans and members would not be possible.