The cost to participate in Crown auditions starts with a $175 non-refundable registration fee, which provides access to all audition materials, educational resources, and includes the option to submit a video audition. While video submissions are accepted, we strongly encourage all auditioning members to attend an in-person camp to get the full experience and receive immediate, hands-on feedback from our staff. There is an additional $200 fee per weekend camp or $125 fee for a one-day camp, which covers housing, instruction, meals, and other camp-related expenses. Veteran members (Crown members who have completed at least one full season) are not required to pay the registration fee; this discount should apply automatically in your CrownPORTAL account. If it does not, please contact Allison Combs at allison@carolinacrown.org.

DCI sanctions two classes of drum corps participation in North America – World Class and Open Class. Carolina Crown is a member of DCI’s World Class. World Class corps, like Crown, generally have older, more experienced students and tend to achieve levels of excellence commensurate with the experience and skill levels of the students and their instructional staff.

Drum Corps International's age limit is 21 years of age with one exception: Corps members who turn 22 on or after June 1 are eligible to march during that year.

Crown allows anyone between the ages of 14 - 21 to audition. However, it is rare for performers younger than 16 to be contracted. If you feel you’re ready to Wear the Crown, we invite you to join us at an audition camp.

We offer a video audition option for those who are unable to make an audition camp in person. That said, we strongly encourage you to attend a live audition camp if you can!

For Charlotte Weekend Camps: If you are auditioning on a brass instrument, we will have Yamaha instruments for each person auditioning available to borrow for the weekend. However, if you play a smaller instrument (like trumpet or mello), please bring your own if you can. If not, we’ve got you covered.

Once you are contracted and have made your first tuition installment, you are allowed to take it home to practice for the summer. We do not loan out Contras.

We will also have front ensemble instruments, battery drums, and select color guard equipment at these camps— but if you have the ability to bring your own, it is highly encouraged.

If you are auditioning via video, and you do not have a contra or marching baritone, you may submit a video using a sousaphone or trombone. It is just very likely you will be asked to come to an in-person camp to showcase your skills with an instrument we will have on the field.

For Dallas, Indiana, and Florida Camps: High brass should bring their own instruments. We will have some low brass available to borrow, but if you are local or driving, please bring your own. Guard and Percussion will have select instruments/equipment to borrow, but you should bring your own if you can.

All previous members of Carolina Crown are required to participate in the audition process for the new season. No former member is guaranteed a spot for this season, but must continue to earn a place amongst the corps by ensuring that they maintain the level of excellence Crown demands. Veteran members of the corps are eligible for free registration for the program and are not required to pay the $175 audition fee. Your CrownPORTAL account will automatically apply your vet discount when you submit your application. If it does not, please contact Allison Combs, allison@carolinacrown.org, for assistance.

Each year, we require all returning members to go through the audition process just the same as someone who is brand new to Carolina Crown.

So, all spots are open!

Yes, we are accepting Drum Major applications. You may submit a video audition, but it is highly recommended that you plan to attend November Camp from November 20-22 in Charlotte, NC.

As is stated at the time of payment, the registration fee is non-refundable since it provides access to all audition materials. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Video auditions are available from October 1 through January 1 for those who are unable to attend one of our in-person audition camps. To audition by video, you’ll need to register to audition through CrownPORTAL.

Your video will be reviewed by our staff, and you’ll receive an update on your audition standing within two weeks of submitting your video.

As you can imagine, the costs to operate and produce a world-class drum corps such as Crown are enormous! Much of our costs include food, equipment, vehicles, show design, instructional staff, housing, fuel and more. Tuition and fees paid by members of Carolina Crown only account for a fraction of the costs associated with operating the summer tour. Tuition for 2027 is TBD.