FAQ

We hold 3-day weekend BKXperience-audition camps in November and December in Denver, and several 1-day BKXperience-audition camps at locations outside of Colorado! We select our membership based on each individual’s talent, attitude, attendance, and ability to meet financial obligations. Our staff evaluates potential members individually, as well as in group rehearsal settings, and all returning members are required to re-audition alongside new auditionees so that equal consideration can be given to all candidates.

Once you’re registered to audition, you will be given access to the audition materials for your section – our packet with the educational breakdown of our technique, and the materials you’ll need to learn! Before attending your first camp, you’ll want to take the time to go through all materials and make sure you understand the technique and can perform the required audition material.

After reading through the materials, the breakdown of how camps work for each section are listed below:

Brass, Percussion, Color Guard

For brass, percussion, and color guard auditionees, all listed auditions are part of a two-step process. The November and December BKXperience clinics and camps are designed to both introduce you to and allow you to audition for the drum corps. It is highly recommended (though not mandatory) that prospective members attend more than one of the camps offered in November and December to increase your exposure to our instructors and materials. Several membership contracts will be awarded at our Denver December camp, and auditions for remaining spots will continue into January. Members who are accepted into the corps should plan on attending the training camps in January and April. There is an additional training camp in February for brass.

Drum Major

Anyone looking to audition for a position as a Blue Knights drum major or who just wants to gain experience by going through the process should plan on attending both the Denver November and December Camps and must attend the Denver November camp. The BKXperience 3-Day Camp in Denver in November is open to anyone interested, and is the first round of the selection process. Participants at the November camp will work closely with previous Blue Knights drum majors, learn and practice our conducting technique, share leadership experiences, and get several hours of instruction and discussion with our staff. All drum major participants will receive feedback. Those interested in auditioning will also go through an interview with our staff at the November camp. A number of exceptional candidates will be invited back to the December 3-Day Camp in Denver for the final round of selections.

In order to become a Blue Knight, you will need to go through our audition process by attending our BKXperience camps. In addition to our 3-day BKXperience camps in Denver, 1-day BKXperience camps are located in areas of the country outside of Colorado to make it easier and more accessible for you to audition! During a BKXperience clinic, you will meet and learn from our world-class instructional staff and receive feedback on your showcased performance abilities. You will find out whether our staff believes you are a good candidate to continue to audition as a call back in December and/or January, in Denver. Auditionees who are chosen for a membership position will be required to attend subsequent winter training camps in Denver, Colorado which occur once a month in December, January, and April.

Simply put, we select our membership based on each individual’s talent, attitude, attendance, and ability to meet financial obligations. You can maximize your chances of making the Blue Knights by attending our audition camps and by being able to demonstrate your performance capabilities, a desire to learn, and that you can fulfill our membership criteria. (TIP: Purchase audition materials early and start practicing!)

Each year, many potential members who could have made the corps cut themselves after just one camp, or even before their first camp. Auditioning for a drum corps can be intimidating, and we know that. We take a lot of pride in and have put a lot of work into our inviting, friendly, and supportive environment. If you want to become a member of the Blue Knights, know that we truly look forward to meeting you and helping you find a plan to make that happen.

Yes, we are happy to offer an opportunity to audition for the Blue Knights virtually! Although attending one of our audition events in person certainly provides you with the best experience in meeting and learning from our staff and experiencing the atmosphere of the Blue Knights, we are happy to accept virtual auditions. 

Virtual audition deadlines are 12/31/26.

Yes! Anyone looking to audition for a position as a Blue Knights drum major or who just wants to gain experience by going through the process should plan on attending both the Denver November and December Camps. The BKXperience 3-Day Camp in Denver in November is open to anyone interested, and is the first round of the selection process. Those auditioning for drum major must attend the November camp in Denver. Participants at the November camp will work closely with current Blue Knights drum majors, learn and practice our conducting technique, share leadership experiences, and get several hours of instruction and discussion with our staff. All drum major participants will receive feedback. Those interested in auditioning will also go through an interview with our staff at the November camp. A number of exceptional candidates will be invited back to the December 3-Day Camp in Denver for the final round of selections.

Questions? Email us at info@ascendperformingarts.org!

Due to the age limit in place across all open and world class DCI corps, in order to be a member of the Blue Knights you must be no older than 21 years old. If you are currently 21, you may become a member so long as your 22nd birthday is on or after June 1st of 2027.

While most people who march for the Blue Knights are not younger than 16 years old, we recommend anyone interested come to the BKXperience camps to learn more about what is expected. It is also a chance to see how the Blue Knights operate, as well as a chance for our staff to get to know you!

All positions of brass, percussion, color guard, and drum major are open. All returning members are required to re-audition alongside new auditionees, so we can give equal consideration to all candidates.

The cost of participating in a world class drum and bugle corps is an expensive endeavor, and the Blue Knights strive to keep our costs as low as possible. The cost of tuition for 2027 is TBD. 

Participant tuition covers the cost of participation in the drum corps, including spring training housing and meals, airport shuttle transportation, national tour transportation and meals, instruction, equipment, uniforms, member wear, shoes, logistics, and administrative support. On average, your tuition only covers around 50% of the total cost of each season. We cover the rest of the cost of the season with grants, fundraising, and donations.

If you have questions about fees, please feel free to contact our office: info@ascendperformingarts.org

Being able to meet the commitment of paying tuition is one factor in becoming a Blue Knight. Have a plan in place during auditions for when you are offered a contract!

Yes, there are a variety of ways to reduce your tuition. Limited financial assistance in the form of scholarships are available every year from Ascend Performing Arts, and are based upon need. There are numerous other scholarships available from DCI and other organizations as well. Each year APA provides scholarships, and assistance typically starts at $500, and sometimes more.

There will be additional information and policies available in the participant contract, including information on how you can acquire your own sponsorships. These details will be provided once you are offered a contract to perform with the Blue Knights.