Gems Approved for DCI Affiliate Status for 2026

This step forward represents years of intentional growth, planning, and commitment from across the Boise Gems organization. Just a few short years ago, there was no drum corps presence in Idaho. Now, Boise Gems is continuing to build something meaningful for performers in our state and throughout the region: a sustainable, competitive, and student-centered organization designed to create real opportunities in the marching arts.

For Gems, affiliate status is about more than classification. It reflects the steady work that has taken place behind the scenes to strengthen the organization from the inside out. Our board, executive leadership, instructional team, volunteers, and supporters have all played an important role in helping Gems grow in structure, stability, and long-term readiness.

Building Toward This Moment

Throughout the evaluation process, Boise Gems has benefited from valuable mentorship and guidance from leaders within Drum Corps International and from experienced directors across the activity. That insight has been instrumental in helping the organization continue to strengthen areas such as long-term planning, staffing, governance, infrastructure, and member support.

One of the biggest areas of growth has been what has happened behind the scenes. As Gems has continued to develop, the organization has expanded its leadership capacity, built stronger systems, and invested in the kind of structure needed to support both present success and future sustainability. Those efforts may not always be the most visible part of the activity, but they are some of the most important.

A Stronger Future for Members

As Boise Gems enters this next chapter, our focus remains the same: continuing to build a high-quality member experience, raising the standard of excellence, and creating an environment where students can grow as performers, leaders, and people. Every step forward organizationally is meant to support that mission.

There is real momentum building throughout Gems. From growth in membership and staff depth to increased excitement across the wider community, this milestone reflects the direction the organization is headed. We are incredibly proud of how far we have come, and even more energized by what is still ahead.

Grateful for the Support

This achievement would not be possible without the commitment of our members, staff, volunteers, board, families, donors, and supporters. Boise Gems has been built by people who believe that Idaho deserves meaningful opportunities in the marching arts, and this moment belongs to all of them.

As we move into the 2026 season with DCI affiliate status, we do so with gratitude, humility, and excitement. This is not the end of the journey — it is another important step forward, and we are eager to continue building an organization that serves students well and represents our community with pride.

Join Gems This May

With DCI affiliate status now approved for 2026, there has never been a better time to become part of Boise Gems. We are continuing to build something special here in Idaho, and we are looking for performers who want to be challenged, grow, and help shape the future of this organization.

Whether you are a returning performer, an experienced marcher, or someone ready to take your first step into drum corps, our upcoming camps are the perfect place to get connected. If you are interested in percussion, color guard, or one of our final open brass spots, we want to see you there.

Join Idaho's first and only Open Class drum corps and be part of one of the most exciting seasons in Gems history.

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Also Coming Up: Watch BGI on FloMarching

Boise Gems Independent will perform at the 2026 WGI Percussion/Winds World Championships on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 8:12 p.m. ET in Percussion Independent A - Round 2.

View the FloMarching schedule

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Boise Gems and Boise Gems Independent. We are excited for what is ahead.