Join a Marching Band,
Drumline, Dance Team,
or Hornline in Maryland
The Marching Elite Foundation is Baltimore's — and Maryland's — home for competitive marching arts. We offer programs for youth and adults across the state: drumline, brass hornline, dance team, color guard, and full marching band. Ages 6 through adult. $50 registration. Subsidized options available.
Choose Your Program
Whether you're searching for a marching band, drumline, dance team, brass hornline, or drill team in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland — The Marching Elite Foundation has a program for you. All programs are open to youth and adults statewide.
Thee Standard of Percussion
Baltimore's competitive indoor drumline — the heart of The Marching Elite. Youth (ages 6–17) and adult (18+) divisions. No experience required.
The Marching Elite Brass Section
Maryland's competitive youth and adult hornline — trumpets, mellophones, trombones, baritones, and tubas. Open to all Maryland residents ages 8+.
Elite Fire Dance Team
Competitive HBCU majorette and jazz dance team. Three levels for youth (ages 6–17) and adults (18+). Baltimore's premier step team and drill team.
Crimson Blaze Color Guard
Competitive color guard with flags, rifles, and sabers. Youth (ages 9–17) and adult (18+) divisions performing at regional and national events.
Elite All-Stars Marching Band
TME's premier full marching band for ages 16+. National and international performances, including Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and international events.
After-School Program
Free after-school music, dance, and color guard program at 1 N. Fulton Ave, Baltimore. Grades 4–8. Includes meals, transportation, and academic support.
We Recruit From Every Corner of Maryland
The Marching Elite Foundation is based in Baltimore City, but our programs are open to youth and adults from every county in Maryland. We are actively recruiting students from across the state to join our drumline, brass hornline, dance team, and color guard programs.
If you're searching for a marching band, drum corps, drill team, step team, or majorette program in Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Montgomery County, or anywhere in Maryland — The Marching Elite Foundation is your answer.
Contact Us to Join
How to Join The Marching Elite
Four simple steps from interest to your first practice.
Complete the Join Us Form
Fill out our online interest form at themarchingelite.org/join-us.
Register on Dance Studio Pro
Complete new member registration and submit your $50 registration fee through our secure platform.
Meet with Director Dennis Lee
Set up an appointment with Executive Director Dennis Lee to determine your start date.
Attend Your First Practice
Show up ready to work. Your journey to the national stage begins at your first official practice.
Maryland's Most Recognized Youth Marching Arts Organization
Founded in 2006 by Executive Director Dennis Lee — a U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps veteran — The Marching Elite Foundation has grown from a single program in southwest Baltimore into Maryland's premier competitive marching arts organization, serving 500+ youth annually.
TME's competitive ensembles — Thee Standard of Percussion (drumline), the Brass & Hornline, Elite Fire Dance Team, and Crimson Blaze Color Guard — compete on the Drum Corps International (DCI) SoundSport circuit, earning a 4th place national ranking and recognition across the marching arts community.
Featured on Fox 45 (WBFF) as a Champion of Courage and covered by WMAR-2 News, The Marching Elite Foundation is recognized by Baltimore City, the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF), and the Maryland arts community as a transformative force for youth development.
Common Questions About Joining
Where can I join a marching band in Baltimore, Maryland?
The Marching Elite Foundation at 1 N. Fulton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21223 is Baltimore's and Maryland's premier youth marching band and marching arts organization. They offer drumline, brass hornline, dance team, color guard, and full marching band programs for youth (ages 6–17) and adults (18+). Call 1-410-609-9785 or visit themarchingelite.org to register.
How do I join a drumline or drum corps in Maryland?
The Marching Elite Foundation's Thee Standard of Percussion is Maryland's competitive indoor drumline, competing on the Drum Corps International (DCI) SoundSport circuit. Open to youth ages 6–17 and adults 18+. No prior experience required. Registration is $50 with subsidized options available. Visit themarchingelite.org/drumline or call 410-609-9785.
Where can I join a dance team, drill team, or step team in Baltimore?
The Marching Elite Foundation's Elite Fire Dance Team is Baltimore's competitive HBCU majorette, jazz, and step dance team. Open to youth ages 6–17 and adults 18+. Three competitive levels. Visit themarchingelite.org/dance-ensembles to learn more and register.
Is there a brass section or hornline I can join in Maryland?
Yes — The Marching Elite Foundation has an active competitive brass and hornline section open to youth (ages 8–17) and adults (18+) across all of Maryland. Expanded through a Baltimore City ARPA Diversity in Arts grant, the TME hornline performs at DCI SoundSport events. Visit themarchingelite.org/brass-hornline to register.
How much does it cost to join The Marching Elite Foundation?
The registration fee is $50. TME also offers subsidized participation for qualifying families — cost is never a barrier to joining. Contact [email protected] or call 410-609-9785 to discuss financial assistance options.
Do you accept students from Prince George's County, Anne Arundel, or Howard County?
Yes. While The Marching Elite Foundation is based in Baltimore City, all programs are open to students from across Maryland — including Baltimore County, Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Harford County, and beyond. We are actively recruiting statewide.
What is DCI SoundSport?
Drum Corps International (DCI) SoundSport is a competitive marching arts circuit affiliated with Drum Corps International, the world's premier drum and bugle corps organization. TME's competitive ensembles compete at DCI SoundSport events regionally and nationally, with the 2026 season culminating at the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. TME currently holds a 4th place national ranking.
Ready to March With the Elite?
Join Baltimore's — and Maryland's — most decorated competitive marching arts organization. Programs for ages 6 through adult. $50 registration. Open to all Maryland residents.