Two DCI corps members were recently awarded $1,000 scholarships from the international nonprofit organization, Dutch in DCI. Established by former drum corps members in 2006, Dutch in DCI seeks to provide opportunities for Dutch students to participate with Drum Corps International groups. With financial assistance, the organization helps to offset costs for the overseas performers who often fly back and forth to attend monthly rehearsal camps during the non-touring season.

With all recipients in the U.S. preparing for the '09 DCI Tour, Frank Wienen (right)
recently received the Dutch in DCI scholarship award on behalf of Anniek Boersma and
Rene van Doorn (center) on behalf of his brother Erik.
Scholarship applications were reviewed and selected by Dutch in DCI members based on essay compositions. 2009 recipients include Erik van Doorn, who will march this summer as a baritone horn player with the Carolina Crown and Anniek Boersma, a color guard performer with the Bluecoats. Santa Clara Vanguard baritone player Jort Wierema took third place in the selection process. He is still eligible to receive a final $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded by the Dutch in DCI governing board on June 27. "Marching as a member of a DCI corps has been a great experience for all of us and has had an enormous positive impact on our lives," said Dutch in DCI co-founder Marc Haarman, who is a former member of the Troopers and Star of Indiana. "Now we feel it's our turn to support today's young musicians and dancers to be able to have their own unique DCI experience. We hope that they in turn will use their experience to help improve drum corps in Europe when they return home." Dutch in DCI has given out nearly $7,000 in scholarships to corps members since its founding in 2006. Learn more at DutchInDCI.com