Keeping dues reasonable for marching members is a high priority for the administrative team and the Board of Directors. MBI has some of the lowest dues in our activity.  Marching in the corps during the summer is also less expensive than many winter drumlines and color guards in Minnesota. Your dues cover a number of expenses including:

• Professional instruction
• Rehearsal facilities
• Meals provided at most camps, several trips  (including rehearsals during east coast trips)
• Your uniform (hat, jacket, pants, plume, gloves)
• New flags and guard uniforms every year
• Show sticks/mallets
• Transportation to several out of town weekends
• Hotel accommodations at DCA Championships

Dues actually only cover about a third of the expenses the corps incurs each summer.

In addition to your dues, there are other expenses you may want to plan for as the summer approaches. These include:

• Corps jackets
• Shoes (matching black shoes for Horns and Drums, and dance shoes for Guard)
• Additional gloves
• Most meals on trips
• Caps (for tuba players)
• Gas to rehearsals and local performances
• Optional housing (if you prefer less than 4 to a room or staying in a hotel for gym-stay trips)
• Optional travel expenses (if you prefer to fly or drive on your own rather than take the bus)

We strive to make sure that finances are never a barrier to participation in the corps. Dues are usually paid on installments throughout the winter. Some fundraisers, including working at local stadiums such as Target Field or TCF Stadium provide an alternative route for members to pay off their dues. We also have additional fundraising resources to help members meet their financial commitment.