A number of proposed changes to Drum Corps International's rulebook will be up for discussion January 10-11 during the annual DCI winter business meetings.
The DCI Rules Congress is a biennial process that is directed primarily by the participating drum corps. During scheduled sessions this week in Indianapolis, drum corps instructors and designers will meet by caption in individual caucus sessions to discuss the proposals that have been vetted by DCI's Artistry and Competition Steering Committee (ACSC).
READ: How a DCI rule is born – DCI Magazine Fall, 2024
Instructors from World Class member corps and the previous season's Open Class finalists will be polled to determine whether or not the proposal should be passed along to the full membership to debate, discuss and eventually vote on in the final round of the rules change process.
As part of the Rules Congress, the ACSC, which is made up of corps-affiliated representatives from the instructional community and members of the judge leadership team, may also bring up any relevant procedural and administrative changes which may also be discussed and considered in both individual instructor caucus sessions and by representatives of DCI's member organizations.
Rules
The following proposals are competition-oriented and will follow DCI’s established rule-making process:
Solo Instrument Addition
Proposed by: Michael Gough, Mary Duerkop, Mike Ottoes, Tim Snyder (Troopers)
Summary: This proposal would allow each corps to feature one designated solo instrument — acoustic, woodwind, electronic or otherwise throughout the season. This instrument could be amplified and enhanced with effects, creating new possibilities for musical expression and innovation on the field.
In their words: “By permitting unrestricted mic’ing and amplification of a single solo instrument, this rule enables a higher standard of sound quality and artistic expression, avoiding the limitations imposed by current amplification methods.”
Addition of Percussion 2
Proposed by: Paul Renneck (Santa Clara Vanguard) & Percussion Instructor Caucus
Summary: A proposal to reinstate a second percussion judge could allow for more comprehensive evaluations of percussion performance, including the front ensemble and the entire percussion section. This change would ensure the intricacy and cohesiveness of percussion arrangements receive the recognition they deserve.
In their words: “With 100% of the percussion caucus in agreement, it is clear the Percussion 1 judge is essential, but the addition of another judge is needed to account for the front ensemble and all non-battery performers, which can be considered a completely different category of instruments in the percussion family.”
Increase Overall Size of Pit Area
Proposed by: Aaron Beck (Bluecoats)
Summary: To accommodate evolving show designs, a proposal has been submitted to expand the size of the pit area, stretching it from the 30-yard line to the opposite 30-yard line. This change would give corps more room to showcase their front ensemble setups and creative staging, provided venues can support the adjustment.
In their words: “Allows for better spacing of the front ensemble with use of arcs and more creative setups rather than just two lines.”
All Field Performance 15 foot marker
Proposed by: Chris Holland (Boston Crusaders)
Summary: In an effort to prioritize safety for performers and judges, this proposal would limit field judges to areas outside the 15-foot boundary line near the front sideline. This builds on existing guidelines, ensuring that judges can assess performances effectively without impeding choreography or props.
In their words: “The benefit is that performers can fully immerse themselves in their craft, visually and musically, without interference from on-field judges. Performers visually no longer have to account for the unknown. Performer safety is enhanced. All non performer human variables are now off the performance field."
General Effect Adjudication Change
Proposed by: Michael Gough, Mary Duerkop, Mike Ottoes, Tim Snyder (Troopers)
Summary: This proposal seeks to separate the General Effect caption into two distinct categories — General Effect Visual and General Effect Music — rather than the all-encompassing “overall effect” approach currently applied to the caption.
In their words: “Separating GE into visual and music categories allows for more equitable assessment, acknowledging that excellence in one area should not overshadow achievements in another.”
Update Percussion Instrumentation
Proposed by: Eric Kosman (Mandarins)
Summary: Simply put, this proposal would update wording of a current rule to clarify allowed percussion instruments.
In their words: "The rules regarding percussion instrumentation are outdated compared to what corps have used for decades and currently only 'allow all acoustic percussion membrane and keyboard instruments' This technically means that non-mallet keyboard idiophones (cymbals, wood blocks, etc.) are currently not legal."
Policies & Procedures
The following proposals focus on policies and procedures. Although the ACSC has provided recommendations for each and these may be reviewed during the instructors’ caucus process, proposals may be sent directly to DCI’s voting membership:
Wired Network Connection to Audio Mix Area / LOS Audio Power
Proposed by: Aaron Beck (Bluecoats)
Summary: Two proposals focus on enhancing the audio infrastructure at events. One would require a hardwired network connection between the field and the audio mix area to improve reliability, while another calls for a dedicated audio power system. Both measures aim to elevate the production quality for performers and fans alike.
Member Contracts
Proposed by: Tyler Hess & Brian Ellis (The Battalion)
Summary: A proposal has been made for corps to update membership agreements, preventing performers from switching corps mid-season after signing a contract. This update aims to foster corps stability and reduce disruptions for participating organizations.
Total Number of Allowed Participants
Proposed by: Tyler Hess & Brian Ellis (The Battalion)
Summary: This proposal aims to refine the rules around corps membership to better define how off-field participants (alternates) factor into the corps’ allowed maximum number of performers.
Show Information
Proposed by: Paul Rennick (Santa Clara Vanguard)
Summary: A process already in place, this proposal aims to better formalize how corps submit information about their shows to the judging community at the start of the season, providing a clear and consistent presentation of each production’s theme, design and musical elements.