In response to the most recent developments with the coronavirus (COVID-19), Drum Corps International convened a special meeting of its voting membership on Tuesday, March 17 via teleconference to discuss the current impact on the DCI community. Representatives from member organizations shared mitigation strategies and discussed planning options for the 2020 DCI Summer Tour.
To date, all DCI corps have canceled their in-person weekend rehearsal camps for the balance of March and are in the process of canceling for the month of April as well, adhering to current guidance regarding non-essential travel and avoiding social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the White House. Corps will continue to respond accordingly as the situation unfolds over the next few weeks.
Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Indianapolis-based DCI professional staff has shifted its focus from standard pre-season preparation to business continuity and contingency planning. With hope for a safe and vastly improved environment in the coming weeks, current efforts include developing a revised and compressed schedule for the 2020 DCI Summer Tour.
The entire DCI community is unified in its commitment to protect performers, staff, and volunteers, along with housing site hosts and all who are associated with the tour’s nationwide operational structure. This commitment remains the top priority.
DCI will continue to release information as more details become available.