Since the announcement last fall of Drum Corps International’s intention to return to the field in the summer of 2021, nonstop planning has led to growing excitement for the safe return of DCI performing ensembles to stadium fields across the country. Although this season will look a little different than usual, it is with cautious optimism and great enthusiasm that we take the wraps off of plans for a summer-long celebration of the marching arts.
“The hope and resolve of the “March On!” campaign leads us back to the performing fields this summer,” said Chris Holland, DCI Board of Directors Chair and Executive Director of the Boston Crusaders. “The culmination and celebration in Indianapolis this August will be emotional and meaningful for all of our participants and fans, and there is no better way to launch the 50th anniversary 2022 season.“
Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium will play host to three days of high-energy performances Thursday, August 12 through Saturday, August 14, with more than 20 corps representing DCI’s World Class and Open Class divisions. These three days of non-competitive “Celebration Events,” which will also be live-streamed on FloMarching, will feature specially-produced, in-stadium video content and special ensemble performances along with a variety of creative adaptations of conventional drum corps field productions.
“There’s no doubt that there’s been an unprecedented amount of additional effort put forth to ensure that several thousand amazing young performers have the experience of a lifetime this summer,” said Dan Acheson, DCI CEO. “We didn’t think twice about taking on this daunting task because we know that it’s essential that we provide a world class performance stage for these remarkable young adults.”
“This season is about our performers and our communities,” added Stuart Pompel, DCI Membership Chair and CEO of the Diamond Bar, California-based Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization. “I believe we owe it to every one of our exceptional performers to create a safe and appropriate environment for them to shine.”
With widely-varying local and regional regulations resulting in far less time to convene a training camp, produce and thoroughly refine a typical DCI-caliber program, corps directors along with their design and instructional staff members opted to drop the competitive aspect of the 2021 events, and relax the minimum performance time requirements as well. This shift is intended to encourage the freedom for ensembles to custom-tailor their performance repertoire to their unique circumstances and constraints.
“Based on the feedback we’re receiving from the creative, design and instructional community representatives serving on a number of different committees, there is great excitement for rising to the unique challenges posed this season, said Acheson. “Great teachers and great performers will undoubtedly combine to create a season of ‘ultimate performances’ whether there is adjudication or not. We’re expecting some incredibly creative, fun, enjoyable and entertaining programs to hit the field this summer despite the unconventional environment in which we find ourselves. We feel that it is hugely important for DCI to provide the opportunity for these performers to come together safely, to share their passion and to overcome the inherent challenges.”
Each day of the Celebration Events in Indianapolis will each be unique productions unto themselves, with the focus moving from celebrating the drum corps activity’s colorful past on Thursday, to celebrating the present class of remarkable performers on Friday, giving way to a “look ahead” on Saturday. Pre-produced video content will augment the live performances to help bring the themes to life during each of the three days, on stadium screens and via streaming video online.
Currently Scheduled to Appear* – Indianapolis Celebration Events
The Academy • Tempe, Arizona
Bluecoats • Canton, Ohio
Boston Crusaders • Boston, Massachusetts
Blue Knights • Denver, Colorado
Blue Stars • La Crosse, Wisconsin
Cadets • Allentown, Pennsylvania
Cavaliers • Rosemont, Illinois
Colts • Dubuque, Iowa
Colt Cadets • Dubuque, Iowa
Crossmen • San Antonio, Texas
Genesis • Austin, Texas
Gold • San Diego, California
Heat Wave • Tampa Bay, Florida
Madison Scouts • Madison, Wisconsin
Mandarins • Sacramento, California
Music City • Nashville, Tennessee
Pacific Crest • Diamond Bar, California
Phantom Regiment • Rockford, Illinois
River City Rhythm • Anoka, Minnesota
Spirit of Atlanta • Atlanta, Georgia
Troopers • Casper, Wyoming
*Subject to change
Schedule of 2021 events leading into Indianapolis
Here’s how Marching Music’s Major League™ will return to marching music’s greatest stage this summer