How can I be a huge marching band enthusiast and NOT talk about the wonders of D.C.I.- which stands for Drum Corps International. Some might even see it as: Marching Music’s Major League. DCI is another beast on its own.
Now here’s some background info:
For nearly a half century, DCI , has been the leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers.
Thirteen original founding member organizations formed the Drum Corps International collective in 1971 to organize and unify leadership for youth-focused competitive drum corps events throughout North America. Directors of those competing groups strove to unite their corps by providing opportunities to perform together—building a foundation for any future success.
A non-profit entity was officially established in 1972, and today DCI supports numerous programs around the globe.
With a vast reach online- through corporate sponsorship, annual broadcast initiatives, and outreach to high school music programs- DCI delivers the message of “excellence in performance and in life” to more than 7.2 million young people, ages 13-22 involved in the performing arts across the United States.
The mission of Drum Corps International is to bring the life-enriching benefits and enjoyment of marching music performing arts to more people worldwide. They do this by creating a stage for participating organizations to engage in education, competition, entertainment, and the promotion of individual growth.
A modern drum corps is a musical marching ensemble consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, synthesizers, color guard, and choreographic movements. Typically operating as independent non-profit organizations, drum corps perform in competitions, parades, festivals, and other civic functions.
Some of the more popular ones include:
Blue Devils
Bluecoats
Carolina Crown
The Cadets
The Cavaliers
Santa Clara Vanguard
Madison Scouts
Phantom Regiment
Anaheim Kingsmen
Star of Indiana
And the list goes on. This is merely a section of the hundreds of Drum Corps that have become world champions.
Now, here comes a wave of difficult questions to answer: What was the most legendary drum corps show ever to grace the plain-ol’ football field?
Trying to determine the most legendary shows in drum corps is no small task. They are all so unique. So I’ll leave it up to you to maybe one day look up shows from the previously mentioned Drum Corps. It’s most certainly worth a try. I guarantee it will be worth it.
But keep these questions in mind as you decide on your favorite show(s): Did you jumped out of your seat as you observed the most amazing drill move? Which performance held you captive as you listened to the most beautiful musical arrangement? Was there a show where you witnessed something that changed the activity in a way that still had you talking about it years later?
Have fun! Let the music take you somewhere new- somewhere unreal.
Look how snazzy and sharp they look.
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