May is a month of intense preparation for drum corps from coast to coast. It’s the time of convergence for show designs and fundamental training. It’s the time when creativity and artistry bring concepts to life in incredible marching arts productions.
During spring training camps, the corps spend blocks of time every day in physical training, marching fundamentals, instrumental and color guard sectionals, and ensemble rehearsals.
Throughout the days and weeks of preparation, the educational teaching staff at each corps will break down their shows element by element, count by count, until it all comes together. Every day will also improve individual efficiency and prepare corps members for the many facets of personal contribution to overall group presentations.
More than 5,500 performers will astonish audiences nationwide with unbelievable performances this year. Adding the corps staff members and volunteers traveling with each corps as well as participants in SoundSport and DrumLine Battle activities, a total of close to 10,000 tour participants will travel the country from June to August for the 47th Annual Drum Corps International (DCI) Tour.
2019 also brings a renewed focus on safety, health, and wellness initiatives. To that end, the tour will incorporate intervals of time for each corps to adjust their schedules to provide for more balance of rest, rehearsal, performance, and travel. DCI CEO Dan Acheson explained, “The personal well-being of performers, staff, drivers and volunteers is paramount, and we’re excited to present a tour schedule that provides more breaks from competition for the corps.”
Live from Detroit
Kicking off tour for the second time from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, the DCI Tour Premiere on June 20 has an impressive lineup of 2018 World Championship finalists to debut their 2019 shows – Bluecoats, Blue Stars, Boston Crusaders, Cadets, Carolina Crown, and Phantom Regiment. As in years past, this first competition of the year will broadcast live to hundreds of movie theaters across the country.
You can be a part of the action. Check the availability of the event in your city and get your tickets early via FathomEvents.com.
On June 22, DCI West at Stanford Stadium will feature the top-two finishers from last season – Santa Clara Vanguard and The Blue Devils – as they take the field for their first competitive performances of 2019. The Cavaliers will also be on hand for the corps’ first appearance in the Pacific region in more than 20 years.
On the same night, Innovations in Brass in North Canton, Ohio will join DCI West as the first events the 2019 tour to stream live on Flo-Marching.com. An impressive list of shows with live coverage this year will give fans all everywhere the opportunity to follow the action live online. Find out more at DCI.org and FloMarching.com/events.
So Much in Store
Following the season openers, more than 70 drum corps, Sound-Sport teams, and DrumLine Battle ensembles throughout the country will begin their journeys to the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, competing in 110 events. In many cases, these travels will cover as many as 10,000 miles throughout the summer season.
Thrilling competition will light up spectacular venues like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on June 29, Camping World Stadium in Orlando on July 6, Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver on July 13, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis also on July 13, the Alamodome in San Antonio on July 20, Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro on July 26, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 27, J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown August 2-3, and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis August 8-10. The 2019 DCI Summer Tour will visit cities in 36 states.
Be a Part of It All
You’ll want to experience the creative and innovative productions the corps are putting together this month. For all the latest information on the summer schedule and other ways you can be a part of the 2019 DCI Tour, go to www.dci.org/events. Don’t miss a beat!
