Three drum corps organizations have been accepted to start the evaluation process for future Open Class consideration.
All three of the ensembles who will start their evaluation heading into 2025 — Arsenal (El Paso, TX), Eclipse (Indianapolis, IN), and Gems (Boise, ID) — are seeking to join DCI’s Open Class division in the future. Each of these organizations have been regular participants in DCI’s SoundSport program over several years, performing at a select number of DCI Tour events in their home regions.
Drum Corps International’s evaluation process — which has been further developed and refined since 2020’s COVID shutdown — is a progressive three-year plan, with year one establishing a collaborative relationship between the corps and DCI that will ensure a strong start and continuing success and sustainability.
“’Slow and steady’ continues to be our underlying theme as we work hand-in-hand with these groups to ensure that they are establishing themselves with a firm foundation and operating within their means for continued growth,” DCI Open Class coordinator David Eddleman said. “Having seen these three SoundSport teams perform over several years, it’s exciting to see them take this step. As they now join a number of other ensembles who are working to advance to the second year of the evaluation process, it’s a key indicator of growth for DCI ensembles.”
Once groups begin their evaluation period, highlights of the performance and competitive portion of the plan include:
Year 1:
Ensembles perform as part of DCI’s SoundSport Class with the respective distinction of “All-Age Class Candidate” or “Open Class Candidate.” Productions are evaluated/judged under DCI SoundSport guidelines.
Year 2:
Assuming the successful completion of year-one requirements, candidates advance to “All-Age Class Affiliate” or “Open Class Affiliate.” Performance duration guidelines are based on the minimum/maximum of the class pursuant to the DCI rulebook. Adjudication is under the All-Age/Open Class system in effect.
Year 3:
Assuming the successful completion of year-two requirements, affiliates advance to become full members of the All-Age Class or Open Class. Length of productions are based on the respective minimums/maximums of the individual classes pursuant to the DCI competitive rulebook. Adjudication of performances occurs within the current All-Age/Open Class system.
Other considerations:
In addition to the outlined performance procedures, ensembles working through the evaluation process also undergo an extensive organizational review led by DCI officials. This process includes IRS status compliance verification, a board of directors roster review, examinations of financial statements and overall fiscal health, and a review of instructional and performer rosters. The review also considers adherence to health and wellness standards, other administrative policies put in place to ensure a solid operational foundation, well-established business practices and an unquestionable focus on participant safety.
Meet the three new evaluating corps
ARSENAL — El Paso, TX
ECLIPSE — Indianapolis, IN
GEMS — Boise, ID
Additional corps marching through the system
Three additional corps including the Minnesota Brass, Northern Lights and Steel City Ambassadors are currently in the process of seeking All-Age Class distinction, while two additional corps, Zephyrus and Memphis Blues, are seeking Open Class status.
These groups spent the 2024 DCI Tour in “year one” of the three-step evaluation process, and will look to enter “year two” as part of the 2025 Drum Corps International Tour.
Eddleman says that these groups’ statuses moving forward into 2025 will be determined pending an evaluation during the latter part of the winter or early spring.
2025 DCI Tour schedules for the Open Class “candidate” corps, as well as those working to advance to “affiliate” status, are expected to be released in the coming weeks once finalized.
