The Blue Devils kicked off the 2025 Drum Corps International Summer Tour in Fort Collins, Colorado on June 28 with the debut of their newest program, “Variations on a Gathering.” From staging to sound, here are a few standout moments that caught our eyes and ears.
1. Converging
“Variations on a Gathering” is just how it sounds — an examination of the different ways in which many parts become a whole. Blue Devils explore this motif with artistic interpretations throughout the show, whether it be through the dispersed drill movements and choreography on the field or by musical themes.
In the corps’ program description, it noted how, “Each gathering, from the boisterous to the contemplative, tells a story, weaving connections among those present, and leaving behind echoes of shared moments.”
2. Invested in “Interstellar”
It’s no secret that German film-scorer Hans Zimmer is one of the most widely known and featured names in the music world. Some of the 10-time Oscar nominated composer’s most prominent work is featured in renowned movies such as “Inception,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” and “Gladiator.” Zimmer also won the award for Best Original Score in 1995 for his work on Disney’s “The Lion King,” as well as in 2022 for his music in “Dune.”
In 2025, the Blue Devils will feature Zimmer’s “Detach” from the widely acclaimed film “Interstellar.” It’s not the first time the corps has drawn from that score. In 2017, they performed “Stay” as part of their production “Metamorph,” which went on to win the DCI World Championship.
“Variations on a Gathering” also includes Zimmer’s “True Love,” which is featured in the 2023 Gareth Edwards-directed movie “The Creator.”
3. A mix of known and new
Alongside selections from Hans Zimmer, the Blue Devils are reaching across genres in their 2025 repertoire, pulling in Alanis Morissette’s moody “Uninvited” and the iconic Led Zeppelin epic, “Kashmir.”
While Zeppelin looms large in the pantheon of classic rock, their music is a relative rarity on the drum corps stage, especially compared to classical and cinematic composers. Interestingly, though, the Madison Scouts opened their 2007 production with both of these exact songs: Morissette’s “Uninvited” followed by “Kashmir.” It’s a deep-cut coincidence and a fun nod for fans who know their drum corps history.
The Devils will also turn to works from longtime music director Dave Glyde. These original pieces, aptly named “Atoms and Molecules,” “Quantum Energy Entanglement,” “Fuse,” and “Terraforming,” contribute to the program’s theme of many separate parts coming together to make a whole.
It will be interesting to see how well Glyde’s original music will blend with the iconic music it is with. Then again, bringing ideas together is quite literally the name of the game for the 2025 Blue Devils.
4. Drum & bugle corps with a side of soprano sax
“Variations on a Gathering” starts off with an intriguing sight to drum corps fans — a soprano saxophone feature. Accompanied by two trumpets, the soloist helps put the performance into motion.
After a rule change over the winter, the 2025 DCI Tour will be the first time corps will be allowed to use one “featured instrument” in their performances, which includes woodwinds. This instrument can be mic’d and amplified in order to push artistic boundaries in new ways.
It’s not surprising to see the Blue Devils take advantage of this new rule. Historically, the corps has always been at the forefront of instrumentation changes, as one of the first groups to switch from G-keyed bugles to B-flat brass instruments in 2000 and among the first to electronically amplify their front ensemble percussion instruments in 2004.
5. Setting the stage, Blue Devils style
One of the first things you’ll notice in this year’s production is a sweeping arc of 20 white set pieces stretching from 20-yard line to 20-yard line. With tall backs and a stark-white finish, these mobile props harken back to the Blue Devils’ all-white motifs in past shows like 2014’s record-breaking “Felliniesque.”
True to form, the corps uses them dynamically throughout the program, shifting their positions to frame different sections, highlight soloists and guide your eye across the field. And, in classic fashion, keep a lookout near the end as the performers circle the props for a full color guard flag moment that’s pure signature Blue Devils.
Look for the Blue Devils at upcoming events in Oxnard, California on July 3 and at the corps’ annual “home show” in Stanford on July 6.
