Just a few weeks after Boise Gems’ approval to join Drum Corps International’s Open Class ranks, the division’s continued growth is coming into even sharper focus.
Two additional organizations — Eclipse (Indianapolis, Indiana) and Arsenal (El Paso, Texas) — have officially been voted into Open Class affiliate status for the 2026 season. Their inclusion not only expands the growing Open Class competitive field, but further underscores the momentum behind DCI’s developmental pipeline and the long-term sustainability of the activity.
“We are proud and honored to add these new corps to DCI’s Open Class,” said DCI Open Class coordinator David Eddleman. “The addition of Gems and now Arsenal and Eclipse brings the number to 18 active Open Class corps for the 2026 season with more going through the evaluation process for 2027 which is very exciting.”
Arsenal and Eclipse arrive at this moment following years of intentional growth, careful planning, and a clear commitment to building organizations that prioritize both performance excellence and student experience.
For Eclipse director Jacquelyn Brice, the step into Open Class carries both personal and organizational significance.
“Drum corps was a huge part of my personal development as a young adult that has greatly contributed to my success in life,” Brice said. “I am grateful to be able to provide similar valuable experiences for students in that critical age group.”
That sense of purpose extends throughout the Indianapolis-based organization. Built on what Brice describes as a strong administrative partnership, Eclipse’s staff and design teams are embracing the challenge of competing at a higher level while maintaining a “student first” philosophy at the core of their approach.
Internally, the move has been met with enthusiasm across all levels of the corps. Staff members are eager to elevate educational standards and expand the ensemble’s capabilities, while designers look forward to pushing their creative boundaries within the Open Class competitive landscape.
Perhaps most notably, according to Brice, the corps’ membership has been a driving force behind the transition.
“The members have been the driving factor in our push toward Open Class,” Brice said, pointing to the performers’ desire to showcase their growth and bring new participants into the organization.
That internal momentum is backed by tangible success. Eclipse enters Open Class following three strong seasons as a SoundSport ensemble.
Its Indianapolis proximity has allowed the corps to not only participate in the annual SoundSport International Music & Food Festival during World Championships Week — earning a gold rating in 2025 — but also perform in exhibition at the DCI Open Class World Championships, previously held in Marion, Indiana.
“Indiana has a proud legacy of drum corps excellence,” Brice said. “In that tradition, Eclipse strives to achieve the highest level possible, while also supporting the growth and development of all of our students both on and off the field.”
According to Brice, DCI’s evaluation process played a key role in preparing Eclipse for this step, offering valuable insight into the operational scope of established DCI corps while helping the organization map out a sustainable path forward.
“Going through the evaluation process has let us understand the full scope and scale of operations,” she said. “The advice we received and implemented into the program has just made Eclipse stronger and more resilient. The personal connections with other corps’ administration and DCI have been key in building up our operations.”
After fielding 36 members in 2025, Eclipse is on track to approach 60 performers for the 2026 season, with continued expansion on the horizon. With a majority of the show music already in members’ hands and on-field production beginning to take shape, the corps is entering the summer with both momentum and clarity.
View Eclipse’s 2026 DCI Tour schedule
For Arsenal, the journey to Open Class affiliation carries a similarly deliberate — though uniquely long-term — narrative.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for us, not just as an organization, but as a family,” said director Caleb Tullius.
Founded a decade ago, the El Paso-based organization has spent years building its infrastructure from the ground up, with an emphasis on education, safety, and sustainability. That foundation, Tullius said, is what makes this transition meaningful.
“This step isn’t about moving quickly,” he added. “It’s about moving correctly.”
Across the organization, that philosophy has shaped everything from administrative systems to educational design. Arsenal has focused on developing a cohesive, aligned structure — one capable of supporting both competitive success and long-term organizational health.
The DCI evaluation process, Tullius noted, reinforced that approach.
“It’s not just about meeting requirements; it’s about understanding best practices and elevating your organization across every area,” he said. “The feedback and structure have helped us identify strengths, address gaps, and refine our approach. It’s made us better and stronger, plain and simple.”
Like Eclipse, Arsenal enters the 2026 season with strong membership numbers and growing momentum on the field. The Texas corps has made landmark appearances at the DCI Southwestern Championship in each of the last three seasons, and is preparing to field its largest ensemble to date, supported by a blend of returning veterans and new performers.
View Arsenal’s 2026 DCI Tour schedule
“This represents not just a milestone for Arsenal, but a defining moment for our entire organization,” Tullius said.
“Being able to be part of the team that is providing Indiana students a local option for a quality full drum corps experience was my personal goal in joining the organization,” Brice added. “Stepping into Open Class is making that into a reality.”
As Eclipse and Arsenal join Boise Gems in the next phase of DCI’s Open Class pipeline, their stories reflect a broader trend across the activity — one rooted in intentional growth, educational focus and sustainable development.
How DCI’s Open & All-Age Class corps evaluations progress
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.
