Following a successful vote amongst Open Class directors, Boise Gems has been approved to join Drum Corps International’s Open Class division for the 2026 season, marking a major milestone for the corps and the continued growth of the activity in Idaho.
For director Austin Moldenhauer, the moment represents the realization of a vision that, not long ago, felt far off.
“I am beyond excited for this opportunity for the Gems,” Moldenhauer said. “To think that just four to five years ago, no drum corps existed in Idaho, and now, just a few short years later, we have an Open Class corps — I am so proud of our team and community for really rallying together to make this dream a reality.”
That excitement extends across the entire organization. From staff to performers, Boise Gems is entering this new chapter with a shared sense of pride and purpose.
“The team is ecstatic and could not be more proud of how far we’ve come,” Moldenhauer said. “They are very excited, and are dedicated to working hard to improve themselves for the betterment of our students; especially with this increase in our level of achievement and competitiveness as we enter Open Class.”
Among performers, that energy is already translating into motivation for the season ahead.
“The members have a sense of electricity about them, and a drive to do something bold this summer,” he said. “It’s that energy that anyone who has marched knows; it’s a fierce, passionate drive to reach new heights and to rise to the challenge of Open Class.”
Boise Gems’ acceptance into Open Class follows years of intentional growth, supported by mentorship and guidance from leaders within Drum Corps International and across the activity. Gems will be classified as an Open Class Affiliate on the 2026 tour, performing and competing as part of the Open Class, before being approved for full membership in 2027.
As part of the Open Class evaluation process, prospective corps are required to submit an application outlining their proposed participation in the DCI Tour, including a detailed business plan which demonstrates that the group has the necessary financial and administrative backing and infrastructure to safely support its members.
During this multi-year period, DCI officials — in Gems’ case, DCI Open Class and SoundSport coordinator David Eddleman — work with corps management to review corporate documents and other materials as the corps works to prepare its board of directors, administrative and instructional staff members, and student performers for the requirements of DCI participation, as well as summer travel and competition.
“Behind the scenes, our administrative and executive team have received tremendous guidance from David Eddleman at DCI over the past few years,” Moldenhauer said. “Through his help, along with the guidance of other corps directors such as Tyler Hess (The Battalion), Dillon Miller (Columbians), and Mike Gough (Troopers), and many others, we have gained so much institutional knowledge that has enabled us to grow significantly as an organization. We couldn’t be more grateful to DCI for its helpful information and guidance.”
That guidance proved especially valuable throughout the DCI evaluation process, which is designed to ensure organizations are prepared for the operational, financial, and educational demands of Open Class participation.
“The corps has really gained an amazing amount of information through this evaluation process,” he said. “One of the biggest areas of growth has been expanding our board and staff, and the fruits of that process have been immense. We are seeing growth in ways we didn’t even fathom a few short years ago.”
As the corps looks ahead to its Open Class debut, the focus remains on building a strong and sustainable foundation. In each of the corps’ first three seasons, its performance tours have remained in the Pacific Northwest region, in order to limit costs and commitments, and strengthen roots in their local community.
This year’s schedule features a similar array of appearances. Gems plans to appear at DCI Tour events in Kennewick, Washington (June 29), Seattle, Washington (June 30) and Portland, Oregon (July 1).
“Our biggest goals are consistency and continuing to build up our member experience,” Moldenhauer said. “We want to continue to work with our board, executives, and staff to build and develop an organization that lasts far into the future, and this starts with providing an amazing environment and experience for our membership every year.”
That growth is already visible in how it’s translated to the field. Heading into the 2026 season, Boise Gems is preparing to field its largest corps to date, highlighted by significant expansion across multiple sections.
“We have a very large brass section this season compared to last year,” he said. “If our final spots fill, we would be up to 50 members in the brass section, compared to 21 members last season.”
Gems is one of several corps currently going through the Open Class evaluation process. El Paso, Texas’ Arsenal and Indianapolis’ Eclipse will undergo a final evaluation in the coming weeks for “Affiliate” status, while Hutchinson, Kansas’ Sky Ryders and McKinney, Texas’ Guardians are working to take the field in 2026 as Open Class Candidates.
With its acceptance into Open Class, Boise Gems now steps into a new level of competition — and a new chapter in its history — driven by momentum, community, and a commitment to continued growth.
“If anyone would like to join us, we would love to have you as part of the excitement this season,” Moldenhauer added. “It’s not every day you get the opportunity to join a corps taking its first steps into a new class.”
As the organization looks ahead, Moldenhauer best captured the corps’ forward perspective with its home state’s official motto, which translates to “May it endure forever.”
“Here’s to the future,” he said. “Esto Perpetua.”
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.
