Drum Corps International is pleased to announce the approval of several new and re-emerging units for participation in the upcoming Summer Music Games Tour. The organizations have participated in an evaluation process designed to help provide and refine an operational framework to meet each organization's unique needs, goals and objectives. The evaluation process begins in the fall prior to the first season of petitioned participation, when an organization submits an application for evaluation. New or re-emerging corps are advised by the Coordinator of DCI Divisions II & III and Advisory Committee on the various areas of development in preparation for participation in the Summer Music Games Tour. In the spring, an evaluator attends a rehearsal weekend to observe the performers, speak with administrative, instructional, and support staff members, and to review organizational details such as non-profit status, insurance, music licensing, travel procedures and condition of vehicles (if any), food service, care and safety of members and financial stability. After the evaluator's visit, a detailed report is prepared and presented to a committee for a thorough review. Prospective corps may then be approved to perform in Drum Corps International sanctioned events, or may be considered for approval pending submission of any outstanding documents and fulfillment of additional requirements. Some may be scheduled for a second evaluation. Groups which are not approved after this process are informed of areas of opportunity specific to their organization and are provided with additional information to assist in their continued development. Participating in his first round of evaluations since his appointment, Drum Corps International's Coordinator of Divisions II & III, David Eddleman, was highly impressed by the process. "This was my first involvement participating as an evaluator and then as part of the review committee," said Eddleman. "The process is logical, fair, and aimed at providing the corps members with a quality experience within their own organizations and as participants in Drum Corps International events. The committee, comprised of a mix of regional representatives, Drum Corps International professional staff, and corps directors, is in place to help foster growth and stability of these units, which contributes to a better experience for all." Approved to compete in the Pacific Division:
  • Velvet Knights of Pasadena, Calif. (Division III)
  • Mystikal of Long Beach, Calif. (Division III)
Pending approval to compete in the Pacific Division:
  • Buccaneers of Sacramento, Calif. (Division III), who are in the process of meeting Drum Corps International's deadline for organizational details (such details usually include non-profit status, proof of insurance, music licensing, etc.)
Approved to compete in the Atlantic Division:
  • Les Stentors of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada (Division III)
Approved for exhibition in the Atlantic Division:
  • The Muchachos, Inc. of Manchester, N.H. (All-Age)
  • Crusaders Alumni of Methuen, Mass. (All-Age)
Pending approval to compete in the Atlantic Division:
  • Network of Chattanooga, Tenn. (Division III), will be re-evaluated by June 1
Approved to compete in the Central Division:
  • Frontier of Dallas, Texas (All-Age)
  • Gulf Coast Sound of Houston, Texas (All-Age)
Approved for exhibition in the Central Division:
  • Lakeshoremen of Troy, Mich. (All-Age)
Pending approval for exhibition in the Central Division:
  • Legends of Warren, Mich. (Division III), will be re-evaluated by June 1 and also are in the process of meeting Drum Corps International's deadline for organizational details