In a sign of expanding international enthusiasm for the marching arts, representatives from prominent drum corps and marching bands across Central America gathered virtually on October 29 for a strategic welcome session hosted by Drum Corps International.
The meeting underscored a growing movement among Latin American ensembles interested in bringing their talents to the United States for future participation in the annual DCI Tour and World Championships.
Hosted by DCI Open Class and SoundSport coordinator David Eddleman, alongside interpreter Luis Daniel Rojas, the informational session brought together leadership from six ensembles:
- Banda Municipal de San José (Costa Rica)
- Margaritas Drum & Bugle Corps (El Salvador)
- Hispanoamericano Drum & Bugle Corps (Guatemala)
- Banda de Música La Primavera (Panama)
- Bethel Drum & Bugle Corps (Honduras)
- Vegas Drum & Bugle Corps (Honduras)
The turn-out highlights a surge in interest following a concerted effort by DCI to take steps toward rebuilding regular international participation following the global pandemic in 2020.
“Seeing six international ensembles at our World Championships in 2025 and having Costa Rica’s Mercedes Marching Band with us in 2026 was incredible,” Eddleman said. “We put this session together to give these directors a clear roadmap for getting involved, with our eyes set on welcoming even more groups in 2027 and 2028.”
During the presentation, Eddleman outlined three primary performance tracks available to visiting ensembles during World Championships Week in Indianapolis:
- International & Open Class Championships: Opening competitive opportunities held during the initial days of World Championships Week.
- World Championship Prelims: A showcase performance on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium.
- SoundSport International Music & Food Festival: A street-fair style performance showcase held on the Saturday of World Championships Week in downtown Indianapolis.
Bringing a full marching band or drum corps across borders carries massive logistical hurdles, from funding and instrument transport to complex visa workflows. For instance, Eduardo Gámez, director of Bethel Drum & Bugle Corps from Honduras, shared that while his group secured visas recently, the lengthy process prompted them to target 2028 to ensure full preparation.
To ease the burden, DCI is able to connect ensembles with specialized travel agencies and provide official support letters for government and diplomatic agencies.
“We know the logistical mountain these groups have to climb, and we’re committed to walking through that process right alongside them,” Eddleman said.
With January 2027 registration deadlines on the horizon, DCI is on its way to building a truly global roster for the coming seasons.
Contact us to learn more about opportunities for international ensembles on the DCI Tour.
