Indiana Band Showcase to return to DCI World Championships Week in 2024

One of many incredible performance opportunities provided by Drum Corps International outside of competitive drum corps, the Indiana Band Showcase made its debut at the 2023 SoundSport International Music and Food Festival, giving high school bands from across the Hoosier State the opportunity to showcase their talents as part of World Championships Week in Indianapolis. 

The event, which showcased eight bands last year, is slated to be back in conjunction with the 2024 SoundSport International Music & Food Festival presented by Jazz Wealth on Saturday, August 10 in downtown Indy. 

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the Indiana Band Showcase once again,” SoundSport coordinator David Eddleman said. “Our home state of Indiana has a rich marching music culture, and we’re excited to once again give local band students a performance opportunity unlike any other they’ve experienced.”

 

Having experienced 2023’s event, participating band directors are excited for what the opportunity can do for their students and their programs. 

Among many enticing factors, the SoundSport International Music and Food Festival audience played a major role in enhancing the experience for directors and students alike. For several of the participating bands who hail from towns and schools with smaller populations, the size and scope of the SoundSport event was on another level.  

“The atmosphere was high-energy and the audience was very supportive,” said Kevin Robertson, band director of the Southwestern Junior/Senior High School of Shelbyville, Indiana. “My kids are from a very small school that doesn't have a football team or marching band program, so going to DCI and then performing with the other bands was very inspirational.”

 

Much like DCI’s SoundSport program as a whole, the Indiana Band Showcase performance parameters are flexible. Bands participating in the event can either perform their “track band” productions on the SoundSport stage, or present music in a standstill format. Adjudication is an optional component. 

“We always strive to provide our students with high-quality arts experiences,” said Dominic Thompson, director of bands at Northview High School in Brazil, Indiana. “The Indiana Band Showcase is no exception. It is a great venue, energetic crowd, and part of an extremely well-respected musical experience that is second to none.”

The SoundSport International Music and Food Festival presented by Jazz Wealth, which prominently features the Indiana Band Showcase, is an annual event hosted in Indianapolis that features musical groups of all shapes and sizes. 

Taking part in the festival affords Indiana bands the opportunity to perform alongside and rub shoulders with like-minded musicians from diverse backgrounds. 

 

“Our students were incredibly excited to participate in the SoundSport event,” Thompson said. “There was a real camaraderie with the SoundSport performers, and our students really enjoyed getting to talk with the other groups, especially those from outside of the state or country.”

Indiana band students, directors, and staff also have the option to attend the DCI World Championship Finals, by way of a special discounted ticket package. 

“This event is one of the best ways for me to keep my kids excited and give them a reason to work hard,” Robertson said. “Having the event at Lucas Oil Stadium with the DCI Finals is icing on the cake.”

After eight high school bands appeared at last year’s Indiana Band Showcase, the event is set to expand to a wider array of performing ensembles in 2024

The tentative lineup includes the following returning groups: 

• Alexandria Marching Tigers
• Bishop Dwenger Marching Saints
• Frankton-Lapel Marching Band
• Indianapolis Public Schools All-City Band
• Northview Marching Knights 

New ensembles already added to the growing 2024 lineup include: 

• McCutcheon Bands
• Montgomery County United Band and Guard
• The Pride of Paoli
• Washington Golden Pride Marching Band

Indiana bands are still being recruited for the 2024 Indiana Band Showcase!

Register for additional information and to learn how to get your band involved

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