Open Class corps set out on last leg of 2010 journey

With all eyes on upcoming World Class events in Murfreesboro and Atlanta, Open Class corps have hit the road for their own series. Some, like Revolution and Velvet Knights, have an extensive tour schedule close to matching that of their World Class counterparts, while others either end midseason or begin mid-July and continue through the DCI World Championships in August. Ten Open Class corps performed in DCI events last weekend, and many other exciting shows are in store from now until the Open Class Quarterfinals kick off in Michigan City, Ind. on Aug. 10. 7th Regiment, an Open Class ensemble from New London, Conn., began its tour July 2 in Bristol, R.I. and competed at other East Coast events in Bridgewater, Mass. and Manchester, N.H. But at the corps’ most recent show in Warrenton, Va., on July 24, 7th Regiment won first place among the other Open Class corps, topping Legends and Raiders. “This is new ground for us,” said 7th Regiment Corps Director Tim Rall. “We’ve been around a few years now, and [we’re] developing year after year, getting a little bit bigger and a little bit better. So now we’re starting to win some shows and the kids are pretty excited about that.” Established in 2002, 7th Regiment is fielding a corps about 65 members strong, with a solid base of veterans and some new members as well. Though members got “a little edgy” with the heat over Fourth of July weekend and some extra-hot rehearsal days, Rall said the corps handles life on the road just fine.