Today the Blue Devils launched the latest component of their System Blue initiative which will feature live educational events based around some of Drum Corps International's biggest shows scheduled for the 2010 summer season. The new System Blue Live Events Educational Series provides an opportunity for students, educators and fans to hone their performance skills under the instruction of some of the finest educators in the marching arts.
From intense multi-day skills camps to instrument-specific educational clinics and master classes, participants will be able to study in a focused and enriching environment that includes performing alongside the members of top drum and bugle corps. "We're enthusiastic about System Blue Live Events, not only as a showcase for the Blue Devils, but also to demonstrate the world class excellence of a number of other corps like the Santa Clara Vanguard and Pacific Crest," said Blue Devils Executive Director David Gibbs. "Since each of the groups and their respective instructors have their own unique style and teaching methods, we're able to create an even more comprehensive system of excellence for students and music educators alike." With eight different camps already scheduled for the 2010 summer season, the System Blue Live Educational Series will feature events all across the United States including California, Minnesota, New York, Mississippi and Tennessee. Here's a sampling of offerings: Shawn Glyde Drum School June 21–25, 2010 Fresno State University, Fresno, CA Featured corps: Blue Devils Featured instructors: Shawn Glyde, Scott Johnson, and other Blue Devils staff and alumni Highlights:
  • Five-day intensive training camp
  • Learn and play with the Blue Devils drum line
  • Includes admission to Mid Cal Tour of Champions DCI Tour event at Buchanan HS in Clovis, CA Leadership Camp June 23–25, 2010 Fresno State University, Fresno, CA Featured corps: Santa Clara Vanguard Featured instructor: Andr?© Feagin, Santa Clara Vanguard brass caption head Highlights:
  • Three-day drum major and leadership commuter camp
  • Sessions on conducting and leadership skills
  • Work with members of the Santa Clara Vanguard
  • Includes admission to Mid Cal Tour of Champions DCI Tour event at Buchanan HS in Clovis, CA Other Fresno, CA events: Trumpet Camp (June 23–25) Midwest Marching Band Skills Camp July 14–17, 2010 TCF Stadium, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Featured corps: Blue Devils, Santa Clara Vanguard Featured instructors: Wayne Downey, Scott Johnson, Todd Ryan (Blue Devils); Andre Feagin, Brian Mason, Murry Gusseck (Santa Clara Vanguard); Van Mathews (LD Bell High School); Brent Turner, Joel Matusak, Matt Kettelhut (Minnesota Brass, Inc.) Highlights:
  • Learn and play alongside the Blue Devils and Santa Clara Vanguard
  • Band director Q&A sessions with Wayne Downy, Scott Johnson and Todd Ryan of the Blue Devils
  • Optional overnight dorm room housing on University of Minnesota campus
  • Includes admission to DCI Minnesota Premier Event on Saturday, July 17
  • Perform concert with Blue Devils and Santa Clara Vanguard as finale to DCI Minnesota event Other Marching Band Skills Camps: SoCal (July 1–3), Orchard Park, NY (Aug. 7–8) Show Day With the Blue Devils July 28, 2009 M.M. Roberts Stadium, Univ. of Southern Miss., Hattiesburg Highlights:
  • Free event with ticket to DCI Southern Mississippi competition
  • Afternoon session for students, educators and fans
  • Interactively experience how the Blue Devils prepare for a show from warm-up to performance Other Show Day events: Murfreesboro, TN (July 30) View a complete schedule and learn more about System Blue events.