Take a look back at the 2021 calendar year — an unprecedented 12 months for the drum corps activity, including DCI's triumphant return to the field in July and August — with the most clicked-on DCI.org headlines as recorded by Google Analytics.
12.
Directors meet in Indy, expand ensemble size limit
Preparations for the 2022 DCI Tour got underway in September in Indianapolis, with a meeting of directors from DCI's participating corps. A vote to increase the limit for total corps members to 165 for the 2022 season was one piece of business addressed during the meeting.
Directors and administrators from DCI’s World Class corps convened in the Circle City September 22-23, for a “hybrid” fall planning meeting, which included more than 50 representatives gathering in-person, along with some thirty other delegates, DCI board members and corps representatives participating remotely via video conference.
11.
An important 2021 safety reminder from Drum Corps International
With participant and fan safety at the forefront of 2021 events, DCI provided an important reminder to all participating in and spectating during the summer tour regarding COVID-19 protocols and safety practices.
Those familiar with the drum corps activity know that a relentless focus on the most granular details is one of the hallmarks of the world’s most elite marching music ensembles. Those new to the party quickly learn that “the drum corps way” is paved with intensive attention to even the finest particulars—all in the pursuit of achieving standard-setting performances by remarkable young performers.
10.
Celebration Finale sets stage for 2022 and 50th Anniversary of DCI
In the afterglow of an unforgettable three-week tour and three-day DCI Celebration in Indianapolis, fans had the chance to look back on all of the details and exciting moments of 2021's events.
To the delight of thousands in attendance and countless others watching from home, the three days of the 2021 DCI Celebration provided thumbnail sketches of the past, present and future of the DCI legacy, including a nod to some of the most cherished traditions of its nearly five decades of evolution. In order to get the full picture of the joyous crescendo which grew over the past 72 hours in Indianapolis, one must also look to the consistently impressive and often unexpected things which occurred between conventional full ensemble corps performance runs.
9.
Here's how Marching Music's Major League will return to marching music's greatest stage this summer
With the summer of 2021 on the horizon, Drum Corps International released a comprehensive explanation of the "how" and "why" of its plans for the DCI Celebration events.
“The easiest thing for us to do would be to stay dormant and cancel all summer activities again this year,” said Dan Acheson, DCI CEO. “We’ve instead opted to explore avenues for safely restarting and have invested wisely in gathering comprehensive information and creating a detailed action plan for a safe return. We now have such a plan in place, which will continue to evolve as the environment warrants. We are enthusiastic about the prospects of providing outstanding – and safe – opportunities to our performing groups in the summer of 2021 and to all those who will take the field in their ranks, as well as those in supporting roles.”
8.
What to watch for at the DCI Celebration in Indianpolis
In the days leading up to the final events of DCI's 2021 season — an August 12-14 Celebration at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis — fans checked in on all the latest and most important information regarding what they'd be experience as part of the three-day event.
With more than 20 drum corps performances per day, along with a number of high-energy, specially-produced live and video presentations and performances, this spectacular three-day event will be jam-packed with live music and family-friendly entertainment. Everything is set to take place on the stadium field as well as the all-new GPG Music Stage and Fred J. Miller Performance Zone, all within view from spectator seating areas at Lucas Oil Stadium.
7.
2022 Drum Corps International Tour Schedule
Near the end of the calendar year came the release of the 2022 DCI Tour Schedule, which will feature more than 90 events across the country as part of DCI's 50th anniversary summer season.
After a canceled 2020 Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an exciting — albeit abbreviated — return during the summer of 2021, the 2022 DCI Summer Tour will mark the first “full” season since 2019, bringing the excitement of performance and competition to audiences in more than 30 states.
6.
Drum Corps International will march back into cinemas on July 15
As excitement built for 2021's live event series, the final countdown to the DCI Celebration Tour was kicked off in theaters around the country, with the presentation of five recent favorite performances, as well as the release of exciting information about the 2021 summer tour.
Following a one-year hiatus, this special one-night event will feature amazing sights and sounds with five iconic DCI World Championship performances including Carolina Crown's Inferno (2015); The Cavaliers’ Propaganda (2016); Blue Devils’ Metamorph (2017); Santa Clara Vanguard’s Babylon (2018); and Bluecoats' The Bluecoats (2019).
5.
On the (Re)Starting Line...
In the build-up to the long-anticipated 2021 Celebration Tour, DCI shared key information with the drum corps community in regards to what to expect from the summer of 2021, and how the summer's events would be made feasible.
“The hope and resolve of the “March On!” campaign leads us back to the performing fields this summer,” said Chris Holland, DCI Board of Directors Chair and Executive Director of the Boston Crusaders. “The culmination and celebration in Indianapolis this August will be emotional and meaningful for all of our participants and fans, and there is no better way to launch the 50th anniversary 2022 season.“
4.
2021 DCI audition tracker
As interested participants searched for places to perform in 2021's Celebration Tour, DCI's audition tracker became a popular hub for info on how to join each corps for the summer season.
After the cancellation of the 2020 DCI Tour due to the coronavirus pandemic, 2021 will certainly be a drum corps year like no other. Some corps have announced plans to offer educational programs exclusively in an online format, while others are gearing up to eventually offer in-person rehearsal and performance opportunities this summer; ending with a three-day series of events in Indianapolis (should conditions allow).
3.
2021 DCI event series slated for Indy in August
As the calendar turned from 2020 to 2021, interest grew for Drum Corps International's plans for the new year, with fans harkening back to the late-2020 announcement of DCI's planned event series for mid-August in Indianapolis.
“The coming season will, by necessity, be ‘different’ to say the least; but we are determined to safely create a stage like no other in order to offer performance opportunities in the summer of 2021 as a ‘bridge’ to a tour in 2022 and the celebration of DCI’s 50th anniversary season,” Drum Corps International CEO Dan Acheson said. “Not only are we anticipating that the corps will offer an incredible experience for their performers in 2021, but we are confident beyond any doubt that fans who support our activity will be delighted by their performances.”
2.
2021 DCI Performers Showcase Results
As part of the 2021 Celebration Tour, performers of all ages from around the world had the chance to participate and put their individual talents on display as part of the second-annual Virtual DCI Perfomers Showcase.
During the summer of 2021, Drum Corps International continued the DCI Performers Showcase presented by Conn-Selmer & System Blue in a digital format, giving performers of all ages and from any location around the world the opportunity to compete in the popular individual and ensemble competition. This summer's event brought together performers from countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Guatemala, and Indonesia!
1.
Schedule of 2021 events leading into Indianapolis
Fans' excitement for the return of live drum corps was readily apparent in July, as the most-clicked headline of 2021 featured a full list of performances making up DCI's Celebration Tour.
Starting July 24, Drum Corps International’s “Celebration Tour” will lead participating corps from their respective home cities to summer’s culminating events in Indianapolis. The tour’s 32 events span 14 different states, with regionalized locations strategically placed to provide a safe path to Indianapolis.
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