August 7, 2026 – Indianapolis, Indiana
It’s Friday, day two of the DCI World Championships. Yesterday was the Preliminary Finals; today is the Semi-Finals. Earlier, I took a walk to the Crowne Plaza Convention Center to have a rendezvous with K. Kawai, my same-time-next-year piano. There she was sitting with the cover on track 2 directly under the HVAC duct. A short session was all that I could manage. I hope she moves tomorrow to a better location.
Now, I am at a social gathering fundraiser for the Boston Crusaders, an annual pub crawl attended by alums, board members, supporters, and friends. I am a friend. “No Boston, No Party” is emblazoned in white on the black T-shirts of those surrounding me. Over the past ten years, I have met several of them. Even though I am just an interloper here, I feel welcomed. I found a quiet (not so quiet) spot to try and give you a show report from last night. Do not expect a play-by-play.
Well, right off the bat, I have to say that I am disappointed that I did not get seats in the Drum Corps World block this year. I did not feel that I should commit due to concerning health issues last year during my tour. After resolving the issue successfully with the help of Dr. Bob and his team in April, I decided to take the seats that became available from a Friend of DCI in section 400. Regretably, there is a glass safety screen directly in front of me that obstructs the sound on side two of the field. The metal railing cuts right through the field of view, making it unacceptable for photos. But I will not let this detract from the overall experience. I will most surely discover the silver lining over the next two days. I am grateful to Publisher Steve for a seat in his annual block for many great nights of drum corps in the past. I will stop down and say hello when I go in tonight.
The high vantage point was perfect for watching the precision, honed over the long haul. Each drum corps, no matter how early in the day, took their program and performance ability to the highest level. Ropes, robes, and rifles now mastered. My eyes continue to pay attention to the flag work that flurishes throughout each show with blossoming effect, perfectly timed. Uniforms, more costume-like in function, continue to play a dominant role in visual effect. I got a sense of drapery in motion as the members used the excess fabric creatively choreographed with waves and disrobing postures. Duality of tone provides a contrast and visual effect when members move simultaneously from side to side.
As each corps performed, my mind wandered too far from the subject on the field. The iPhone camera was sparsely employed. Being alone allowed me to reflect on the question: Why am I here? Will I do this again next year? I mostly proceeded through the tour following a variable path in search of that answer. Is it that I am just on a personal lark, to be part of something exceptional? I have to have something to do in the summertime when I am not skiing, after all. I keep coming back to the effect that music has on me and the world in general, and how the power of youth performing has in uplifting me and giving me great hope for the future. When I see thousands of young American citizens come away from the experience with the understanding that it is amazing what we can do when we all work hard together.
I’m now at the Slippery Noodle, just one block from Lucas Oil Stadium. You’ve got to love the mob mentality of the raucous Boston fans. Especially when they are on a pub crawl, this interloper could not resist the invite to join the boisterous gang. Their larger-than-life presence, the undeniable accent, and the lust for social interaction are markers that identify them and why I love hanging with them, but it is time for drum corps. I’ll keep you posted.
August 8, 2026 – Indianapolis, Indiana – Finals Day
Today is the day that it all comes to an end. After a summer of traveling thousands of miles on the road and toiling in the lots and on the fields, the final 12 drum corps will complete the 2026 season. Last night’s semi-finals set the order of performance, starting the night off with the twelfth-place finisher, Blue Knights. A shout-out to Pacific Crest, who came so close to making finals, once again receiving the baker’s dozen award. Bravo to the entire PC family for bringing such a fine show to us this summer. My early tour out in California provided many opportunities for me to see this show, a total of 9 times this season. It would have been 10 but for the rainout in Downingtown.
In 11th place and performing second will be Troopers, followed by Spirit of Atlanta, Colts, The Cavaliers, and Phantom Regiment before intermission. Coming on first after the fold will be Blue Stars in 6th place. Their show has been well-received by the patrons of the arts drum corps fans. Bravo!
Since Allentown, the last five corps have been fixed in their rankings: Santa Clara Vanguard, 5th; Boston Crusaders, 4th; Carolina Crown, 3rd; Blue Devils, 2nd; and finally the undefeated Bluecoats. Everyone in the drum corps world expects the same results tonight. But we are all expected to see each of the twelve corps perform their hearts out with one final show of the summer.
A major drum corps highlight last night was the performance by the Phantom Regiment Alumni Corps, some five-hundred and fify members strong. My vantage point in the 400s provided a great view of this enormous assemblage as they took the field from all four corner tunnels. A most impressive sight and sound experience as they set up for each presentation of the classics. And, yes, there was a mock death involved. It was absolutely amazing, and a must-watch on YouTube.
A hearty breakfast and a threesome of us went for an urban walk through Indianapolis, the Circle City. One of my favorite walks is along the White River Canal, across the White River on the Old Washington Street Bridge, now an art and pedestrian bridge. I began to think of how the visual arts have such a large role in drum corps design and show themes. The humidity level became evident immediately as my technical Echo Hoodie from Outdoor Research was on overdrive, wicking away the perspiration. The comfort of the hotel shower, and I am finally feeling quite rejuvenated and rested from the travels here. I am ready for the final evening of performing arts from some of the best kids on the planet. I’ll try to capture the experience in situ throughout the evening. Peace out for now.
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