Taking A Look At The 2024 DCI Tour
Today is one of the most eagerly awaited days of the DCI offseason: the summer tour schedule release! The 2024 edition brings a mix of familiar favorites and intriguing adjustments. While much of the schedule mirrors this past year’s, the addition of shows in the Pacific Northwest and the transition from DCA to DCI All Age Shows mark a few significant changes for the upcoming season.
Familiar Faces
The 2024 DCI summer tour schedule maintains a sense of familiarity with beloved events and venues that have become staples in the drum corps community. DCI can once again anticipate breathtaking performances at iconic locations such as the Alamodome and fan favorite J. Birney Crum.
Pacific Northwest Expansion
One of the most significant updates to the 2024 schedule is the inclusion of additional shows in the Pacific Northwest. The Northwest Youth Music Games in Portland, Oregon, scheduled for July 5th, stands out as a notable addition. This expansion into the Pacific Northwest comes after a notable absence in that region last year, though the strength of the drum corps community in that area and their clamoring for live drum corps undoubtedly played a part in the comeback.
DCI All Age
A notable shift in the 2024 schedule is the transition from Drum Corps Associates (DCA) shows to DCI All Age Shows. This adjustment reflects a broader initiative within the drum corps community to streamline and enhance the competitive experience for performers and fans alike. DCI's decision to embrace all-age performances aims to create a more inclusive and dynamic drum corps landscape and support the once vibrant senior corps scene, which has faced the same issues as junior corps but without the same resources available to keep it afloat.
The Cadets
The absence of The Cadets from the 2024 schedule has cast a noticeable shadow over the upcoming summer tour. Known for their rich history and innovative performances, The Cadets have been a mainstay in DCI competitions for decades. While their hiatus is disappointing for fans, their administration has assured their supporters that they are doing all they can to make it back out despite their tumultuous past five years.
The Vanguard
Amidst the disappointment of The Cadets' absence, the return of the Santa Clara Vanguard provides a reassuring and positive note for fans. The Vanguard, celebrated for their artistic excellence and captivating performances, renews their commitment to the full DCI summer tour, promising audiences an unforgettable experience.
Wide Open
In an exciting development for the 2024 Drum Corps International summer tour, the Open Class Championships will witness the triumphant return of the Blue Devils B. Perennial championship contenders, the Blue Devils B's comeback adds to an already stacked lineup. Furthermore, after a highly successful debut in Indy last year, the Columbians are set to return, building on their achievements and aiming further to solidify their presence in the competitive drum corps scene. Additionally, the enrollment of Eclipse for Open Class Championships in only their second year of competition showcases the organization's rapid growth and determination to make a mark in the drum corps community.
All Together Now
The release of the 2024 Drum Corps International summer tour schedule brings a mix of excitement and anticipation for fans across the globe. While the absence of The Cadets is felt keenly, the addition of shows in the Pacific Northwest, the transition to DCI All Age Shows, and the return of the Santa Clara Vanguard inject new energy into the drum corps community, as well as the addition of new CEO Nate Boudreaux. As drum corps enthusiasts gear up for another summer of breathtaking performances, the evolving landscape of DCI promises a season full of surprises and unparalleled musical excellence.
Matthew Carstensen is currently GEM's Managing Editor. He has been involved in the Pageantry Arts for over a decade as a performer at the highest level, an instructor, and a fan. You can find him on Twitter, Threads, and Instagram at @SatNightLites. He currently lives in Florida with his dog.