DCI's "All-Age" Division: Will it be a Good Thing?

[@LijyMarching]

First comment can I get a pin? Also, I hope they have one in Tx!

[@EMCproductions]

Yes. Good job.

[@DemMommaJeans]

In Texas They Have Bayou City Blues

[@LijyMarching]

Thank you EMC!! #Bestdrummerever

[@LijyMarching]

@@EMCproductions Good Morning. And thank you!

[@GoGoGadgetBasketballBand]

I’m 34 and a stroke survivor. I thought I was DEAD when I actually woke up in a hospital bed. Over an awful month of rehab and two years of working my butt off, I’ve realized how fast life can be taken away from us… and that it’s finally my turn to do DCI. I finally get to do it. This is so rewarding ❤

[@EsmartElectronics]

Good luck in DCI, I will pray for you and hope for you the best success. March on!

[@GoGoGadgetBasketballBand]

thank you!

[@g.hon.4645]

??????!!!!! Umm...priorities?

[@GoGoGadgetBasketballBand]

updating to say I did SoundSport this summer, had the time of my life, AND I met Eric

[@GoGoGadgetBasketballBand]

@@g.hon.4645 sometimes, mental health and reaching life goals and milestones is a perfectly good priority 🤯

[@0Aquamelon]

I marched DCA in 2021 and I can attest to the all age corps issue with ending late: I dropped off all my stuff at college, went all the way back for a weekend rehearsal, went BACK to college and unpacked all my stuff, took a week of class, and took a bus back on Friday to make it back in time for rehearsal and finals.

[@cnrad_]

yeah it was certainly rough for me last year lol - went to umass band camp for a day, 3 hour car ride back home that night and 5 hour car ride to reading PA in the morning for a full show day, 5 hour ride back home (arrived around 1am), woke up at 5am to make the 3 hour ride back to umass for the rest of that band camp, and then off to finals the next weekend. especially with the long camp days and lack of sleep (and a video assignment!) it took a toll on my body/mental. glad it'll end around the same time as dci world/open now

[@gregjacksun]

I marched 2005-2007 Reading and drove there every week from central Ohio. 8+ each way. It's worth it if you want it.

[@mantistoboggan2599]

I personally LOVE that the All-Age class is getting added to DCI. I hope it thrives and grows more all age corps. I’m almost 30 and didn’t March my age out so id jump at the opportunity to do it just one last time. As for the competition aspect goes for All-Age, it really doesn’t sound a whole lot different than what WGI does. Rehearse all weekend, go perform at a few local shows within a reasonable distance, maybe a regional and then go to finals. Sounds pretty straight forward to me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@john.adcock]

To be fair, the audience for DCA Finals the last few years has been tens of people, so...

[@hailhydra9134]

Yeah I think some of the regular season shows had bigger crowds lol

[@joesensor4508]

I heard 1,500 for DCA finals last year…

[@dylanaird4437]

Was about to make this same comment lol

[@michaelmeyer2725]

Thats a shame. In 2003 when Hawthorne won there had to be close to 10k in Scranton. I will never forget the roar after our first hit......

[@richbrass12]

This is an uneducated guess but I think that's the whole purpose of why DCA merged to DCI. That's more exposure to where more people can go and watch the shows

[@jessegoldman4272]

Eric, as someone who completely missed out on DCI due to cost (poor family, zero financial support), thanks for talking about that piece. I feel like it never gets enough attention and folks automatically just say "Get a Sponsor! Fundraise!" Easy for folks that have access to other folks with money. Not so for me and many others. I wanted for years to try out for Santa Clara, but my hopes were dashed once I got told it would be $3k for just one season. No way in hell was that within my reach, my family's reach, or anyone I knew that could have been a sponsor. It's definitely an activity where (the majority of the time) the more fortunate can attend/experience. I probably would not be able to even do DCA now due to adult commitments (job, family, life in general being 31) plus with there being zero opportunities near me, but it makes me feel much happier knowing that at least it can be an option. If not for me, then others like me.

[@claytonwalker5429]

Hey I 100% on your side. I had an audition for blue devils and cavaliers and grew up dirt floor poor in Appalachia I think if I remember correctly it was like 15k if you got a spot. Yeah crushed my dreams and ultimately discouraged me from sticking with music. I just turned 29 I don’t care now that I get a chance to pick up a pair of sticks and achieving a goal I set for myself I’m gonna try like heck to do it and hope you can too.

[@Salsuero]

Yeah. I tried marching Santa Clara Vanguard in 1996. Couldn't make the money work and had to quit before it was time to move there. I was so bummed. Never marched again... including college because my colleges of choice didn't have football teams or marching bands. High school was it for me. DCI was just too unaffordable.

[@legendz8140]

I am currently joining the Govenaires in DCA and I Started playing Vibraphone for my school marching band this last year, I've met so many people that love and play music with their whole heart, I have learned the basics of Bass drum and learned proper 4 mallet technique for the Vibraphone in less than a year. I am so thankful for everyone in the 77 Lancers and my friends that make it so much fun to play music.

[@freebirdttv]

Enjoy it. Every bit. It’s a magical corps. John Mayer is the best drum major in the business. There’s just something about hearing him say “We hail from the great city of Saint Peter Minnesota, and WE are THE GOVENAIRES!” That STILL gets me. - Former Snare Player

[@oldbum]

That's awesome, I'm a trumpet player for the Govies this year, but since I don't feel like disclosing my name on the internet, I'm the guy with curly hair and a bar sweatshirt. Can't wait to meet you if you're still planning on marching with us this summer!

[@legendz8140]

@@oldbum already contracted as a vibe

[@trizlet]

This is what is so awesome about Pipe Band drumming. You have your entire life to play and get as good as you want. You don't miss out just because you didn't start in time. There are many more pipe bands than drumcorps so you definitely have one local, and there are lots of competitions around the country and of course Canada and UK, and there are different levels from Grade 5 - Grade 1, so there is a group for everyone. It is imo the absolute best way to keep rudimental drumming your entire life.

[@sw6065]

So you're hanging out with JIM KILPATRICK are ya?

[@LeeMilligan]

I never got the chance to follow through beyond an audition camp with Spirit of Atlanta when I was younger, but I'm a 47 year old rookie marching on the contra line with my son at Atlanta CV this year. Can't wait to get to Indianapolis!

[@Salsuero]

I'm also 47. I tried out and rehearsed with Santa Clara Vanguard in 1996. But... the money thing kept haunting me until they finally told me I had to pay or quit. As someone in Southern California, DCA never made sense. Maybe this new regional thing might work out at some point.

[@rssredknight47]

I am in my first year of DCI at 20 years old and a member of Northern Lights Drum and Bugle Corps (Bass 4) based out of Newaygo Michigan. We are currently the largest Soundsport Corp and we have the goal of becoming an All-Age Corps in the next few years. Looking forward to the future of all All-Age!

[@mantistoboggan2599]

And for these reasons I’m excited to see all-age grow. More opportunities for small ensembles in sound sport to have a real future without the confines of age restrictions.

[@ExE_Edits9]

This is my first year of marching in a drumline, I'm 13 right now in my middle school's drumline. And this honestly really makes me wanna march dci when I go to college.

[@taylor63664]

Don't have to wait until college, I marched in high school at 17. Yeah, it was expensive and I was immature but it put me so far ahead. Worth the effort, if possible

[@saferat10K]

I broke my hand in the winter when I was 20. Didn't get to take my chance at dci because of it (only season I was financially capable of going on tour) hope things turn out good for the all age category

[@littlepirate411]

Man that sucks, our bass 3 broke his leg the week before our first comp

[@RedDogMamaHD]

Well, I will be there at 10:30 in the morning watching the DCA finals!

[@alanholck7995]

Hopefully Flo will show it.

[@samsignorelli]

Renegades were one of three west coast corps, the other 2 being SoCal Dream (charter and 5-year member here) out of basically Irvine (we moved around a bit), and River City Regiment out of Sacramento. Renegades DID go to DCA every year from 2002 through 2012, lasting until 2013, although I don't know if they fielded that year. SoCal Dream went from 2004 through 2010 (except for 05 and 09), lasting until 2013, although I don't know if they fielded that year. RCR never left California and lasted from 2002 to 2007. The big difficulty for the west coast Srs was lack of competition -- SCD was a 6 hr drive from SFR and RCR -- and DCI not taking us seriously as competitive units, even though we all had experienced DCI vets performing or on staff. We always went on first except for shows the Srs sponsored, so there were times SCD outnumbered the crowd in the stands....going on first all the time sucks. That's one reason I dislike people going to the lot instead of giving the early corps some eyeballs. When I go to a show, I will watch everyone -- no atter how bad -- because they worked as hard as we did in the big boys and deserve the views and butts in seats,

[@Herodotus77]

When I marched Renegades in 2021 we did do a SoCal weekend tour. I don't remember Dream or River City being around that year (though my memory is hazy of the long long ago). I always thought that the greatest accomplishment of Renegades (beyond making loud sexy again) was inspiring the start up of West Coast senior corps; there was a window there where the possibility of real competitions for all-age folks was/could-have-been a reality.

[@samsignorelli]

@@Herodotus77 2021? Renegades were gone as a field corps well before that...did you mean 2012? In either case, both RCR and SCD were dead by then.

[@alanholck7995]

Renegades last season at DCA was 2012. There was an incident that got them banned from housing. Would have been far worse had they been able to find a virgin.

[@samsignorelli]

@@alanholck7995 Trashing your hotel rooms will do that.

[@dylanjc]

I knew I'd find you on here lol

[@georgeguest397]

Where was this back in the 90's???? I pretty much made it into the Phantom Regiment drumline (snare) in 94' but couldn't afford membership dues...plus it was far away...so I hope this works out for the current generation!

[@nathanieloxford6288]

Well, if it's all age, then I guess this is your generation too

[@georgeguest397]

@nathanieloxford6288 theoretically yep...honestly, I'd never be able to keep up with the playing and marching of today. And that's ok

[@vectorjiu-jitsu955]

Hell lets start an all nearly 50 line. Knew a guy from next county over in MS that was in Phantom back then .

[@georgeguest397]

@@vectorjiu-jitsu955 LOL... I like it! It can be all standstill and only perform in nice weather. Let's do it...

[@drummersnare6276]

Why would you audition if you knew you couldn’t actually join lol

[@akaiyui9300]

This is a great opportunity for me. I wasn't able to march in DCI for 2 reasons; I live in a 3rd world country and I never received proper band music education since it just doesn't exist here. I'm currently trying learn the drum corps way of drumming myself due to the latter reason in hopes of being able to march drum corps. My plan is to march DCA/DCI All-Age and DCJ 4 years from now or earlier depending if I have the skills necessary and the finances to move to the US and then Japan.

[@motomike71]

I was a rookie-age-out in 1992 with the Velvet Knights. I started so late for a lot of factors, but after my rookie year I felt like I was at the top prime of my ability and physicality. I could have gone on for a few more years until the realities of adulthood caught up to me. It really hurt and felt arbitrary that there was a specific age set where I couldn't do something that I was interested in doing. I felt back then that the age rule was extremely unfair. So I'm with you on the "everyone should be able to do it" train. But If they ever do change the rule, at 53 it is now too late for me.

[@abbywashinger4620]

As an age-out this year who can’t march world class due to the financial obligations, it feels nice to be heard. Currently going into my 4th season in DCA/DCI All-age.

[@uncle6431]

what corps?

[@abbywashinger4620]

@@uncle6431 Rogues Hollow Regiment

[@uncle6431]

@@abbywashinger4620 nice. best of luck this season from reading 💙

[@JBsDrummin]

Marched and taugh the Renegades!! We rehearsed Saturdays and Sundays once a month! We did exhibitions at the DCI shows California!

[@AndrewMycol]

I do like that DCI is keeping around the All-Age class. I never marched DCI when I was in college, so if there ever is an All-Age corps around the Southeast USA region, I'm in Mississippi, then there's a chance I might try it for one season to at least get some kind of feel of what DCI would be like. Granted all-age is not as super rigorous as DCI.

[@Themaestro124]

I'm in Mississippi as well, currently don't feel like I'm "genius enough" to make a world class corp at my age, currently looking at some open class because those are easier. Maybe if you try out for Atlanta cv or another all age corps I'll go too lmao

[@seanmundy8952]

I marched in 2003, but didn't get to march my age-out year in 2004. The last time I marched anything was the 2008 Rose Parade with the Pasadena City College Tournament Honor Band at age 24. I think I could still hack it at nearly 41 years old since I still exercise regularly, but nothing that involves lots of kneeling or leaning. If the all-age corps focus more on pure marching and manevering instead of scatter drill and dancing, then you can sign me up. Just need to bust out the trumpet and get my chops back up to speed in a couple months. I'd also have to fly back from overseas to do it.

[@MarkinsKat]

I just aged out this summer and I would DEFINITELY jump at the chance to go on tour again

[@opem1383]

Maybe you could do a video reacting to the DCA finals shows from this past year to help introduce them to a new audience[exposure always helps them, as you'd know]

[@Tjterrill]

SEVEN years in the S.F. Renegades here! Yes, just west coast based DCI shows (North and SoCal tours) until we went back east for DCA championships. At times we had two other DCA corps out west we would compete against (River City Regiment from Sac, and SoCal Dream) and on a few occasions we actually went to the Midwest for a mid-season weekend of shows. Needless to say, it was incredibly difficult to fund those long trips year after year. Incredible experience and talent - I miss it! RIP Renegades!

[@RocketRay]

After marching in the dark ages (early 1980s) I got back into it around 2012 when I took my then four year old son to a drum corps show and my defunct corps' alumni minicorps was there. This past summer they participated in that alumni minicorps and now they're contracted to Gold.

[@g.hon.4645]

CONTRACTED??? SERIOUSLY?!?! Get outta here! 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@RussellKasem]

I can't speak for every corps, but at AtlantaCV we have the majority of our music and are moving quick. We are planning to start setting drill in late March and have the entire show on the field by end of May.

[@Daves_drh-acrylic-creations]

I marched with SF Renegades in 2006. We performed at west coast DCI shows for the first part of the season then we did a deep dive into rehearsals before traveling east. Also, we had very few members under the age of 21

[@_maddiezs]

5:50 as a member of a smaller open corps, i agree that it is kinda dissappointing to do our final show to a very small number of people, in the morning of world prelims. but it's more of a fun run for us because we already had our open finals a few days before, and we're not fighting to be in semi-finals.

[@USMCBugleBoy]

I barely knew about DCI when I was in college. I had already committed to my summer job, the year I found out that I was aging out. “You mean there’s an opening, and I can’t go, and it’s my FIRST AND LAST CHANCE EVER!?!” And it was a choice between making $3000, or spending $3000 I didn’t have. I chose to earn a computer so I could graduate. 4 months later, I bought a Gateway 2000 Pentium desktop, with a 15” CRT monitor, and Altec Lansing speakers with subwoofer.

[@g.hon.4645]

umm...???? 😕

[@tenorchild69]

1.) My Corps from Michigan will (hopefully) move to All Age next year. Watch out for Northern Lights DBC. 2.) We should petition to make all classes DCI and WGI all age! I remember you making one for the Olympics why not one for the place we all love most? I would love a pin to see if others agree with me for my number 2 statement/question. Anyway, I love your videos and you are an inspiration to me as a tenor player! Have a good day!

[@Kieran.percussion]

WGI all age is the one thing severely lacking in the marching arts. Most people are freer on weekends even as adults, so WGI is not too hard to integrate.

[@benjaminallisonii724]

@@Kieran.percussion Real!!! WGI Winds is all age and no instrument restrictions but is still kinda unpopular. Its probably my favorite category has some of the most potential.

[@tianvonsmith6195]

As a world-class member, the feeling of 10s of people is definitely felt and its the worst

[@MkVIIIMaus]

After aging out for DCI, I joing Senior Corps busted my ass only to do 4 shows in a year doing more parades than shows. I'm all for DCI taking over a seniors corps!

[@g.hon.4645]

😕🤷

[@jeffreydheere4737]

After 17 years of aging out, I marched with Frontier out of Dallas, TX in 2006. We marched our finals show in Rochester in the middle of hurricane Ernesto. It was the craziest show I ever took part in - what a blast.

[@pie4breakfast_drums]

I marched 2018 at the Columbians, and 2019 at the Seattle Cascades. 2020 covid happened and then Cascades folded for 2021 which was my age out. Cascades didn't tell us they weren't running untill most groups were all contracted up. Tried for a spot at Madison Scouts because they had one quad spot left, but after 2 weeks of drumming my ass off to record the thickest audition packet I've ever seen (the edited video audition of my best rep of every exercise was over an hour long), the spot went to a kid who was taking lessons from the quad tech. Im 24 now, and even though it would kinda suck to do it again because of all the reasons you mentioned, plus not being able to work for a while, that super unsatisfying ending to my marching career would probably compell me to do it one last time.

[@tlynam93]

I’m excited for this! as someone who missed their DCI/WGI years playing FF games in the Corps it’s cool to think I might actually be able to get my chops back and march one last field show. I fuckin miss it.

[@reesecarlton]

Love the fact that you played random licks in the middle of the video like you used to

[@marimbadaddy]

Wow - What a bomb dropped! The Loss of DCA hurts, but I'm glad that DCI elected to save that part of the art form (sort of). Unfortunately, this will most likely have a detremental effect on Senior...exuse me... all-age-corps, as the amount of funding needed to create a DCI-level show has risen into the seven figures. Many of us who march(ed) in the Sr. Corps of DCA did it simply because we love to march and play, and/or because we couldn't afford the touring fees of the junior corps in our youth. Having been a member of both the Bayou City Blues and the Gulf Coast Sound here in Houston. TX, I can personally attest to the H-E-L-L that is is here in the South to try to field a show during the Summer. I'd love to see more opportunities for adults and kids get into the marching arts, and having an active circuit here along the gulf coast would be great (we certainly have an extremely active WGI circuit in both Guard and Percussion). And having more DCI shows here in the south would be nice too. Hopefully DCI can find a place for both the Beer and Pizza corps of the "older guys" and the more competitive all-age-corps that still keeps the activity both fun and challengeing for the performers as well as entertaining to the audience.

[@Cheggg_]

I was never able to audition for a corps because of financial reasons, I’m 23 now and I look forward to one day being a member of an all-age corps. Atlanta CV isn’t too far from me.

[@DemMommaJeans]

Minmesota Brass, Renegades, and Empire Statesmen need to come back. Heck Lets Star United March again

[@kevinbs05]

As a minnesota brass alumni (2010) agreed

[@samsignorelli]

Renegades burned more than a few bridges their last year to DCA....

[@alanholck7995]

True - But DCI could learn a thing or two from SF Renegades marketing approach. Everyone wanted to see them, whether they liked all the hype or not.

[@Thewadewitt]

I always wanted to march snare in a DCI group, I never got to because of my family situation, being poor, and just not having the support as a child, now that I’m older, and now that this is an opportunity, I’m finally excited to try again and live out a dream I had. This is so exciting!!

[@worldsheaviestjamband93]

I heard a rumor that if this video gets 10k likes that Eric is gonna tour this year. Possibly just a rumor.

[@gbrhythm]

I'll be amazed if this doesn't end up being an unmitigated disaster for the shadow of what was once DCA, for a number of reasons: 1) The burden of getting the "all age corps" to Indianapolis for finals should not be underestimated. That's time and money that many just won't have. 2) Having the competition begin at 10:00 am?! Seriously? This is bad for both participants and fans. There is no upside to such an idiotic decision. 3) If the I&E competition does actually take place at Rochester, the results will be near-meaningless with so many corps not even in attendance. I am not optimistic, at all, about the future of this activity that I fell in love with in my youth. And I've yet to see any convincing proof that any of the decisions over the past several years (if not decades) have proven to be effective at preserving the activity or moving it forward in any viable way.

[@jaredmessersmith3930]

Never got to do DCI due to various reasons, but I'd love to take a summer off as as 25 year old college student (or at least weekends) and do a DCI season. And, as someone that will probably never live in the NE, I'm excited for the possibility of new corps popping up (especially maybe west of the Rockies :)

[@jojopuppetstudio]

Would you ever do a video on Rouges hollow regiment from the 23 DCA season? i could send you some lot videos if interested!

[@Thebestfemboydrummer]

I told my high school concert band/marching band director about tour channel. Hopefully he looks at it, and it will make our bands better.

[@Ryan-lv9zp]

5:50 this is what its like being a concert percussion group in wgi

[@Non-basedperson-wk9pp]

I’m marching high school right now and at the end of this season we went to state championships and got the very first slot, so we got to perform at 7 am for tens of people. It sorta sucks, but it’s still great to just have fun for your final run.

[@treastis]

I would expect to see some type of cap/rule regarding members under the age of 18 before a raising of the max age. With all the long overdue focus on keeping members (especially those under 18) safer, I could see a system where corps are either 18 and under or 18+

[@kfletch19]

DCI is not raising the age limit for junior corps, they are just taking DCA under their umbrella. Some groups would take a major hit without those under 18 auditioning for groups they have no chance of making. They activity has gotten so expensive that the number of groups has declined significantly. Where in the 90's and early 2000's there were enough that you could set age restrictions to focus on developing younger members, now there's just not enough groups. Plus, if there were and under 18 and over 18 class that would effect what corps would make for attending shows, there already a difference in pay for open class and world class groups now.

[@laneland]

A lot of people seem to be commenting under the impression that all age corps are a new thing… all age corps have always been around, they just weren’t part of DCI, it was DCA instead. It’s not a brand new concept.

[@laneland]

I don’t think the “taking spots from younger people” makes any sense because as someone in an all-age corps, we are all struggling for membership. That’s the reason for the DCA DCI merger in the first place.

[@lpjdrummer12295]

I think one of the primary reasons for the cutoff of 21 years old is alcohol. Once a member is legally allowed to drink, that opens an entire can of worms about health and safety concerns that could potentially make its way into the activity, especially for groups that go on tour. It would be a nightmare if someone snuck alcohol onto the tour bus, and dealing with the reprecussions of that would end the activity in a heartbeat. You don't have to think too hard about the worst-case scenario and realize just how problematic it would be. I'm very curious to see what happens, but I don't foresee DCI Junior Corps that tour opening their ranks to all age if there's even a remote chance that alcohol can get involved. Keep in mind, I'm saying this as someone who has never marched DCI at all, but these are discussions I've had with people who have marched. For all I know, there's already college kids trying to sneak alcohol onto tour. I just think there'd be all sorts of liability concerns when you allow those who legally can drink onto a bus and mix them with those who legally can't drink.

[@alanholck7995]

When I marched back in the Jurassic era we used to hang out w/ the Senior Corps because they would share their beer w/ us. It was a different activity back then.

[@kfletch19]

I don't think that alcohol has ever been a huge consideration for the age limit, considering the number of members in college and have easy access to it. If the corps have rules against it and there are real consequences for breaking them, most drum corps members will take it into consideration. Its been years since a dci corps has traveled to Europe or there was a DCI show in Canada but those countries have different rules about alcohol and I know personally corps members drinking in Montreal on a free day after the show there in the early 2000's. Many former DCA groups have had members ranging in age from high school to their 50's and they made it very clear that underage drinking was not allowed and it wasn't a big deal. I would think that weed would be a bigger issue.

[@captainjirk9564]

Kids are going to drink even if they're not 21, I don't think the age was part of the issue. I think it might also be a maturity thing. They want people who are all around the same maturity level, because otherwise bad things happen, sometimes, maybe. I'm sure you're at least aware of the sexual controversies in a few corps.

[@IvanTheTerrifying]

​@@alanholck7995lol yeah I've heard some of the older people in my all age corps be like "ah, I remember the good old days of setting drill with a dotbook in one hand and a beer in the other"

[@asturner00]

Alcohol on the tour bus??? What a crazy thing to suggest….

[@HE360]

One could join an all-age Drum corps, or in a person is a drummer, they could join one of those sports team drumlines

[@thomashelm6931]

Hey, I last marched in 1968. But I joined the Air Force because I didn't want to get drafted. Many men didn't make it to age out. Or, even, until 21. Seriously, it would be great to march again. Spandex might even be a little supportive, if you know what I mean. Great activity! Do it while you can!

[@tannerstacy9530]

I’ll be marching Cincinnati Tradition this summer-I completely agree that it’s just objectively better for everyone if everyone’s eligible. I missed out on junior corps participation because of life, finances, school, and covid. Being able to participate is huge for me! I can’t wait!!

[@anthonymoore915]

2 years. It would take me 2 years, at least, of constant work to get to a point where I could conceivably march and play without need a break every two charts... Maybe. Possibly 3. And then I'd never want to do it again after dedicating 2-3 years to get to march for one... But I SURELY wish they had this back in 2000. I aged out before I was making near enough money to afford to even think about auditioning. College was expensive and I had to pick one.

[@motomike71]

I could have marched in my college years. I had the summers off, I was in my prime playing ability. But stupid age out rule. I really wish I had known more about the Commandant's Own and wasn't turned off by the basic training sequences in Full Metal Jacket. You can basically make an career doing drum corps in the Commandant's Own.

[@kevinbs05]

“Most of these members were under 22”… Me marching bucs last season at 36.

[@RussellKasem]

Buddy, I'm with you. 35 and marching Atlanta CV.

[@jacobmeiring156]

Being in Atlanta CV it's hard to speak for the entire DCA circuit (we're kinda isolated down here man), but my experience in Rochester in '23 was really cool in seeing how tightly nit all the corps were. Especially all those Northeastern groups, it was a really competitive but friendly circuit. Love to see DCA growing and going places

[@TheChickenx18]

I have concerns about allowing older members to join junior corps in DCI. While the partnership between DCI and DCA for an All-Age Class is an interesting development, I believe it's crucial to maintain the distinct nature of junior corps. The essence of junior corps is to provide a platform for young, amateur musicians to learn, grow, and compete. Introducing older, potentially professional musicians could shift the focus from a developmental and educational experience to a more professional and competitive one. This could undermine the opportunities for younger members who are still honing their skills and may not be able to compete at the same level as older, more experienced musicians. Drum corps has always been about balancing competition with education and personal growth, and I fear that blurring these lines might detract from the unique experience that junior corps offer to young musicians.

[@motomike71]

The reality is that your top World class corps already only accept members in the 18-21 year old range and encourage younger applicants to get experience in a corps in Open class.

[@TheChickenx18]

Appreciate your perspective on the age range in World Class Corps. It's important to note, though, that the idea of under-18s being excluded from top corps isn't entirely accurate. The reality is more about the caliber of performance than age. While it's true that World Class corps often seek a certain level of skill and maturity, which typically aligns with the 18-21 age range, younger musicians are not automatically excluded. If a performer demonstrates the necessary talent, skill, and dedication, they have a chance to march, regardless of being under 18. So, if you have the ability and are ready to commit to the rigorous demands of a top-tier drum corps, age shouldn't be seen as a barrier. The key is being up to the performance caliber expected at that level.

[@motomike71]

@@TheChickenx18 Generally highly competitive World Class corps that have no recruitment issues are going to choose an experienced 18 year old over a 14 year old phenom rookie due to maturity issues. They’ll suggest they get some experience in an Open Class corps. A good example is Brandon Olander who had the chops to play at age 12 but wasn’t brought on to the Blue Devils snare line until age 16. Still young, but Scott Johnson wanted him to develop the maturity to be able to hang with the adults in the line.

[@TheChickenx18]

@@motomike71 I understand your perspective on World Class corps preferring more experienced performers due to maturity issues. However, it's important to consider that the goal of most participants in DCI isn't solely to win championships, but to grow as musicians and performers. Drumlines do have unique dynamics compared to the rest of the corps, but this principle applies across all sections. While the Blue Devils, with their feeder corps, might be an outlier in their approach to recruitment, the reality for most other corps is different. Many corps don't have the same level of resources and, therefore, are more inclined to blend new talent with experienced members. This approach allows for the development of younger members within the corps environment, fostering both musical and personal growth. It's about cultivating a well-rounded group that thrives on the diversity of experience and skill levels, not just focusing on immediate competitive success.

[@motomike71]

@@TheChickenx18 No real disagreement with this, which is why I mentioned corps that do not have any recruitment issues. This would be your top six or in good years top 12 corps. My corps was a good example of what you describe. VK came off an awful year in 1991 where they missed finals by a very slim margin. They also had internal management issues and issues with instructors. They almost folded in the pre-1992 camp season because the corps had alienated a lot of the vets. So they had to do heavy recruitment of high schoolers and my year had about 50% rookies below the age of 18. I feel like the activity has progressed a bit, especially with tour fees that the average age from when I marched has shifted up, but you're not wrong that in the lower part of the World Class spectrum you're going to see a higher percentage of 14-17 year olds, especially with corps towards the bottom of the list.

[@brockburgi994]

Here’s an idea: maybe put a cap on how many seasons an individual can march past their “age out” year. So basically before 21 you’re allowed to march as many seasons as you want too, but as soon as you turn 21 you’re allowed 1 maybe 2 extra seasons. There also could be a hard age limit on top of this, which could be something like 30-35. But this idea could serve as a middle ground to not potentially flood the Junior corps in with old guys yet also give who would have been aged out an opportunity to do the experience at least once.

[@motomike71]

I've always felt that there is an age for each individual where they would determine that they are done. For people who start to have other responsibilities, job, family, etc. I think the average age would be between 25-30. After 30 physical ability to keep up with young adults and 20-year-olds would come into play.

[@JamesThatcher]

Let's also understand that most of the people in DCA who were not in school sure couldn't do it due to you know... work, kids, family, etc...

[@Chris_Sokol]

I’ll be curious to see if DCI manages to survive the next decade. Not only do you have top tier corps that have been around for decades skipping seasons, but a few are actually folding (rumor has it the Cadets are selling off assets). Cost vs income just is not balancing out anymore.

[@motomike71]

I've always had a problem with DCI's age rule. It arbitrarily says that someone can't do something they enjoyed participating in because they are "too old." Yes there always were all-age opportunities, but none of them are at the level of commitment and instruction that DCI open class are. I felt as time went on, 25 was a more reasonable upper age limitation as that's also the average age of someone graduating with either an undergraduate or graduate degree. The counter argument was that no one wanted adults bussing with minors, but the reality of DCI Open Class corps in the 21st century is that they're fielding participants mostly in the 18-21 year old age range. Expanding that to 25 should not have been a concern. It would be great if adding the all-age corps will encourage some of the Open Class junior corps to flip divisions in order to retain their talent past age 21.

[@motomike71]

@@gussfish8670 ask the Cadets how well that worked.

[@Nizerifin]

I think the DCI branding alone will help. Just need to figure out a better time for their finals.

[@diamond_zone]

I talked to a friend of mine about DCI and how much I missed due to not having enough money and long trips. If/when all age DCI camps is set in stone, I'll gladly join and hop in on that opportunity. I haven't played my trumpet in years, but I'll get my chops back in no time

[@richdelmazzio9890]

I wish I had an opportunity to match DCI for 1-2 more years. I got injured and couldn’t come back after. I miss marching. I hope this opens the door for others that missed their shot.

[@gregjacksun]

I marched 2005, 2006, and 2007 Reading Buccaneers. I was in my 30's and it remains one of the greatest things I ever did.

[@FloriDUH_JBot]

Titling a few beers back after practice. That was DCA!

[@dustinfriel3022]

At Renegades, we marched at some DCI and local shows before finals. DCI Stanford, SoCal DCI, and I think we used to perform at Blue Devils Family Day.

[@cpincpersonal]

DCI aside, I'm 39 in South Florida and I don't understand why they don't have marching bands for adults as a sport. They have leagues after work for softball, kickball, basketball, everything else. Would be nice if they had that.

[@g.hon.4645]

You never heard of local town bands??? Most of those I've seen in my area could qualify as "all age", w/a lot of considerably older adults. But I gotta tell you: Being in one is NOTHING LIKE being in a corps. However, these days corps are being run more & more like bands so it might not feel so out if sync to someone like that. I've been in both & so have several of my friends. I could never go back to that!

[@RohasTravels]

i marched with the Renegades and we would do DCI shows all over California. We would also do 2 trips to the east coast. The first would be a month before champs, which we did in north carolina and the second would be wherever championships was held at.

[@moyamedia9]

I completely missed out on DCI ... let's just say the concept of not only bailing on a summer job that brought in money, but also to PAY said money I didn't have for music (a hobby at best) was not an easy sell for my otherwise-supportive family. So when I learned about DCA, I was totally geeked. Had an opportunity to march about 15 years ago. This will be a tricky balancing act for the organization. On the one hand, elevating the all-age corps could invigorate new potential members and help the activity grow now that adults can play. On the other hand, too many half-ass weekend warrior groups have the possibility of diluting the performance quality of a show, which might turn audiences off. Plus as soon as Blue Devils starts their alumni corps, any hope of competing is over.

[@ChrisRodriquez]

I marched tenores in Reenegades 2005. Not having corps to compete against was always an issue but the administrative team was good about trying to get us closer to shows. The year I marched we brought everyone to the Loud Music Symposium in North Carolina and had a big exhibition concert. I know the year prior the corps went to the midewest. During the beginning of tour, we would compete at DCI shows in our own class, sometimes judged on DCI sheets, sometimes on DCA sheets so it's kind of hard to gauge where you would stand as you came into finals weekend.

[@ChrisRodriquez]

Also, I should mention that in 2005 there were 3 all age corps in California, The Renegades, SoCal Dream (DCA Class A) and River City Regiment

[@davidblackmon8523]

When I marched Heat Wave of Orlando we went to Pennsylvania a couple times a summer. Only had to take a couple days off work. We had a corps from Japan come to finals one year.

[@texillini1]

I never marched corp, only high school, and so did my kids. My son (29) gives back to the community by helping our high school band as the percussion coordinator (unpaid). I think that there should be no age limit. Of someone is capable and has the stamina and chops to play, so be it and good for them. I wish there were more corps bands. Can’t beat that marching sound.

[@clover7362]

I've always thought that the 21 YO age limit never made any sense. Especially with inflation, these teens/college age kids are expected to pay upwards of 5 grand per summer which is unsustainable for most people in that age group especially if they're in college. WGI world class is all age I don't understand why DCI isn't. Imagine how many people are missing out on the opportunity to march because of age and finances.

[@ImaginaryAssasin]

WGI World class is only all age for Guard. Percussion World class still has an age out, and all independent Winds classes are All-Age

[@92vanguard]

There were several corps west of the Mississippi but it was just impossible to compete anywhere until finals. You jad to try to get into a DCI show and get them to use DCA sheets.

[@NicDunn]

One of my friends from high school marched Guardians in 2022, right before his senior year of high school, and then signed up for the navy, the full 6 years. He’s a hell of a bass drummer and can’t do it anymore, that age limit really does suck

[@asturner00]

I may be wrong, but I do think dci has a clause to give active duty military one season after they finish a contract if they were enlisted during their marching nears. Never known someone to do it, but I think it exists

[@Salsuero]

I tried to march in 1996. It wasn't my final year of eligibility. But I couldn't afford it. So I had to abandon my run when it came time to pony up. I had traveled up to march with Santa Clara Vanguard from Southern California. I was sad because I couldn't make the finances work. But that's the reality of it for many kids. It's expensive. DCI is a game for the more fortunate and/or king fundraisers among us... who are 21 or younger... which is more like a game for kids of well-to-do parents or those who are able to fundraise gobs of cash for their tours. I wasn't one of them, so my DCI career had to end shortly after it began. But I might give an all-age corps a chance now at 47 years old. I can still play my trumpet just as I did back then, albeit maybe with less total stamina but more experience. I'm sure I'd eventually work myself back into show marching shape just by doing it. I went to colleges that didn't have marching bands, so my marching career ended way too soon. I still have the bug. Who knows.

[@alildrumhappy]

Just watched the dci all age finals, it was crazy good!!

[@mendellee]

I had a small FB discussion about all of this when I found it was happening, and I raised some concerns about it relating to feasibility of travel to Indy vs Rochester and whether that would be worth it to what has been a mostly northeast experience. Those were mostly addressed in ways that satisfied me, but a few friends who are deep in DCA are concerned about the shorter season from an innovation and excellence perspective - they predict that shows will either become easier or sloppier. That's a legitimate concern, but not enough on its own to view the overall as a negative. One potential side effect of this you didn't mention is that you'll no longer see people who hop in to fill holes in a DCA corps after finishing with DCI finals earlier that month. Also, re: the "reasons you don't want to tour anymore," from what i understand, floor time during tour is now mandatory based on distance or hours traveled by bus, gone are the days where you arrive at a site, get a snack, and go straight to rehearsal I think that at least for drumlines, it's a hard sell to audition for a competitive All Age Corps where they'll have to shell out their own $$ to do it versus auditioning for an NFL drumline and get paid $$ to do less. I know they don't really cross over so you could have people that do both, but for me, I have no desire to shell out that kind of $$ at this point. Either pay me to be in an NFL drumline or pay me to be a tech.

[@mendellee]

(all this said, I did somehow agree to pay a bunch of money to march in the Crossmen 50th anniversary corps, so from the outside, i'd say I'm full of BS)

[@cougartuba]

Sheesh. Every year Kilties, Minnesota Brass, Govies, and Chops would go all the way out East every year. How many East coast corps ever came to the Midwest? Yeah. Babies.

[@bassoonerthebetter7897]

maybe unpopular, but I marched this summer and I don’t know if I would want to march with people that much older than me. I get that 21 is kind of arbitrary, and there are still issues with 15 and 21 year olds, but I know that I am 19 and would be pretty uncomfortable living in the same space as someone who is 30. We separated our minor and adult showers and I was fully comfortable because every one of the adults around me was close enough to my age versus way older or way younger. Finally, it helps me not take the season I did have for granted, and motivates me to march again before I age out. I know there are issues with this but I also know that many people would not feel comfortable marching alongside those so much older than them

[@bassoonerthebetter7897]

In addition to this, the difference between that and the all-age class is the lack of a tour. It’s one thing to spend your weekends doing something but the entire summer is much different. Again, this may not be popular it’s just how I feel

[@gothard5]

I couldn’t march again even if I wanted to. My back is too messed up these days. Also, I find it awesome that there are three all age groups and six competitions in my home state of Ohio.

[@tonyflo04]

I did dca in 1998-2021 after aging out in 97, it was a fun time

[@frontline99]

I also want to add that I was in the Renegades in 2005 and 2006. At 24, I was the second youngest person in the corps.

[@pumodi]

I'm in the same camp as you. I did BDB in 2006 and 2007 but couldn't keep going because of financial reasons. I still had until 2012 and even prepped for a Boston Crusaders audition in 2010 but at some point I had to decide if I could afford it and after doing the math it just wasn't in the cards for me. If there wasn't an age limit I could have done it after graduating college, when I'd saved and had still had the time available.

[@TenSeventeen]

Having well missed my opportunity before age out, this would have been a great discussion a decade ago before my knees quit working.

[@Kieran.percussion]

Hey EMC, epic video! I am a big supporter of removing the age out as well so that people can still play at the highest level, not to mention there are several drummers, (let alone all those dancers and horn players) who still have incredible chops! My question is what is your approach to having such a huge age gap on tour --> 14,15, to 18 and up.

[@ikurasake]

Damn, $5000? It was $1500 in Open Class in 2010 and we had a great summer and got 2nd

[@francesca.pellegrino]

Renegades would rehearse for finals at my high school BITD. They even borrowed our pit equipment and used our equipment trucks. The lego chimes and cymbal bike were still in the band room over a decade later. Maybe they’re still there?

[@LJHiggins]

Good morning!! Preforming in 7th regiment last year (bassline 4) our finals preformance at lucas oil (prelims) was kinda underwhelming. There was probably only 70 people watching in the stands. Compared avon lake ohio the stands were PACKED and the crowd was diggin it, its kinda disappointing as the season builds up and our last preformance is kinda dull with the low capacity crowd:(

[@MelHighDrumline]

You should right drumline scores for movie soundtracks, That'd be kinda cool.

[@veggcar497]

I completely agree with the World Class all age proposal, I’m currently in the US Army, I joined right out of highschool, I wanted to march open class but I didn’t have the money, if I was able to join once I get out I would 100% take that opportunity

[@rct3isepic]

I agree on the DCI should just be all ages in general thing. As a huge drum corps fan, i'd love to march in my local corps (Seattle Cascades) however, I as a drummer don't have the chops yet, and have already aged out. So its a bit discouraging to know that if I really work hard and get those chops, i'll have nowhere to use them since i've already aged out

[@buslengths]

Now at 24, I would most definitely go back on tour.

[@RockerBug17]

The activity grew a lot in the 2000s and 2010s. It only make sense there would be more people now who would love to march.

[@risefuzion6530]

I really wanted to march DCI back in 2015 but college and working 2 part time jobs to make ends meet prevented me to do so. By the time I finally got enough money I was already an age out and I never got the chance to try the activity. I wish the age limit was removed because it would have allowed me to experience it at least once. I’m now 26 and it’s one of my biggest regrets not being able to march.

[@EdselCross]

I marched old school drum corps. No band director ever had a problem with when I was done with finals. They gave me the book and I had it down in a few days.

[@joelewis]

I think we are going to see DCI be All Ages and be a sport in our life time.

[@CaptainDonClips]

I know Atlanta CV played at the DCI SouthEastern championship and then went off to Indy the next week, so yes they do exhibitions and then say hi to everyone at finals.

[@christinashelby6083]

Yay, a talking video with random licks!

[@captainkiwi77]

Honestly thank god. There were concerns over DCAs long term institutional viability back when I was marching precovid and I can only imagine it’s immensely worse

[@captainkiwi77]

If dca corps regularly filled out an entire corps to capacity (many do not) then maybe there’d be merit to the idea that older folks are taking spots, but as is, many senior corps survive off their returning aged out members while the younger ones bounce to go march open or world class.