First time! Swedes reacts to - Definitely Not Bluecoats 2024 "Change Is Everything" at DCI Finals!

[@ZakhadWOW]

BTW the people are not BOOING them. This corps is affectionately known as BLOO, so when people are cheering them, it's usually with a giant chorus of BLOOOOOO

[@stephenkurtz8060]

Actually they are saying blue for Blue Coats.

[@axolotlwolof1412]

​@stephenkurtz8060 No, they are saying bloo. Bloo is an official term in bluecoats 😂

[@qliszisfatherless6796]

@@stephenkurtz8060thats what they said

[@keenanglimpsemusic5918]

Thanks for watching this! I marched this show this year. To answer a few questions, DCI is kind of like "professional marching band." It's made up of 165 musicians from around the world that are selected each year after they audition. Thousands audition for the Bluecoats each year. The video is titled "Definitely NOT Bluecoats" in an attempt for the video to not get taken down for copyright reasons. There are drum corps from around the world that compete in this competition every year. In this specific "World Championships," only groups from the United States and Canada compete, but there are other competitions in Japan, as well. I absolutely loved marching this show and it's so cool to see people watch it for the first time!

[@haileyadelaidefilms8819]

6w Bloo

[@lebamadness]

Absolutely loved this years show! What an unbelievable job all of you did, congrats on the 98.7. 👏👏❤

[@AmFlora]

What a great season bloo! Congratulations to all of you! I was in the lot for semis and finals night and you guys absolutely killed it. Very well done!

[@paullikesbass]

Six Words!! So happy for you guys that got to perform this show, it was truly something special!!! 💙💙💙

[@paullikesbass]

Six Words!! So happy for you guys that got to perform this show, it was truly something special!!! 💙💙💙

[@trelloyd]

another non-american youtuber falls down the dci rabbit hole…… so lovely seeing peoples’ first reactions to this stuff ❤

[@glencarlson9789]

From one Swede to another! There is nothing like the sound of horns and drum playing to the best perfection possible then the color guard interpreting the music with their visual beauty and excitement! It's a class act for all these talented participants. I have followed this for over 50 years and will continue to the end. It gets into your blood and becomes part of you! ❤️

[@KevinGamin]

Fun fact: there was a Swedish drum corps from Stragnas which came to DCI in 2010!

[@delfordchaffin5617]

Thanks for checking this out and glad you enjoyed it! I marched with the Bluecoats in 1991 and in the 50th Anniversary Alumni Corps in 2022. We alumni are super proud of our younger counterparts and all they accomplished this past season! The alumni corps experience was one of the most special in my life and if you want to search for and watch that, you'll see 428 of us representing all 50 years of the corps' history out there just having an amazing time performing together again. 😊🍁💙

[@preston9631]

The Bluecoats Alumni was the best 30 minutes of drum corps I’ve seen live. Congrats!!

[@haileyadelaidefilms8819]

@@preston9631 Thank you.

[@delfordchaffin5617]

@@preston9631 Thank you! I wish there was a way I could have watched it live as well. LOL ... But I would not have missed being out there for anything. :-)

[@michaeljohn9271]

I got to see the Alumni show live and cried at the time. So amazing. If you haven't seen youtube reviewer Charlie Smith's reaction, it's great.

[@delfordchaffin5617]

@@michaeljohn9271 Definitely seen it. I PayPal'd him to do it. :-) ... He really really got it. 💙

[@fumesniff]

Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps is for student musicians age 14-22 to compete in the Drum Corps International World Class. They travel more than 12,000 miles each summer across the USA by bus rehearsing and performing for thousands of drum corps fans. They won the championship in 2016 and 2024. Unrelated side-note, Canton Ohio is the home of the NFL hall of fame and the first pre-season NFL game every year. The Bluecoats were officially founded in '72 but were around long long before that and have very close ties to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Ohio and the Police Boys Club. They were named for the blue coats of the local retired police corps.

[@joshsalmons1867]

They go as young as 14? I didn't know that. I thought 18 was the youngest.

[@dciaudio]

​@@joshsalmons1867 If you're good they'll take you no matter what age you are (within reason). Most corps set the lower limit at 14 though.

[@john_d210]

@@joshsalmons1867 Check out some of the members especially of the Blue Devils C corps!

[@IndiHawk22]

16-21 age group

[@paullikesbass]

@@joshsalmons1867yes it will go as low as 14-15 depending on the corps now, I started at Madison when I was 15 in 2005. One of my captionheads started at SCV when she was 12 and marched there for 9 years

[@scottlyons33]

2013 Carolina Crown, 2018 Santa Clara Vanguard, 2008 Phantom Regiment...so many great shows. You're just at the beginning of a wonderful journey. Do yourselves a favor and check out ALL the comment recommendations. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and love for something that was and has been very important in my life.

[@adamkoslin9302]

2011 Phantom too...that "Elsa" closer...makes me cry every time.

[@ktgreynet]

My favs are Santa Clara and Phantom

[@jamesreese4170]

DcI is a whole rabbit hole. Be prepared to be blown away. There is well over 30 years worth of amazing DCI videos. Many more exciting shows from these very same Bluecoats. Other corps are amazing too. The canton Bluecoats have an amazing story. For decades the barely made the top 12 but were always a crowd favorite. Their shows were fun and innovative. But things really startec changing for the better in the last decade. In 2014 they had a crowd tavorite show titled "Tilt" that may have fundamentally changed DCI. I wont explain why because its a show you should react too without spoilers. They didnt win that year but placed the highest they had ever placed in history finishing 2nd. 2 years later in 2016 they would win their first ever DCI championship. After finishing 2nd again several years in a row the show you just reacted too became their second DCI championship ever.

[@chasbari]

So, so true. And, we rose from the ashes of folding in the early days. I marched with them in 1980 and 1981. The amazing organization has been so innovative. When I think back to the early years, I am so proud of what the organization has accomplished. Recky and Carol, your reactions were so honest, loved watching this and being able to experience it through the eyes of wonder. Makes me appreciate it even more.

[@jamesreese4170]

@@chasbari a bit earlier than I started following them. Both my older brothers marched in the mid 80s to early 90’s. So we as a family followed the corp quite a bit. I was lucky enough to be at the 2 DCI Championships in Kansas City and 2 in Madison the most memorable for me was 89. So many incredible shows that year. Aside from being a hometown follower of our beloved Coats I also was a huge fan of ScV and the Cadets. I always loved phantoms book. I was lucky enough to be there when the coats broke the top 12 for the first time. Still breaks my heart that they moved away from the 2 valve bugle’s but realize that made DCI more accessible to more people. Go Blue!

[@paullikesbass]

Hey don’t forget about Metropolis! The first time the corps ever medaled! (I’m maybe biased because I was in that show lol)

[@hgielacissej]

If you all liked DCI, you will definitely also like WGI! The "ninjas" in yellow are the Colorguard. The Colorguard works with three types of equipment: Rifles, Sabers (the swords) and Flags. One interesting thing you will notice is that most of the Colorguard have special gloves on their hands (sometimes only one hand depending on preference) to help cushion the impact that equipment makes when they catch it. Rifle and Saber can hurt a bit; especially when performing in the cold and your hands are super cold. During late Winter/ early Spring, when Marching Band season is over, there is an indoor version of Colorguard, called Winterguard,. The Winterguards use soundtracks/songs instead of the Marching Band for their music. An absolutely beautiful example is the Avon High School Winterguard who won WGI Championships this year. All of the kids in this group go to the same school and are around 14 to 18 years old. I was in Colorguard and Winterguard during my High School years and had the best time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foOuZ6tsgtqKa9E

[@Spyder-xb9ie]

Also in WGI there is percussion and indoor winds

[@paullikesbass]

I LOOOOOVED that he called us “ninjas” for real. I will now forever refer to the guard as The Ninjas

[@carlaburgess-tomsa4541]

Adding "definitely not" to the tile is a way to avoid having the video taken down from KZbin for possible copyright issues. This is most definitely the Bluecoats...So glad to see your sheer amazement and joy of discovering drum corps for the first time. Probably had the same reaction myself....Please stay in the dci (drum corps) rabbit hole. It will not disappoint.

[@majichipbone]

Their precision movements and absolute MASTERY of the music is what gets me about these DCI groups. I only wish i had found out about them when i was young enough to participate. It must be an honor to perform with some of the BEST marching band groups ever assembled.

[@squillz8310]

makes me wish I had practiced more when I was marching in High School. I'm now 2 years too old to march, but I'll forever funnel my love and support into DCI!

[@juliehilbert7655]

It is truly an honor, and a joy you carry for the rest if you life.

[@pattydowdschmitz6976]

You two made me cry watching this. I marched in the Bluecoats in the 1980s and it is so special to watch people see something this mind-blowing for the very first time. It shows how music and motion can transcend anything and touch our rawest emotions - you two had no idea what you were watching but you were so moved! So absolutely thrilling to see. You have so many wonderful journeys ahead of you to watch DCI shows - seek them out and you will be amazed!!

[@jefffairless7187]

What is so amazing to me is that these kids are all between 17 & 21 yrs old. They practice 6-8 hrs per day and run thru their performance at least once per day, continously fine tuning and perfecting their show. This was my son's second year (trumpet) on the Bluecoats, and Iso happy they won it all in 2024! A record-breaking performance! They won every competition they performed in, 18-0, for an undefeated season, all the way through the finals in Indianapolis.

[@paullikesbass]

The “world championship” label is definitely open to everyone. There were some corps from Europe and Japan that have competed, but mostly now they’re all based in the US. But we all have members from all over the world. I marched Bluecoats for 3 years and we had members from the US, Canada, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and many from Japan who were in the corps

[@TheDallasBurgess]

Welcome to the world of drum corps. And you should absolutely continue down this rabbit hole. You will NEVER be disappointed. And get used to those chill bumps…

[@Wendythegr8]

This was amazing !!!!! Change is everything... stage position, uniform changes, music tempo, apparatus changes ( rifles, sabers and 4 different flags). This was poetry in motion. A master class in musicality and performance. Bravo !!!!!

[@lynnb.9130]

Enjoy this watch Phantom regiment 2008 Spartacus show, they one that year. Best show ever!!!!

[@ProkNo5]

I LOVE this show, and was fortunate to see it live. The theme of the show is actually "entropy" or the scientific concept that things naturally break down with time. All we can do is put things back together in new and different ways, but never the way it started. Once you look up "entropy" you can see it in their formations, costumes, music, etc. At one point they create the classing bar graph and then show it breaking down, the way entropy is most commonly displayed in schoolbooks. (10:30) One interesting aspect is with how the Bluecoats utilize new instruments or new ways to play existing instruments. DCI changed rules on how microphones were allowed to be used a decade ago, and there has been a lot of debate over whether it has degraded the sport of marching band. This show really makes the commentary that we can't go back to the rules that were there before, but we CAN use the new rules to create new and beautiful experiences. That's part of why you hear the Bluecoats messing with odd and out-of-place sounds. The sounds at 8:55 are actually microphones on the flags. The experience of the sound in the stadium was even cooler in person. First time I've found myself tearing up in awe at a show since the 2002, when the Cavaliers performed "Frameworks" which similarly pushed the boundaries for the last generation.

[@kennyc7676]

Your reaction to Bluecoats 2024 was completely uplifting and reminded me of how I was captivated by Drum Corps back in 1977 when I first marched. A little older now and I was in Indianapolis to witness the World Championships this year. Change is Everything was off the scale and probably the greatest show I have seen since I joined the activity. Bloooooooooooooo…

[@esfunkytown9926]

I love watching new people not familiar with the activity. To see them wide eyed and blown away is amazing!! I'm a musician myself and love this activity been going to DCI San Antonio for nine years now. To help with some of the basics you have the drum major in the front. They are in charge of keeping the group in time and together. Next the people in getting of the drum are called the from ensemble. They are part of the percussion section. They have instruments like timpani, xylophone, marimbas and many more. Behind them you have the brass and battery. I'm the brass section you have the mellos, euphoniums trumpets and contras aka tubas. After them comes the battery section they consist of tenors or some call them quads, basses and then snares. Last but certainly not least is the color guard section. They are the ones who are tossing up flags, sabres, rifles pretty much anything that can be tossed up and caught. I hope this helped!

[@donnelson6694]

Amazing! I've only I'm not sure if I've ever seen a DCI performance before but I'm glad you reacted to this.

[@lebamadness]

I am so glad you enjoyed my suggestion, excellent reaction. The Bluecoats were amazing this year, and won this year breaking the Blue Devils winning streak. There is so much more to DCI so can check out many others from the years and bands. You will find most of the marching bands start with Definitely Not before the band name. The story I have been told is about entropy. You should also check out the Definitely Not the Blue Devils 2024, or last years 2023 when the Blue Devils won. There are other Drum Corps. you can check out when searching for DCI. I loved last years Bluecoats 2023, but they had a small error with one band member falling, due to a wardrobe malfunction. But still a great watch! Carol the de de de are called Xylophones. Love you guys as always from your Swedish cousin across the pond.👏👏

[@lebamadness]

Ok, here is your next one by popular demand... This is NOT Santa Clara Vanguard 2018, DCi Baking. This one will blow your mind as well!

[@michaelgwfrogwelge]

Its almost cruel 😈to ask for a reaction from drum corps novices and then show them--- not only a Championship show🥳😄--- but Bluecoats '24! ! !🙃😲🤯😎

[@chasbari]

Just to confuse matters even more, I would love for them to watch Bluecoats Alumni Corps...

[@richardlapham1913]

They are Drum Corps, NOT Bands.

[@lebamadness]

@@richardlapham1913 Corrected, thank you!

[@reysingson3446]

My son is on the drumkit during this show. All these kids are super talented. You should watch their Helenas encore to see how awesome these kids are

[@lebamadness]

They were all so amazing, your son must be very talented and committed. I know you're so proud of him! 👏♥

[@WatchDanReviews]

One of the best DCI shows I’ve ever seen. It’s fun watching the reaction of someone who isn’t familiar. They’re just kids too, but so much talent!

[@nolanrussell518]

You could watch these a million times and you will never stop finding new things

[@flakdat]

YESSS! So glad you guys are reacting to DCI! It is not really known well from your average american so seeing others from different countries and cultures react to DCI is so exciting!

[@jennis4708]

Well that was the most organized chaos I've ever seen.

[@drummersnare6276]

Not even chaos. Pretty easy to understand if you’re a musician

[@troyy.]

⁠@@drummersnare6276To the average viewer who has no idea what’s going on everything is chaotic, but there are parts specifically that are intentionally meant to be organized chaos. There’s moments like the beginning that highlight order, and disorder (entropy) is scattered throughout with callbacks after to the unison chord from the beginning.

[@ZakhadWOW]

@@drummersnare6276 Ironically thus particular show was ABOUT Chaos and entropy LOL

[@drummersnare6276]

@@ZakhadWOW yes I understand that, however people new to DCI often say it looks like chaos and doesn’t make sense, but it does when you actually know what’s going on

[@jennis4708]

😂I am a musician...

[@davidbangtson3109]

Loved seeing you watch this for the first time. Earlier comments covered all your questions, so I won't bore you with repetitious info. You can't lose watching as much DCI as you can find!

[@lisalawrence3494]

I marched In Drum corp, back in my day the ages were 12 to 21. I played a mellophone aka French horn. Best years of my life. Taught me discipline, dedication and alot of long hrs of practice. Made so many friends.

[@ryanbloom4494]

Welcome to the world of drum crops! These kids work hours on end in the summer heat and tour the country. Hope you watch more DCI videos!

[@TourDaWG]

This is my new favorite part of youtube, thank you!!

[@manxkin]

This is fantastic! You found DCI! I’m a long time DCI fan. We would go to DCI championship competitions all over the U.S. and Canada. My brother in law (RIP) and his twin brother were in the Cavaliers Drum Corp. He was a drummer and his brother a horn player. Check them out. Remember that they’re playing and performing. Being there in person is an experience you won’t forget. The musicianship and artistry is unrivaled. I take it that you don’t have anything like this in Sweden! It’s unbelievable. I’m in tears. Yes! Keep watching. You must keep watching.

[@Xalans]

Intermittent goosebumps - a perfect reaction to observing/experiencing the diversity of flow. Change Is Everything! Without change, there is nothing. The concept of change is being celebrated with every note and every movement - and every PERSON. A Festival of Entropy - sometimes fluid and sometimes jerky, scaled from order to disorder. Entropy is the measurement of that randomness or disorder. It takes a master artist (in this case, 100+ master artists working together.) That is why so many people have had an emotional gut reaction. Those 100+ involved in creating this experience had the rare chance to build this show over two months - each person studied it, reacted to it, learned from it, and became a Change Agent and loving communicator. 50 years of DCI shows have led up to this: a show for the ages. Thank you, Bluecoats, and all who have ever been in DCI. You all have made this peak experience possible. In many ways, CHANGE IS EVERYTHING is a culmination of the conscious effort to seek perfection through artistic and technical nuance... here focused and heightened to the maximum. Consider this first-place performance, which scored almost 99.00%. Let us note that perfection is not possible - however, the experience of Bloo 2024 was "perfect for our time."

[@that1clarinetist]

so the flag feature at 8:55 has silks that were made from space blankets! their sound was miked and combined with audio recordings to make that awesome sound!

[@mattd1645]

First off, I love how enraptured both of you are in the shows. This year was something special and rightfully so, this corps WON! This show is all about change, chaos and Entropy. Its a LOT to take in and understand. TO answers a few of your questions, There are different sections and roles in a drum corps. The people standing on the podium(in this case wearing the white uniform with a rad stripe) are the conductors or drum majors(name changes depending on the corps. The 'ninjas'(Hilarious btw) in Yellow are the color guard, their role is to dance, throw sabres, flags and 'rifles'(not actual weapons) and interpret the music that the rest of the band is playing and tell a story or THE story the show is about. The rest of the performers in the white outfits with the red vertical stripes(that unzip to match the color guard's yellow) are the rest of the drum corps. This section features the drumline, trumpets, mellophones, baritones, euphoniums, Tubas, Trombones, and then the front ensemble, the performers at the front. Drumline consists of Snares, tenor drums(or quads) and Basses(in this corps they have 5 basses, some other corps have 6). The front ensemble has more 'classical'/'concert' type instruments: marimbas, xylophones, vibrophones, etc but also include electronic keyboards, drumset etc. The reason why is says 'Definitely Not Bluecoats etc' is a joke/way to 'get around' the vidoes being taken down by the DCI corporation. This performance is at the DCI finals in Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium(an american football stadium). There used to be a few international drum corps/performance groups previous years; but with the costs and inflation of getting 50-100 people, instruments AND props etc. The cost is/was too much for the international groups to come and perform. Also, they are not 'Boo'ing. the crowd is yelling 'Bloo!' for Bluecoats.

[@michaelengel3265]

Believe me when I say this....all the shows are anywhere from eleven and a half to thirteen mins of the most INTENSE mins of a drum corps show....I was in one a lot of years ago....1971-1976.....it is one of the few times in my life that I would relive that time again and again....

[@jabfab97]

the preson on the podium is called a drum major

[@christopherauert6634]

I am so thrilled that DCI has reached you both on Sweden. DCI is an epic youth activity that culminates in Indianapolis for the Championships you just watched. There are many more groups to watch. I love your reaction to the Bluecoats!

[@5musicman]

You have watched a lot of US College Marching Bands but Drum Corp is on a whole other level. You picked a good one to react to because what you just watched was the 2024 DCI World Champions. You have just scratched the surface of what marching arts is all about. And yes there are members of the corps from many countries. Just a little background, there is an age limit but you have kids as young a 14 years old all the way up to 21. The start auditioning to become a member of a Corp in November and December. Once they have been chosen then there's weekend rehearsals through May learning the music and marching drill. In May you have 6 weeks of camp learning the show and in the 3rd week of June you start traveling the country competing in shows night after night. They travel by bus over 10,000 miles throughout June ,July , and August leading up to what you just watched the DCI World Championships. They sleep on Gym floors in high schools, they rehearse, go to a competition and compete, get back on a bus go to another city and do it all over again.I hope you continue to react to more DCI videos in the future. Enjoy the journey. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[@drummersnare6276]

Yeah college marching band is garbage. I hate when people compare it to drum corps

[@sans3go342]

@9:19 Its called a world championship because there have been international corps participating, a few groups from canada and 1 from Japan.

[@rodarc]

Actually a corps from Strängnäs, Sweden has participated a couple of times.

[@drummist6212]

Not forgetting the UK too

[@starbrightinfinity3329]

Actually world championship goes back to when Canada was included. There are sister orgs in Japan and UK.

[@Zhiperser]

There's an entire international class, but there's not always interest. It's also very expensive for them. You can scroll down for various winners in the classes over the decades. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_Corps_International

[@nw827]

I’m not an expert but I would also recommend Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 Carolina crown 2013 Phantom Regiment 2024 Blue Devils 2017

[@richardragusa9093]

A few things I need to address. You two are Great. The look on the woman’s face with her mouth open was the same look I had on my face while watching this show live during the DCI finals in Indianapolis. I was able to see this show 4 times that weekend. The only down side is that I want to go back in time and get the feeling and rush and the sensory overload but that will never happen so instead I enjoy watching videos like this. Carol at one point I saw you rubbing your arms and it’s probably because you got goosebumps as your body reacted to the show and the music. This show made me feel a range of emotion’s that would take too long to go into. Keep checking out all DCI shows including the Bluecoats other Championship winning show Downside Up. Keep up the Great work.

[@mikemurray3905]

Yes, this is an amazing drum corps with a world championship performance. Now please go and review the 2024 Boston Crusaders second place show, titled "Glitch" and 2024 Phantom Regiment's "Mynd."

[@veot.2869]

Thanks, guys. I think it is really unfortunate that whoever requested this video for you two to watch did not give you the history of DCI/DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS FIRST. I marched drums corps from 1990-1995 and played 1st soprano (trumpet). Months before we hit that contest field we were TAUGHT about the history of various corps and drum corps in general. As kids we were excited beyond belief. We got to travel the country, practice perform, eat, sleep and repeat!!! It is important to know how drum corps has evolved and why it is the way it is. Please do more videos of these tremendous, young, athletic muscians. Then you would understand why they do what they do...especially THE BLUECOATS. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@zackg3]

Thank you for watching this. Welcome. You're in good hands here. 🥁🎺 I cannot wait to see what's next!

[@jamesreynolds2746]

So glad that you’ve discovered DCI!

[@JuanJimenez-od1ho]

Your reaction to the BlueCoats is great! This show was special.

[@Wolverine699]

Love your reaction. The corps has been around for over 50 years. We started as a marching corps. Mostly parades and such. We got bigger and bigger and jazz was our link. Since the late 90's it's gone to more of a "we will make our own identity." These kids work for 9 months for this one night. 12+ hours a day. 12,000 miles just for tour. Camps happen in the area, but, they have to get here. The crazy part, we, as members pay to this. Passion, dedication, and resolve. Every corps has is. Enjoy. Check out 2014, 2016, 21, 22. Star 93. Devils 94 Go down the hole.

[@Tenor2Tapper]

You've reacted to one of my favorite drum corps shows. I marched in the color guard for The Westshoremen Senior Drum and Bugle corps back in the 90's. Our color guard instructor marched the color guard for Madison Scouts. I went on to teach color guard at the high school level for 15 years after. 2 things our instructor told us that has stuck with me since I marched was, "Don't practice till you get it right, practice till you can't get it wrong" and that if you toss a sabre or rifle at the correct speed, in order to get it caught on the correct count and to make it rotate the correct amount rotations you want, you are catching it at about 25 mi. per hour. Just a little FYI that you can pass on. 4 shows I would like to see you react to is Cadets, "The Perilous Skies", Cavaliers "The Planets" and Carolina Crown "Out of this World" and Santa Clara Vanguard "Babylon" 2018!! thanks! Doug p.s. you could do almost anything from Cavaliers 2000-2010(the drills are insane!)

[@kenimerlewis]

Yes!! 100% keep going with dci! So much great shows to discover. Some mind blowing shows would be Santa Clara Vanguard 2018, Carolina Crown 2013, and The Cavaliers 2002

[@ZakhadWOW]

Wild to stumble across Swedes watching somethign so dear to me, a former High School Band marcher. Well all I can say is, just like Melfest: NU KOR VI!

[@theAmazingJunkman]

The title “definitely not bluecoats 2024” is absolutely NOT a tactic to prevent the video from getting taken down for copyright 😉

[@jimgreen5788]

Recky and Carol, what you're seeing here is the DCI Finals, held annually in mid-August in Indianapolis, in which the top 12 across the country battle it out for #1 on Saturday night. It's an amazing competition that night. I attended it once when it was held years ago in nearby (sort of) Madison, WI. I'm a fan of the Phantom Regiment, which is from my city of Rockford, IL. They won with the highest score ever by doing "Spartacus". The part of the total who are dressed in yellow are called the color guard, and the young man we first met is the drum major. Last, the members down in the front, playing just outside the field are playing in what's called the pit. Also, notice that all of them look like various sizes and shapes of bugles, but are tuned to sound like all of the brass instruments. Oops! I noticed that 1 was an actual trombone, which is apparently a recent decision. Did you happen to notice that, no matter which direction the drums and bugles are marching, they're always facing the audience, which necessitates marching sideways, backwards, diagonally, etc.? One last thing: all of these members are either under 21, or are finishing their last summer this night, because they turned 21 during the summer. There are a few corps from Canada, but they're not in the top 12. Usually, they wear a blue uniform, thus their statement--definitely not bluecoats. Lastly, the men in the white pants and black shirts we saw at 13:30 or so are the judges.

[@davewroberts]

Welcome to the DCI Sub-SubCulture :). We are the most passionate fans in the world and many of us have been into drum corps for many many years. I marched in the Colts from Dubuque Iowa 30 years ago and I still love the activity. I was actually there in the audience of this Bluecoats show, and this was Finals, including the top 12 drum corps in DCI. The International part of DCI is a good question. There used to be more corps worldwide, and there was a Swedish corps in DCI called Strängnäs Drum and Bugle Corps. I'm not sure of the whole story, but they aren't in existence anymore. Now, most of the corps you see are North American, but their marching membership and staff comes from worldwide including Japan, Europe, Canada and Mexico, and plenty of other countries! I loved your reactions to the show...I'm sure there's many questions. The show that EVERYONE in the stadium went crazy over was Phantom Regiment. I'm sure there's many other suggestions in the comments, I'd expect nothing less of my DCI friends :) But check out that Phantom Regiment 2024 show called "Mynd" it was sooooo LOUD!!! One more thing... there is no video that can capture the way these shows FEEL LIVE and in person! These shows are 100x more powerful when you're sitting in the audience. You feel the power of the brass and percussion in your chest...it's amazing!

[@linklegends22]

Thanks for reacting! The second place show this year was phenomenal in my opinion as well. It was Boston Crusaders 2024 program called Glitch. Highly recommended!

[@haileyadelaidefilms8819]

Thank you for this fun reaction video. I marched with the Bluecoats in 1992 and in the 50th Anniversary Alumni Corps in 2022. I truly hope you find time to go back into the archives of the Bluecoats. 2014 "TILT" would be a great follow up to "Change Is Everything". I also believe you'd get a more powerful and dynamic experience with wearing headphones if you find yourself doing more of these. Love ya guys. ~Hailey

[@lebamadness]

Hailey the 50th Anniversary Alumni Corp. 2022 was amazing to watch!

[@Palavalve]

This is now regarded as one of the most progressive shows in DCI, so it's a little out there as far as music and show design. Different corps are known for different aspects, Carolina Crown for classical, Blue Devils for jazz, etc., but Bluecoats seem to consistently push the envelope. It's World Championships, but held in Illinois, which probably restricts the possibility of coordinating and moving such a huge production from overseas, but there are still so many incredible North American performances dating back from so long ago. DCI is a hidden gem of the U.S. and I'm glad you found it, you won't go wrong with any recommendations you get. Thanks for the reaction! BLOOOOO!

[@juliehilbert7655]

Another aspect if the "world" piece is that some individual performers come from different countries to the States. For those who are unfamiliar, the competition portion of the season is a summer tour and they "live with the corps" during the tour.

[@cavie95]

Lucas Oil stadium is in Indiana. 🤗

[@Palavalve]

@@cavie95 Oops 😬

[@willowrosenberg20041]

I was in the marching band as a trumpet player, and field shows like this were always difficult trying to get everyone on their mark when they were supposed to

[@ladyshark6485]

You gotta watch Tilt!!! It’s one of the Bluecoats’s best shows!!! Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuue!!!

[@timothyloch2603]

My all-time favorite!!!

[@williamroque2647]

so glad i got to experience this in person

[@Scottshodgepodge]

And to think that they are being judged this entire performance! This is a competition after all! What pressure!

[@adamkoslin9302]

At this level the scoring is so tense and tight that tiny little mistakes make all the difference. This year, Bluecoats won the championship with a score of 98.750 out of 100. Second place was 97.413, third place was 97.075, fourth place was 95.225, and fifth place was 95.025.

[@theAmazingJunkman]

You absolutely cannot settle for just watching this show once. Every time that I see it, I spot something I haven’t seen before (including while I was watching this video!)

[@davidweiss8710]

"Definitely Not.." means they are trying to get around the KZbin rules as it is the Bluecoats 2024 show. Anytime you see that Definitely Not you can just figure its real. Also this is best enjoyed wearing headphones or using speakers.

[@juanzaragoza2943]

Madison Scouts 2013 - Corps of Brothers. This one always gets me right in the feels

[@amys8630]

DCI is an incredible rabbit hole to explore. So many great bands to follow. It has been around for decades. I have friends who marched back in the late 80’ - early 90’s. These are some incredibly talented and dedicated young people. They devote their summers to this and work incredibly hard. I love watching these competitions. It reminds me of the amazing times I had in high school performing with my friends in the band and color guard. I am lucky to live in Indianapolis where this competition, and many others happen. Glad you enjoyed this. Much love to both of you and the kitties 😘

[@kimharding2246]

These kids were simply awesome!!

[@swan4163]

If you choose to go down the DCI rabbit hole, many people have already listed some of the great shows. I’d also like to add The Troopers (out of Casper, WY) from the last couple of years (2022-2024). Such cool concepts. Boston Crusaders also had a cool Moby Dick-themed show last year that was cool.

[@auburnkim1989]

Great job Bluecoats!!! LOVED THE PIT! Drum Corps (DCI) and Winter Guard (WGI) are the absolute top! Bare in mind that most of these young people only began training around the age of 12. I was involved in the 80's and it was wonderful. I am a lifelong Spirit of Atlanta girl fan but I love them all! Please do more and then try some WGI! Oh yeah, there is also the Broadway show Blast! if you would like to see this art form taken to down to a stage level. It won a Tony Award.

[@stackslol9543]

DCI Is A competition based association, They have a couple of international groups involved as well, but the majority of the groups are from the United States. each year these Groups, called Drum Corps, spend thousands of hours during the summer rehearsing and perfecting their shows. these groups then go on tour around the country to compete against one another and be scored. I would definitely recommend checking it out more for yourselves, But I also recommend Watching the Blue Devils 2024 production Entitled "The Romantics"!

[@sbalsamo410]

The looks on your faces! This was great. I was in guard in high school and it was such fun. We weren’t this good. lol. I could throw things really high and I always caught them so they always stuck me in front. Different areas of the corps are judged - drum line, guard, horns, overall presentation. (Correct me if I’m wrong bandies.) Points are deducted for things that are dropped, bad spacing, timing, etc. the people in green are judges. Highest score wins. Go Cavaliers! (They’re really good, too.)

[@MiningSkullz36]

For yall to know, each group is from a different city around the US (or sometimes Canada or maybe others) but each corps has its own unique show each year that tells a story or theme of some kind. It’s incredible and entertaining to watch. And being there live is a whole other beast!

[@Civadama]

Drum Corps International (DCI)'s World Championships used to be way more international. Drum Corps Canada, Japan, UK, The Netherlands, etc, used to be more common competitors. As the expense of operating a drum corps have skyrocketed, many of the international groups can't afford to travel anymore, and many have ceased operation completely. Many of the smaller north American corps have suffered the same fate. It is still open for international competitors, hence the World Championships name remains.

[@thatsaxd00d26]

CAROLINA CROWN 2014 !!!!

[@benchmarkportal]

Your first time reactions to drum corps are priceless. And not unusual. The chill bumps that you were rubbing off, so common. I know I had that same reaction first time I saw drum corps live. And 60 some years later, still get those chill bumps standing in front of these groups. Yes, there are many other drum corps that you would enjoy watching. I am sure you will get some recommendations from the hive mind comments. Hope you can get to see one of these shows live some day. It will also be priceless.

[@brshep6098]

I LOVED BOTH of your reactions! DCI is a wonderful rabbit hole to explore so YES do it! You have some fantastic, helpful comments here!

[@steoffice69]

There are many more that are amazing as well

[@cindychrisman5871]

I was a Contra (Tuba) player in DCI back in 1981, 1982, & 1983. I marched with Crossmen (they came in 15th place in 2024). In 1981 & 1982, the Finals were in Montreal, Canada,. I am 61 now and still think back fondly to my time in DCI. Yes, there is a large learning curve for anyone starting down this "rabbit hole," but y'all can do jt! My favorites include: Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 (Babylon), Phantom Regiment 2024 (Mynd) and 2008 (Spartacus), and 2002 Cavaliers (Framework).

[@CC78363]

DCI fans will definitely bring you the magic, likes, and subscriptions!!!!

[@contraworld6438]

Please watch 2014, 2015, or even 2016 bluecoats. Those were some of their best shows they’ve ever had. I’m so glad more and more people are starting to discover dci, and I love people reacting to it!

[@505Hockey]

The look of confusion mixed with intrigue on their faces is delightful. They know they're watching something done really well even if they don't quite know what it is. When high achievement is apparent in an unfamiliar milieu, you know you've done something special.

[@UCCJGUY]

I love Carol's reactions. Me too, girl! LOL

[@baadach3752]

Hey ya'll, DCI started back in 1972 and there were thirty nine corps at the time, and today there is about active 50 corps. Corps have different 4 divisions: soundsport, open class, world class, and all age. Soundsport is for brand new corps getting into the activity, they tend to have 30-50 members. Open class is the next division, typically with 75-150 members. World class after that generally has 150-220 members (Bluecoats is World Class) After members turn 21 years old they are no longer allowed to march at corps (except for all-age corps who do not have the same schedule or season as the other three, its sort of its own thing in a way // does not directly compete against open or world class corps). You asked about international participation, and there is a handful of international corps from places like Korea, Japan, England, & even some South American countries, however the cost of attending / touring is astronomical, even for the American corps. On average, *each member* of these corps at large is paying at minimum $3,000-5,000 USD per-summer to march these groups (they rehearse and stay together for 2.5 months, so think food costs, equipment / show design prices, & gas prices touring the country for a month straight, etc.) so occasionally international corps do visit, but due to the excessive price of travel it isn't as common as we all would like. Those ensembles typically have to save funds for a half decade to a decade in order to be able to afford a single trip to the US (especially since these groups are non-profit organizations).

[@michaeljohn9271]

I thought the world class drum corps had a maximum of 150 members, but a few years ago it was increased to 160, but I noticed one person saying the max was now 165. ??

[@baadach3752]

@@michaeljohn9271 I always thought it was a bit higher, i believe that Brass membership is limited to 160-165ish, but in total w/ drum line / front ensemble/ guard i believe it tends to be 200-220 generally

[@cavie95]

@@baadach3752 that’s incorrect. Total corps membership is 165.

[@cavie95]

@@michaeljohn9271 correct, 165 is the limit.

[@PamelaW-t8y]

I marched in Drum Corps in the 1960's. It was a wonderful experience . Back then, it was not DCI, but was an activity sponsored by the VFW (veterans of foreign wars) and was of a patriotic bent with strict rules regarding the shows and portions thereof. It was a few years after I left that DCI came into being and rules changed to allow more artistic content. I LOVE watching these DCI shows and how they activity has evolved over the years.

[@catherann1572]

DCI stands for Drum Corps International and is basically the "elite" level of marching band (but is brass/percussion only and does not traditionally include woodwinds). It gives it a louder more "in your face" sound. The members are 14 to 22 year olds and they dedicate their entire summers to the corps, traveling the country in busses, sleeping on gym floors, practicing 12+ hrs a day at times. Each corps has a show they compete with for the year/season which runs from May to August (with finals at the NFL Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium). There are international members that travel to the states for the experience. Most corps allow video auditioning, etc to make accommodations. There are endless fantastic shows to enjoy. I would personally suggest checking out 2024 Phantom Regiment, 2013 Carolina Crown, 2008 Phantom Regiment, 2002 Cavaliers, 2015 Carolina Crown...I could go on and on. It's definitely a rabbit hole worth falling into. Thank you for bringing some attention to the sport! These athletes work hard and deserve more recognition!

[@HealingFrequenciesMusic-HFM]

"Definitely not" is a title they put in the show because it's a copy of the original recording. Drum Corps from other countries could participate if they want but they usually don't. Maybe one from Canada? Most shows tells some type of story or have a theme. There are three required sections - fast movement, slow movement, and another fast movement. DCI is only brass and percussion and they compete during the summer months. The "color guard" includes rifles, sabres, dancers, and flags. I think 12 groups compete in the finals for the world title. This was Bluecoats performance during the final. Judges walk around the field while others are up above so they can see everything. You should watch Phantom Regiment's version of Spartacus from 2008. You'll enjoy that one, too!

[@ZakhadWOW]

Currently there is only the one Open Class corps from Sherbrooke, Quebec. A small area, in the forgotten corner SE of Montreal: Les Stentors. They've been at Indy 3 years in a row, and while a small show, its usually high quality. I have sucha soft spot for them I send them some money every year.

[@deansprankle6579]

2024 DCI WORLD CHAMPION 🏆

[@hollk3323]

They won the DCI title in 2024 with a record-breaking score. The Bluecoats are from the county I live in and I've been watching them since the '70s. The Bluecoats also won in 2016 with their show "Down Side Up" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZDYf3-BntVsrtk) while the fan favorite seems to be their 2014 show "Tilt" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/q52vemyDqdB0Y9U), for which they took home the silver medal. "Tilt" is now cited as one of the most influential shows in the history of marching arts.

[@jz2765]

Seeing this live was a life changing experience.

[@ebok98]

You two are delightful and you completely got it! Loved it.

[@chrisl83]

There are international groups that are part of this, but it’s very expensive to travel to the U.S. where the bulk of these groups reside and tour more intensely. As a result, it’s common for people from other countries to audition and join groups like Bluecoats.

[@drummersnare6276]

Must be hard with their broken English while their instructors are telling them things lol

[@ZakhadWOW]

Correct.. These days the only International corps is a small one form Quebec. Other than that, it is international in terms of people coming to participate in US Corps from all over the world.

[@josephgraziano2139]

Glad you liked the show. The other participants in the championship also had some great shows

[@avogrid296]

I really loved your reaction! DCI is a world unto itself, and it's definitely an American thing. This show was the winner this year, and rightly so. Amazing! I hope you do more reactions -- I will enjoy seeing them!

[@trojanboy88]

Wait until you see shows from the past. Your minds have only begun to be blown.

[@darrylyee409]

1. Bluecoats theme is around entropy...Order to disorder. The show starts with very simple staccato notes, then gets more chaotic. Their uniforms have thicker red lines and multiply and get thinner towards the feet. The red props start as one big one and ends with 32 small ones. 2. DCI championships are mostly all US corps, but there is one from Canada. There used to be corps from Europe and Japan that would attend, but that stopped about 10 years ago. There are still dozens of marching members who come from all over the world to march these US groups. 3. The video said "not Bluecoats" because it is supposed to be illegal to post these videos publicly due to copyright laws surrounding the music being used by the groups, so putting "not" is an attempt to "hide" the video. 4. There are thousands of musicians and colorguard members who audition for each corps, with the top corps like Bluecoats likely getting 2,000 auditions for 165 spots (that is the max number). These kids range from 15-22 yrs old (22 after June 1st is the ageout cutoff). These corps have weekend camps in some of the months beginning December leading into May, which is when all 165 members move into a school together, and live and practice 24/7 to put together a 10-13 minute show. Competitions start end of June all around the country, and ends in mid-August in Indianapolis for the championships.

[@cavie95]

Just saw your video. I marched in the Marauders 90-93 and Cavaliers 94-95. Happy to see new fans! The other comments here explain the activity well so I will keep mine short. You can find all of my shows on KZbin to watch. Enjoy!

[@brandonking1737]

DCI is mostly American groups, there is one Canadian group currently (there used to be a lot more Canadian groups but they've all folded) and occasionally corps come form other countries to participate. The story of the name comes from when a bunch of corps came together in the 70s to form the organization, and at a meeting they were brainstorming a name, someone suggests Drum Corps National, and "DCN" is written on the blackboard. But then a Canadian corps director (I want to say the Oakland Crusaders but I'm not sure) puts up his hand and asks, "But what about us?" The N is erased and replaced with an I, and the organization goes on to be named Drum Corps International. As for the video being named "Definitely Not Bluecoats 2024", this is an inside joke when people post these multicams, because they often get taken down for violating copyright law. The process is often automatic, so people post that it's "Definitely Not" the video to try and fool the content strike algorithm. This, for the record, DOES NOT WORK.

[@ladyshark6485]

The corps are open to musicians from around the world 9:58

[@markoates9057]

"I have chills all the time" haha what a great way to put it! thank you! ❤

[@darrenb1100]

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this. But you really need to come to a live show and see what it's all about live. It is unbelievable. I marched 8 years with a drum court called the Black knights drum and bugle corps. We used to travel with the blue coats on tour. Can't remember what year it was but it was great times.

[@benhuffman4404]

I so hope you guys go on a journey of DCI shows. They are all unique and a select number are truly awe inspiring. Please explore Phantom Regiment, including 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2011.