Top 20 Best Drum Corps Shows of 2023

[@EMCproductions]

What were your favorite shows this year?

[@lenoniss8044]

Phantom regiment

[@DavidThePercussionist]

The COATS 🗣️

[@depressedtiger677]

columbians, i saw them live and it was magical

[@natesiebert2840]

Troopers ☀️

[@Thebig1776L]

mandarins

[@hyperstargaming6150]

God, I can’t get over how much I ADORE Sinnerman. I think the Mandarins finally found their stride as a world class corps, and it convinced me to consider auditioning for Mandarins. Insane writing all around, really impressed by them and can’t get over that Ballad!

[@organboi]

I never paid much attention to Mandarins this year. I never got to see their show live. Only once in the theater. I'll have to watch again online somewhere.

[@duhboo3385]

My coach just marched with the Mandarins!! It was such a awesome show

[@williamhaire2421]

I was just listening then I realized one some and I started singing “TAKE ME TO CHURCH”🤣

[@thedispleasedone2548]

And they're only getting better. My friend went to their audition camps, and according to him the show music for the '24 season is nuts

[@Domin0sPizzaPie]

Coming almost a year later, did you ever audition?

[@yori2088]

As a Columbians member, I'm super honored on this list EMC! This season was absolutely monumental for us and I'm really glad you enjoyed our show!!! ROLL ON

[@dawsongirardot817]

poooop

[@ratbones620]

You guys played at a DCI comp hosted at my school and I thought you guys were great. Be proud!

[@1an_1an]

roll on

[@valkorion7042]

OH dude my best friend Isaac Rosado is apart of the columbias! I hope you guys have the best shows you can have and have fun!

[@carlo1453]

Ay, I was with Guardians, and I can say y’all’s show was great! And congrats on such a monumental season for you guys!!

[@jonahg6654]

Great to see Troop finding their stride these past three years. Nobody's putting out shows that are anything like what they're doing and I'm here for it.

[@Nickystuart]

their stride is emo cowboys

[@sal2545]

@@Nickystuart😂

[@wannabewumpus]

i have a friend in troopers! super fun

[@PakistanBuilds]

i respect putting bd at 8 so much

[@trentonstenger1296]

I went to high school with the Troopers harmonica soloist! Truly an incredible show!

[@georgeluft7881]

I was in a youth orchestra with one of the trombone soloists from The Cadets 2022. Ian Zalamea marches baritone with the Cadets currently.

[@coltsfan354]

To each their own, but I think Sinnerman may be my new favorite show all time. Simple concept, deep dark sound, intricate propwork, I just love it. Im so happy to see the Madarins on the other side of intermission for the first time in corps history. Only time will tell if they can top Tilt for me.

[@theunknowndrummer1209]

Same, as a kid I was a huge Christian, and my grandpa was a pastor at our church. I remember specifically one service where he called out greed and malice in the world, harkening back to his main bible verse “there is no peace, saith the lord, unto the wicked”. It stuck with me for my whole life, and then to hear it again in mandarins show was absolutely insane. Definitely the best show of the season, and all time for me

[@sethburchill2631]

@@theunknowndrummer1209​​cool until you realize they were throwing shade at the Bible. There’s a reason the “bad guys” in the show we’re wearing white robes… and why “take me to church” was included…

[@theunknowndrummer1209]

@@sethburchill2631 they should throw shade at the Bible, it portrays god as a spiteful asshole who genocides anyone who doesn’t do EXACTLY what he says.

[@mansoup13]

@@sethburchill2631no dude we weren’t throwing shade at the Bible at all. And the white absolutely wasn’t to say “bad guys”. The point of the show was to say that we are all sinners inside and we all end by just embracing it

[@nathanielblanco1258]

​@@sethburchill2631lol if anything the bluecoats were the ones throwing shade! the original garden of love poem is a criticism of the governing church body

[@lincolncrain]

im very glad to see the mandarins so high. im a pretty softcore dci fan, so i didnt know much about them, but i saw them in annapolis and they were my favorite by far.

[@jazzbruh]

The Open Class really did their thang this year! Huge props to The Columbians for not only getting 4th in their championship debut, but advancing to semis in the world class championship!

[@macerunner4674]

Columbians were pretty cool (no bias whatsoever)

[@datnoobbee8576]

I saw my first ever dci competition I think last saturday at a watch party, or maybe the saturday before that I can't remember. Anyway, as soon I saw the title of The Trooper's "To Lasso the Sun" I was immediately mesmerized. Even the titles of the songs sounded badass. I loved everything about the show. The costumes were awesome, I liked the funny lines they made, and the harmonica solo nearly had me in tears. The Troopers rock and I wish they placed higher. I really hope I can watch them in person one day.

[@jfragale03]

As a member of troop this year, glad to hear you enjoyed our show!

[@marisauzick6075]

This Troopers alum is loving all the Troop love you have been giving out the past few years! I can't wait to see what these amazing kids will do next year, I know they'll make me proud >"

[@owencouchman5746]

The troopers actually has a trilogy going, Voracious was about being blinded by greed which drove them crazy. To soothe that craze they yearn for something impossible like lassoing the sun, if you remember their southwestern show then you’d remember the white cowboy which I believe is an angel. That plays a huge part in the story next year.

[@SWilla00946]

I plan on auditioning and really hope I make it in, id love to be apart of that

[@wallybrown1341]

That's fucking awesome.

[@Kat-eo2hx]

Bro big braining

[@mrclarinetnerd]

The white uniform was actually a hint towards next year's uniform(or so I've heard), and they're actually making next year's show a continuation of "To Lasso The Sun", maybe finishing off a 2 part story line.(vorAcious was just a standalone show, nothing to do with To Lasso The Sun or next years) I am glad my brother was convinced to march there by a former band director(contra tech there and staff with Battalion), and has inspired me to learn trumpet and try out for the 25 season.

[@owencouchman5746]

@@mrclarinetnerd I have a friend who’s the euphonium section leader and he said that voracious was part of the story

[@mooheyboi5751]

It made me so happy what you said about troopers my brother marched with them this year and it’s cool to hear people talk about how cool there show was.

[@mrclarinetnerd]

Hey, fellow person who's brother marched with Troop. My brother has actually marched with them the past 3 years, and he's enjoyed it so far.

[@RedDogMamaHD]

Eric's Rank Corps timestamp DCI Final/Semi 1 Boston Crusaders 22:50 4 2 Mandarins 21:33 6 3 Troopers 20:21 10 4 Phantom Regiment 19:11 7 5 Bluecoats 17:49 2 6 Cavaliers 15:53 8 7 Carolina Crown 14:34 3 8 Blue Devils 13:27 1 9 The Cadets 12:24 5 10 Colts 11:05 9 11 Gold 10:08 --- (O) 2 12 Spirit of Atlanta 9:09 --- 15 13 Blue Stars 6:33 11 14 Spartans 5:35 --- (O) 1 15 Blue Knights 4:35 12 16 Crossmen 3:47 --- 13 17 Academy 2:57 --- 18 18 Columbians 2:09 --- (O) 4 19 Genesis 0:56 --- 21 20 Madison Scouts 0:00 --- 16 Honorable Mention 1- Pacific Crest 7:55 14 2- Music City 8:01 17 3- Guardians 8:08 (O) 6 4- Jersey Surf 8:15 23 5- Seattle Cascade 8:21 25 6- River City Rhythm 8:28 (O) 7 7- The Battalion 8:33 (O) 5 8- Colt Cadets 8:40 (O) 9 9- Les Stentors 8:45 (O) 11 10- Raiders 8:52 (O) 10 11- 7th Regiment 8:57 (O) 8 12- Southwind 9:03 (O) 13

[@organboi]

7 AND 8. Gasp. Seriously? Are you talking SHOWS or performances? Or both? Troopers and Cavies above the Glorious CC show?? Wow.

[@Lazerskunk]

Still mind boggling that SCV is not on this list weird to see dci without seeing red white and green

[@anthonygolicz2154]

When you said they were real addresses I was not expecting the jumpscare of seeing my house on screen lmao

[@CristianoRonaldo71930]

i really like all the shows! it’s incredible how a group of people can create such a touching performance.

[@KrossKjeli]

The troopers are one of the few things people know my home town of Casper Wyoming for, and I couldn't be happier that they do

[@kat8761]

RCR 2023 Guard member here, I was so happy to see we made honorable mentions! It really was a special show I feel honored to have been a part of, and I'm glad to know people enjoyed it!

[@chymnster4445]

I almost marched Spirit of Atlanta this year, I got contracted I just couldn't fundraise much! I'm so proud of that group they did so well!

[@owengalligan4052]

I was in the same boat on quads il happy that everything turnes out well for them!

[@orwellianwiress]

This is my second year following DCI and this year was just as mindblowing for me as the last! My top 5: 5. Boston Crusaders 4. Troopers 3. Blue Devils 2. Mandarins 1. Bluecoats

[@ZakhadWOW]

I possibly would have had BLoo as number 1, but as an old guard marching band person AND ex-navy who did ceremonial unit stuff,. I found teh show design props, costumes, tarps, to be UNFORGIVABLE.. Get that shit over in BOA where it belongs.

[@organboi]

​@@ZakhadWOWBlue IS number 1. It's in reverse order. Their props were just fine. Relax.

[@ratbones620]

Love how you put phantom in your top 5! A senior I marched with last year was in phantom and we’re super proud of her (: I think my top shows this year were White Whale and To Lasso the Sun. That harmonica solo just gave me chills.

[@ZakhadWOW]

and finsihing off the harmonica (with wonderful French Horn support for low notes) with a brilliant beyond belief trumpet solo.. it really was a tale of 2 halves.

[@mrclarinetnerd]

They had a few back and forths to get the harmonica legalized for competitions, but I am so glad they did it. It was a beautiful part of their show.

[@bluecat4148]

thats awesome! my section leader last year (also a senior) was in phantom both this year and last, she's amazing :D

[@JaySk8n]

I got to watch a Blue Stars Rehearsal live about a month ago and I cannot begin to describe how amazing it is to see the "behind the scenes" and how much effort that goes into all of these shows. All these people are putting their heart and soul into this to make it spectacular to watch, and it's great to see that!

[@hollowknightforssbu5628]

If you don’t mind me asking, what rehearsal did you go to? Where was it?

[@JaySk8n]

@@hollowknightforssbu5628 I couldn't tell you an exact place, Somewhere in Wisconsin.. maybe illinois? was on July 3rd, got to see it because I'm also in a small tier Canadian drum corp that was down to do parades for the weekend, and our director set some stuff up so we could go watch them as a sort of "this is what you could be doing". It was definitely the coolest part of the whole trip even considering it was my first time to the States lol

[@hollowknightforssbu5628]

@@JaySk8n that would be in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. I was a member this year and having people come watch us rehearse was one of my favorite things. Hope you enjoyed it!

[@JaySk8n]

@@hollowknightforssbu5628 that's awesome! your show was absolutely my favourite this year, congrats on finals btw!

[@legendz8140]

I saw them rehearse live July 5 in Mankato MN

[@gaberobison680]

Blue Devils winning despite not winning brass or percussion is sad as those are the two most important captions to the actual technical part of the activity

[@EMCproductions]

I wouldn't say it's sad lol. They were a close 2nd place in both of those captions.

[@squillz8310]

​@@EMCproductionsthis goofball right here is a real DCI judge

[@Moosepants12]

General effect I think is worth 40% I'm not sure though

[@201_ace]

What was even more amazing about the BAC's White Whale show, is they changed the ending for finals. At the end, the White Whale fights back and wins against the captain!

[@confidenceworried4986]

My band director marched with The Troopers Legacy Corps

[@SouthTewksburyMA]

100% right, Boston was first in my book, great show!

[@luckyafsdjflasioandfi6939]

Tbh this year and last year, Boston had had mu favorite shows. I'm sure they'll have something grreat next year :)

[@thomaswharton4078]

Happy to hear your kind words about the Academy. I just taught my first season of drum corps there and I loved those students so much. I'm sure they will be glad to make your list.

[@sooyster4033]

You did a great job. I saw Academy at NightBEAT and it was the show that touched me most deeply. Nothing compares to the sprit with which those kids played, and it lifted me up out of my seat.

[@MatthewChovanec-UNT]

Wow. I was marimba 4 at crossmen this year and it is kind of surreal to see myself in an EMC even if it was just for a split second

[@atlantic_love]

You can see me marching for Harrison County (Cynthiana, KY) at the Contest of Champions in 1989, here on KZbin. I'm one of the Cymbol players :)

[@joshmx28]

I think I saw you at Allentown! My favorites were Genesis, Cavaliers and Troopers but I only got to see Friday night this year.

[@tomriddle7168]

BOSTON WAS SO GOOD, one of my Colorguard techs spun in the show this year!

[@coleboughton8097]

I’m glad the Seattle cascades made it onto the honorable mentions list , I got to work with them at a clinic and talk to the director, over 90% of the core are rookies that had no experience in DCI,I must say it’s impressive what they pulled off after a 4 year hiatus.

[@gabriel_french]

Boston absolutely had my favorite show of the year!!!

[@d.o.a.c85]

Love the respect finally given to Boston. Fantastic video

[@nolanmcatee2505]

glad to see someone saw how goated troopers were

[@averagelifeofrocko6908]

Hiya member of spirit of atlanta here the show was amazing on out first year back and I loved it for my rookie season

[@lowkey.egg14]

I went to my first DCI show this year in Murfeesboro and WOW! The videos I’ve watched over the years have nothing on hearing it in person.

[@cartermize6651]

Bloo and mandarins were incredible in person. Both made me shoot up out of my seat by the end

[@dutchbader6885]

The brass director at my high school is the brass director of the troopers. Good brass director

[@slowlyomar]

Let's Gold! I had a blast teaching there this summer and it's awesome that the kids get recognized for the great show they put on

[@rudetuesday]

This is my second year following DCI, so I'm learning lingo, figuring out how to listen to all the music parts, and watching the color guard. I even learned about Open Class corps this year, and watched as many performances as I could. There's so much talent and love on the field. My favorite show this year was the Spartans show, followed very closely by Boston Crusaders. I had a very good time, and hope to do this again next year. Thank you for giving me a lot of context and more to learn about.

[@donaldstevens932]

Loved the Crusaders show too. Was disappointed they missed top 3.

[@Coolkid-nz9qh]

Hey Emc my best friend is the screaming trumpet soloist in the Madison Scouts and that's awesome that you pointed him out

[@ralphmoore7612]

He did awesome!

[@voiceofreason9238]

Cadets: My favorite show of the year, favorite ballad with the cornet solo. You explained the show theme better in one minute than I was able to figure out all season! Blue Devils: A likeable show deserving of #1 by anybody's standard. You placing them 9th is way too low. Boston Crusaders: The Whale won at finals! She skewered the surviving sailor which brought the house down. You missed it in your final video clip! Despite my placing you as the Best DCI Reviewer of the Year you must now walk the plank, metaphorically speaking for missing it so bad with Boston's ending. Maybe the whale will save you. 😎

[@ZakhadWOW]

BD had a brilliant executed clean show, but one that really bored a LOT OF PEOPLE. We know they can do artsy stuff.. let's see them pull a Mandarins for a change! I have great respect for their legacy but not for the cookie cutter show designs of the last decade - Felliniesque seems like the only time they actually broke the mod a bit.

[@benmurray8903]

@@ZakhadWOW BD definitely has a pocket with "artsy" shows, and I'd actually say that 15-17 were where they broke the mold. 12-14, 18-23 are all art-based shows, especially in visual art. I do hope they branch out a bit, their last truly narrative, character-driven show might have been 2013 (this claim is up for debate).

[@izzyb1662]

2023 was my rookie year in drum corps and the longest time I had ever been away from my home and family, so the Colts’ show really touched my heart. It was also super fun and bouncy besides being emotional and touching. It grew on me the more I watched it.

[@carlo1453]

So happy The Guardians got an honorable mention! Marched with them as one of the contras! This was the 10th anniversary of Guardians and the show was so much fun to perform! Definitely liked our music selection and the arrangements! Also so happy that the contras got to do a contra flip in our fourth movement 😁

[@macerunner4674]

standing next to yall during open class retreat was very fun and silly

[@harrisonchan8160]

Boston was by far my favorite show, I would’ve dropped blue devils down a bit and brought up the goddess a little higher

[@noonecfcf]

I actually interpreted Mandies’ show slightly differently! It wasn’t necessarily about “good vs evil,” even though that was obviously a part of it, but it was about finding, releasing and then embracing one’s true inner self, unbound by the restrictions of x, y, z (hence the cages). That’s why the white robes were relatively formless and “uninteresting” contrasting with the vibrant, “sexy” (for lack of a better term) red suits and fedoras. And the “sin” lies in rejecting whatever those so-called “norms” are supposed to be, and not necessarily just in terms of the Bible. And spinning inside the cages represents taking those boundaries and redefining them within one’s self. It’s a brilliantly thought-provoking show

[@starluckypanda5861]

Much love from a Culumbians member! ROLL ON!

[@gregoryarsenault8700]

Thanks for recognizing 7th Regiment and all the Open class corps!

[@haydenpilkington6823]

I AM SO HAPPY YOU PUT BD AT 8TH

[@glovni]

and apparently, the blue devils uniforms were composed from other show’s uniforms!

[@jimtru8048]

A theater in my area was broadcasting the Livestream during band camp. Our director cancelled early and urged us to watch it if we wanted. I showed up in a suit and confused everyone.

[@Chiickiienuggiies]

I actually got to meet the Crossmen and see them practice last year! Our band director let them stay over in our band hall and let them practice on our field! It was really cool to see and get to watch the work ethic of these guys!

[@justintounsi]

Les Stentors appearing in an EMC vid? Awesome!!!

[@mr.wublin]

I got to see Mandarins, Phantom, Crusaders, and Crown live at the Eastern Classic in Allentown and I was absolutely blown away by each and every corps, my favorite show this year was definitely the Mandarins.

[@sniper_37beard60]

I FINALLY MADE IT IN LIFE! IM IN AN EMC VIDEO!

[@aubreyterry9453]

I was lucky enough to see some of these this summer, it was epic!

[@plainwelltoad]

Cheered in my living room when boston changed the ending so the whale wins (because screw whale-hunting). Troopers did have an awesome show design. I was lucky enough to catch them live at the Midwest premiere. Very good decision on their part to switch on the sun prop for only parts of the show. At the premiere, it was almost the whole time and it was v ervy distracting (amazing, but still distracting). Fav show was kind of a tie between bloo and phantom. Music for both sounded so amazing. Could lusten to Bloo's ballad all day, and Bump brings the house down. Come to think of it, I liked the same parts of phantom's show, lol. Great season. I've got to listen to in the non-dci-tour months. Can't wait till next year!

[@badgeow8538]

I was in the small ensemble in River City Rhythm this year, such a fun year.

[@NylChavez-ko9uj]

Being a proud Columbians member this season, I am so greatful I had the opportunity to perform and watch DCI shows for the time! It's amazing to think that were were taking part in this awesome organization, and everyone is glad that people enjoyed our show so much!

[@macerunner4674]

hey wait a minute i know you

[@Cha_Cha..]

My current high school band director is a member of the brass staff for the Boston Crusaders. Gino Cipriani, Jarrett Lipman and Colin McNutt come out to clinic our band every so often. The band often spends the weekend at my HS, I always got to see them practice. Glad to see their ur fav!

[@garylagstrom3864]

Well I said the Cavies Drumline was #1 before San Antonio so they just proved it from then on through Atlanta through Allentown and all three nights from Prelims to Semi-Finals to Finals. As Mike Fantini of Aged out Podcast says: CLEAN WINS EVERYTIME!!! Congrats to the Cavies!

[@lucablack3333]

The troopers where at my school for the first month of my marching band season so beds everywhere in the schools but we got to watch there practices every day and they practices where amazing and cool to watch

[@chrisdemario2636]

Boston crusaders win it for me. their show was so amazing but the tubas were gold to me.

[@ryanhaberman8352]

Saw you at the Allentown Pennsylvania first night show, it was great meeting you !

[@aidanb9018]

Let’s gooo Top 3 for Two years in a row 🔥

[@Kat-eo2hx]

Heyyy aidan

[@richbrass12]

NO MORE RESTRAINTS SHOWS!!!! The "unbound, unchained, un- harnessed, unbelievably done with it. Next!!!

[@insertchannelnamehere632]

Suprisingly, your top 3 were my top 3 in that order!

[@tahoehikergirl7340]

Super proud of Seattle Cascades for returning this year- plus had two students rock it in that corp!!! Go get um’!!!!

[@arichervony6739]

Tbh, The Academy was underrated on this list, it should at least be a few places higher, the concept made so much sense and the design was spectacular alongside the music and emotion.

[@skullet4039]

spirit of Atlanta came to my high school during our band camp and we got to watch them play

[@BekramCarr]

I actually got to see the Boston crusaders drum line rehearsal when they rehearsed at a random college I was at a camp at. It was crazy and absolute fire

[@RedDogMamaHD]

Here early, but struggling with bad Internet... Will edit later ... I was holding my breath as you counted down your top 12! So pleased with your choices! I too loved showing the Mandarins sound guys during the prelims as I watched in the theater! 😂😂 it was added to the memes on the slack server.

[@quackstere]

not sure if anyone noticed, but someone in spirit of atlanta came onto the field on crutches. that was my cousin...

[@catwithbutter]

got to see the academy, mandarins, gold, blue devils, and pacific crest a couple months ago, absolutely the most fun ive ever had

[@jimierrante-humes1119]

When he said "don't do drugs... ALTHOUGH" didn't end how I expected lmao

[@HallyPorter]

In a way, even though they don't technically win, it's as though Troopers are back every year to defend their title.

[@Leendeenspleen]

As i member of the state of indiana... GO COLTS!!!

[@agmoney06]

My school hosted the madison scouts during our bandcamp i was scared multiple times by the trumpet tho

[@imag1n342]

Bro is SOO valid for putting BD at #8

[@tyler8881]

Let’s goooo!!! I’m going for troopers for 2024

[@indianacooks2612]

I remember when the Blue Knights came to Pueblo West High School and they played their 2023 show for us. Too bad it was raining though, we couldn’t see that bass drum feature. It was really early in their show, but they still sounded really good.

[@ombrezz7030]

I was at the Canton show and was super disappointed when Phantom Regiment couldn't do their drill because of the rain, still a really cool show.

[@jacobgarza3817]

Ppl like this should be dci judges

[@thatskungus3619]

The video I've been waiting for

[@JacobAMcmillan]

a tenor member in the phantom regiment actually came to one of our band rehearsals and he taught me a few things.

[@theredneckdrummerco.6748]

troopers was SO GOOD this year

[@tristanwatson1846]

A lot of shows were fantastic this year: Columbians, Genesis, Blue Stars, Colts, Bluecoats, Mandarins, but the Cadets won me over from the first time I listened to their show. The music selections were perfect, the drill and visual design was super impressive, the cornet soloist knocked it out of the park, it felt like I was watching a really good inspirational sports movie. And ofc I have to shout out the Red Team, I was so happy for them making corps history and placing/scoring the highest they ever have.

[@omarkhanpercussion]

Ooh awesome, keep up the great work! You’re seriously awesome!! 😁

[@loganj9037]

3 members from the troopers went to my highschool 1 or 2 years ago,

[@offspring9048]

Blue stars mad underrated

[@ryansmith9267]

I'm happy you showed loved to the battalion because my brother was in their guard this year🎉

[@EROSSMUSIC569]

My favorite was definitely Phantom Regiment

[@HotDavid]

BAC has been cooking for so long and it makes me angry that they have yet to win, especially considering this and last year's shows.

[@Patrickisdabomb1]

As a Jersey Surf performer this year I will take honorable mention😂🤙🌊

[@brandonking1737]

Did you watch the Soundsport competition the afternoon of finals? I think you would like my Soundsport group, the Cowtown Collection. Our show was called Journey to Bovine-9, and our uniform is Cow Onesies, and our show is very humourous. I unfortunately couldn't go due to a last minute bout of appendicitis, but they got a standing ovation and a chorus of Moooos from the audience!

[@oziasgendron8802]

I was at stantors this year thank you for naming our corp

[@jigglyj5894]

Can you make a list strictly for Open class/Soundsport corps?