Drum and Bugle Corps

(guardiansdbc.org)

Spartans pave path to World Class, will kick off transition year in 2025

At the Drum Corps International Annual Meeting & Rules Congress in Indianapolis on Thursday, the Spartans from Nashua, New Hampshire, presented a formal petition to join the World Class division.

DCI’s voting membership approved the petition, marking a significant step forward for the defending Open Class champions. The Spartans outlined their intention to become a full-time World Class corps in 2026 and will utilize the 2025 DCI Tour as a stepping stone to that goal. 

As part of this transition year in 2025, the corps will follow a “hybrid” classification structure and remain as an Open Class corps, but will compete in eight events, including the DCI Eastern Classic, where they will be judged alongside their World Class peers. An official vote at DCI’s postseason membership meeting in the fall will ultimately determine their World Class status for 2026 and beyond.

According to Spartans president Paul LaFlamme, despite the corps’ organizational growth — especially over the past handful of years, which has seen the corps expand its size and touring capacity — his team is unified in maintaining the corps’ identity while continuing to fulfill the organization’s mission. 

“We’re still going to work hard to give the same educational experiences that we give, the same life experiences on the road that we do now,” he said. “We’re going to hopefully attract the same students that we do now and still offer that same Spartan-esque experience.”

2025 DCI Rules Congress proposals at-a-glance

Rules

The following proposals are competition-oriented and will follow DCI’s established rule-making process: 

Solo Instrument Addition

Proposed by: Michael Gough, Mary Duerkop, Mike Ottoes, Tim Snyder (Troopers)

Summary: This proposal would allow each corps to feature one designated solo instrument — acoustic, woodwind, electronic or otherwise  throughout the season. This instrument could be amplified and enhanced with effects, creating new possibilities for musical expression and innovation on the field.

In their words: “By permitting unrestricted mic’ing and amplification of a single solo instrument, this rule enables a higher standard of sound quality and artistic expression, avoiding the limitations imposed by current amplification methods.”

Addition of Percussion 2

Proposed by: Paul Renneck (Santa Clara Vanguard) & Percussion Instructor Caucus

Summary: A proposal to reinstate a second percussion judge could allow for more comprehensive evaluations of percussion performance, including the front ensemble and the entire percussion section. This change would ensure the intricacy and cohesiveness of percussion arrangements receive the recognition they deserve.

In their words: “With 100% of the percussion caucus in agreement, it is clear the Percussion 1 judge is essential, but the addition of another judge is needed to account for the front ensemble and all non-battery performers, which can be considered a completely different category of instruments in the percussion family.”

Increase Overall Size of Pit Area

Proposed by: Aaron Beck (Bluecoats)

Summary: To accommodate evolving show designs, a proposal has been submitted to expand the size of the pit area, stretching it from the 30-yard line to the opposite 30-yard line. This change would give corps more room to showcase their front ensemble setups and creative staging, provided venues can support the adjustment.

In their words: “Allows for better spacing of the front ensemble with use of arcs and more creative setups rather than just two lines.”

All Field Performance 15 foot marker

Proposed by: Chris Holland (Boston Crusaders)

Summary: In an effort to prioritize safety for performers and judges, this proposal would limit field judges to areas outside the 15-foot boundary line near the front sideline. This builds on existing guidelines, ensuring that judges can assess performances effectively without impeding choreography or props.

In their words: “The benefit is that performers can fully immerse themselves in their craft, visually and musically, without interference from on-field judges. Performers visually no longer have to account for the unknown. Performer safety is enhanced. All non performer human variables are now off the performance field.”

General Effect Adjudication Change

Proposed by: Michael Gough, Mary Duerkop, Mike Ottoes, Tim Snyder (Troopers)

Summary: This proposal seeks to separate the General Effect caption into two distinct categories — General Effect Visual and General Effect Music — rather than the all-encompassing “overall effect” approach currently applied to the caption. 

In their words: “Separating GE into visual and music categories allows for more equitable assessment, acknowledging that excellence in one area should not overshadow achievements in another.”

Update Percussion Instrumentation

Proposed by: Eric Kosman (Mandarins)

Summary: Simply put, this proposal would update wording of a current rule to clarify allowed percussion instruments.

In their words: “The rules regarding percussion instrumentation are outdated compared to what corps have used for decades and currently only ‘allow all acoustic percussion membrane and keyboard instruments’ This technically means that non-mallet keyboard idiophones (cymbals, wood blocks, etc.) are currently not legal.”

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Policies & Procedures

The following proposals focus on policies and procedures. Although the ACSC has provided recommendations for each and these may be reviewed during the instructors’ caucus process, proposals may be sent directly to DCI’s voting membership:

Wired Network Connection to Audio Mix Area / LOS Audio Power

Proposed by: Aaron Beck (Bluecoats)

Summary: Two proposals focus on enhancing the audio infrastructure at events. One would require a hardwired network connection between the field and the audio mix area to improve reliability, while another calls for a dedicated audio power system. Both measures aim to elevate the production quality for performers and fans alike.

Member Contracts

Proposed by: Tyler Hess & Brian Ellis (The Battalion)

Summary: A proposal has been made for corps to update membership agreements, preventing performers from switching corps mid-season after signing a contract. This update aims to foster corps stability and reduce disruptions for participating organizations.

Total Number of Allowed Participants

Proposed by: Tyler Hess & Brian Ellis (The Battalion)

Summary: This proposal aims to refine the rules around corps membership to better define how off-field participants (alternates) factor into the corps’ allowed maximum number of performers. 

Show Information

Proposed by: Paul Rennick (Santa Clara Vanguard)

Summary: A process already in place, this proposal aims to better formalize how corps submit information about their shows to the judging community at the start of the season, providing a clear and consistent presentation of each production’s theme, design and musical elements.

2025 DCI Annual Meeting and Rules Congress overview