Conn-Selmer and BD Performing Arts Join Forces to Advance Excellence in Marching Arts

(bluedevils.org)

Conn-Selmer Instruments and BD Performing Arts (BDPA) are pleased to announce that The Blue Devils, RCC Indoor Percussion, and all other BDPA programs will be performing exclusively on marching instruments manufactured and distributed by Conn-Selmer. This will be an exciting partnership between two iconic organizations in the marching arts that will include products, education, and events.

“Both Conn-Selmer and BDPA have a long history of excellence in the performing arts,” said Shaun Gallant, BD Performing Arts CEO. “We are thrilled to be joining forces to help support the advancement of excellence in performing arts through educational events and new product development under the Conn-Selmer portfolio of brands.”

Conn-Selmer, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments and accessories in the United States, is a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. “We are extremely excited about The Blue Devils playing on our brands of King, Ludwig, Musser, and Bach marching instruments, all of which have a rich history in the marching arts. The Blue Devils commitment to innovative excellence in both the performing arts and music education make this a great opportunity for both organizations. We look forward to developing new products with BDPA and their experienced staff in support of marching arts programs globally,” said Michael Kamphuis, Managing Director of Education at Conn-Selmer, Inc.

Look for more announcements and product updates in the coming weeks as it relates to this exciting partnership.

For more information on BD Performing Arts, go to: bdperformingarts.org and The Blue Devils bluedevils.org For more information on Conn-Selmer, go to: www.conn-selmer.com. To contact Conn-Selmer, write to P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515-0310 U.S.A.

Cancellation of Drum Corps Associates 2020 Season

dcacorps.org

It is with great sadness that Drum Corps Associates has made the difficult decision to cancel its upcoming 2020 season. The events worldwide with the COVID-19 crisis have impacted our strategic partners both at Winter Guard International as well as Drum Corps International, forcing cancellations for both of their organizations. DCA must be responsible for all involved and made the same unfortunate choice.

DCA’s membership met on Sunday, March 29th and after thorough evaluation of numerous factors affecting participant health and safety, travel requirements, logistics, venue availability, and other associated issues is what made us come to this unanimous decision.

Above all else, the entire DCA community remains unified in its commitment to preserve the health, safety, and well-being of everyone involved in our activity. We share in the profound disappointment of the thousands of remarkable performers who will be unable to take the field this summer with what has become their drum corps families.

We are extremely grateful to the City of Williamsport for their continued support and look forward to returning in 2021. DCA will honor all tickets purchased for the 2020 Championships and apply them to 2021 assuring each ticket will be for the same seat.

We wish everyone good health and safety during this unprecedented time.

Member corps vote to cancel 2020 DCI Tour

(dci.org)

We know this is a difficult time for everyone as we all respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The events worldwide have impacted Drum Corps International as well, forcing cancellation of the 2020 Summer Tour as of Wednesday, March 25.

DCI’s voting membership unanimously reached the difficult decision with great regret after thorough evaluation of numerous factors affecting participant health and safety, travel requirements, logistics, venue availability, and other associated issues. The membership also agreed that in order to preserve the opportunity for this year’s class of age-outs, performers will receive additional eligibility based on existing age requirements with a one-year extension.

Above all else, the entire DCI community remains unified in its commitment to preserve the health, safety, and well-being of everyone involved in our activity.

We share in the profound disappointment of the thousands of remarkable performers who will be unable to take the field this summer on the 2020 DCI Tour. We encourage every one of them to continue to commit fully to the pursuit of their personal best. We sincerely hope that corps members everywhere will continue to embrace the values taught through participation in the marching arts to remain motivated until we are able to perform together under the stadium lights once again.

We are extremely grateful for everyone who continues to support our participating corps — from the incredible teachers, designers, judges and administrators to the uniform, instrument and marching music products companies. We are fortunate to have a nationwide network of Tour Event Partners, band directors, schools and performance venues who keep the lights shining bright on our performers. Our most heartfelt appreciation also goes out to the countless staff, event staff, volunteers, health and wellness providers, and to DCI’s vast family of fans around the world, along with countless parents and alumni who have always been the unconditional allies of our performers.

DCI and all participating organizations will shift focus from tour preparation to addressing the sizable operational and financial challenges resulting from these extraordinary circumstances. In the coming weeks and months, DCI and the corps will work to develop the plans necessary to return to a full schedule in 2021.

We will provide information soon on ways to help ensure that drum corps emerges from this crisis stronger than ever. Together, we will #MarchOn.

Coronavirus update (March 23)

(dcacorps.org)

On Sunday, March 22, the Board of Drum Corps Associates held an emergency
conference call with all their member corps directors to discuss the ongoing
concerns and impact of the Coronavirus on its member corps as well as the
entire DCA community. The corps directors shared their concerns, challenges
and options as it relates to its members, staff and sponsors. The DCA board
has been in constant communication with our host sponsor, Lycoming County
Visitors Bureau and the City of Williamsport, who have assured DCA that they
will work with DCA and are excited about future opportunities to host the
DCA World Championships.

All DCA corps have canceled their in person rehearsals and meetings adhering
to Federal, State & Local laws, restrictions and guidance (President’s
Guidelines PDF 0316). DCA member corps have been utilizing virtual and
cloud technologies in order to keep their membership(s) engaged. Some of
the issues discussed on the call concern the availability of show venue
sites, what would an abbreviated season look like, and what kind of
strategic planning would be required should the entire season be canceled.
The DCA board and its member corps agreed to meet on a regular basis while
monitoring the situation over the next few weeks.

The DCA Board as well as all its DCA member corps continue to be vigilant
and committed to protecting performers, staff, families, volunteers, fans,
corporate sponsors, and all who partner with the DCA community.

Coronavirus update (March 18)

(dci.org)

In response to the most recent developments with the coronavirus (COVID-19), Drum Corps International convened a special meeting of its voting membership on Tuesday, March 17 via teleconference to discuss the current impact on the DCI community. Representatives from member organizations shared mitigation strategies and discussed planning options for the 2020 DCI Summer Tour.

To date, all DCI corps have canceled their in-person weekend rehearsal camps for the balance of March and are in the process of canceling for the month of April as well, adhering to current guidance (President’s Guidelines PDF 0316) regarding non-essential travel and avoiding social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the White House. Corps will continue to respond accordingly as the situation unfolds over the next few weeks.

Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Indianapolis-based DCI professional staff has shifted its focus from standard pre-season preparation to business continuity and contingency planning. With hope for a safe and vastly improved environment in the coming weeks, current efforts include developing a revised and compressed schedule for the 2020 DCI Summer Tour.

The entire DCI community is unified in its commitment to protect performers, staff, and volunteers, along with housing site hosts and all who are associated with the tour’s nationwide operational structure. This commitment remains the top priority.

DCI will continue to release information as more details become available.