(dci.org)
NDIANAPOLIS – Drum Corps International and Visit Indy have announced a multi-year contract extension, building on their longstanding partnership and re-establishing downtown Indianapolis as home to the DCI World Championships and SoundSport International Music and Food Festival through 2033.
Indianapolis-based Drum Corps International, “Marching Music’s Major League,” is the leader in producing events for the world’s finest marching ensembles for student musicians and performers.
“The catalyst that prompted DCI to move its headquarters and World Championships to Indianapolis in 2008 was the city’s commitment to supporting and elevating organizations representing the arts, culture and education – all of which is central to DCI’s mission,” said Dan Acheson, CEO of Drum Corps International. “Our partnership with Visit Indy to remain in Indianapolis will allow us to grow and strengthen our offerings to music students throughout Indiana and worldwide, reinforcing Indianapolis’ reputation as the marching music capitol of the world.”
This weekend marks the 15th anniversary of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis hosting the DCI World Championships. Each year, some 5,000 performers, their families and fans of marching music converge on downtown Indianapolis the second weekend of August to enjoy the excitement and spectacle of competitive marching music from around the world and throughout Indiana, generating $16 million in economic impact for the city annually.
“DCI’s decision to stay in Indy through 2033, a five-year extension, is music to our ears,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “Having this event continue to grow in Indy is made possible by an exceptional partnership and by our city’s continual commitment to enhancing our convention and events package.”
In addition to producing and directing competitive events around the U.S. and the world each year, a critical part of DCI’s mission is to encourage and support music education for younger students through programs like BANDtastic!
