After a season filled with groundbreaking achievements and unforgettable performances, the New York Skyliners Drum and Bugle Corps are announcing an exciting new chapter in the corps’ storied history. Beginning with the 2025 season, the New York Skyliners will transition from the Drum Corps International (DCI) All-Age Class A division to DCI’s SoundSport program.
The 2024 season marked a historic milestone for the Skyliners, as the corps made its debut at the inaugural season of DCI All-Age, performing under the bright lights of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Our production, “One Day I’ll Fly,” captivated audiences with its emotional storytelling, visually stunning design, and heartfelt performances. Thanks to the tireless dedication of our performers, staff, volunteers, and supporters, the Skyliners created lifelong memories both on and off the field.
“This season was truly something special,” said Corps Director Joshua Delanuez. “Our journey to Indianapolis showcased the resilience and passion of every single member of the Skyliner family. We’re incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.”
As we look to the future, the move to SoundSport represents an exciting opportunity to embrace a more flexible and accessible performance format. SoundSport, known for its emphasis on entertainment, innovation, and inclusivity, allows ensembles to craft engaging performances that connect with audiences in new and dynamic ways. This change will enable the Skyliners to:
– Reach New Audiences: Perform in non-competitive settings that prioritize audience engagement and creativity.
– Foster Innovation: Explore unique show designs and artistic concepts that showcase the full range of our members’ talents.
– Grow Membership: Welcome a broader base of performers, including those who may have been previously unable to commit to the demands of a traditional drum corps season.
For the 2025 season, the Skyliners will present an exciting program designed specifically for the SoundSport stage. Rehearsals will focus on refining musicianship, creating innovative visual moments, and fostering the camaraderie and excellence that define the Skyliners tradition. Performers and fans can look forward to a season filled with energy, creativity, and opportunities to celebrate the joy of music and movement.
“SoundSport offers us a chance to continue operation while staying true to our core mission of bringing entertainment and education to our members and audiences,” said Doreen Sandor, admin staff and board member. “We can’t wait to embark on this new adventure.”
The New York Skyliners would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported us during the 2024 season. From our incredible performers and dedicated staff to our alumni, volunteers, and fans, your unwavering belief in our mission has been the driving force behind our success. As we step into this next chapter, we invite you to join us on this journey and continue to be part of the Skyliners legacy.
The Skyliners are actively recruiting performers of all skill levels for the 2025 SoundSport season. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the marching arts, there’s a place for you in the Skyliner family. Stay tuned for details about upcoming rehearsals, and performance opportunities.
For more information, visit our website at https://skylinersdbc.org/ or follow us on social media @NYSkylinersDBC.
Together, we soar. Together, we innovate. Together, we are the New York Skyliners.
Drum Corps World – January 2025
DCI phasing out historic library of physical audio/video products
(dci.org)
After the first of the year, 2025, Drum Corps International is expected to cease all online sales of its remaining stock of Blu-ray, DVD and CD products.
The change comes after many years of declining sales of audio/visual products coupled with the costs of licensing (and relicensing) the historic titles. 2019 marked the last year that DCI produced a Blu-ray disc set featuring the Top 12 finalists from the DCI World Championships.
“It truly is the end of an era,” DCI senior operations director Jeff King said. “From the very first DCI DVD in 2000 that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the new medium, to the first Blu-ray discs capturing DCI’s corps in stunning high definition, countless performances have been preserved and enjoyed in the libraries of drum corps fans around the world for more than two decades.”
The remaining stock of audio/visual titles from the store will continue to be sold through the holiday season. From November 25 through December 7, all in-stock titles will be sold at a steep discount of 70% off while supplies last.
Drum Corps World – December 2024
2025 Drum Corps International Tour Schedule
Highlights: 2025 Drum Corps International Tour Schedule
June 27 DCI Tour Preview - Muncie, IN 28 Barnum Festival: Champions on Parade - Shelton, CT Drums Along the Rockies - Fort Collins, CO 30 Corps Encore - Ogden, UT Drums Along the Columbia - Tri-Cities, WA July 2 Northwest Youth Music Games Seattle - Seattle, WA Rotary Music Festival - Cedarburg, WI 3 MidCal Championships - Central Coast, CA Show of Shows - Rockford, IL 5 CrownBEAT - Lexington, SC DCI Capital Classic - Sacramento, CA The Whitewater Classic - Whitewater, WI 6 DCI West - Stanford, CA River City Rhapsody - La Crosse, WI 7 Drums Across the Smokies - Sevierville, TN Resound - Bakersfield, CA 8 Drums Across America - Newnan, GA The Kiwanis Thunder of Drums - Mankato, MN 9 Celebration in Brass - Ankeny, IA Gold Showcase - TBD Southern California, CA 10 DCI Tupelo - Tupelo, MS 11 Music on the March - Dubuque, IA Western Corps Connection - Walnut, CA 12 Cavalcade of Brass - Lisle, IL Corps at the Crest - Los Angeles Area, CA DCI Little Rock - Little Rock, AR Drum Corps Grand Prix - Clifton, NJ 13 Drums Across the Desert - Tempe, AZ 15 Brass Impact - Olathe, KS DCI Broken Arrow - Broken Arrow, OK DCI New Mexico - Albuquerque, NM 16 DCI West Texas - West Texas, TX 17 DCI Waco - Waco, TX DCI Denton - Denton, TX 18 DCI Houston - Houston, TX 19 DCI Southwestern Championship - San Antonio, TX March On! - Champlin, MN Open Class Pacific Championship Prelims - TBD, CA The Buccaneer Classic - Landisville, PA 20 So Cal Classic: Open Class Pacific Championship Finals - Cerritos, CA TBD - Dallas Area - Dallas-Fort Worth, TX 21 DCI McKinney - McKinney, TX 22 Beats in the Brook - Bellbrook, OH DCI Missouri - TBD, MO 23 DCI Northern Ohio - Brunswick, OH DCI Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg, MS Drums on the Ohio - Evansville, IN 25 DCI Birmingham - Birmingham, AL Drums on Parade - Madison, WI The Masters of the Summer Music Games - Middle Tennessee, TN White Rose Classic - Dover, PA 26 Bushwackers Invitational - Mt. Olive, NJ DCI Southeastern Championship - Atlanta, GA Midwest Classic - DeKalb, IL Music on the Mountain - Sheffield, PA 27 Drums in the Heartland - TBD, OH NightBEAT - Winston-Salem, NC 28 Summer Music Games in Cincinnati - Mason, OH 29 Brass at the Beach - Myrtle Beach, SC DCI Delaware - Newark, DE Soaring Sounds - Centerville, OH 30 Summer Music Games of Southwest Virginia - Salem, VA DCI Glassboro - Glassboro, NJ DCI Huntington - Huntington, WV 31 DCI East Coast Showcase - Lawrence, MA TBD Toledo Area - TBD, OH August 1 DCI Eastern Classic - Allentown, PA SoundSport Festival - Williamsport - Williamsport, PA 2 DCI Eastern Classic - Allentown, PA DCI Michigan - TBD, MI DCI Williamsport - Williamsport, PA 3 Big Sounds in Motion - Downingtown, PA 4 DCI Lake Erie - Edinboro, PA DCI Open Class World Championship Prelims - Marion, IN DCI Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA Innovations In Brass - Canton, OH 5 DCI Open Class World Championship Finals - Marion, IN 7 DCI World Championship Prelims - Indianapolis, IN 8 DCI All-Age World Championships - Indianapolis, IN DCI World Championship Semifinals - Indianapolis, IN Shining a Light on Music Education - Indianapolis, IN 9 DCI All-Age World Championship Finals - Indianapolis, IN SoundSport International Music & Food Festival - Indianapolis, IN DCI World Championship Finals - Indianapolis, IN
Drum Corps International Magazine – November 2024
Jersey Surf Withdraws from 2025 DCI Summer Tour
Jersey Surf Withdraws from 2025 DCI Summer Tour to Focus on Accessible Programming and Fundraising Ahead of 35th Anniversary
CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — [November 4, 2024] — Jersey Surf Inc., the organization behind the popular Jersey Surf World Class Drum Corps, has announced its withdrawal from the 2025 Drum Corps International (DCI) Summer Tour. This decision reflects the organization’s dedication to enhancing and expanding lower-cost, accessible programming while strengthening its general operating fund to better serve more young people in our region for years to come.
As Jersey Surf approaches its 35th anniversary in 2025, the organization recognizes the need to adapt its offerings to reach a wider audience. By reallocating resources toward initiatives that enhance accessibility and fiscal responsibility, Jersey Surf aims to fulfill its mission more effectively and provide enriching musical experiences to an even larger constituency.
“We believe that music should be available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances,” said Paul Weiss, Board Chairman of Jersey Surf, Inc. “While this decision is difficult, it enables us to create more opportunities for young people to engage with music-making and the performing arts in new and creative ways, removing barriers to increased participation. We are excited about the potential for expanding existing programs and developing new initiatives that align with our mission and address the diverse needs of our community.”
Although the corps will not participate in the 2025 DCI Tour, Jersey Surf remains committed to collaboration and creative projects. The organization looks forward to celebrating its milestone anniversary with expanded initiatives, particularly focusing on its Drum Jawn! & Music Jawn! interactive events—powered by its Mobile Music Lab programs—and the increased manufacturing and distribution of its MarimbaPad™ patented practice instruments for mallet percussionists.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay connected through jerseysurf.org.
For inquiries, please contact:
Jersey Surf, Inc.,
856-753-DRUM [3786]
info@jerseysurf.org
Drum Corps World – November 2024
Directors adopt new competitive format for 2025 DCI All-Age Championship
(dci.org)
On the heels of the inaugural DCI All-Age Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium this past August, All-Age corps directors voted during an online conference on Wednesday, October 9, to adjust the competitive format of their division’s World Championship events in 2025.
The modification will expand what was a single competitive event Saturday morning of DCI World Championships Week in 2024, to two subsequent 2025 events on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
“The changes approved by the All-Age directors demonstrate the dedication, commitment and the collaborative energy of how All-Age is adjusting to the Drum Corps International culture and excited to be part of DCI,” said John Carr, DCI All-Age coordinator. “We are seeing growth with more members joining corps as well as new and re-emerging corps wanting to be part of the All-Age Class.”
The new event on Friday, which will precede the DCI World Championship Semifinals, will serve as the DCI All-Age Class Championships where corps will compete for championship titles in their respective A, Open and World Class categories.
The top-12 scoring corps from Friday — regardless of classification — will advance to the DCI All-Age Championship Finals on Saturday, where an overall All-Age Champion will be crowned. Corps that do not advance will be invited to perform as part of the All-Age division of the SoundSport International Music & Food Festival presented by Jazz Wealth also on Saturday.
“The Caballeros are excited to be building on our continued relationships as a DCI All-Age corps,” Hawthorne Caballeros corps director Alan Katz said. “Our first mission as an organization is to provide the best possible experience for our members. This new format will give our members an opportunity to perform twice during Championship weekend enhancing the overall experience.”
Another change ratified by All-Age directors during the October 9 Zoom meeting is an adjustment to the minimum membership requirements of participating corps.Previously set at a minimum of 26 members, All-Age corps will now be required to compete with at least 40 performers. With the new minimum, corps between 40 and 60 members will fall into the All-Age A Class, 61 and 85 members into All-Age Open Class, and 86 and 128 members into All-Age World Class.
“I’m thrilled with the decision to continue with three classes and increasing minimum membership within the All-Age Class of DCI and our new plan for Championships,” Sunrisers director David Hobart said. “Passing of these motions is the result of thoughtful dialogue and collaboration among the DCI All-Age directors, reinforcing our collective commitment to growing our class and the overall drum corps activity.”
Tickets to the 2025 DCI All-Age Championship events are expected to go on sale in December.