presented by Drum Corps International,
hosted by Bluecoats
August 2025 | Canton, OH
BANDtastic! is a program of Drum Corps International designed to celebrate the commitment to excellence made by middle school music programs all across the United States.
One-Day Middle School
Honor Band at Innovations in Brass
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
August 2025
Full day of instruction, t-shirt & swag, and a ticket to Innovations in Brass for $99/student. Event ends with a performance alongside Rhythm IN BLUE
at Innovations in Brass!
Why Should My Students Get Involved?
Participation in this program motivates middle school students to consider the arts as they make important skills development decisions for their high school years and beyond, and impact lifelong arts behaviors.
Students who participate in the BANDtastic! program will enjoy the following opportunities:
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime performance in front of thousands of spectators as a part of the national schedule of DCI Tour events
Take part in rehearsals and sectionals with professional artists and engaging educational clinicians
Take part in additional structured activities that promise to be packed full of engaging performances and speakers
Tickets to Innovations in Brass, presented by Solotech and the opportunity to observe performances from the “best-of-the-best” marching music ensembles
Exclusive BANDtastic! gear and “Swag” bags
How Does It Work?
1) Band directors nominate students they feel have demonstrated a high level of commitment to their music departments. Criteria is at the discretion of the director and can be based on a variety of factors from musical talent, to merit, to involvement, to need.
2) Students are selected and accepted to the band based on their nominations. Every school that nominates will have at least two students accepted. Once registered, students will receive the music to rehearse in advance.
3) Accepted students get to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rehearse, perform and connect with other outstanding local musicians!
FAQs
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Participation is open to students currently in grades 6-8 in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Exceptional and mature students in the 5th grade who will be incoming 6th graders in the 2025-2026 academic year are also eligible. If your student is entering the 9th grade during the 2025-2026 academic year, they're still eligible!
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Students are selected and accepted to the BANDtastic! honor band based on nominations from their band directors.
If you’re a student, tell your band director about this program so they can nominate you and your classmates! You can tell them to check out this website for more information: bluecoats.com/bandtastic.
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The registration fee is $99.00 per student.
Students get
To participate in the BANDtastic! honor band - including a session with a special speaker
A t-shirt & other swag
A ticket to Innovations in Brass, presented by Solotech
A meal
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Check out a more details FAQ page here.
If your question still isn’t answered, email us at bluecoats@bluecoats.com!
