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The Bluecoats Auditions (2025)

  • Yes! Positions are open in all sections of the drum corps!

    Brass - Trumpet, Mellophone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba

    Battery - Snare Drum, Tenor Drums, Bass Drum

    Front Ensemble - Mallet Percussion, Synthesizer, Timpani, Drum Set/Aux Percussion

    Color Guard - Flag, Rifle, Sabre

    Conductor

  • While the role of Drum Major is reserved for veteran members of the corps, conductor auditions are open to anyone. Conductor round one auditions will take place at the December Callback Camp on December 21-22 in Canton, OH.

    Please email us at join@bluecoats.com for more information.

  • We’ve made our virtual option even more seamless, and more similar to the in-person audition experience at Bluecoats. Virtual auditionees will be scored on the same rubric, use the same audition sheet to receive written comments, and be considered on the same schedule as the in-person candidates!

    Virtual Audition registration is open now at bluecoats.school/audition.

  • Overnight housing is provided for the Ohio Audition Camp. Like during a drum corps tour, students should bring sleeping gear (air mattress/sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow) for sleeping on a gym floor.

    Due to facilities constraints, overnight housing is available only on Saturday night of the November Ohio Audition Camp.

  • Bluecoats will provide ground transportation to/from Akron-Canton airport (CAK) for the Ohio Audition Camp.

    To request ground transportation, please visit the event page at bluecoats.com/events.

  • We recommend that you bring comfortable clothes to move in for your audition. You should also bring a refillable water jug to use throughout the day.

    For the Texas, Ohio, and Georgia events - Bluecoats will provide a limited number of brass instruments, battery and front ensemble equipment, and color guard equipment. If you’re able to bring your own horn or guard equipment, great!

    For California - Bluecoats will provide limited front ensemble equipment. Please be prepared to bring your own horn, battery, and colorguard (flag and sabre or rifle, if available) equipment to this camp.

    Overnight housing will be provided at the Ohio Audition Camp. Please bring any necessary sleeping gear (sleeping bag and ground pad, air mattress, pillow, blanket).

  • Here’s a guide for what you should pack for auditions.

    Two-Day Event
    - Eventbrite QR code (printed or mobile)

    Clothing
    - Shirts (1-2)
    - Bottoms (1-2)
    - Athletic Shoes
    - Socks (2-3 pairs)
    - Jacket/hoodie
    - Sleepwear

    Hygiene
    - Toothbrush
    - Toothpaste
    - Hairbrush
    - Deodorant
    - Hair ties (if needed)
    - Glasses/contact lens case (if needed)
    - Chapstick

    Shower
    - Towel
    - Body wash/face wash
    - Shampoo/conditioner
    - Shower shoes (flip flops, crocs, etc.)

    Rehearsal
    - Rehearsal bag (to keep your rehearsal items in)
    - Binder with music
    - Pencils/pens/highlighters
    - Mouthpiece (brass performers)
    - Instrument (brass instrument if you’re able to transport it, battery performers should bring a practice pad & sticks)
    - Guard equipment (flag and rifle or sabre)
    - Valve oil/slide grease (brass performers)
    - Earplugs
    - Gloves
    - Water jug

    Bedding
    - Bed (sleeping bag, air mattress, cot, etc.)
    - Blankets/sleeping bag
    - Pillow

    Misc.
    - Phone charger
    - Extension cable
    - Medications (if needed)


    One-Day Event
    - Eventbrite QR code (printed or mobile)
    - Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in
    - Rehearsal bag (to keep your rehearsal items in)
    - Binder with music
    - Pencils/pens/highlighters
    - Mouthpiece (brass performers)
    - Instrument (brass instrument if you’re able to transport it, battery performers should bring a practice pad & sticks)
    - Guard equipment (flag and rilfe or sabre)
    - Valve oil/slide grease (brass performers)
    - Gloves
    - Water jug

  • Your Techniques & Materials packet will contain information about what you should prepare. Musician packets are $25. Color guard & Visual technique courses are available to you for free at Bluecoats School of the Arts.

    You can purchase & download packets at bluecoats.school/materials.

  • After your Audition Camp or Virtual Audition is complete, there are three possible outcomes: a contract, a callback, or an opportunity to come back next year if you are able.

    Typically, excellent performers who are new to the corps will be offered a callback.

    The 2025 Callback Camp will be December 20-22 in Canton, OH. This camp is required for all musicians offered a callback either at an in-person event or from a Virtual Audition. Musicians offered a contract will attend this camp on a case-by-case basis.

    Following the December Callback Camp, all contracted musicians will attend the January Musicians Rehearsal Camp January 17-19 in Canton, OH.

    Color guard performers on a callback status will complete their audition at our April Rehearsal Camp on April 25-27 in Canton, OH.

  • …now you know that’s a secret. ;)

  • You can expect required attendance at one Audition Camp or Virtual Audition in November/December. All participants will be required to complete online assignments and trainings from January - May, as well as applicable pre-season camps.

    Pre-Season Camp Schedule

    • November/December Audition Events

    • December Callback Camp

    • January Musician Rehearsal Camp

    • March Brass Rehearsal Camp

    • April Full Corps Rehearsal

    With the start of Spring Training, all participants will be “full time” with the organization: rehearsing, living, and performing with the corps for approximately 12 weeks, beginning mid to late-May and ending August 9, 2025.

  • In order to march the drum corps this summer you must be at least 16 years old on May 1st and you must be young enough to participate in Drum Corps International competition this summer (turning age 22 on June 1 , 2025 or later). Most students in the drum corps each summer are 18 and older, but several students 16-18 do earn positions each year!

  • The operation of a world-class drum corps is a very expensive project. In addition to the equipment, set, and fleet of vehicles, fees also cover food, instruction, housing, fuel, costumes, and medical costs.

    Program Fees information for the 2025 season will be provided to you at Audition Camps.

  • Yes. The Bluecoats organization offers a season sponsorship program in which members can have friends, family, and local businesses send money directly to Bluecoats in support of your program fees. Paperwork for this program will be distributed following your signing of a participation agreement. It is the corps member’s responsibility to execute a sponsorship campaign, and ultimately to fulfill all financial obligations for participation.

    In addition to the sponsorship program, Bluecoats also creates a March-a-Thon campaign each year where participants can provide to Bluecoats a list of people that might be willing to support their summer tour. Bluecoats will send a letter to these individuals explaining just how incredible their participation in the corps is. All corps members will earn a commission on all donations made to Bluecoats from this campaign.

    Additionally, there are plentiful scholarships available to be applied for at dci.org/scholarships.

  • Unfortunately, there are no refunds available for Audition Camps or Virtual Audition registration. If there’s another event you’d be able to attend, we can transfer your registration or register you for a virtual audition, just email us at join@bluecoats.com!

  • Send us an email at join@bluecoats.com! We’re happy to help.

Rhythm IN BLUE (2024)

  • Those who will be 18 or older in June and have marching arts experience with Brass, Percussion & Color Guard are eligible for Rhythm IN BLUE. We are open to anyone, not just Bluecoats Alumni!

  • All spots are open during audition season!

    • To audition for Rhythm IN BLUE, the cost to obtain the audition packet and for staff feedback is $50 (non-refundable).

    • Those who continue on as performers have base fees of about $1,200.

    • The cost to the performer may vary depending upon housing needs when in the Akron/Canton area. Those needing housing can elect to stay in provided housing ala drum corps style (floors, sleeping bags, etc.). Participants can elect to stay on their own at area hotels or AirBnB’s (secured on your own at your cost). 11 meals will be provided throughout the season, generally on performance days, with the rest at the performers cost. Fees will include uniform, instruction, transportation (at times), staging, and certain types of equipment.

  • Virtual Auditions will occur where our staff will learn the talents of each performer. There is no limit to the size of a SoundSport group so our selection of performers is very open to a variety of skill levels.

    Members will begin learning the show remotely through Google Classroom and will submit periodic assignments towards perfecting the show. This will continue throughout the Spring where optional rehearsals may be held.

    We will begin mandatory in-person rehearsals prior to June.

  • Your audition materials will be available in School of the Arts once you register for a virtual audition. This audition is a little bit of demonstrating provided material but also is a chance for you to showcase your skills. We also encourage video submissions that show off more than the role desired. We have had guard showcase music skills and musicians share color guard skills. Other have shared skills beyond the marching arts domain.

  • Rhythm IN BLUE allows you to keep a full time job or college coursework. We will meet for six weekends in person during the summer of 2024: May 11-12, June 15-16, June 29-30, July 20-21, August 3-5, August 9-10. Despite only gathering 13 days in that span, there may be as many as 8 performance opportunities! Housing will generally be available after 10 pm the night prior to these weekends.

  • Rhythm IN BLUE is open to anyone who will be 18 or older at our first in-person rehearsal. Exceptions may be made for those turning 18 early in the summer. In 2023 our ages ranged from 18 to 60.

  • Most of the performances are within an hour of The Champion Event Center, which serves as our rehearsal home. Members will transport themselves or carpool with others to shows outside the immediate area. For an extra cost, van transportation may be possible to Indianapolis for our final days of the season.

  • Unfortunately, there are no refunds available for Virtual Audition registration.

  • Send us an email at rhythminblue@bluecoats.com! We’re happy to help.

The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp

  • The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp is a learning event that takes participants inside the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps on the final days of their preparations for their national Summer Tour.

    As a student (ages 14-21) at The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp, you’ll learn, hang out, and even perform* with the Bluecoats Drum Corps as you spend the final days of Bluecoats Spring Training with the drum corps.

    As an educator (ages 22+) at The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp, you’ll learn from some of the activity’s greats, network with other music educators, and get an inside look at the final days of Bluecoats Spring Training.

    *Performance Camp and Four-Day All-Inclusive participants only

  • This event is the official opening night dress rehearsal for the Bluecoats. It will feature guest performing arts ensembles, the world debut of the Bluecoats production AND a side-by-side performance of The Blue Way Summer Arts Campers and the Bluecoats.

    Learn more at bluecoats.com/openingnight

  • They’ll learn the music and techniques that the Bluecoats use to achieve their success!

    Participants will learn an iconic Bluecoats encore tune and get to perform it right alongside the Bluecoats at the Opening Night Community Celebration!

  • Yes! Parents, family, and friends can purchase tickets for the Opening Night Community Celebration at bluecoats.com/openingnight.

    All other parts of the camp are open to observe by parents and guardians only.

  • Student tracks (Two-Day Leadership Symposium, Two-Day Performance Camp, and Four-Day All-Inclusive Camp) are open to ages 14-21.

    The Music Educator Seminar is open to ages 22+.

  • Winds

    • flute / piccolo

    • clarinet

    • alto & tenor saxophone

    • trumpet

    • mellophone

    • baritone / euphonium / trombone

    • tuba / sousaphone

    Percussion

    • marching snare drum

    • marching tenor drum

    • marching bass drum

    Color Guard

    • flag

    Unfortunately, front ensemble percussion cannot be accommodated.

  • Yes please!

    All wind players must bring their own instrument.

    We will have a very limited number of flags available. Please bring your own equipment if possible.

    A limited number of TAMA Fieldstar snare drums, bass drums, and tenor drums will be available thanks to the support of TAMA | Bergerault. In order to guarantee that you will always have a drum, it is a good idea to try and bring your own drum, stand, and/or carrier. If you don’t have a drum you can bring, we recommend bringing a drum pad so you always have something to play on even if you are sharing a drum with another student.

  • An information packet with more preliminary information and techniques and warm-up materials will be sent by mid-June.

    Don’t worry about spending extra time to prepare anything, we want you to come to The Blue Way as you are! You’ll be given plenty of time to rehearse the material at the camp, and some material comes with multiple variations to play depending on your skill level.

  • Yes! Band directors and band boosters organizations can email us at blueway@bluecoats.com to obtain instructions for registering a group.

    Groups of 5 or more will recieve 10% off each registration and one free band director or adult chaperone ticket to the Opening Night Community Celebration.

    Groups of 10 or more will receive 15% off each registration and two free band director or adult chaperone tickets to the Opening Night Community Celebration.

    Email us for more information.

  • Yes. You will be able to request a roommate. Please note that we cannot accomodate all roommate requests, and that we must comply with campus requirements regarding minors and gender identity when assigning rooms.

  • In most cases, no. Please plan to get yourself to the Mt. Union campus in time for check-in.

    If you are registering for the Commuter Package you are required to provide your own transportation to camp on both days.

    If you are a minor flying to the camp unsupervised, or an international attendee planning on flying to camp, please email blueway@bluecoats.com to discuss options for ensuring your safe arrival to campus.

  • Send us an email at blueway@bluecoats.com! We’re happy to help.

Equipment Sales

  • Thanks to the incredible support of our Performance Partners, like Yamaha, TAMA, and Bergerault, Bluecoats resells all of our horns, front ensemble and battery percussion instruments, and set and prop elements like digitally printed flags and scenery. We offer many of these items for pre-sale throughout the year, and ship them to band programs and private buyers around the country in the Fall.

  • Yes! Nearly all of the equipment you see the Bluecoats perform with each summer is available for pre-sale. You can purchase online here, or see our entire inventory and request a quote or send a PO here.

  • There are two ways to buy equipment:

    1) Shop with instant checkout (card purchase only). Your order will be paid in full and shipped to you during the shipping period noted on the item listing. A 2.5% fee applies to all credit card purchases; email sales@bluecoats.com to set up a no-fee balance transfer instead!

    2) Email us at sales@bluecoats.com. We can provide a quote or invoice, and we do accept Purchase Orders. Pricing and other information is available here.

  • We are proud to sell lightly used equipment from our incredible Performance Partners. We sell brass instruments by Yamaha Musical Instruments, including the highly sought-after Xeno trumpet. We also have marching-style baritones, euphoniums, and tubas.

    Additionally, we sell TAMA and Bergerault percussion equipment, including the top-of-the-line Fieldstar marching drums with custom lacquered finishes and chrome hardware. Concert instruments from Bergerault include beautiful Rosewood marimba key options.

    For a limited time only, we have a select inventory of Yamaha and Pearl concert percussion available. See here for current inventory totals.

  • In most cases, all instruments and scenic items are available for pre-order between November and August and all purchases are available for shipment or pick-up in late August and through September.

    Any remaining instruments are available immediately between September and the following April.

  • Yes!

  • Generally, when available, the horns come with stock Yamaha mouthpieces.

  • In most cases, our Bergerault concert percussion equipment comes with a field frame. In some cases, such as specialized keyboard or hand percussion instruments, the frame or stand may be a concert frame.

  • Yes! We sell our beautiful TAMA Fieldstar drumline with a custom lacquered finish. Preference will be given to order requests for 5 or more quads, basses, and snares, as a set.

    After a large set order has been placed, remaining instruments will be sold on an a la carte basis.

  • Yes! Stands and carriers are available for a steeply discounted rate when purchased with battery instruments.

  • Yes! Purchase orders from schools, districts, and large companies will be accepted. Unfortunately, we cannot accept POs from band booster organizations or small organizations.

    Please do not send Purchase Orders without first emailing us at sales@bluecoats.com to confirm available inventory. Please ensure that your purchasing department is aware that most equipment is available for pre-sale and does not release until September. Additionally, please ensure that all purchasing department requirements (declaration forms, W9s, other onboarding forms) are clearly outlined via email at sales@bluecoats.com.

  • If you need a quote or invoice, please email us at sales@bluecoats.com with a list of the equipment you would like to purchase. Please include details such as shipping address, and preferred method of payment.

  • When purchasing via instant checkout, we accept all major credit and purchasing cards for a 2.5% fee. To avoid this fee, email sales@bluecoats.com to set up a no-fee balance transfer.

    When purchasing via PO or invoice, we always accept check and ACH (bank transfer), and credit cards for a 2.5% fee.

    • Shipping prices for brass instruments can be found here. These prices are for the Continental USA only, and shipping outside that region will incur an additional charge.

    • Brass instruments purchased via invoice will include shipping as a separate line item.

    • Percussion equipment shipping costs vary depending on the instrument(s). Typically they ship via LTL freight and the cost of shipping is passed along to the customer.

    • Many large set pieces will be shipped via custom delivery service, and the price varies widely. Please contact us for a quote.

  • Yes! You may pick-up your order on the second Saturday of August, following the DCI World Championships.

    NOTE: you must confirm your plan to pick-up equipment. Do not plan to pick-up an order without first confirming your plans with us.

    Picking up your order is simple, please follow these procedures:

    • you will receive a pick-up confirmation and instructions email a few days before the DCI World Championships

    • print your paid invoice or submitted purchase order and bring it with you

    • print the instructions email you received

    • come to the Bluecoats equipment truck after the Finals Retreat (Lucas Oil South Lot, near the corner of S Missouri & W McCarty)

    • you may have to wait for up to 90 minutes while your order is processed and equipment is checked in by the Bluecoats performers

    Please note, that beginning in 2021, Drum Corps International no longer allows non-corps vehicles in the LOS South Lot for equipment sales pick-up. You may want to bring a wagon or some helping hands to the lot in order to more easily walk out of the lot with your new equipment in hand!

  • Yes! Horns, percussion, flags, costumes & scenery can be pick-up at the Bluecoats offices in North Canton, OH beginning in mid-to-late August. Pick-up is by appointment only.

  • Yes, in some cases, but please contact us for shipping quotes and purchasing information. Shipping outside of North America can be exceedingly expensive and difficult and is generally not available.

  • Send us an email at sales@bluecoats.com! We’re happy to help.

The Shield

  • The Shield is a monthly giving community comprised of our most ardent supporters. Donations made by The Shield Sustaining Members directly fund the programs that keep the Bluecoats mission alive today.

    To ensure that The Shield Community supports Bluecoats for generations to come, 50% of your donation is automatically invested into the Bluecoats Endowment Fund. This investment ensures that your membership directly supports the programs of Bluecoats for a lifetime! 

    As a member of The Shield, you are a VIP at the heart of our mission. You will have exclusive access to VIP benefits, putting you in direct contact with the programs that you support.

  • 100% of your membership supports Bluecoats programming. That includes programs like The Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, Rhythm IN BLUE, The Blue Way, Bluecoats Fellowship, and more.

  • Every month, on the same day that you join.

    So, if you join The Shield on May 8th, we’ll charge your credit card on the 8th of every month.

    If you join with an annual donation, we’ll charge you on the same that you join annually.

  • Yes. Bluecoats is a 501(c)3 non-profit.

  • You can change your membership amount by logging in to your Bluecoats Donorbox account at bluecoats.com/give/portal. If you’ve never logged in before, you can set up your account by resetting your password here.

    Alternatively, email give@bluecoats.com and let us know what you’d like to change it to. We’ll be happy to help!

  • You can manage your membership by logging in to your Bluecoats Donorbox account at bluecoats.com/give/portal. If you’ve never logged in before, you can set up your account by resetting your password here.

    Alternatively, email give@bluecoats.com and let us know what change you’d like to make. We’re happy to help!

  • Send us an email at give@bluecoats.com! We’re happy to help.

Innovations in Brass

  • Innovations in Brass is at the famous Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, on the campus of Hall of Fame Village, which is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

  • Hall of Fame Village has recently added a TON of new parking to the campus! There are six parking lots dedicated to our event, including accessible parking for persons with disabilities, and VIP parking, which is available by invite only from the Bluecoats organization.

    More information about parking will be posted here.

    GROUPS ARRIVING BY BUS: It is very important that school groups and other groups arriving by bus park at Stadium Park Lot. To avoid difficult traffic, do not bring the buses on to the Hall of Fame Village campus. Directions to the lot can be found here.

  • Please plan to arrive early. We recommend giving yourself 45 minutes to park, walk to the gate, and pass through security. Throughout the day there are many activities at Hall of Fame Village including upscale dining at the Fan Engagement Zone, Play Action Plaza, and of course the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum!

    Gates open for Innovations in Brass at 5:00 PM, and the event begins at 7:00 PM.

  • You should plan to enter Hall of Fame Village at the new grand entrance, located here.

  • Email tickets@dci.org or call the DCI Box Office at (317) 275-1212.

  • Email tickets@dci.org for more information, or get started with your order here.