After a summer without drum corps, what does that next year look like? Well it’s something Bluecoats have had more experience than others doing. After a strong decade in the 1970s growing from a parade corps to a Class A nationally known corps, Bluecoats struggled to stay on the field in 1979 and then again 1983. 1984 was the third attempt to get a drum corps in Canton established, and the second comeback attempt in just four years.

This comeback was different and it was going last. It would take an entire year to get things back on track.

After a decade of putting the corps on his back, sometimes even financially, the original director of the corps departed. After needing to find the funds for equipment and uniforms in 1979, the same structure brought the corps back on the field in 1980. But it was short-lived as the problems still remained and were addressed by patchwork. The “fix” was more like duct-tape and rubber bands.

That original director turned to a Canton-area businessman to take the corps leadership over for just one year. Ted Swaldo, whose son was a drummer in those early 1980s corps, took on the challenge and stayed involved well beyond that one year.

The 1984 corps was brought back to life on the backs of alumni, who after aging out now came back to instruct the corps. A vast network of parents was tapped to operate various elements of the organization. But the recruiting of the corps fell upon the members through the management and instructional staff. The goal for 1984 was really just to exist.

*1984 would have its growing pains along the way*

The first fall rehearsal had about a dozen members show up. Certainly not enough for a rehearsal. So rather than admit defeat and send them home, they all played basketball and enjoyed each other’s company. They were sent home with one request. Come back next time and bring a friend. And they did. By winter’s end the corps was big enough to be a corps again.

The season was a mix of competition and fun. Just 12 competitions were logged, but other events in the Canton and vicinity rounded out the schedule. At one DCI/DCA joint performance, a nearby Fireman’s Beer Fest drew the attention of corps members. The corps also performed at Detroit area amusement park Boblo Island, started in 1933. Then how about Six Flags in Atlanta to round out the season? Throw in a Detroit Lions pregame performance just before Finals week, and the corps had one of the most varied schedules you could have.

*DCI Championship week saw the corps compete two out of the four days.*

Even heading to DCI Championships Week in Atlanta, Georgia, saw the “fun” part continue. The corps only competed twice, 5th of 27 at Prelims and 16 of 25 at Quarterfinals. The final two days of Semifinals and Finals were spent engaging in different pursuits, like getting rides in military tanks. After all housing was a National Guard Armory and when on base, if you nag the soldiers enough?