The Bluecoats Return: Announcing The 2021 Season

Apr 2

CANTON, OH - Following yesterday’s announcement of the 2021 DCI Celebration Tour, the Bluecoats organization is excited to announce more details for the return of the Bluecoats in-person programming and performances for 2021.

But first - any announcement about the return of in-person programming must come with this affirmation: the Bluecoats is fundamentally about creating life-changing and enriching experiences for our young adult participants. Therefore, their health, wellness, and safety will always be our first priority.

Our team has been working around the clock for months to develop plans to operate safely. We are working to ensure that most, if not all, of our participants and staff are fully vaccinated, that all in-person participants and staff are tested weekly, that our medical team size is tripled, and that our return-to-play protocols meet industry standards for infection mitigation and Covid-19 treatment.

AN UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER

Last month, the participants of the 2021 drum corps began their 2021 experience with Bluecoats in the Cloud, an ambitious virtual pre-season program where the corps will learn the Bloo21 show music, and other curriculum such as anti-racism training, anti-harassment training, and exciting guest speakers and performers.

Then, in July, the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps will return to in-person programming. The season includes:

SHOW PRODUCTION & DIGITAL PERFORMANCES

At the start of July, the Bluecoats will move in to our usual Spring Training facility for five weeks of training, show production, digital performances, and live regular live streaming. Indiana Wesleyan University continues to be an incredible partner providing air conditioned dorms, quarantine housing, world-class athletic training facilities, and up to five fields for expansive rehearsal spaces.

While our time at IWU is usually a time of solitude, this year will be different. We intend to broadcast to the world from our Indiana HQ, with regular live streams of rehearsals, new digital shows and content, and digital performances of the corps including chamber music and show materials.

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement about our digital presentations for 2021 coming in April.

IN-PERSON PERFORMANCES

Bluecoats will not compete in 2021, and instead focus on producing an exciting and entertaining show within a safe and precautionary environment. Beginning August 1st, Bluecoats will attend a series of events and field-show performances around the Eastern United States. Of course, public health measures will dictate the viability and capacity of such events. Bluecoats is working closely with event operators to ensure that local health guidance and mandates are carefully followed.

The performance series includes:

CANTON RESIDENCY

Sunday, August 1 - Canton, OH Concert Event
Monday, August 2 - Canton, OH Learning Event
Monday, August 2 - Canton, OH Concert Event

EAST COAST EVENTS

Tuesday, August 3 - Quincy, MA Drum Corps Show
Wednesday, August 4 - Lynn, MA Drum Corps Show
Thursday, August 5 - Lawrence, MA Drum Corps Show
Saturday, August 7 - Allentown, PA Drum Corps Show

SHOWCASE WEEK EVENTS

Monday, August 9 - Akron/Canton, OH Drum Corps Show
Tuesday, August 10 - Marion, IN Drum Corps Show
Wednesday, August 11 - Indianapolis, IN Learning Event (tent.)
Thursday, August 12 - Indianapolis, IN Drum Corps Show
Friday, August 13 - Indianapolis, IN Drum Corps Show
Saturday, August 14 - Indianapolis, IN Drum Corps Show

See The DCI Schedule

Join The Corps

Learn more

HEALTH, WELLNESS & SAFETY

Bluecoats medical and operations teams have been closely monitoring industry return-to-play standards, including the work of the NCAA, and the DCI Tour Restart Task Force chaired by Bluecoats Executive Advisor David Glasgow. We have drafted an internal Covid-19 Protocol & Operations Plan that will govern our operations throughout the in-person season. Our operations will be centered around providing a safe experience for all participants that limits exposure and tests regularly.

VACCINATIONS & PRE-ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Last month, at the first Camp in the Cloud event of the 2021 season, students learned about our requirements for Covid-19 vaccination and pre-arrival procedures for the 2021 season.

All participants and personnel who have eligibility and access to the an FDA-approved Covid-19 vaccination will be required to obtain a vaccine*. We know that in addition to infection-mitigation practices on-site, vaccination of all or most of our on-site personnel is key to achieving herd immunity and dramatically decreasing the chance of infection.

Additionally, all staff and participants will be required to isolate themselves prior to traveling to Indiana Wesleyan University**, and obtain a negative test result within 72 hours prior to arrival at IWU. Furthermore, when they travel they’ll be required to wear masks and other PPE, and follow all guidelines provided by the CDC for

ARRIVAL, TESTING, PPE & ISOLATION

Arrival and check-in at our facility will be done in stages, and with social distancing in place. All participants and personnel will be tested within a designated initial testing window at the start of our season. Everyone will be given masks and other personal protective equipment upon arrival as well. Masks will be required at during the season.

Throughout our time at Indiana Wesleyan University every on-site participant and other personnel will receive a weekly Covid-19 test administered on site by a medical professional. We have secured isolation facilities at IWU and food service will be delivered to students in quarantine or isolation.

TIERED CREDENTIAL SYSTEM

Bluecoats will employ a three-tier credentialing system for all participants and personnel, as outlined by the DCI Tour Restart Task Force and the NCAA.

THE SHOW

So what’s the show?!

It won’t be a secret much longer. In fact, we plan to announce the 2021 production this month.

The show is an evolution of the same production we had planned for 2020 prior to the cancellation of that season. We are really excited to bring it to the world, and we think it’s the perfect show to mark the return of live drum corps to the world!

Stay tuned…

*Those with a medically documented reason or a sincerely held religious belief for not getting vaccinated will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

**Details for those fully vaccinated are subject to change.

Mike Scott

Mike Scott is a clinician, consultant, and the CEO of Rhythm X, Inc., a non-profit music education company in Dayton, Ohio. Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2012. There he studied percussion and conducting and completed the Farmer School of Business Summer Institute. Before beginning his career as an administrator and teacher, Mike was an active performer in the marching arts. In 2011 Mike was the conductor of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps of Canton, Ohio and was a performer in Rhythm X’s percussion ensemble from 2011-2012. Mike was also a member of the Miami University Marching Band for four years, serving as the drum major during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In 2013 Mike began work at Rhythm X, Inc. as the Operations Director, managing the business development and logistics of the organization. He was also the Director of Instrumental Music at St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio. There he taught band, orchestra, and general music in grades 6-12. Prior to the 2015 competitive season, Mike became the first full-time employee at Rhythm X, Inc. as the company’s CEO. There he works with the organization’s President Tim Fairbanks to develop the future strategy of the company. During the summer months, Mike travels the country with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps as the group’s Tour Administrator. He has also served as the tour manager of The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Mike proudly endorses Innovative Percussion, Etymotic Research, and Fred J. Miller Inc.

http://mikewscott.com