The Latest
Monday Memory: When Easter Weekend meant a Bus Trip to Drill Camp!
30 years ago this past weekend, the Bluecoats were coming off their 5th consecutive Easter Weekend Drill Camp. In 1990 the corps returned to 5th Regiment Armory in Baltimore, Maryland, where they had first come in 1986. The idea of “hitting the road” for a drill camp was something that (then) Director Ted Swaldo liked as a way to do a dry run on touring to get the kinks out six weeks before setting out on Summer Tour for real. In the first few years, the corps did standstill performances in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor tourist destination before hundreds of downtown spectators.
A note from our CEO
For everyone, the past month has been an unprecedented personal challenge. For drum corps fans, and patrons of the "marching arts," that challenge has included the loss of so many of the events and traditions that we cherish. Each summer the Bluecoats community comes together in support of the corps, united by the love that we all have for drum corps. Our fans join us at shows, rehearsals, and in theaters, and all across social media. The summer is the foundation of our year, and unfortunately we've had to cancel.
Following DCI's announcement, the Bluecoats family had several webinars -a 300-person "circle up" with the corps members, an all hands staff meeting, and a heartfelt video call with more than 200 alumni. These calls were tear-filled, and discussed candidly the immense financial challenge that Bluecoats faces following a season cancellation.
It's Bluecoats Week on FloMarching!
April 6-10 is Bluecoats Week on FloMarching! Every day they’ll be sharing new and old films, analysis, training, and behind the scenes videos of Bluecoats! Follow along on FloMarching’s website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or follow Bluecoats on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram where we’ll be sharing some of our favorite content.
You can watch hours of videos from the past three years, all in order, at Flo’s One-Stop-Shop: Bluecoats on FloMarching or you can Pick Your All-Time Favorite Bluecoats Show. There’s going to be tons of exciting content this week so make sure you’re following along!
Hall of Recognition Nomination Deadline Extended to May 1
Due to recent events, we have extended the Bluecoats Hall of Recognition nomination deadline to May 1st. Every year we accept nominations of individuals associated with Bluecoats who have created the Bluecoats legacy. We’re proud to recognize our incredible members, instructors, volunteers, and administrators.
After Summer Tour Cancellation, 2020 Drum Corps Will Not Take The Field
Yesterday, together with our fellow members of Drum Corps International, we made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 drum corps season. The field will go dark, the music will stop, and decades-long traditions like the local “Innovations In Brass” drum corps competition will be canceled.
Today we join in support of all who love the drum corps tradition. We are confident that, together, we will #MarchOn, and we are already overwhelmed by the support that our community is providing.