The Latest
The Next Fifty Years
Over the last several years, we’ve spent a lot of time at Bluecoats reflecting on the kind of organization we’d like to be. We’ve examined our roots, celebrated our achievements, and worked hard on the things we can do better. So, as we enter the second 50-year chapter of the Bluecoats organization, it’s time to set our vision for the future and work to create a Bluecoats that celebrates the value of performing arts education for everyone.
Bloo21 Trombone Quartet
Check out this performance of Hello Dolly by our very own Trombone Quartet. This piece is arranged by Ellie Abbott on the far right of this video and was originally performed in the 2021 Virtual I&E Showcase!
Jack-O-Lantern Stencils
It’s spooky season! Grab your stencil and get to carving. When your jack-o-lantern is complete, post a picture and tag us so we can see your creation!
World Drum Corps Hall of Fame Inducts Bill Hamilton!
On November 20, 2021, the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame (WDCHOF) will induct Bluecoats Corps Manager Bill Hamilton, along with five other remarkable individuals, as Regular members of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
If you have spent any time around the Bluecoats, you probably know Bill! He was an original member of the 1972 Bluecoats and he’s been around since then, taking on various roles within the organization from Brass Instructor, to Corps Director, to Corps Manager. We’re grateful to have him as a part of the team and we’re excited he’s been chosen for this honor!
Bluecoats Hosting Clinic Performance at PASIC!
The 2021 Bluecoats Percussion Ensemble will be presenting a clinic performance at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) this November!
Tom Rarick (Composer/Percussion Designer) and Dr. Matt Jordan (Music Coordinator/Sound Designer) will be on hand to provide a guided tour of our 2021 production Lucy—the second act to our 2019 production, The Bluecoats. Our PASIC clinic will explore the compositional processes utilized to create these productions, and highlight the integration of acoustic percussion and electronic sound design that is a hallmark of the Bluecoats aesthetic.
Bluecoats Begins Search For Program Operations Leadership
The Bluecoats team is growing! Today Bluecoats has launched a search for two senior program operations roles. The Director, Program Operations & Manager, Program Operations are new roles at the organization that will work alongside the Executive Team and the Corps Manager plan, manage, and execute the organization’s programming in a way that upholds standards of safety, participant experience, and operational excellence.
Monday Memory: When a Viral Outbreak Stopped Bluecoats from Attending Finals... the First Time
Sometimes history does repeat itself. 2021 is not the first time the Bluecoats returned to the field following a virus outbreak in America. In 1976 an outbreak of virus labeled Legionnaires disease (named for the outbreak being connected to a Legionnaires convention) hit the east coast of the United States. The 1976 Drum Corps International World Championships were scheduled for Philadelphia, capitalizing on the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations in the location of our nation’s founding.
The Blue Way - Managing a Non-Profit Performance Organization
Check out this conversation with Bluecoats CEO Mike Scott and CFO/COO Genevieve Geisler. During this The Blue Way episode, we discuss managing a non-profit performance organization.