The Latest
Meet the 2024 Bluecoats Fellows
The Bluecoats Fellowship aims to create a pathway to a more diverse and inclusive world in the marching arts. Bluecoats Fellows are individuals who are a part of, or are committed to supporting, traditionally under-represented communities in marching arts design, and are selected by demonstrating excellent skill and potential in their field. Fellows are paired with the Bluecoats designer in their field to grow their skills, receive advice and guidance on their work, and learn from a renowned world-class designer.
Today, we’re excited to introduce the second class of Bluecoats Fellows! Find out more about them below.
2023 Diversity & Socioeconomic Impact Report
In July 2020, we promised to create an annual report on the demographic and socioeconomic impact of Bluecoats programs, the diversity of our team, and the progress of our initiatives to advance inclusion and equity within our organization. This is our fourth annual Diversity & Socioeconomic Impact Report.
Bluecoats & Son Lux Announce Two-Year Creative and Educational Partnership, Son Lux Named Artist In Residence Through 2025 Season
The Oscar-Nominated band, known for its film score of Everything Everywhere All At Once, will contribute creatively to the 2024 and 2025 shows, including new music being written for the world-renowned drum corps and educational collaboration with the performers.
Bluecoats 2024 Summer Season & National Tour
The Bluecoats organization today announced more details of its 2024 summer season. The season will feature a renewed focus on Arts Education in the Stark County community. In addition to the corps’ return to the DCI “Midwest Tour,” this summer’s season features other exciting changes. The organization will host a special ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony of its new EN-RICH-MENT Arts Education Center on the same day as its annual block party - Bluecoats Party in the Plaza. Additionally, the Summer Music Series will gain a new annual event as EN-RICH-MENT’s African American Arts Festival joins the line-up.
Anna Meredith Discusses Bluecoats on BBC Radio 3 - Music Matters
On Saturday Anna Meredith joined Tom Service on the UK radio program Music Matters, hosted on BBC Radio 3. She discussed Bluecoats’ use of three of her titles, focusing on the 2023 use of Nautilus in Riffs & Revelations.
Bluecoats & University of Mount Union Announce Five-Year Summer Residency Agreement For Corps’ Annual Spring Training, Summer Learning Programs & More
The two institutions are leveraging the new deal to cooperate on a new program - Band Director Days – on the UMU campus. The five-year deal will allow for the continued expansion of Bluecoats’ Stark-based summer music series and two-day educational event, The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp.
Hall of Recognition Nominations Now Open
The 2024 Bluecoats Hall of Recognition nomination form is now open! Each year we accept nominations of individuals associated with Bluecoats who have created the Bluecoats legacy.
The Bluecoats 2024 Drum Majors & Team Hands
We’re excited to announce our drum majors & conductors for the 2024 Bluecoats!
Returning to the Bluecoats in a new position, Antonio (Tony) Gamez will take on the role of Drum Major. 2023 conductors 丛曦 (John) Cong and Catherine Oles will return as Assistant Drum Majors. Collin Jarvis and Red Willhelm join the Bluecoats team as conductors.