August 8, 2025 – Indianapolis, Indiana
4:00 PM
I just returned to the hotel from a visit to Decatur Central High School, the location of the Boston Crusaders’ rehearsal site while in Indianapolis. The temperature is in the 90s again. This did not deter the hardened members, or the staff from putting in a solid two hour block. The mood was positive. Coming off the first place finish in the Preliminary competition last night, these kids were pumped up, moving and playing like never before. It was hard not to think about the early days in Castleton at spring training when I was just beginning to experience the program, and how far these kids have come in body shape, color, and performance ability. During the part of the program where the members form a company front, one of the insturctors up high on the scafoulding exclaimed, “That is the best moment in DCI!” This was follow by the cheers from the kids below and the other rehearsal junkies in the stands with me. I strated to cry. This is not the first time that I have broken into tears spontaneously while watching a rehearsal.
Of course, the BAC nation went ballistic last night upon BAC outscoring all others on the first night of the three-night championship competition. It comes down to which corps has the best Saturday night performance. This year the Bluecoats and Boston Crusaders have been neck-and-neck, swapping places in the rankings. Each corps has won two out of the four competitions where they have been head to head. There are two more to go. Who will come out on top on Saturday, nobody knows. Friday is anyones guess. The anticipation is thick. Though it is too early to celebrate a BAC gold, there is cause to rejoice another record breaking score and the first time that BAC has come out on top on any of the three days of the finals in their 85-year history.
It was great to be in Indianapolis again for the urban walks and city atmosphere; however, I miss the soft soils of Vermont and the quiet atmosphere along the Mill Brook. Yesterday, I had a walk to Military Park and then along the White River Canal to the junction of the White River that bisects the city. The heat index is high. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is affecting us here, too, as well as in Vermont. The stretch of non-rain has been welcome. Every day has been a bluebird day since leaving New England last Friday. The unfortunate rain during the Lawrence show disappeared and hasn’t returned, providing the best weather for the outdoor drum corps at the five shows that I attended preceding the finals week. Of course, this week, the shows are all indoors at the giant stadium across the street. Lucas Oil is the name on the front of the building and is home to the Indianapolis Colts, a National Football League team. It is also the home of Drum Corps International for a week of Summer Music Games.
Thousands of young performers take the field for three nights (and now the All-age corps on Saturday) to deliver high intensity entertainment, and no one gets a concussion. Maybe not 100% but, they try hard not to intentionally hit each other. One of the Boston Crusaders snare drummers received a concussion from being hit in the head with one of the large ball props during practice. He has undergone recovery according to protocol and is back marching. However an ankle injury has but another snare out for the finals. These dissappointments happen in life, but they make us stronger. DCI has strengthened kids through so many success beyond winning or losing, or the unfortunate happenstance.
Tonight is the Semi-final competition that will include the top 25 drum corps ranked at the Preliminary yesterday. For brevity, I will not go through the littany of reviewing any or all shows. I snapped a lot of photos with the 16 pro. Tonight, I will sit back and let the programs wash over me. The intensity is building. I’ll keep you posted.