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DCI Unveils New Rules

By Eddie Carden

On Jan. 26, the Drum Corps International (DCI) Board of Directors passed the following four rules, one of which will take effect for the 2008 season.

• Double the general effect judging panel for World Championships (effective 2008)
• Allow use of water on the field (effective 2009)
• Allow amplification of brass instruments for soloists and ensembles of up to 12 members (effective 2009)
• Allow use of electronic instruments (effective 2009)

The use of electronic amplification and instruments has been a topic of hot debate for DCI directors, participants and fans.

“In my opinion, this is the first time we could potentially change the characteristic sound that a drum corps is known for,” says Greg Orwoll, executive director of the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps based in Dubuque, Iowa. “I think we do have a niche that’s distinct and separate [from marching band] and important. That natural brass sound is something we really need to stand by.”

Others, including George Hopkins, director of The Cadets from Allentown, Pa., disagree, saying that the new set of rules is a move in the right direction.

“I’m grateful that it’s passed,” comments Hopkins in a recent article on DCI’s website. “It’s an evolutionary development, and I believe that the corps and instructors will use it in an appropriate fashion, and that it will add to the entertainment value of our performances.”

As far as the direction of the sport of drum corps is concerned, only time will tell: Most of the rules won’t take effect until the 2009 season. One thing is for sure, though. Fans can still expect the high-energy competition of DCI for years to come.

Comments

1. Jeff Hein says:
   October 18th, 2011 at 14:52
   I agree with some of what was said by both gentlemen. BUT!, The one thing that everybody seems to forget,is that all this is for the young adults, to educate them about what a Drum Corps is. That Natural Sound your talking about is from the old type Bugle's
   By The way Mr. Hopkins what do you mean by " It's a Evolutionary Development, and what Entertainment Value ? To Mr. Greg Orwoll, Why would YOU want to change the sound of the Bugle that the Drum Corps is known for, you said it yourself that we have a niche that's Distinct and seperate from a Marching Band ? See I Always look at every angle when it comes to Drum Corp, and I say If it's not Broke
   don't try to fix or change it. Except when it comes to appearance
   and Music Arrangement. Awhile back I read an article that someone said, listen to the crowd and give the fans what they want. But you also have to know what your Corp Members want, because without their opinion all it would take is a walk out and then that Corp is finished.

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