DCE News (English headlines)

Section B of DCE Championships nearly full

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:02:15 PST

After Section A, section B for the DCE European Championships in Kerkrade is now also nearly full. There are a few dozen seats left in this section which, like Section A, has business seats.

Sections A and B, as well as the Super Seats, are the most comfortable seats in the stadium. Do you want to experience the DCE Championships from a luxury seat? Then order tickets from the DCE webshop as soon as possible. As in previous years, visitors will be assigned their own seat for the evening programme.

Once again, the Super Seats are very popular. Already, more Super Seats have been sold than last year, but because there are more seats available this year, you can still buy these tickets.

Kidsgrove Scouts announce show title

Mon, 14 May 2012 22:31:14 PST

Kidsgrove Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps from Stoke-on-Trent has announced its new show title: 'Valley of the Kings'. The pieces of the programme has not been revealed yet.

Except for the title and a logo, the Kidsgrove Scouts are not giving anything away about the show yet. It is not clear what pieces will be a part of the show. The title probably refers to the burial place of pharaohs in Egypt as a theme for the show.

The DCE runners up will be performing the show in Britain (DCUK), the Netherlands (DCE) and America (DCA) this year. This is the second time in three years that the Kidsgrove Scouts will be crossing the ocean to participate in Drum Corps Associates.

DCI tour in American cinemas

Fri, 11 May 2012 20:29:59 PST

DCI will once again team up with National Cinemedia's Fathom Events for the second-annual DCI Tour Premiere which will be shown in movie theaters on Monday 18th June.

Taped at the kickoff event of the 2012 DCI Tour on Saturday, 16th June, in Akron - Ohio, the broadcast will give fans across the country a complete look at the debut performances of six of last summer's top 12 World Class corps.

Taking the field at the University of Akron's InfoCision Stadium and just two days later taking their spot up on the 'big screen', will be the defending World Champion Cadets, Bluecoats, Cavaliers, Carolina Crown, Phantom Regiment and the Blue Stars.

More than 23,000 drum corps fans went to a movie theatre to see DCI corps on the big screen.

Besana Secutores 2012: 'Arachnophobia'

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:56:27 PST

The Italian Besana Secutores Drum & Bugle Corps will bring a 'Fear Factor'-like show to the field this season. The show, entitled 'Arachnophobia', is about (a fear of) spiders.

'Arachnophobia' deals with the habitat and behaviour of spiders, and the fear that many people have for them. It is a 'dark' show which includes a role for the dreaded black widow. The show is written by Simeone Riva (brass), Jeff Tinsley (percussion) and Preston Howard (drill). Which pieces are included has not been announced yet.

Last year, Besana Secutores managed to enter the top ten in the DCE European Championships for the first time (under the name Besana Marching Band). This made it the second Italian corps to place as a DCE finalist.

Corps sign up for DCE Corps Network

Sun, 06 May 2012 12:41:15 PST

The first corps have signed up for the DCE Corps Network. The recently opened European Corps Network now has a few dozen members. It is intended that all corps participating in the DCE Championships connect to the network. Other corps are also welcome.

The DCE Corps Network is intended to facilitate communications between DCE and the corps. It is important that corps have the possibility of making contacts through the network and maintaining contact with representatives of other corps, both publicly and privately. The European Corps Network, which can be used in a similar way as Facebook, is available both on computers and mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).

DCE corps that have not yet signed up to the DCE Corps Network are asked to do so now, so that they won't miss out on any information. Corps not participating in the DCE Championships can also sign up to enjoy the benefits of the network. They can contact DCE for this.

DCUK announces show entries

Sat, 05 May 2012 12:47:11 PST

Drum Corps United Kingdom has announced the details of the corps entries for each DCUK contest this coming season. Now all Corps have nominated which Class they wish to enter DCUK can advise that, due to very low entry for a specific all season long A Class, the structure for 2012 season will run in an identical fashion to the past few seasons.

This means that, with the exception of Junior Class, all Corps will compete in Open Class up to and including Prelims with the Top 8 from Prelims then competing in Open Class Finals with the remainder competing for the A Class title but still judged to Open Class criteria).

The complete list of all entries has been published on www.dcuk.org.uk.

Explosive start for DCE Championship ticket sales

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:44:13 PST

The ticket sales for the DCE European Championships has started at an incredible speed once again. Section A was completely sold out within an hour and a half. The luxury Super Seats are also going fast.

No less than 900 tickets were sold within twenty minutes. DCE is very happy with the great interest for the European Championships at the Parkstad Limburg Stadium. Drum corps fans have more than enough reasons to attend. On Saturday 29th September, all European top corps can once again be admired in Kerkrade.

Did you miss your chance to grab a Section A ticket? Don't worry, there are plenty of seats left in the other sections in the stand. We also still have some luxury Super Seats available, either with or without one or several nights in the stadium hotel. You can order your tickets here. We look forward to seeing you on 29th September!

DCE Championships ticket sale has started!

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:56:59 PST

The ticket sale for the DCE European Championships has started! For just 15 euros you can get a ticket for the main stand. If you want a seat near to the 50 yard line, order your tickets as soon as possible! There will undoubtly a run on section A and section B tickets again.

The DCE European Championships on Saturday, 29th September will once again take place at the Parkstad Limburg Stadium in Kerkrade - The Netherlands. Among the participants of the European Championships are the top corps from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Ireland and Italy.

The Super Seats, that were introduced last year, are the best seats in the stadium in front of the business sky boxes. For 125 euros, you will not only get a Super Seat, but also lunch, drinks and dinner, served by a DCE hostess. A copy of the 2012 DVD-box and a free audio and video file is included as well. Order your tickets in the DCE webshop!

'DCE Corps Network' is now open

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:42:24 PST

Drum Corps Europe has opened the DCE Corps Network. The network keeps corps up to date of DCE news, and offers corps the possibility to quickly and easily get in touch and stay in touch with DCE and other corps.

Participants of the DCE Championships have received an invitation to join the network (free of charge). The network will replace the DCE Updates via e-mail, the last of which appeared earlier this week. Even European corps that are not participating in the DCE Championships but are interested can become members of the network. They are asked to contact DCE. Corps are allowed to register several representatives.

Members of the DCE Corps Network can be kept up to date of new messages on the network 24 hours a day, via e-mail and through a (free) text messaging service. The network is also available as an application on the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Android phones, Android tablets and on the Windows Phone.

Experience the Championships from a Super Seat

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:26:23 PST

DCE is once again offering special Super Seats this year. You can enjoy the DCE European Championships from high-up seats in front of the sky boxes of Roda JC. As an added bonus, you will also have to option of booking an overnight stay in the stadium hotel!

The Super Seats are located in a circle above the normal stand. There, you can take place on the wonderfully comfortable seats belonging to the Roda JC sky boxes.

You will be offered lunch, dinner, five complimentary drinks and delicious snacks. Thanks to the bar in the boxes, you will not need to walk downstairs and you will have every convenience at hand. The Super Seats cost 125 Euros each, and also include a programme, a patch, an audio and video download and the DVD box with the recording of the DCE European Championships.

DCE also gives Super Seat holders the option of staying overnight in the stadium hotel. The organisation has managed to secure various hotel rooms in the adjacent Golden Tulip Hotel. Please see the options below, combined with 1 or 2 nights' stay.

Super Seats Hotel Package:
1 Super Seat ticket + hotel room Friday: EUR 225
1 Super Seat ticket + hotel room Saturday: EUR 225
1 Super Seat ticket + hotel room Friday and Saturday: EUR 325
2 Super Seat tickets + hotel room Friday: EUR 350
2 Super Seat tickets + hotel room Saturday: EUR 350
2 Super Seat tickets + hotel room Friday and Saturday: EUR 450

Just like the regular grandstand tickets, the Super Seats (with or without hotel stay) will be on sale from Tuesday through the DCE webshop (UK time: April 30th, 11.00 PM). We hope to see you on Saturday 29th September!

DCE Championships ticket sales starting soon

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:03:17 PST

Are you excited about the European drum corps event of the year yet? Ticket sales for the DCE European Championships will be starting soon. They will start on the 1st of May at exactly 0.00 AM (UK time: April 30th, 11.00 PM). Don't miss out!

All European top corps will be attending this year in the beautiful Parkstad Limburg Stadium. Reigning European champions The Company will take on many corps, including Kidsgrove Scouts, Juliana, Jubal, Beatrix, Black Knights, Starriders, The 6th, and Besana.

In total, the Premier Class has sixteen participants. Back on the scene is the former audience favourite Wölper Löwen. This German corps finished in the top ten for five consecutive years, from 2004 until 2008, but then chose to do a theatre tour. The Junior Class will also be stronger and more international than ever, with six participants from four different countries.

DCE will not up its ticket prices as a result of the economic crisis. The prices for the normal grandstand tickets have not been increased. You can therefore get a ticket in the grandstand for just 15 euros! Only the wealthy drum corps fans who choose for the luxury Super Seats (skybox seats with various extras), have to dig (a little) deeper for this privilege.

Plenty of reasons to travel to Kerkrade again this year. You can order your tickets in the DCE webshop from 1st May (30th April 11.00 PM UK time). Don't wait too long to order your tickets. Last year the best seats were gone in only 30 minutes. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday 29th September!

The beautiful Parkstad Limburg Stadium is again the place to be on 29th September!

Staffordshire Knights enter DCE Championships

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:38:36 PST

The Staffordshire Knights will enter the DCE European Championships in Kerkrade after all. The English corps will replace the Clonmel Bluehawks. The Irish corps had to withdraw due to organisational circumstances.

DCE regrets that the Clonmel Bluehawks will not be attending, but of course we would like to extend a warm welcome Staffordshire Knights! The Staffordshire Knights have attended the DCE Championships for the last two years. Due to the large number of corps registering, they initially were placed on the waiting list this year.

The Staffordshire Knights only just missed the Premier Class Finals last year, ending in twelfth place. Their 20th anniversary show is called RefleXXions and represents the changes that the corps has experienced over the years. DCE wishes the Staffordshire Knights lots of luck in Kerkrade. Ticket sales for the European Championships will start on 1st May (30th April 11.00 PM UK time).

The Staffordshire Knights. (Photo: drumcorpsmedia.com)

Want to win DCE tickets? Follow DCE on Twitter!

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:02:51 PST

Only 7 days left until the start of ticket sales for the DCE European Championships. Are you going to order tickets, or will you get them for free?

Free DCE tickets for the best section in the stand (section A), who would say no to that? Soon we will be announcing the winners of the 5 x 2 tickets. Do you want to be in with a chance to win free tickets? Follow DCE on Twitter and maybe you will be walking into the Parkstad Limburg Stadium with free tickets on Saturday the 29th of September!

Follow one of the following Twitter feeds:
@drumcorpseurope (English)
@drumcorpsnl (Dutch)
@drumcorpsde (German)
@drumcorpsfr (French)
@drumcorpsit (Italian)

Instructors welcome at DCE Judges College

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:42:13 PST

The annual European Judges College will be held from the 18th to the 20th May. As promised, some time will be put aside for corps directors, instructors and designers to have discussions with the judges.

On Sunday the 20th of May between 10 am and 2 pm (Belgian time), you can discuss matters with the judges in the same way that used to happen at the European symposium. Various topics will be discussed, including a flashback to the 2011 DCE Championships, timings for the Junior Class, quality versus quantity, and a look to the future. Corps representatives may also submit topics themselves.

The meeting will take place in the clubhouse of DrumSpirit at the Nijverheidslaan 6b, 8890 Dadizele in Belgium. Corps who want to send delegates to the meeting are asked to make this known by e-mailing their names, positions and any topics for discussion to DCE Adjudication Manager Brian Yothers: brian@drumcorpseurope.org.

A Belgian will be teaching with the Cavaliers

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:03:12 PST

Thomas Claesen will be tenor tech of The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps this summer. The Belgian will be teaching the tenor line of the DCI top corps for about half the number of tour weeks, spread over the entire summer season.

Claesen is one of the three tenor techs working with the Cavaliers this year. In early March, an ex-member of the corps contacted Claesen, who last year played with the tenor line of the corps himself. "He asked whether I was interested in being a tech tenor, and of course I did not hesitate", Claesen said. "I thought they literally meant that it was for only a couple weeks, but I'm pleased to get the opportunity to teach so much."

Claesen's work as a tenor tech will start with a week of preparation for the tenor line before the actual tour starts. "The focus of that week is to further define the technique. We won't have much time to do this during the tour.” When on tour, it is mostly about cleaning and practicing the adjustments made by the design team.

In addition to the Cavaliers, Thomas Claesen has also played with The Academy and Santa Clara Vanguard. In Europe, he is caption head and drum line arranger for DrumSpirit and co-designer for Beverly Drumband. He has also taught in the Netherlands, the US and South Africa.

Thomas Claesen in 2011. (Photo: Maarten Descamps)

Onyx is WGI World Class champion

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:11:45 PST

The winter guard Onyx from Dayton - Ohio has been crowned WGI World Class champion. The guard beat Santa Clara Vanguard by one full point on Saturday in Dayton, Ohio.

Onyx attained a high score of 98.75, over one and a half point above last year's highest score. The guard from Dayton managed to win in all captions. Last year's champion, Santa Clara Vanguard (with the Dutch Danielle Bernaert) came second. Pride of Cincinnati came third.

In Scholastic World Class, Flanagan HS from Pembroke Pines - Florida earned the title. Last year, the guard came third. Scores and recaps can be found here.

The Pride finishes tenth in the WGI Open Class

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:33:12 PST

Winter guard The Pride from Huizen - The Netherlands has earned tenth place in the Open Class at the Winter Guard International Championships in Dayton - Ohio last Saturday. The Dutch guard finished in eleventh place during the Prelims, and moved one place up in Semi Finals.

In Finals, The Pride scored 85.50, beating the units Code Black (84.85), The Pride of Missouri State (84.65), Field of View (83.75), MBI (82.50) and Co-Motion (81.65). An impressive Dutch/European success in the UD Arena in Dayton - Ohio.

O2 is the new Open Class champion, scoring 95.15 points. The scores can be found at www.wgi.org.

The Company is European percussion champion

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:29:11 PST

The indoor drumline of The Company won the European title in the International Marching Class at the IPE Championships in Doornik on Sunday. The win by the group from Barnsley was very convincing.

The Company now has both the European drum corps title and the indoor percussion title. In Doornik, The Company scored 83.17 points, beating Unik Star from France (67.83) and Got Motion from Sweden (65.83).

In the European Class, the Beverly Drumband (74.50) beat Magic Evolution (28.83). Music Black Show took the Concert Class title (61.00) and Liberty Drum Corps came second (47.00). A champion was also crowned in the Junior Class for the first time. Auranja Junior became the first IPE Junior Champion (55.17), ahead of Unik Star Junior (31.33).

The Individuals & Ensembles were also held yesterday. The Keyboard category was won by Bernd Coene (DrumSpirit), and David Lemant (Unik Star) was the best on snare drum.

Recaps and photos will be uploaded to www.indoorpercussioneurope.org.

Extra performances Matrix at IPE Championships

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:47:28 PST

Matrix Indoor Percussion Ensemble from the USA will demonstrate their talents at the IPE European Championships in Tournai today. After the I&E Competition, Matrix members Tim Brosius (tenor), Kyle Jennings (snare drum) and Jessy Seiff (snare drum) will perform a solo piece.

Also, at the end of the day Matrix will perform with their full indoor percussion ensemble and will present their show 'Wood You' in concert, a full run and a special audience performance where the audience can 'blend' into the group on the floor. More information can be found at www.indoorpercussioneurope.org.

For those who can't make it to Tournai today, IPE posts updates on Twitter.

Drum Corps World: 785 issues in 40 years

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:12:44 PST

785 issues, 16,670 pages, 47,000 photos. Drum Corps World has brought forth quite a bit of content in the past 40 years. The anniversary is celebrated with an issue containing memories of its four decades.

In the most recent issue, various people in the drum corps world look back at what Drum Corps World has produced from the early 70s, and the role of publisher Steve Vickers in this. Vickers was appointed as the magazine's editor in 1973 and took over the following year. Vickers is still in charge of the now paper-free version.

A subscription to Drum Corps World is free from www.high-velocity-media.com.