Drum Corps International Field Pass

Traditions: Preserving drum corps history Jul 08, 2022

Drum corps' unique legacy of "stuff" — artifacts, collectibles, old uniforms, pictures, publications, and more. There's a whole cadre of people working behind the scenes to preserve DCI's storied history, and a significant collection is currently being prepared to display as part of the 2022 DCI World Championships in Indianapolis. Featuring special guests Sue Kuehnhold, Steve Vickers, Blake Crenshaw and Bill Ives.

Traditions: DCI on TV, Pt 2 Jul 01, 2022

Dan Potter delves even deeper into the storied history of the DCI World Championships on television, including some of the most memorable lines ever delivered on the airwaves, "like taking a bath in chocolate." With special guests Steve Rondinaro, Dennis DeLucia, Michael Cesario and Tom Blair.

Traditions: DCI on TV, Pt 1 Jun 23, 2022

Dan Potter returns for the summer of 2022 with a special-edition series of the Field Pass podcast. "Traditions" celebrates 50 years of Drum Corps International, Episode 1 exploring the storied history of the DCI World Championships on television. Featuring guests Steve Rondinaro, Dennis DeLucia, Michael Cesario and Tom Blair.

11. Finding Drum Corps: The Hidden Heroes Jul 15, 2021

Volunteers don’t get paid not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless. On this episode, host Keith Kelly finds out more about these priceless pillars of the activity—What drives them to give so much of themselves, what brings them back every year, and the voluntary history of this entire activity. This week we’re paying tribute to the volunteers, the hidden heroes of drum corps. Special guests include: Natalie Steele, Tim Hinton, Bob Jacobs, Pat Seidling, and co-producer Mallory Anderson.

10. Finding Drum Corps: Enter the Pit Jun 30, 2021

This week on Finding Drum Corps, we're visiting a part of the ensemble that host Keith Kelly is not the only newcomer to, as we learn about the enigmatic and the mysterious front ensemble. This week, we enter the pit.

9. Finding Drum Corps: The Celebration Tour Jun 22, 2021

In 2020 the marching arts world adopted the phrase, “March On,” and in 2021 DCI and its corps will do just that. This year Drum Corps International will present the DCI Celebration Tour with corps designing unique performances for this noncompetitive year. In this episode we look at the challenges facing the performers and corps—What does a noncompetitive season even look like? And most importantly, what are we looking forward to seeing on the field in 2021? After a year of no live drum corps, it’s time to celebrate the past, present and future of Marching Music’s Major League. Special guests include: Chris Holland, Geneva Le, Joshua Hecht, Dan Potter, Michael Cesario, Paul Doop, Rick Brown, Tim Hinton and Mallory Anderson.

8. Finding Drum Corps: March On May 26, 2021

With drum corps set to return to the field this summer for the DCI Celebration Tour, Keith returns to the microphone for this long-awaited eighth episode that explores how 2020 has impacted the drum corps activity, how it moved things online, and how the ingenuity and talent of this community will ensure that members and fans will have spectacular shows to look forward to in 2021 and beyond. Special guests include: DCI CEO Dan Acheson, River City Rhythm executive director Bojan Hoover, Crossmen CEO Natalie Steele, Bluecoats CEO Mike Scott, and Ben Schroeder, director of Varsity Performing Arts Training Education and Events at Varsity Spirit.

7. Finding Drum Corps: Finals Aug 05, 2020

The drum corps season is a crescendo that ends in a truly magnificent display of talent and skill each August. It's DCI Finals Week, and Keith Kelly turns his gaze to Lucas Oil Stadium to explore the season-ending events of each DCI Summer Tour. Special guests include: Santa Clara Vanguard brass caption head Nark Nichols, Bluecoats drum major Peyton Grunzke, Blue Devils brass arranger John Meehan, DCI CEO Dan Acheson, DCI Judge Administrator John Phillips, Old Bridge Elementary Drumline director Colin Bell, Crossmen drum major Lydia Marshall, and former Blue Knights member and Finding Drum Corps co-producer Mallory Anderson.

6. Finding Drum Corps: The "I" in DCI Jul 29, 2020

In Episode 6 of Finding Drum Corps, Keith explores the drum corps activity as it exists outside of the United States and how ensembles around the world are inspired by DCI and its corps. Special guests include: Chair of Marching & Performing Arts UK Alan Thompson, Inbhear Mór Performance Ensemble director Oisiin Molloy, Brazilian band director Leandro Pascui, Calgary Stampede manager of bands Ryan Hancock, Jubal director Hans Kloppert, Beeches Performance Ensemble director Andrew Dallison, DCI senior director of global business development John DeNovi, and former Blue Knights member and Finding Drum Corps co-producer Mallory Anderson.

5. Finding Drum Corps: The contest Jul 23, 2020

In Episode 5, Keith Kelly explores the competitive aspects of Drum Corps International from both the perspective of judges and of fans. Special guests include: DCI judge administrator John Phillips, Santa Clara Vanguard brass caption head Marc Nichols, Bluecoats alum John Weldy, Marching Arts Education podcaster Tim Hinton, DCI CEO Dan Acheson, and former Blue Knights member and podcast co-producer Mallory Anderson.

4. Finding Drum Corps: The show on the road Jul 15, 2020

After months of preparation practice and planning, it’s time to take the show on the road! In Episode 4, Keith looks at what it takes to put a drum corps on the road and what that experience is like for performing corps members who travel thousands of miles across the country on their annual summer tour. Special guests include: DCI senior director of global business development John DeNovi, Madison Scouts alum Austin Armstrong, Blue Devils director Pat Seidling, former Boston Crusaders drum major Thompson Vou, and former Blue Knights member and podcast co-producer Mallory Anderson.

3. Finding Drum Corps: What It Takes Jul 08, 2020

What is it about the drum corps experience that drives young people around the world to dedicate their lives to a moment, that while fleeting, will endure in memories for years to come? In Episode 3, Keith looks at what makes a great performer or performance. Special guests include: Marching Arts Education podcaster Tim Hinton, Crossmen drum major Lydia Marshall, Santa Clara Vanguard brass caption head Mark Nichols, former Boston Crusaders drum major Thompson Vou, Bluecoats drum major Payton Grunzke, and former Blue Knights member and podcast co-producer Mallory Anderson.

2. Finding Drum Corps: Those who have come before Jul 01, 2020

In Episode 2, Keith has an eye on the past to better understand the future, tracing the history of the drum corps activity from before the founding of Drum Corps International through changes and developments that have shaped the way we experience marching music performances today. Special guests include: DCI CEO Dan Acheson, DCI Hall of Fame member Michael Cesario, Marching Arts Education podcaster Tim Hinton, DCI judge administrator John Phillips, and former Blue Knights member and podcast co-producer Mallory Anderson.

1. Finding Drum Corps: Origin Stories Jun 24, 2020

Keith Kelly takes the reins of the Field Pass in his special edition series, “Finding Drum Corps.” In Episode 1, Keith talks through his introduction to the drum corps activity and learns more about the drum corps origin stories of a bevy of special guests including: Mark Nichols, Oisin Molloy, John DeNovi, David Glasgow, Dan Acheson, John Meehan and Mallory Anderson.

PREVIEW: Finding Drum Corps Jun 24, 2020

DCI's Dan Potter sits down with Irish musician and podcaster Keith Kelly to preview a new multi-part series, "Finding Drum Corps," coming to the Field Pass this summer.

Finding Drum Corps Trailer Jun 22, 2020

Coming this summer in a special edition multi-part series, Irish podcaster Keith Kelly tells his personal story about how he discovered drum corps. "Finding Drum Corps" debuts on the Field Pass June 24!

Best musical moments of 2019 (Part 6) Jan 29, 2020

Blue Devils, Blue Knights, Spirit of Atlanta, Spartans. The 2019 DCI World Championships were full of incredible musical moments. Dan Potter teams up with DCI's Michael Boo and Jeff Griffith in this six-part series.

Best musical moments of 2019 (Part 5) Jan 22, 2020

The 2019 DCI World Championships were full of incredible musical moments. Dan Potter teams up with DCI's Michael Boo and Jeff Griffith in this six-part series this week covering Genesis, Pacific Crest, Blue Stars and Bluecoats.

Best musical moments of 2019 (Part 4) Jan 15, 2020

The 2019 DCI World Championships were full of incredible musical moments. Dan Potter teams up with DCI's Michael Boo and Jeff Griffith in this six-part series this week featuring Santa Clara Vanguard, The Cadets, The Academy and Legends.

Best musical moments of 2019 (Part 3) Dec 31, 2019

The 2019 DCI World Championships were full of incredible musical moments. Dan Potter teams up with DCI's Michael Boo and Jeff Griffith in this six-part series this week covering Gold, Colts, Mandarins and Carolina Crown.

Best musical moments of 2019 (Part 2) Dec 26, 2019

The 2019 DCI World Championships were full of incredible musical moments. Dan Potter teams up with DCI's Michael Boo and Jeff Griffith in this six-part series this week covering The Cavaliers, Crossmen, Madison Scouts and Music City.

Best musical moments of 2019 (Part I) Dec 17, 2019

The 2019 DCI World Championships were full of incredible musical moments. Dan Potter teams up with DCI's Michael Boo and Jeff Griffith in this six-part series this week covering Boston Crusaders, Phantom Regiment, Troopers, Jersey Surf, and Seattle Cascades.

Behind Madison Scouts' new inclusive membership policy Jul 11, 2019

The traditionally all-male Madison Scouts announced that they will allow all genders to join the corps starting in 2020, and it’s news that has all of drum corps talking. Dan Potter gets insight on the organization’s decision-making process with Madison’s CEO Chris Komnick.

Vanguard thriving on pressure of being a defending DCI World Champion Jul 06, 2019

A lot is expected of you when you're the defending DCI World Champion. Through the eyes of head drum major Andrew Arbouzov and color guard captain Cheslee Morgan, Dan Potter finds out Santa Clara Vanguard is handling the pressures of the summer of 2019.

Going underground into Mandarins' "subTerra" Jun 27, 2019

Sacramento, California's Mandarins have picked up where they left off in 2018 — and then some — fresh off of an inaugural trip to the DCI World Championship Finals. In the latest Field Pass Podcast, Dan Potter caught up with Mandarins creative director Mario Ramirez and second-year mellophone player Catie Burtch about the corps' progress and its 2019 production, "subTerra."

Bluecoats 2019 show reveal Jun 20, 2019

One of the last corps to release info about their 2019 competitive production, DCI's Dan Potter catches up with Bluecoats program coordinator Dean Westman for the full reveal.

2019 DCI season preview Jun 12, 2019

The 2019 Drum Corps International Tour steps off in a matter of days. Before you head to Ford Field in Detroit, or one of hundreds of movie theaters nationwide to watch the premiere, take a look behind the curtain at what last year's Top 12 World Class corps are putting on the field this year with DCI's Dan Potter and DCI artistic director Lee Carlson.

A season of change for The Cavaliers May 30, 2019

It’s a season of change for the seven-time World Champion Cavaliers, and the executive director position is no exception. As the corps gets set to begin its 2019 campaign, find out what is drawing Monte Mast to the Rosemont corps, just weeks after his retirement from a more than 30-year career as a music educator and administrator.

Finals night one month later Sep 12, 2018

Just over a month since the DCI World Championship Finals wrapped up in Indianapolis, Dan Potter takes a look and listen back through 2018’s Top 12 with DCI.org columnist Michael Boo.

The final piece to the "On Madness and Creativity" puzzle Aug 10, 2018

The Cavaliers' 2018 show, "On Madness and Creativity," was inspired by the stories of composer Maurice Ravel and painter Anne Adams, both of whom were thought to suffer with the degenerative brain disease progressive aphasia. One of the early symptoms of the disease is a flood of creativity. In this Field Pass podcast, Dan Potter finds out how one song held the final key to completing The Cavaliers' production and why the corps' artistic director Danny Wiles thinks this year's top six corps could be the best top six ever.

Rondinaro's 40th broadcast in the "Air Chair" Aug 08, 2018

Tonight will be the 15th "Big, Loud and Live" cinema broadcast of the DCI World Championship Prelims. 15 years is impressive. But, it's just a fraction of the total time that DCI Hall of Fame member Steve Rondinaro has been broadcasting drum corps. Tonight marks Rondinaro’s 40th broadcast as the main host of a DCI World Championships, first on PBS, then ESPN and now in movie theaters. In a Finals Week Field Pass, Dan Potter chats with Steve about those four decades in the "air chair" and learns some things about “Reliable Rondo” we didn't know.

Digging into the design of “Babylon” Aug 02, 2018

Santa Clara Vanguard is currently enjoying its most successful season in almost two decades. The California corps looks to have a competitive edge heading into the final week of the season and could be on track to claim its first World Championship title since 1999. Some of the credit for the corps' return to the top of DCI's World Class goes to second-year artistic director Michael Gaines. In this week's Field Pass podcast, Dan Potter goes in-depth with Gaines about the design and performance of Vanguard’s 2018 production "Babylon."

Found while searching for barbacoa and breakfast tacos Jul 27, 2018

A funny thing happened to the Field Pass when it went in search of barbacoa and breakfast tacos on Sunday after the DCI Southwestern Championship in San Antonio. We ran into The Cadets doing their laundry. And, we were reminded for the first time since we marched in a drum corps, laundry sucks. We also re-discovered the one joy of laundry day, the chance to just hang-out and chat about drum corps, and life, for a while.

Two of 2018’s dynamic soloists Jul 20, 2018

Two of the reasons why 2018 has quickly become one of the most memorable drum corps seasons ever are Megan Hutera and Olivia Hayter. Megan is the flugelhorn soloist for the Madison Scouts and is the traditionally all-male corps' first, full-fledged, female member. Olivia is the remarkable vocal soloist belting out tunes by Joni Mitchell and Billie Holiday in Bluecoats' production "Session 44." Dan Potter introduces us to both in this edition of DCI's Field Pass podcast.

All aboard the Music City express Jul 13, 2018

By almost any measure, Music City of Nashville is having a hugely successful first year in its first season performing in Drum Corps International's World Class division. Dan Potter chats with Music City executive director Kent Baker and Drum Major Patrick Nelsen in this week's Field Pass.

Blue Stars framing and finishing 2018 production Jul 06, 2018

The Blue Stars are hard at work, framing and finishing their 2018 production, "The Once and Future Carpenter." Dan Potter found out, it's a show that reboots the music of The Carpenters, merging it with the contemporary compositions of John Alden Carpenter, and mixing in the soundscape of a carpenter's workshop.

Boston Crusaders look to continue their climb Jun 29, 2018

After jumping from a 12th-place finish at the DCI World Championship Finals in 2016 to sixth place in 2017, a lot of drum corps fans are closely watching the Boston Crusaders this summer to see if they can continue their climb. Dan Potter visited the Crusaders as they prepared for the DCI Tour Premiere in Detroit to find out about this year's corps and its 2018 production "S.O.S."

2018 DCI season preview Jun 20, 2018

The start of the 2018 Drum Corps International Tour is upon us! In the latest episode of DCI’s Field Pass podcast, Dan Potter sits down with first-year DCI artistic director Lee Carlson for an in-depth look at some of the new and innovative ideas corps will be bringing to the field this summer.

Focused Cadets band together under common vision Jun 13, 2018

This past Saturday, spring training for the entire 2018 Drum Corps International tour came to parade rest as the community paused to consider the topic of mutual care and respect. This week's Field Pass with Dan Potter gives us backstage access to the event, which was webcast live from Bluecoats' spring training at Indiana Wesleyan University. Then, Dan hits the road to check in on The Cadets at their camp in Ada, Ohio.

A new creative hand is guiding The Academy Jun 07, 2018

In the Arizona desert, a new creative hand is guiding The Academy into the 2018 Drum Corps International season. Lindsey Vento, well known in the marching band and winter guard worlds for her contagious energy and groundbreaking show designs, is the corps’ new artistic director. The interview is one in a new series of profiles highlighting the leadership of women in drum corps, as part of DCI's IN STEP: Women in DCI initiative. In this special edition of DCI's Field Pass, Dan Potter has a candid discussion with Vento about everything from her unconventional path to the marching arts, to recent current events, to The Academy's 2018 production "Academic."

Culture shift sharpens focus on participant safety May 08, 2018

The #MeToo movement has affected businesses and organizations of all sorts around the world, and Drum Corps International is no exception. In today’s Field Pass podcast, Dan Potter talks with DCI board member Kathy Black on the efforts of the Women in DCI committee and Carolina Crown drum major Elayna Youngson on her recently-published essay addressing #MeToo in drum corps as a microcosm of society. Potter is also joined by DCI executive director and CEO Dan Acheson who talks about a major reset in the wake of recent events and what is developing into a positive culture shift for all activities and programs within the DCI community.

DCI Artistic Director changing of the guard Mar 21, 2018

This summer marks a changing of the guard for Drum Corps International. This will be with first season with Lee Carlson as DCI's Artistic Director. In this month's Field Pass, Dan Potter helps us get to know Lee in a pair of in-depth interviews exploring how he'll approach the job and his vision of the future of drum corps.

Turning down the volume on a loud discussion Feb 14, 2018

It was the hot topic of January's Drum Corps International Annual Meeting: A rules change proposal that would have put limits on the amplification of horn lines. While the rules change itself was voted down, the discussion it sparked will echo in stadiums for years to come. Dan Potter "amplifies" some of what was said by the activity's top directors, designers and instructors in this edition of DCI's Field Pass podcast.

From the field in Michgian City Aug 09, 2017

The 2017 Drum Corps International season is in the final days of what's been a spectacular season. In today's Field Pass, Dan Potter takes us to two events bound to be remembered as highlights of the last week of the 2017 tour: The Open Class Championships in Michigan City and a very special tribute in Allentown.

Mics and mixers, amps and speakers, oh my Aug 04, 2017

It's one of the biggest lightning rods for criticism of drum corps in the last 10 years. It's the elephant on the front sidelines that few people discuss in-depth unless they’re complaining about what they don't like: Amplification. In today's Field Pass, Dan Potter takes a look at how the Blue Devils are making the most of electronics and amplification in 2017, including one audio effect that brings a piece of the corps’ past into the future.

On tour with DCI's Open Class Jul 27, 2017

Drum Corps International’s 2017 Open Class tour is underway and if you miss these OC corps this summer, you're missing some of the most energetic and entertaining ensembles on the planet. Dan Potter sets the stage for the final run toward the Open Class World Championships and chats with a few of this year's iconic World Class performers from The Cadets and Bluecoats in today's Field Pass.

Year of the Mandarins Jul 21, 2017

The Mandarins have been DCI Semifinalists the last six years but they've never been able to crack the elite “Top 12.” They could this year. Dan Potter looks at the Sacramento-based corps' 2017 production "Inside the Ink" in today's Field Pass.

Weathering the DCI Tour Jul 20, 2017

The thermostat gets turned up on the DCI Summer Tour this week as corps invade the baked earth of the Lone Star State. Texas is known for its weather extremes and, as we hear in today's Field Pass, more than ever before DCI is ready for whatever the forces of nature throw at us. Dan Potter talks with Dr. Kevin Kloesel, meteorologist at the University of Oklahoma's Office of Emergency Preparedness, and DCI executive director Dan Acheson.

Vanguard pushing boundaries with golden anniversary production Jul 14, 2017

Formed in 1967, Santa Clara Vanguard is celebrating its golden anniversary this summer, and the corps is definitely in pursuit of gold on the road to Indy, topping last year's champs the Bluecoats for the first time in three years at DCI Minnesota. But, success rarely comes without controversy. Dan Potter looks at the debates Vanguard's show, "Ouroboros" is sparking in its 50th year, as well as how the corps is answering its critics, in today's Field Pass.

Sharing laughs with The Academy Jul 12, 2017

The performers of The Academy seem to be having a lot of fun staging their 2017 production, "By a Hare." Dan Potter shares some laughs with drum major and longtime member Sierra Rogers in today's Field Pass.

Drum corps is one big family Jul 06, 2017

Phantom Regiment's members and staff are recovering from the shock of a tragic accident involving the corps' volunteer bus. In this Field Pass episode, Dan Potter and Phantom program director Dan Farrell highlight the flood of support that has enveloped the corps in the days since, especially the extraordinary love shown by its World Class colleague, The Academy.

'17 Cavaliers are from Mars Jun 30, 2017

The Cavaliers' 2017 production "Men Are From Mars" blends serious contemplation of the state of the male gender with a lot of testosterone-tinged, self-deprecating humor. It also blends the Cavaliers' past with its future. Dan Potter talks about this year's show with the corps’ director of programs Joe Roach, horn sergeant Hunter Dorman and artistic director Danny Wiles in today's Field Pass.

Blue Stars' 'Star-Crossed' horn line Jun 27, 2017

The 2017 Blue Stars hit the field at Lucas Oil Stadium with their show "Star-Crossed" last week with a brass line that is surprising even long time Blue Stars fans. Dan Potter visited the corps in rehearsal the day of the DCI Tour Premiere and met three of the people working very hard to make this year's Blue Stars the best yet.

Season preview with DCI's Michael Cesario Jun 16, 2017

A new drum corps journey is about to begin! The 2017 Drum Corps International Tour steps off just days from now, and Dan Potter is back with his yearly preseason preview chat with DCI Artistic Director Michael Cesario, who says he's never been as excited as he is this year about the shows the corps are getting ready to field.

Spring training check-ins (Part III) Jun 09, 2017

Under two weeks until the 2017 Drum Corps International Tour begins! We're checking in on two more World Class spring training camps this week, one a past World Champion and another that was an Open Class corps until just a few months ago.

Spring training check-ins (Part II) Jun 01, 2017

20 days until the step-off of the 2017 DCI Tour and spring training is at full speed for most of DCI's World Class corps. Dan Potter checks in with the Madison Scouts and reigning champs, the Bluecoats, in this week's Field Pass.

Spring training check-ins May 24, 2017

We are now less than a month away from the step-off of the 2017 Drum Corps International Tour. That means spring training is underway for a number of DCI's World Class corps. This week, Dan Potter checks in with Blue Knights and Phantom Regiment.

Inside the Marching Arts Forum May 19, 2017

Organized by two recent age-out DCI drum majors, the first-ever Marching Arts Forum Clinic took place earlier this month in Texas. The event, which was webcast live and recorded for posterity, is hoped to be the cornerstone of a constantly growing archive of shared information about marching arts education.

A tale of two drum corps staffs May 09, 2017

Another sign that summer is just around the corner: The Field Pass is back. In this first preseason episode of 2017, DCI's Dan Potter talks to brass instructor Gino Cipriani and DCI Hall of Fame visual designer Michael Gaines, two men at the center of some of the most-talked-about staff changes of the drum corps off-season.

Popular composer in the stands for first DCI Finals Aug 12, 2016

Dozens upon dozens of DCI corps have played composer John Mackey's music. Hundreds more high school and college marching bands have as well. This year, the Cadets' production "Awakening" contains two Mackey pieces, "Turning" and "Wine-Dark Sea." But, John Mackey almost never goes to see his music performed on a football field. Lately, though, that's been changing. Mackey is in Indianapolis to attend his first DCI World Championship Finals and, for many reasons, he's really looking forward to it. Today, Dan Potter had lunch with John Mackey and they talked about drum corps, about composing, and about Mackey's surprising background in music. Grab yourself a snack and enjoy this in-depth conversation with one of the world's most prolific wind ensemble composers in a special edition of the Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

One of the best shows of the season happened last night Aug 10, 2016

One of the best drum corps shows of the season happened last night. And, as we hear from Dan Potter in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian, if you weren't at Ames Field in Michigan City for the 2016 Open Class Finals, you missed performances that some fans say would have been finalists in the World Class division 10 or 15 years ago.

From drum corps to high school fine arts Aug 09, 2016

Imagine a high school marching band taught, full time, by three of the most respected instructors and designers in Drum Corps International. For students at Avon High School outside of Indianapolis, no imagination is required. Bluecoats' Program Coordinator Dean Westman, Carolina Crown's Brass Caption Head Matt Harloff and Cavaliers' Artistic Director Daniel Wiles are all full time educators in the school's fine arts department. DCI's Dan Potter sat down this morning with all three to talk about how what they do in drum corps informs what they do at Avon, which has won three Bands of America Grand National Championships, and vice versa. Plus, all three also give us some inside perspective on their corps' 2016 productions in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

People of Allentown Aug 08, 2016

The DCI Eastern Classic celebrated 40 years of exceptional drum corps performances over the weekend. While the competition is always fierce in J. Birney Crum stadium, Dan Potter says it's really the people the place attracts who make the Allentown show special. He has the story in today’s Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Drum corps in the digital age Aug 05, 2016

Drum corps in the digital age can make individual performers overnight viral video stars. That what's happened to rookie Boston Crusaders member Anna Eberhardt this year. A Facebook video called "Possibly Possessed Keyboard Player Steals the Show" has been seen by millions of people around the world. Dan Potter asked what it's like to be a drum corps meme when he caught up with Eberhardt recently. He has more in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Into the final stretch of 2016 Aug 03, 2016

The 2016 Drum Corps International Tour is now in its final days. Just in time, DCI's Dan Potter returns with an in-depth episode of the Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Mixing Barber, westerns and a touch of steam punk Jul 06, 2016

Carolina Crown's show this season mixes Samuel Barber with spaghetti westerns and a touch of steam punk. DCI's Dan Potter talks with designer Keith Potter and executive director Jim Coates and discovers that the music and the visuals are both "Relentless."

A new look and style for "America's Corps" Jun 29, 2016

The 2016 Troopers debuted their production "Hero" this past weekend in Whitewater, Wisconsin. This year marks a new look and style for "America's Corps." Dan Potter reports from Troop's spring training facility outside Indianapolis in this week's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

2016 season preview with Michael Cesario (Part lI) Jun 22, 2016

What do last year's top-six DCI corps have up their sleeves this summer? Dan Potter finds out in part two of our annual chat with Drum Corps International Artistic Director Michael Cesario in this week's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

2016 season preview with Michael Cesario (Part l) Jun 14, 2016

With the step-off of the 2016 Drum Corps International Tour just eight days away, it's time for Dan Potter's annual chat with DCI Artistic Director Michael Cesario. Find out what the corps are putting on the field this year in a two-part Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Where we left our drum corps saga Jun 07, 2016

The DCI Tour Premiere is less than two weeks away. But, before we begin the 2016 Drum Corps International Tour, Dan Potter takes us back to Saturday, August 8 of last year so we can remember where our drum corps saga left off. Here's our latest pre-season edition of the Field Pass presented by ZIldjian.

Getting to know DCI's 2016 drum majors Jun 01, 2016

The off-season saw a record number of Drum Corps International Drum Majors attend the 2016 leadership summit held in conjunction with DCI's annual winter business meetings in Denver. Dan Potter spent time with those drum majors looking ahead to the summer of 2016 in today's edition of Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Mental conditioning for 2016's pre-season May 22, 2016

Performers of DCI drum corps are beginning to report for spring training. Over the coming weeks, Dan Potter is taking us inside the 2016 pre-season with a series of reports. In this edition of the Field Pass Podcast presented by Zildjian, Dan has important information about getting a performer's mind conditioned for the rigors of the summer tour. He encourages members and their parents to listen to this interview with Dr. Jake Levy, a psychologist with the Marching Music Health and Wellness Project.

Exclusive access inside the 2016 DCI Annual Meeting Feb 08, 2016

The 2016 Drum Corps International Winter Business Meetings and Rules Congress was short on controversy, long on cooperation and filled with in-depth conversations about the future direction of DCI. Dan Potter gives you exclusive access to those discussions, which took place at the end of January in Denver, in this month's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

9 proposals on the table for '16 DCI Rules Congress Jan 05, 2016

Nine proposed changes to Drum Corps International's rule book are up for discussion at this year's annual meetings and rules congress at the end of January. Dan Potter digs deep into the proposed changes and what they might mean for the drum corps activity with DCI Artistic Director Michael Cesario in this edition of the Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Allentown is a drum corps memory maker Aug 05, 2015

Allentown is a drum corps memory maker. For many fans at Saturday night's show, one special memory came from a corps that most had never heard of. In today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian, we meet The Free Players, a special needs drum corps from Old Bethpage, New York.

Dinner and a drum corps conversation Aug 04, 2015

For the last few years, Dan Potter has sent us an audio “postcard” from the DCI Eastern Classic in Allentown. This year, he's sending us dinner and a conversation served up hot and fresh in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Mandarins have 'The Edge' in 2015 Jul 31, 2015

The Mandarins are returning to their musical roots and pushing the envelope of innovation with their 2015 show "Resurrection." For instance, at one point in the show, they are fielding what could be the largest horn line in DCI history. Dan Potter talks with Mandarins' director Jim Tabuchi about that and another innovation that Tabuchi hopes will give the corps "The Edge" it needs to climb the World Class rankings in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Abandon all hope, ye who enter the Georgia Dome Jul 29, 2015

Abandon all hope, ye who enter the Georgia Dome. At least, abandon all hope of predicting the finish of the 2015 Drum Corps International season. Dan Potter reports from behind the scenes of the DCI Southeastern Championship in today's edition of the Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Colts' story within a story Jul 27, 2015

The 2015 Colts continue to refine their storytelling skills. In fact, the corps from Dubuque doesn't seem content to tell one story at a time. As Dan Potter discovers in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian, this year's production, 'And a Shot Rang Out: A Johnny Staccato Murder Mystery,' is a story within a story.

T-minus two weeks Jul 23, 2015

Just two weeks left for the 2015 Drum Corps International Tour. The competition really heated up as the corps rolled through Texas last week. Dan Potter takes us behind the scenes in the latest Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Like father, like daughter Jul 15, 2015

One of the most tender moments this year comes during the ballad of the Troopers' 2015 show "Wild Horses," featuring a vocal solo by color guard member Madison Smith. And, that moment becomes even more special when you find out about Madison's relationship to the composer who arranged the ballad, as Dan Potter does in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Passion flows from keeping the past alive Jul 10, 2015

Wednesday, on the Field Pass presented by Zildjian, we learned that the passion alumni, fans and members have for the Boston Crusaders is a key reason the corps has survived 75 years. Today, in part two of Dan Potter’s report from Boston, we discover that passion flows from BAC’s ability to keep the past alive.

Inside Boston's 75th celebrations Jul 08, 2015

Last week the Boston Crusaders hosted a huge gala event that invited decades worth of alumni and supporters to the Boston area in celebration of the corps’ 75th anniversary. In this episode of the Field Pass presented by Zildjian, host Dan Potter gets an inside look at what it’s taken for this corps that was originally founded as the Most Precious Blood Crusaders in 1940 to make it to this momentous milestone, and what the corps’ familiar acronym “BAC” will stand for as the organization looks forward to its next 75.

When drum corps meets K-pop Jul 04, 2015

The Boston Crusaders celebrate 75 years as "The Corps That Will Never Die." The Blue Devils go viral in Asia. And, a drum corps member who also went viral a couple of years ago as the character "JDFunCorps" is now producing videos for a World Class corps. Dan Potter has those stories and more in an Independence Day edition of the Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Taking a ride aboard the Ghost Pig Jun 25, 2015

With drum corps traveling tens of thousands of miles every summer, competing groups utilize a wide variety of vehicles in their fleets to get their teams of corps members, instructors, support staff and volunteers down the road. In today’s Field Pass presented by Zildjian, Dan Potter gets a tour aboard the Bluecoats’ sleeper coach, affectionately named the “Ghost Pig.” Plus, Dan checks in with motivational speaker Fran Kick, who is giving students the opportunity to get down on the field at select DCI Tour events this summer to put leadership into action.

Carolina Crown drum major, is your corps ready? Jun 23, 2015

The first week of the 2015 Drum Corps International season has proven that nothing will come easy for DCI's World Class corps. The productions are more demanding and so are the judges. Dan Potter recaps the first week of competition and chats with Carolina Crown Drum Major Hunter Bown in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Putting the DCI Tour Premiere on the big screen Jun 16, 2015

The step-off of the 2015 Drum Corps International season is one day away. Thousands will watch the Tour Premiere live at Lucas Oil Stadium, but many more will get their first taste of drum corps this summer in one of more than 535 theaters nationwide at DCI's and Fathom Events' "Drum Corps at the Cinema" presentation. To get us primed for what we'll see on the big screen Wednesday, Dan Potter visits with executive producer, director and brand new DCI Hall of Fame inductee, Tom Blair, in today's Field Pass presented by Zildjian.

Part II, World Class preview with Michael Cesario Jun 12, 2015

In an annual tradition ahead of the start of the Drum Corps International Tour, Field Pass host Dan Potter checks in with DCI Artistic Director Michael Cesario for a preview on what this year's World Class corps will be bringing to the football field. In part II of this episode presented by Zildjian, Dan and Michael go into detail about last year's top-six corps from the Cavaliers up through the Blue Devils.

World Class preview with DCI's Michael Cesario Jun 11, 2015

With less than a week until the Drum Corps International Tour Premiere, it's time to get an inside look at the shows DCI's World Class corps will be performing this year. And, as has become the tradition, Dan Potter turns to DCI Artistic Director Michael Cesario to be our guide.

25 and 10 to new in DCI's Open Class Jun 05, 2015

Tuesday, on DCI's Field Pass presented by Zildjian, we got a reminder of how last season ended for Drum Corps International’s Open Class corps as well as a preview of the coming season. This time, Dan Potter chats with three OC corps directors. Each is from a corps at a different stage of development. One is celebrating 25 years in 2015. Another is marking its 10th anniversary and the third is a fledgling corps getting ready to leave its nest in Texas.

Open Class Update Jun 03, 2015

2015 is setting up to be another exciting year for Drum Corps International's Open Class corps. In today's Field Pass podcast presented by Zildjian, Dan Potter and DCI Open Class Coordinator David Eddleman look back on how the OC season ended in 2014 as well as some insight into what to expect this summer.

Spring training check-ins May 27, 2015

While the competitive Drum Corps International Tour doesn't start for three more weeks, the drum corps "season" is already well underway for many DCI performers. In this week's Field Pass presented by Zildjian, Dan Potter checks in with four World Class corps in the middle of rigorous spring training for the summer of 2015 which steps off Wednesday, June 17.

A last look back to spring into summer May 20, 2015

The 2015 Drum Corps International Tour steps off in just 28 days, and many corps have already started spring training. And, if you need another sign that the summer is about to begin; Dan Potter is back with DCI's official Field Pass podcast presented by Zildjian. In today’s episode a quick look back at how the summer of 2014 ended as excitement builds to the kickoff of 2015.

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