Marching in DCI's Open Class

OPEN armsBY MIKE LEVINE WHERE WILL YOU FIND Drum Corps DCI’s Open Class embraces a diverse array International’s longest existing of groups, welcoming new members and corps? How about its newest? Try DCI’s fans by producing great entertainment Open Class—a diverse collection and friendly—but fierce—competition. of organizations that includes the Racine Scouts (founded in 1927) as Racine Scouts well as units born in the 21st Century. Open Class groups come from all four corners of the U.S. You’ll find corps from small town America, major urban centers, and a couple from Canada. There’s even a group representing the capital of country music. The 2011 World Championship Prelims on August 11 will mark the first time in nearly a decade that this diverse array of corps will be able to compete head-to-head with their World Class counterparts. And while all eyes may be on the judges’ score sheets to see how Open Class units will fare against their larger brethren, there are plenty of other opportunities throughout the sea- son to experience the sights and sounds of a division that’s known for combining a nurturing environ- ment with incredible entertainment value. Whether you’re talking about the touring corps stepping onto the Lucas Oil Stadium turf or the small- er units performing closer to home, Drum Corps International’s Open Class is well named: It offers mem- bers and fans alike an open door to the drum corps experience. 49

PARTICIPANT FRIENDLY how a business with a staff of three Open and World Class corps are alike in will have very different dynamics many ways. Both follow the same rules for repertoire, show length, age requirements, than one with 50, in terms of both and instrumentation. Both are filled with talented members under the leadership of talented staffs. employee relationships and infra- The main differences are in the size of the groups and the experience of their respective members. On average, Open structure,” Sodawalla adds. Class groups have more high school kids than you’re likely to find in World Class, which tends to cater to college stu- This smaller corps size can dents—though many college-aged musicians also choose to march in Open Class. “Open Class usually attracts people impact the type of recruits in Open who are newer to the activity,” says Spartans director Rich Rigolini. “It’s definitely a stronger training ground for kids to Class corps. “We find ourselves promote to the World Class.” While it may be easier for a less experienced marcher to training more members, rather join an Open Class corps, there is no shortage of challenges for musicians and guard members. As in World Class, mem- than having people that are already bers must pass an audition to be accepted. Once they’re in, however, they often come away with an encouraging learn- proficient at their specific instru- ing experience. Because the groups are smaller, Open Class members often find that they get more one-on-one instruc- ment,” Sodawalla observes. “We tion in the basics. “Last year, our average Open Class corps size was 65,” says Legends director, Ibe Sodawalla.This con- may have beginning college music trasts with World Class, where corps are frequently on the north side of 100 members, and often have a lot more (150 majors [without marching experi- is the max allowed for corps in either class). “It’s similar to ence] as well as folks who have ”This isn’t an Spartans never really picked up much musi- easy activity, cal training and background.” and the desire to be your Another big advantage to partici- best always pating in Open Class is being able comes with a to march close to home without little pressure committing your entire late spring attached.” and summer. “Open class corps have limited touring and limited weekday rehearsals, which can allow people to work during the summer in addition to having a drum corps experience,” says Key Poulan brass arranger for the World Class Santa Clara Vanguard and the Open Class Vanguard Cadets. “Many members need to work during the summer to raise money for school.” Typically, World Class corps require their mem- bers to “move in” in the middle of May, and devote virtually all of their time to the corps through the World Championships in mid August. This also includes extensive time spent out of town on tour. The later start and less intensive travel makes Open Class especially attractive to high school kids, since they don’t usually finish their studies until sometime in June. There’s also a financial advantage to Open Class participation. Because it requires so much less time and travel than World Class, fees are typically lower. And for those who do want to march in a World Class group down the road, Open Class experience can help. “The Open Class is a perfect place for per- formers to develop and improve the fundamental 50 2011 DCI Souvenir Yearbook

Music City skills needed to perform in the World Class,” Poulan says. just bowl you over. So they’re very resourceful and creative Yet while the members’ time commitment may not be as in the way that they design their shows. A lot of the Open Class people will tell you, ‘We’re trying to go for that more great, Open Class competition can still get the heart pump- visceral [material], get them out of their seats, make them ing, especially for groups in title contention. “In many cases, excited about our program.’” I believe the staff has to work extra hard to make sure every second is utilized to the highest degree,” says Poulan, who World Class corps sometimes choose complex and even helped the Vanguard Cadets win a silver medal in 2009. “I obscure material in order to show off their skills. In Open also think the musicians face pressure to perform well. This Class, with less time to practice and fewer marchers, the isn’t an easy activity, and the desire to be your best always corps are more likely to lean on the familiar. “It doesn’t comes with a little pressure attached.” make sense to get out there with 50 or 60 kids and play something that nobody knows,” Turner says. “And they’re IN THE STANDS not going to necessarily try to do something that’s two or three steps over their heads, just to [show off] from a diffi- Maybe it’s the intensity that comes from being in a smaller culty perspective.They’re going to do things that are in their sweet spot, so that they can display their abilities rather than unit, or the enthusiasm that people who are developing inabilities.” their drum corps skills feel when they step on the field, but The groups themselves are as diverse whatever the reason, Open Class shows as their memberships. Four Open Class corps—Blue Devils B and C, Colt Cadets, always seem to strike a chord with fans. and Vanguard Cadets—are directly affiliated with World Class groups, but “They spend more time in the front half most are independent organizations. And while some members, and even of the field, and more towards the cen- groups, do switch classes, Eddleman points out that the Open Class is not ter. I think their shows have traditionally really a feeder organization. “Some Open Class corps might be equivalent been more audience oriented,” says John to a AAA baseball team,” Eddleman says. “But, there are some really hot players Turner, Drum Corps International’s Open Class judge administrator. This attitude can impact the repertoire and show design. “Open Class program- mers are putting together some very clever ideas,” says DCI’s Open Class coor- dinator Dave Eddleman. “They know Gold they don’t have the power of 70 brass to 51

on that AAA Buffalo experience, those groups will be team. And there are highly competitive. So it will be some really hot play- really exciting on Thursday [Aug ers and performers 11.], to throw those top Open Class in those Open Class corps.” Open Class Coordinator groups in with the World Class Rather than the major league/ Dave Eddlman (left) with Quarterfinalists and see how they Vanguard Cadets at the all mix. It will be the first time that minor league analogy, Sodawalla 2009 World Championships likens the two classes to NASCAR. “You’ve got two different those Open Class corps will be actually judged on a World cups: the Sprint Cup and the Nextel Cup,” he says. “One set Class score sheet. It could be very exciting.” of drivers is definitely what you would perceive as the pre- Poulan adds you only have to look at history to know that mier drivers. But then you have this second series that have Open Class corps can match—and even beat—their larger really great drivers, still with really cool cars, and still on the brethren. “The Magic of Orlando were in the old Division II at same raceways and doing the same things.” the time, but they made the Division I Finals in 2002,” Poulan Either way you look at it, Eddleman says, Open ”Every year recalls. “That was an amazing feat! The Open Class offers plenty of opportunities for outstand- they’re better, Class can be competitive if their performanc- ing performers to shine. “An Open Class corps and every year es are on par with World Class standards.” might have a dozen or so older kids who are really more people accomplished players and guard members,” he come to check For a listing of all Open Class corps with explains. “And while there may not be as many them out.” contact information, visit DCI.org/corps. players at the level you’d find in a top World Class group like the Blue Devils, they’re still performing at a very high level of achievement—and the end result can be just as satisfying.” LEVEL PLAYING FIELD Legends So, what will happen when the two divisions meet on the field? As a judge, Turner has seen the quality of Open Class competition rise to a new level. “The groups that come out year after year, I’ve seen an increase not only in their individual skills, but also the design quality of the shows,” he says. “And that translates into a growing audience. Especially when we get to the World Championships. It’s been a consistent rise over the last three or four seasons: Every year they’re better, and every year more people come to check them out.” When the new format was announced for the 2011 season, it set many fans buzzing. Can an Open Class corps actually beat a World Class unit on the field? “There are four or five Open Class corps that are perennially at the top of our heap,” says Eddleman. “I don’t want to forecast where they’re going to be [this year]. But based on past 52 2011 DCI Souvenir Yearbook