DCI announces 2016 SoundSport schedule in US and Europe

Drum Corps International has announced the first 2016 dates of SoundSport events. The current schedule has four European performance opportunities and five US showcases on tap thus far, with additional dates being added on an ongoing basis.

Following two enormously successful European events last spring, SoundSport will also be featured in the Drum Corps Europe Indoor Music Games (IMG) event series in 2016. A series of four events in as many Western European countries, the IMG aims to engage area music ensembles in winter performance opportunities during Drum Corps Europe’s 'off-season'. Each event will consist of two categories, including SoundSport and IMG participants respectively.

Both formats are aimed at encouraging new or formerly existing bands, corps and ensembles to form or reform, providing them with 'right-sized' performance opportunities to help guide their success and enjoyment. These opportunities are also being utilized by groups pursuing a rebuilding process, as the demands are far less rigorous than those of more typical competitive drum corps or marching bands. IMG/SoundSport shows will be held in venues similar to those used for winter guard events, although the current European season runs from February until May in order to allow groups also wishing to compete in the summer season to do so.

“We’re excited to expand the SoundSport concept through this wide-ranging series of events”, said John DeNovi, DCI’s Senior Director of Global Business Development. “SoundSport was created to allow groups of all shapes, sizes and instrumental configurations worldwide the opportunity to take their place on stage in a low-cost, low-barrier to entry marching music performance experience, all with a significant focus on audience engagement and entertainment.”

In addition, the US SoundSport events will also feature DrumLine Battle competitions, creating an additional exciting, high-energy and entertaining element for participants and audience members as teams of talented percussionists face off in a skillful display of showmanship. Additional international events are expected to add to the 2016 SoundSport schedule in the coming months.

Registration for U.S. based SoundSport events will open in early December and will be launched on www.soundsport.com. Registration for the European Indoor Music Games/SoundSport events has already started, more information can be found at www.drumcorpseurope.org/img.

The 2016 SoundSport copmpetition schedule:

SoundSport Dublin, Ireland
Saturday, 27th February

SoundSport Thurrock/Essex, England
Saturday, 19th March

SoundSport Middelburg, The Netherlands
Saturday, 23rd April

SoundSport Glasgow, Scotland
Saturday, 21st May

SoundSport Central Florida, Lakeland, Florida
Saturday, 9th July

SoundSport Whitewater, Wisconin
Saturday, 16th July

SoundSport San Antonio, Texas
Saturday, 23rd July

SoundSport Atlanta, Georgia
Saturday, 30th July

SoundSport Indianapolis, Indiana
Saturday, 13th August