ALL 2018 DCI Show Announcements, Compiled

ALL 2018 DCI Show Announcements, Compiled

One-stop shop for all of the drum corps shows that have been announced so far, for the 2018 Drum Corps International season!

May 7, 2018 by Andy Schamma
DCI 2018 Streaming Schedule Released!

Here's your one-stop shop for the show concepts that you can see along the 2018 Drum Corps International summer tour! From Open Class to World Class, 2018 is about to be another trendsetting year, much like last season.

The Academy | "Academic"

As always, The Academy is one of the most crowd-pleasing drum and bugle corps to take the field each summer—it seems 2018 will be no different.

"Academic" will include the following music selections: "The Imitation Game" by Alexandre Desplat, "Annie Lisle" by H.S. Thompson, "Academic Festival Overture" by Johannes Brahms, "The Four Sections" by Steve Reich, and "Keating's Triumph" by Maurice Jarre.

Bluecoats |

As they say in the video, "THE" 2018 Bluecoats present their music selections for the 2018 season.

Accompanied by paintbrush strokes of bright colors, a hasty drum beat, and some lazy growl tones from the brass, the screen fills with name after name of jazz greats.

If we had to guess, the 2018 Bluecoats won't be shy about loud hits, high trumpets, and groovy drum breaks.

Music selections include the following: 


Blue Devils | "Dreams + Nighthawks"

The inspiration lies entirely in a painting done by Edward Hopper, called "Nighthawks." The instantly recognizable painting depicts four people sitting in a diner at night.

"In a whirlwind of puzzle pieces, a cast of characters assembles a plot line of timeless speculation. A conversation of where, when, and why unfolds to a contemporary, eclectic soundtrack from John Adams to Carole King to Simon Dobson," describes the official announcement.

Selections include music from the following artists: John Adams, Simon Dobson, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, James Newton Howard, Dave Glyde, Carole King, David Raskin, and Earle Hagen.


Blue Knights | "Fall And Rise"

Blue Knights' 2018 program "Fall And Rise" takes inspiration from the sun god Ra "as a springboard to go deeper and explore the invincible human spirit." From the description on the corps' website, the show will be another high-brow concept, but with some easily understandable imagery to set the stage.

With the corps' 2017 uniforms being so directly related to their show concept "i," expect that the 2018 look will reflect the concept of "Fall And Rise" very explicitly. 

Blue Knights will play the following repertoire: "Sun King" by The Beatles, "The Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky, "Exit Music for a Film" by Radiohead, "Welcome to the Machine" by Pink Floyd, and "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper/Robert Hyman. 

Blue Stars | "The Once And Future Carpenter"

After last year's growth, the Blue Stars will be coming out strong in 2018, that's for certain. The show "The Once And Future Carpenter" uses music related to and revolving around trade skills like woodworking and metalworking—we expect this is only going to be one layer of the show, however.

Interestingly enough, the graphic and title has similarities tied to The Avett Brothers' album called "The Carpenter," but most of the music being performed will be tied to The Carpenters.

Full musical selections for 2018 include: "We've Only Just Begun" by Paul Williams/Roger Nichols as performed by The Carpenters, "Skyscrapers" by John Alden Carpenter, "Precious Metals" by Thomas Newman, "(They Long To Be) Close To You" by Burt Bacharach/Hal David as performed by The Carpenters, "Images Oubliees" by Claude Debussy, then finally "Rainy Days and Mondays" and "I Won't Last A Day Without You" by Paul Williams/Roger Nichols as performed by The Carpenters.

Boston Crusaders | "S.O.S."

After a monumental 2017 season that ended with a 6th place finish, the 2018 Boston Crusaders are proud to present "S.O.S."

As "Amazing Grace" is hummed in the background, water washes up on a sandy beach in which the letters "S.O.S." have been etched.

Musical selections include the following pieces: "Salvation Is Created" by Pavel Tchesnokov, "A Breathless Alleluia" by Philip Wilby, "Marimba Spiritual" by Minoru Miki, "Sensemaya" by Silvestre Revueltas, "Extinguished" by Ryan George, Colin McNutt, Iain Moyer, and Michael Zellers, "End Credits" From Castaway by Alan Silvestri, and "Amazing Grace" by John Newton.

The Cadets | "The Unity Project"

In a shift from their original announcement, The Cadets will be putting on a show this year that focuses on coming together as one and building from a unified approach. 


The show announcement reveals that it was largely inspired by a quote from Mahatma Gandhi which says: "unity, to be real, must stand the severest strain without breaking."

Using a mix of original music with contemporary, the corps' artistic director Drew Shanefield has described the show as following "a trajectory and evolution from disjunction to cohesion, through the synergy of design and performers coming together."

The Cadets will be using the following music: "Opening Scene" by Drew Shanefield/Tom Aungst/Omar Carmenates, "Sensemaya" by Silvestre Revueltas, "Misterioso" by Drew Shanefield, "Demonic Thesis" by John Psathas, "Ara Batur" by Sigur Ros, and "Ballet Sacra" by David Holsinger.

Carolina Crown | "Beast"

One of the most exciting releases to date is definitely Carolina Crown's show title announcement for their 2018 program "Beast." 

Last Friday, Carolina Crown announced that some news would be coming around 5pm ET. The corps released a short video with a title, then announced the music selections for the program today. 

The corps will be using music from: "Symphony No. 8, Mvt. 4" by Anton Bruckner, "Build A Pyre" by Ryan Lott (Son Lux), "Destination Moon" by Paul Raphael, "Myth Forrest" by Stig Nordhagen, "If I Fell" by John Lennon/Paul McCartney, "Blow It Up, Start Again" by Jonathan Newman, and "Epiphanies" by Ron Nelson.


Carolina Crown 2018 Repertoire Revealed

The Cavaliers | "On Madness And Creativity"

Although we don't have much information about The Cavaliers' production yet, we do have a title, a teaser video (below), and some hints at what music the corps could be pulling from this year. In the show announcement video, there is a distinct placement of the song "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel with distinct moments of interference/interruptions. 

The show will include music from the following artists: George Crumb, Peter Graham, Maurice Ravel, Hans Zimmer, Wojciech Kilar, Lou Reed, James Horner, and Rufus Wainwright, along with original music by Michael Martin, Michael McIntosh, and Alan Miller.

Colts | "True Believer"

Not too much to go off of from the Colts so far this season, but we do have an official show graphic with one line of text. The text reads, "an inner journey to a destination once known."


The announcement on their site explains that success is a pursuit with no end and is mostly "a matter of personal definition." It seems that the 2018 Colts are in pursuit of defining their own success.

Crossmen | "The In-Between"

It looks as if drum corps fans can expect another eccentric, high-brow show coming from San Antonio's own Crossmen. 

"Exploring the space between the no longer and the not yet," the Twitter post describes.


Genesis | "Retrovertigo"

In mid-February, Genesis released a teaser video for its 2018 program with the title "The Moody Blues" along with a bunch of music sources. Last week, however, the corps released new graphics with a new title: "Retrovertigo."

The music selections will include the following artists: "The Day Begins" by Moody Blues, "The Rhythm Of The Heat" by Peter Gabriel, "Retrovertigo" and "None Of Them Knew They Were Robots" by Mr. Bungle, "Enter Sandman" by Metallica, "Inside Straight" by John Zorn, "The Prayer Circle, Movement 3: Hope" by Jonathan Elias, and "Que Sera Sera" by Pink Martini.

Jersey Surf | "[Mondo Mondrian]"

Presenting its show "[mondo mondrian]," Jersey Surf will take an abstract approach to design through primary colors and solid lines.

The corps will be playing from the following source material: "Music for Pieces of Wood" by Steve Reich, "Cornfield Chase" by Hans Zimmer, "Variations on Manuel de Falla's 'Ritual Fire Dance'" by Andrew Yozviak, "Étude Op. 10, No. 12 in C minor" by Frédéric Chopin, "Behind Blue Eyes" by Peter Townshend, and finally "Symphony No. 4" by David Maslanka. 

Madison Scouts | "Heart & Soul"

Described as "an exploration of the heart's physicality and the spiritual influence of the soul," Madison Scouts' 2018 program, "Heart & Soul," sets up a clear dichotomy for fans from the get-go. With the involvement of female performer Megan Hutera, a flugelhorn player and feature performer, the dichotomy will become even more explicit as the Scouts head into their first performances of the season.

This year's show draws musical inspiration from the following songs: "You Are Variations" by Steve Reich, "Serenada Schizophrana" by Danny Elfman, "Rhyme of Taigu" by Zhou Long, "Shape of My Heart" by Sting, "Aurora Awakes" by John Mackey, "Ainadamar" by Osvaldo Golijov, "34 Klezma" by Snarky Puppy, and "End of the Game" by Sting.


Mandarins | "Life Rite After"

Although it's a bit long, it's worth sitting through this Facebook live video posted by Mandarins nearly three months ago. We've simplified the biggest points that came from the Facebook announcement.

In Short:

  • Mario Ramirez had this show concept in his back pocket for some time.
  • The intro begins when "she" is dancing herself to death.
  • The opener will somehow utilize the color guard to tell the story.
  • Their competitive goal is to break into the top 10 for 2018.
  • Mandarins will not play "Rite of Spring."
  • There WILL BE new uniforms designed by Ramirez in 2018.

Music City | "Hell On Wheels: The Final Journey of Casey Jones"

The story of Casey Jones, brought straight to you all summer long by Music City Drum & Bugle Corps. According to the release, the show will begin as "a color guard soloist emerges from the station intent on exploring the sights and scenes of turn-of-the-century Memphis."

Using entirely original music and arrangements by Robert W. Smith, Music City is ready to make its World Class debut. The corps also released the first look at its uniforms for the 2018 season.

Oregon Crusaders | "REDRUM"

Bringing a very popular story to the field this year, Oregon Crusaders will perform elements from the classic Stanley Kubrick film "The Shining," based on the Stephen King book. 

In an interview with DCI.org, program coordinator Jodie Rhodes revealed that the corps will perform the music of Alanis Morissette, Berlioz, Bartók, Saint-Saëns, Al Bowlly, and Aaron Copland.

Pacific Crest | "Here's To The Ones Who Dream"

Inspired by the visuals and music from "La La Land," Pacific Crest has released the details behind the concept of its 25th-anniversary production, "Here's To The Ones Who Dream." 

The website announcement describes the 2018 concept as recreating "the glitz, glamour, and excitement of classic Hollywood: a place where those come looking for their chance to shine."

Phantom Regiment | "This New World"

Complete with show trailer and all, Phantom Regiment has unveiled its newest production. Titled "This New World," the 2018 program may be a bit of a diversion from the usual story-driven concepts that is so iconic of the corps' identity. The corps WILL, however, be bringing back a classic Phantom Regiment tune with "New World Symphony" by Antonin Dvorak.

In addition to Dvorak, the corps will also be playing the following music: "Finale" from "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" by Aaron Zigman and Alexandre Desplat, "Piano Concerto No. 3" by Sergei Prokofiev, "A Child's Garden of Dreams" by David Maslanka, and finally "Picture Studies" by Adam Schoenberg.

Pioneer | "Irish Dragons"

One of the first groups to release its 2018 program, Pioneer will follow through on its tradition of weaving an Irish theme into a drum corps show. "Irish Dragons" will take the spotlight in this case, presumably leading the aesthetic for the corps' design visually and musically.

Santa Clara Vanguard | "Babylon"

After much suspense, Santa Clara Vanguard (SCV) has finally announced their 2018 program, "Babylon." 

The announcement on the corps' website began "in a time when words fail, music and movement become the foundation upon which to communicate, and serve as the building blocks to once again unite humanity."

The corps will be playing the following musical selections: "My Body Is A Cage" by Peter Gabriel, "Journey To The Center Of The Earth" by Peter Graham, "Metropolis 1927" by Peter Graham, "Apology" by Zacarias M. di la Riva, and "Club Sound" by Gent and Jawns.

Seattle Cascades | "What Goes Around"

Seattle Cascades subtly released their show via social media in late February, including a short quote and an image for the 2018 program. 

Music selections: "Wound Up; Spin Moves; Infinite Echoes; Unreaveled" by Key Poulan, Micah Brusse, Alex Brinkley and Kaela Shoe, "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert, "What Goes Around... Comes Around" by Justin Timberlake, Tim Mosley and Nathaniel Hills, and "Around The World" by Daft Punk.

Spirit of Atlanta | "Knock"

"Doors represent both opportunity and obstruction," the announcement began.

"We may never know what awaits on the other side of a threshold unless we're prepared to go through and have the courage to... KNOCK."

The 2018 Spirit of Atlanta show will bring a fresh new look into something that is in our everyday lives: doors.

Music selections: "Lit" by Polyphia, "Freak Flag" by Here Come The Mummies, "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails, Johnny Cash, and Eric Whitacre, "Rattle Trap" by Bill Evans, and "Break On Through" by The Doors.


Troopers | "The New Road West"

Originally released in a local newspaper, the Troopers' show directly references their trip out west to start off the 2018 summer tour. 

"The New Road West" will feature music from "The Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance, "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson, and "Climb Every Mountain" by Jamie Foxx and Barbra Streisand.

OPEN CLASS

7th Regiment | "In A Different Light"

After last year's great finish, 7th Regiment will be bringing a "new light" to the field in 2018!

Music selections:

  • "Finale (from The Abyss)" by Alan Silvestri
  • "Serenada Schizophrana" by Danny Elfman, Claudia Bryant
  • "All Love Can Be" by Will Jennings, James Horner
  • "A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics" by James Horner

The Battalion | "Seeing Red"

"Red is a bold color, one of the first colors societies have historically recognized. It's a diverse color, bringing to mind many different emotions. Exploring these emotions is the basis of our 2018 production," describes The Battalion's show announcement on their website. 

Music selections:

  • Anton Bruckner
  • Erik Satie
  • Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Original compositions by Shilo Stroman, John Matthews, Alexander Entin

Blue Devils B | "The Other Side"

Music selections:

  • "Danse Macabre" by Camille Saint-Saens
  • "The Carnival of the Animals" by Camille Saint Saens
  • "Dead Man's Party" by Danny Elfman
  • "Hello" by Adele
  • "Come Together" by The Beatles
  • "The Ecstasy of Gold" by Ennio Morricone
  • "A Time For Us" by Nino Rota

Blue Devils C | "Candyland: Part Blue"

Music selections:

  • "I Want Candy" by The Strangeloves
  • "Sugar Sugar" by The Archies
  • "Stuck Like Glue" by Sugarland
  • "Sugar, We're Goin Down" by Fall Out Boy 

Colt Cadets | "Moderne"

Music selections:

  • "Un Bel Di (from Madame Butterfly)" by Giacomo Puccini
  • "Symphony No. 7, Mvt. 2" by Ludwig van Beethoven
  • "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey
  • "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
  • "Hut of Baba Yaga & Great Gate of Kiev (from Pictures At An Exhibition)" by Modest Mussorgsky

Gold | "Through Our Eyes"

Gold's 2018 program will be made up of entirely original music by composer Scott Director. The concept "delves into how people with special needs experience the world and the challenges that they face," described the corps' Facebook announcement.

"[The show] hopes to enlighten and help build a bridge of understanding between the special needs community and society at large."

Guardians | "Damned."

Music selections:

  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Kanye West
  • Ke$ha
  • Chance the Rapper
  • Childish Gambino
  • Beyoncé
  • Gustav Mahler
  • Original compositions by Daniel Montoya Jr., Doug Bush, Patricia Islas

Heat Wave | "The World Keeps Spinning"

Music selections:

  • "New World Symphony" by Antonin Dvorak
  • "The Times Are A-Changin" by Bob Dylan
  • "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
  • "Fanfare for The Common Man" by Aaron Copland
  • "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman

Impulse | "Time After Time"

No music selections have been announced for Impulse as of June 11, 2018.

Incognito | "Neverland"

Music selections:

  • "Learn to Fly" by Foo Fighters
  • "Lost Boy" by Ruth B
  • "Neverland" by Zendaya

Jubal | "Vincent, The Beauty of Madness"

All the way from Europe, Jubal will wow fans all summer-long with their 2018 program about one of the most influential artists of the 19th century, Vincent van Gogh. No music has been released as of June 11, 2018.

Legends | "Along Came A Spider"

Music selections:

  • "Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky
  • "Itsy Bitsy Spider" a traditional folk song
  • "Aha!" by Imogen Heap
  • "Spiderman Theme" by Paul Webster, Robert Harris
  • "Water Night!" by Eric Whitacre
  • "Metropolis Symphony Mvt. 1" by Michael Daugherty

Louisiana Stars | "Redemption"

Music selections:

  • "Ode to Joy (from Symphony No. 9)" by Ludwig van Beethoven
  • "This Bitter Earth" by Dinah Washington
  • "The Devil's Staircase" by Gyorgy Ligeti
  • "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
  • "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel
  • "Teman Oblek (Dark Clouds)" by Christopher Tin

Raiders | "Beowulf: The Rise of a Legend"

No further information has been released, we will update the article when more info becomes available.

River City Rhythm | "Each Hour Wounds"

The only hint we have seen so far about River City Rhythm is the usage of a hashtag "eachhourwounds" along with a new banner photo featuring the 2018 show graphic, with the words "each hour wounds."

Shadow | "The Body Celestial"

Music selections:

  • "Shine" by Michael Markowski
  • Wayfaring Stranger" by Christopher M. Nelson
  • "Aurora Awakes" by John Mackey

Southwind | "The Guitarist"

"From a city street corner, an artist plays melodies on his guitar. The sounds are sweet and entrancing, the rhythms alluring," starts the program notes for Southwind's 2018 concept announcement. Read the rest of the program notes on Drum Corps Planet.

Music selections:

  • "Danzón No. 2" by Arturo Márquez
  • "A Mis Abuelos" by Arturo Sandoval
  • "Everything I Can't Have" by Robin Thicke, James Gass, Moises Vivanco
  • "Sing To The Moon" by Laura Mvula, Steve Brown (as recorded with Snarky Puppy)

Vessel | "Bloom"

A group that's kind of come out of nowhere, Vessel, will be performing their 2018 program "Bloom." The announcement on their website reads, "we are a product of our environment, each with our own story to tell. At Vessel, we aim to create an experience that offers an outlet to share and express those stories."

Vessel has yet to release more information.

Watchmen | "Altered"

Music selections:

  • Original composition by Harry Hutchins and Paul Rendon