For the first time this season, drum corps from the Western United States have made their way across the Rockies to face off with the Midwestern and Eastern competitors. Santa Clara Vanguard and The Academy have logged some serious mileage and made their way to Wisconsin for a major matchup with the likes of the Bluecoats, the Cadets, and others. Here's some of what to expect from DCI Menomonie.

Bluecoats and SCV Face Off

This is the second time that the 2016 and 2018 DCI World Class champions meet in 2019 after initially meeting at the Lisle, IL, show this Friday evening. The Bluecoats have shifted into high gear recently, blowing past the 80 mark to start the month of July. Vanguard, meanwhile, recently slipped behind the Blue Devils, ending their nearly year long undefeated streak. Whichever corps comes out on top at this competition will make their case for becoming the 2019 champion.

The Race For Finals

While The Academy have scored behind the Madison Scouts and the Colts to this point, these scores are deceptive as Academy has not competed head to head with these corps before this weekend. The Menomonie results will help determine how close Academy is to a return to a Saturday evening appearance in Indy, either as a front running contender or as a dark horse.

Open Class and All-Age Corps in the Spotlight

The Midwest region is home to some of the best drum corps in the DCI Open Class and DCA all-age drum corps divisions. Minnesota alone will present three corps in these divisions at Menomonie with Chops, Inc., Govenaires, and River City Rhythm, all of whom have achieved finalist status in their respective competitive organizations. You do not want to miss any of the first half of DCI Menomonie this year!