Marching through Indy

Celebrate the Indy Arts! Parade

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Indianapolis, IN

We interrupt the drum corps competition for this, the first-ever parade of its kind for DCI.  All of the corps that will not be competing in tonight's Finals marched in a parade around Downtown Indianapolis.  It was exciting to see them another time, but I was also sad because seeing them during the day meant that I wouldn't get to see them perform again tonight, except for BDB, whom will be performing in exhibition.

Some corps, like Pacific Crest, performed popular songs, like "Strike Up the Band".  Other played traditional marches.  Others played their show music.  Most of the color guards used their flags from their shows.  Some of them seemed more prepared than the others, and actually knew how to march in a straight block.  Others not so much.  But it was still fun to see them.  A cool highlight was Colts and Colts Cadets together in one block.  Nice.

Here are some pictures from the event.

Blue Devils B, wearing their gold medals

Academy Drumline

Vangard Cadets

Crossmen

Pioneer Tubas

Colts/Colt Cadets Snares

Pacific Crest

Yokohama Scouts CG in traditional dress

Afterward, all of the corps gathered near the War Memorial to play a short rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic", conducted by the drum major from the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps.  Another Marine got up on the platform ahead of him, partly for recon, partly to help him up there because he didn't want to do any "Cirque du Soleil moves".  It didn't hurt my ears as much as I thought it would, because their horns were pointed upward.  I don't think that everyone was actually playing the whole time, because some people never seemed to move their fingers. But whatever.  It was pretty cool.  

USMC Drum Major signaling Horns Up

Spartans Drum Major leading corps to follow USMC DM

Afterward, Bro and I had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings, where I enjoyed the limited time Captain Morgan sauce.  We are now resting in our hotel room prior to the big conclusion of Finals Week.

Up next, really:  Finals