Dear Reader, The activity’s future is still in a holding pattern as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to seriously affect life across the world. It may be several more months before the major organizations in the United States, Europe, the Far East, Indonesia, South and Central America are able to finalize plans for what will hopefully be the kick-off of their 2021 seasons. Next summer’s tentative schedule of competitions and events potentially will mark the 100th year “organized” drum and bugle corps competitions will take place. The American Legion founded it at their second annual national convention held in Kansas City, MO, in 1921. It was a parade with prize money and five judges, featuring 24 musical groups, most of which were drum and bugle corps. Since the national headquarters of the Legion are located in Indianapolis, only a few blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium, that would be the perfect time and place to recognize and thank the veterans organization for starting this great youth (and adult) activity that has now spread not just across North America, but to almost every corner and continent during the last 10 decades. Given the number of corps that are posting “virtual” rehearsals and musical selections they are working on from geographic locations scattered in many different states and countries, it’s heartwarming that the enthusiasm of members is being encouraged and corps staffs are coming up with innovative ways to keep everyone engaged and anticipating in what will likely be a changed movement once things get underway again in the not-too-distant future! |
Steve Vickers Publisher Drum Corps World  |