Drum Corps Associates World Championships return to Rochester. What to expect
Thousands of people are expected in Rochester this weekend to enjoy a musical marching competition featuring drum and bugle corps performers of all ages.
Rochester again will host the Drum Corps Associates World Championships at the Rochester Community Sports Complex starting Friday, Sept. 1, and ending Sunday, Sept. 3.
The Drum Corps Associates Championships brings drum and bugle corps groups — think school marching bands with some notable differences, particularly participation at any age — together to compete for a top prize.
Expect flashy costumes, color guards, robust brass and percussive sounds, sharp marching formations and more.
Jazz musician Chuck Mangione, who was born and raised in Rochester, is scheduled to attend. His work has been used by participating drum and bugle corps over the years, and so he will receive a tribute at 8 p.m. Friday for his impact on the championship.
This is the last stand-alone championship for the all-ages organization in the foreseeable future. DCA, founded nearly 60 years ago, is joining with Indianapolis-based Drum Corps International, which governs junior drum and bugle corps, in 2024 and 2025. DCA's usual participants would be represented in an all-ages class.
So, this year's Rochester events will mark a celebration and a transition into a new phase, according to DCA.
“We look forward to honoring decades of Drum Corps Associates and all-age drum corps history at our World Championships,” said DCA President John Carr in a news release. “The future is bright for all-age drum corps, and we’re excited not only to celebrate where we’ve come from but where our activity is headed.”
What is Drum Corps Associates?
Drum Corps Associates was founded in 1967 as an all-age, formerly “senior” or over 22 years old, drum and bugle corps circuit.
It is presently the premier all-age circuit with a global membership base. DCA maintains a weekend-only competition schedule, with member corps established in the Midwest, Southeast and East Coast.
Drum Corps Associates Championship in Rochester, NY: Schedule
Individual/Ensemble & Mini Corps Competition
Date: Friday, Sept. 1
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Individuals and ensembles take the stage in this event, taking on a party-like atmosphere at the Rochester Convention Center.
DCA World Championship Prelims
Date: Saturday, Sept. 2
Time: 4 p.m.
Preliminary performances at the Rochester Community Sports Complex.
Alumni Spectacular
Date: Sunday, Sept. 3
Time: 10 a.m.
Field performances by alum corps at the Rochester Community Sports Complex.
DCA World Championship Finals
Date: Sunday, Sept. 3
Time: 5 p.m.
Advancing corps after Saturday’s Prelims square off for the Championship title at the Rochester Community Sports Complex.
Drum Corps Associates Championship in Rochester, NY: Special accommodations
Wheelchair-accessible seating is located in the front row of Sections 104, 107, 110, 304 and 310. ADA seating is bench seats for companions and a space for a wheelchair, mobility device or folding chair.
Drum Corps Associates Championship in Rochester, NY: Road closures and traffic
Main Street will be closed between St. Paul and State streets from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1.
Drum Corps Associates Championship in Rochester, NY: Buy tickets
For more information and tickets, check dcacorps.org
Contact Robert Bell at: rlbell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @byrobbell & Instagram: @byrobbell.
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This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Drum Corps Associates World Championships being held in Rochester NY
