Local band students compete at Drum Corp International


STILLWATER, Okla. – During the summer, many of the best marching band performers from across the country participate in Drum Corps International, also known as marching music’s major leagues.

 

This summer’s DCI tour had strong representation from Stillwater with eleven performers with connections to the Stillwater High School marching band program, including senior Matthew Li, who marched with the DCI World Champions, The Bluecoats, based out of Canton, OH.

 

“Being in the Bluecoats has been an amazing experience,” said Li. “I have experienced so much growth as a person and as a player simply from being surrounded by so many of the best. I have loved every moment of it and walking off the field as the best in the world is simply an indescribable feeling.”

 

DCI is a prestigious organization that oversees competitive marching music ensembles across the United States. These ensembles, known as drum corps, consist of students ages 16 to 21 who perform intricate and visually stunning shows. Participating in a drum corps requires immense dedication. Students embarked on an intensive summer tour, performing at various competitions and events throughout the country, concluding with the DCI World Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, in Indianapolis, IN, this past weekend.

 

“There is no room to make mistakes as perfection is the goal, and the rigor imposed on the members makes it difficult but extremely rewarding,” Li added. “Every day, we wake up, eat, play, and sleep; and over the course of 80 days, we aspire to be perfect in what we do throughout the course of many rehearsals with the same group of friends.”

 

Others participating in DCI this summer that are current or former members of the Pioneer Marching Band or serve as instructors for the band include; Landyn Bardwell, Chase Chairess, Audrey Fox, Carson Mann, Raygan Mida, Elizabeth Hamilton Neal, Kyan Reeves, Alex Kerns-Shook, Connor Sigrist, and Ben Wick.

 

Chairess, an instructor for the SHS color guard, was a member of the Boston Crusaders who won second place overall and was recognized as best guard. Mann, a percussion instructor for SHS, served on the staff of the Crossmen, who finished in 15th place, and Mida, also a percussion instructor for SHS, performed with the Santa Clara Vanguard which finished in 6th place and was recognized for best percussion.

 

“DCI presents young adults with an incredible opportunity to perform at the highest level,” said Kevin Zamborsky, Director of Bands for Stillwater. “Membership in a corps is earned through a highly competitive audition, followed by weeks and months of learning and perfecting their performance. I am very proud of our students who have given so much of their time to this activity, and can’t wait to see how their experiences help shape the future of our own program.”

 

The Pioneer Marching Band is a regular finalist in state and regional marching competitions. Stillwater is the reigning bronze medalist at the Oklahoma Bandmasters Associations state championship and was the state academic champions in 2023. The band is under the direction of Kevin Zamborsky, Tricia Bailey-Bovenschen, Megan Perkins, KG Robinson, Katie Genevro and color guard director Darin Williams. Learn more about the Stillwater Public School Band Program at stillwaterbands.org.


 

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