SoundSport® and Live DrumLine Battle FAQs

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Last week Drum Corps International announced two exciting new additions to the DCI family of competitive event brands.events providing drumming ensembles from across the globe, performing with less than 31 percussionists, with powerful opportunities to compete against each other in exciting new ways in a confined "battleground" environment.events showcasing instrumental ensembles of any instrumentation and any skill level year-round, spotlighting their unique talents and creativity like never before.We are pleased to answer some of the many questions we've received in more than 500 inquiries from enthusiastic potential participants who hail from 42 states and 17 foreign countries!SoundSport performances will take place in a variety of locations, atmospheres and venue types. The nature of these performance opportunities requires some degree of flexibility in planning, design and execution. Whenever possible, the performances will take place in an area of 50' deep x 70' wide. (15.24m x 21.336m, 16.6 yds x 23.3 yds)12m x 12m with a 2m neutral zone.There will be all-age and youth-only divisions. Sub-divisions may be determined once we start to see the composition of the groups desiring to compete.Routines for each group must be no less than 1.5 minutes nor more than 2 minutes. Live events feature two performance rounds for each team. Virtual battles online are one round only, and will be explained in greater detail in the weeks ahead.Showmanship is the primary aspect of the battle, combining presentation and drumming expression. The objective is to "fire-up" the audience and out-battle your opponent!Technique and precision are important only as a tool to entertain the audience.Instruments must be carried. Main instruments are battery percussion (snare, tenors, bass, cymbals), but participants may use other instruments only if carried.The Battle Master will oversee the live events and will serve as master of ceremonies and announcer.Judges will huddle immediately following the battle. Winner will be announced immediately.There will be a minimum of three judges at every DrumLine Battle event. There will be one judge focused on presentation, one on drumming and at least one focused on judging the overall battle.Are you interested in getting in on the ground floor of this historic new opportunity? Sign up below if you are:• A performer wanting to perform in a DrumLine Battle or SoundSport ensemble• A music educator wanting to create a fresh new opportunity for your students• A marching band association or other marching arts organization seeking additional information on these unique program offerings• A fan wanting to stay abreast of the developments of DrumLine Battle?„? and SoundSport• A potential strategic or corporate partner• Someone with a great idea on how we can make DrumLine Battle?„? and SoundSport even better