DCI World Championships Return to Indianapolis for 16th Consecutive Year

The Drum Corps International World Championships are back in Indianapolis for the 16th consecutive year, taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend.

"This is the pinnacle of their marching career. It’s marching music's major league and this is their Super Bowl," DCI CEO Nate Boudreaux said.

Nearly 5,500 young brass musicians, percussionists, and color guard performers are vying for titles this weekend.

Peyton Brillhart, head drum major for Spirit of Atlanta, is one of them. This will be his last year of competition.

"This is my age out. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to call Spirit of Atlanta home. I am so lucky to have seen the corps grow three consecutive seasons," Brillhart said.

This will also be the last time Isaiah Addye performs in front of the bright lights with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps.

"I love walking into the stadium before the performance, and I look up. It’s an amazing feeling," Addye said.

The top 25 corps competed in the World Class semifinals on Friday.

"The dedication. The hours of work they put into rehearsal time. Practicing. Time on the road. It’s a struggle," Boudreaux said. “You learn grit, determination, teamwork, dealing with adversity. Getting up when you get knocked down. All those life lessons you take with you later in life.”

Boudreaux also notes that Indiana is a hub for the marching arts.

"Other than Florida, Texas and California, Indiana is the next highest state where we get most of our performers. The marching band community here in Indiana, with schools like Avon, Fishers, Brownsburg, Carmel, it’s a hotbed for musical talent," he said.

The top 12 corps will compete in the DCI World Championship Finals on Saturday.