Drum and Bugle Corps

Jersey Surf Withdraws from 2025 DCI Summer Tour to Focus on Accessible Programming and Fundraising Ahead of 35th Anniversary

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — [November 4, 2024] — Jersey Surf Inc., the organization behind the popular Jersey Surf World Class Drum Corps, has announced its withdrawal from the 2025 Drum Corps International (DCI) Summer Tour. This decision reflects the organization’s dedication to enhancing and expanding lower-cost, accessible programming while strengthening its general operating fund to better serve more young people in our region for years to come.

As Jersey Surf approaches its 35th anniversary in 2025, the organization recognizes the need to adapt its offerings to reach a wider audience. By reallocating resources toward initiatives that enhance accessibility and fiscal responsibility, Jersey Surf aims to fulfill its mission more effectively and provide enriching musical experiences to an even larger constituency.

“We believe that music should be available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances,” said Paul Weiss, Board Chairman of Jersey Surf, Inc. “While this decision is difficult, it enables us to create more opportunities for young people to engage with music-making and the performing arts in new and creative ways, removing barriers to increased participation. We are excited about the potential for expanding existing programs and developing new initiatives that align with our mission and address the diverse needs of our community.”

Although the corps will not participate in the 2025 DCI Tour, Jersey Surf remains committed to collaboration and creative projects. The organization looks forward to celebrating its milestone anniversary with expanded initiatives, particularly focusing on its Drum Jawn! & Music Jawn! interactive events—powered by its Mobile Music Lab programs—and the increased manufacturing and distribution of its MarimbaPad™ patented practice instruments for mallet percussionists.

Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay connected through jerseysurf.org.

For inquiries, please contact:
Jersey Surf, Inc.,
856-753-DRUM [3786]
info@jerseysurf.org

Drum Corps World – November 2024

November 2024

Directors adopt new competitive format for 2025 DCI All-Age Championship

(dci.org)

On the heels of the inaugural DCI All-Age Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium this past August, All-Age corps directors voted during an online conference on Wednesday, October 9, to adjust the competitive format of their division’s World Championship events in 2025.

The modification will expand what was a single competitive event Saturday morning of DCI World Championships Week in 2024, to two subsequent 2025 events on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

“The changes approved by the All-Age directors demonstrate the dedication, commitment and the collaborative energy of how All-Age is adjusting to the Drum Corps International culture and excited to be part of DCI,” said John Carr, DCI All-Age coordinator. “We are seeing growth with more members joining corps as well as new and re-emerging corps wanting to be part of the All-Age Class.”

The new event on Friday, which will precede the DCI World Championship Semifinals, will serve as the DCI All-Age Class Championships where corps will compete for championship titles in their respective A, Open and World Class categories.

The top-12 scoring corps from Friday — regardless of classification — will advance to the DCI All-Age Championship Finals on Saturday, where an overall All-Age Champion will be crowned. Corps that do not advance will be invited to perform as part of the All-Age division of the SoundSport International Music & Food Festival presented by Jazz Wealth also on Saturday.

“The Caballeros are excited to be building on our continued relationships as a DCI All-Age corps,” Hawthorne Caballeros corps director Alan Katz said. “Our first mission as an organization is to provide the best possible experience for our members. This new format will give our members an opportunity to perform twice during Championship weekend enhancing the overall experience.”

Another change ratified by All-Age directors during the October 9 Zoom meeting is an adjustment to the minimum membership requirements of participating corps.

Previously set at a minimum of 26 members, All-Age corps will now be required to compete with at least 40 performers. With the new minimum, corps between 40 and 60 members will fall into the All-Age A Class, 61 and 85 members into All-Age Open Class, and 86 and 128 members into All-Age World Class.

“I’m thrilled with the decision to continue with three classes and increasing minimum membership within the All-Age Class of DCI and our new plan for Championships,” Sunrisers director David Hobart said. “Passing of these motions is the result of thoughtful dialogue and collaboration among the DCI All-Age directors, reinforcing our collective commitment to growing our class and the overall drum corps activity.”

Tickets to the 2025 DCI All-Age Championship events are expected to go on sale in December.