Annapolis to Host Drum Corps World Championships Labor Day Weekend

Annapolis to Host DCA World Championships Labor Day Weekend

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND—Thirty-five drum corps from throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are scheduled to participate in the 48th Annual Drum Corps Associates (DCA) World Championships at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis Friday through Sunday, August 31-September 2.

Area residents will get a preview of the largest single event ever booked by the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) during welcoming ceremonies at City Dock on Thursday, August 30, at 5:00 p.m. At that time, four drum corps – including the reigning DCA World Champions, the Minnesota Brass; Annapolis Drum Corps; and the United Kingdom’s Kidsgrove Scouts -- will provide a sampling of the music fans will have an opportunity to hear all weekend long. 

The DCA schedule of performances at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium is as follows:

• Thursday, August 30 – 5:00 p.m. – DCA at City Dock – Free performances
• Friday, August 31 – 4:00 p.m. – Individual/Ensemble and Mini Corps at 
  Navy-Marine Corps Stadium – Free admission
• Saturday, September 1 – 2:00 p.m. – DCA Championship Preliminary 
  Competitions
• Sunday, September 2 – 10:00 a.m. – The Alumni Spectacular – Field 
  performance by several alumni corps
• Sunday, September 2 – 5:00 p.m. – DCA World Championship Finals – Winners of Saturday’s preliminaries square off for the title. The evening features a pre-contest exhibition performance by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. 

Advance tickets for the 48th Annual DCA World Championships can be purchased online at www.dcacorps.org. They will also be available at the door.

AAACCVB President and CEO Connie Del Signore says she delighted that after 13 months of negotiations with the AAACCVB’s sales team, DCA officials elected to bring the World Championships south of the Mason-Dixon line for the first time in the organization’s 48-year history. “Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, our hotels, restaurants, and attractions will be rolling out the red carpet to help ensure that this year’s World Championships will be the most successful ever.” Del Signore says the destination was able to secure the World Championships thanks to the collaborative efforts of the AAACCVB, City of Annapolis, DCA, U.S. Naval Academy, and Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks.

DCA Vice President Allen Buell predicts the event will contribute $10-million dollars to the local economy. “The world’s best all-age drum corps are coming to compete and have a good time. They will be eating in your restaurants, shopping at your stores, and staying at hotels throughout the county. We invite area businesses to stock up for the nearly 12,000 drum corps members and fans that will soon be heading your way.”

DCA is the premier organization for all-age drum and bugle corps entertainment. They have been presenting power-packed performances and choreography since 1964. DCA features entertainment-driven competition focused directly at its fans.

The AAACCVB is a nonprofit, membership-based, destination marketing organization that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world.

XXX