Although Boylan High School has been home to the Phantom Regiment’s annual “Show of Shows” for years, the 2011 event brings a new twist to the annual event. This year’s event will showcase the top 8 from last year’s Drum Corps International Championships in a new event series – the Tour of Champions. The performing groups will be: Blue Devils, Blue Stars, Bluecoats, Cadets, Carolina Crown, Cavaliers, Phantom Regiment and Santa Clara Vanguard.

Please note: this show has SOLD OUT but a limited number of Standing Room Only tickets will be available for sale starting at 3pm on Sunday at the stadium for $10.

Rockford is the first stop the Tour of Champion event series will have this summer. The other stops include: Houston, TX; Murfreesboro, TN; Charlotte, NC and East Rutherford, NJ. The event series will combine drum corps competition at the highest level, with up-close interactive action. The top eight groups are not only vying for the trophy, but also banding together for exciting events before, during, and after the contest itself takes place. For first-time audience members, it’s like having a close-up look into the behind-the-scenes preparation and camaraderie that drum corps insiders’ treasure. And for long-time fans, it opens a new window on the amazing things these young performers can do together.

It’s a full evening of “firsts” – new nonstop entertainment from the opening experience, to the immense closing ceremony, with a great drum corps competition serving as the centerpiece. Another “first” will be the opportunity for fans to vote via text message in real time.

Veterans and newcomers are sure to share an evening of unparalleled outdoor pageantry with this evening of spectacular “firsts”.

Event Highlights

The five-event showcase will give fans up-close, exclusive access to the corps performers and exciting live entertainment. From “Instant Encores” to text-message fan-favorite voting, audience members at TOC events will be in store for a drum corps experience like never before.

Hosts with the Most
Joining the audience as emcees to explain all about the evening’s festivities will be longtime DCI announcer Dan Potter and Santa Clara Vanguard alum Samia Mooney.

Champions Up Close
Prior to the show, corps warm-ups will be closer than ever before with groups getting ready for show time right outside the stadium gates. In addition, small ensembles of corps members will be spread throughout to entertain fans as they come into the stadium.

National Anthem
A unique display of tradition, respect and innovation will be utilized to present the American Flag and our National Anthem.

Instant Encores
After performing their competitive productions, each corps will immediately come forward to present an “Instant Encore” of its choosing.

Interactive Intermission
Intermission activities will entertain fans as small corps ensembles head out into the stadium to perform.

En Masse Finale
All eight corps’ brass and color guard sections will come together at the end of the event to perform a rousing rendition of “Fire Dance.”

Scoring
DCI adjudicators will trial a brand new judging system exclusively at Tour of Champions events this summer. Drum corps fans will also get to determine the fan-favorite corps of the night through text-message.

If you missed out on purchasing tickets for Rockford but still want to see one of the Tour of Champion event series – you’ll have four more chances. (DCI Tour of Champions).