Fresno State freshman Brandon Bliatout got the “opportunity of a lifetime” to perform with Concord’s Blue Devils B at the Bulldog Stadium on July 5.
The 50th Anniversary Drum Corps International (DCI) Tour came to Fresno State for the MidCal Champions Showcase on Tuesday. DCI, referred to as “Marching Music’s Major League,” on its website, features both open and world class drum corps.
Several Fresno State students participated in the event, including Bliatout, who got the chance when he learned that Blue Devils B were looking for euphonium players for their summer tour.
“Participating in this event means a lot. First off, it’s taking place in my own town. To me that’s amazing, because I get to perform for the local community,” he said.
Most drum corps begin training and rehearsing in late winter or early spring for participation. Bliatout described the intensive rehearsal process, emphasizing that he prepares by “making sure both [his] physical and mental health is doing good.”
“We go from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. rehearsals Monday through Saturday. It’s a long and tiring process, but with every day we all get better and better,” he said.
The Blue Devils B came in second place for the open class competition with 60.900 points. San Diego’s Gold took the top prize with 61.100 points.
The Blue Devils took the world class competition with 77.600 points. The next highest were the Santa Clara Vanguard, who finished with 75.900 points.
There will be more chances to see DCI performances in California throughout the rest of its summer tour. On July 10, performers will head to Stanford for the DCI West, with other events in July in Yucaipa, Sacramento, Bakersfield and more.
DCI will be back in Fresno on July 23 for the Golden State Showdown at Washington Union High School in John Ventura Stadium. Tickets are available now.
Bliatout said he hopes that people come to see the events to “learn what drum corp is and what we do.”
“It gives me and my teammates a chance to show off and perform all the hard work we have done in preparation for this event and many more to come,” he said.
