When fans attend DCI events throughout the summer tour, they are on constant alert for special moments on the field.

There are split-second flashes of brilliant performances, high-difficulty work, and fresh designs that only DCI shows can provide. Today, we're giving you our list of the Top 5 Moments of DCI 2016. But first, here's what we look for when selecting our top five: 

• Innovation: Show designers and staff have made a name for themselves finding innovative ways to tell stories. Whether it's uniform design, arranging, instrumentation, drill, or magic. (Hello 1989 Champion Santa Clara)
• Excellence in performance: At the end of the day, what separates drum corps from other marching activities is the level of execution. The incredible amount of precision in every step, movement and note is remarkable. It is attention to detail at its finest. 
• Was it memorable?: Fans, members, and designers of some of the most incredible moments in DCI history can all recall the exact time they first encountered those moments. Whether they were in attendance at a show, rehearsal, old PBS broadcast, DVD or on YouTube, what makes them top moments is the ability to sustain their impact over time.

So without further delay here is our list of the top 5 moments of DCI 2016.

5.) The Academy - Bone Mallet Feature

The Academy's run to finals was awe-inspiring. They have so many moments throughout the show, but the creativity involved in using the headstone props, the front ensemble players, and the "washboard" like keyboards were a particular highlight. 

4.) Santa Clara Vanguard - Lightning Burst Drill

Santa Clara had one of the purest drum corps shows. It was beautiful. One particular moment: when the hornline is gathering around a color guard member, then "exploding" away from the member when the member throws a lightning bolt (rifle) into the air.

3.) The Bluecoats - DCI Welcomes the X-Games

We're not sure where the designing meeting turned and the idea of using half-pipes for props was born, but thank you. For the past three years, the Bluecoats have done great work with field props throughout their shows, none more so than the folding ramps used in Down Side Up. Check out the video!

2.) The Cavaliers - Buy Some Ad Space

The Cavies broke back into the top 5 this year by nearly covering the entire field with various signs and pieces of art from various propaganda campaigns throughout history. It was well-executed, but it was also relevant to the current political landscape.

1.) Bluecoats - The Wink

While this wasn't something designed into the show months ago like the other top 5 moments already listed, you cannot ignore what happened when the Bluecoats trumpet soloist looked into the camera and gave the smoothest wink in drum corps history. Not only was it great performance awareness--and a great tease when he didn't do it the next night during semifinals--but it was just the icing on the GE cake that was Bluecoats entire show. 

Honorable Mentions:

Blue Devils - Sea of Fabric
Carolina Crown - Have Mercy Ending...see our story about the change
The Cadets - Singles for Days drum break
Madison Scouts - Rope Props Turned Flag Feature