By Krista Viveiros

At the end of every DCI season, there is a dramatic whirlwind of performances inside Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium that ends with the crowning of the World Class champions. 

However, just a few days prior, Ames Field in Michigan City, Indiana, is packed to the brim with spectators. The lights shine bright on a full retreat of performers, and the same tension builds. As the scores are announced one by one, eventually, a new Open Class champion is crowned. 

While there's a lot less pomp and circumstance to the Open Class finals, the talent on display is certainly not lacking. In fact, two World Class corps were edged out of the semifinals by Open Class corps in 2016. But if Open Class corps can bump World Class groups from the semifinals, what makes the classes so different? 

Though Open and World Class groups used to be judged on different sheets, that's no longer the case. So the main differences between Open and World tend to be about achievement and commitment. 

Much like WGI's World Class, DCI's equivalent is expected to perform at the highest possible levels. It is also expected to push the envelope and make strides in the activity. 

This tends to manifest itself in longer time commitments to the organization for its members, including extended "move-in" rehearsal periods that can be upward of four weeks in length. Members then embark on a several month tour of the United States before the season culminates in Indianapolis. 

DCI's Open Class has more flexible scheduling, as it isn't as attached to a long tour. Nearly every corps still has a two-week tour leading into finals, but the open class corps schedule often leaves more room for students that may have other responsibilities or may not be ready for the time commitments required of a World Class ensemble. 

Many members have the freedom to work, attend class, and practice during the week, while World Class members are performers on the clock for nearly the entire summer. 

Because members tend to be younger and less experienced, Open Class corps can also focus on basic skill sets and build the foundations for success in other organizations. Many corps will even take members who have no experience at all, making it a great starting point for a student who may not have any programs in his or her school district. 

Some positions are still competitive, but many corps will be happy to give you a spot somewhere as long as you have a positive attitude and are willing to learn. 

Even if you're a more advanced student, marching drum corps -- whether in Open or World -- is always better than marching with no corps at all. An Open Class experience will keep your chops up and give you more marching experience on your resume, which will make you look that much better to your dream corps' staff the next season. 

I will always cherish my own Open Class experiences for what it gave to me. I was given drum corps in a much more manageable and digestible package that was appropriate for my skill set. I still developed lifelong friendships, made so many memories, and performed in front of thousands. To believe that the Open Class experience is to be any less than a World Class one is to do it a disservice.