DCI

Bluecoats Relaunch 'Rhythm IN BLUE' As SoundSport Ensemble

Bluecoats Relaunch 'Rhythm IN BLUE' As SoundSport Ensemble

Bluecoats announced they will be relaunching Rhythm IN BLUE as a SoundSport ensemble for the 2023 season. The ensemble is open to any performer 18 and older

Jan 24, 2023 by Natalie Shelton
Bluecoats Relaunch 'Rhythm IN BLUE' As SoundSport Ensemble

Last week, the Bluecoats announced they will be relaunching Rhythm IN BLUE as a SoundSport ensemble for the 2023 season. 

SoundSport, like DCI, offers exciting performance opportunities for ensembles across the nation. However, unlike DCI, SoundSport ensembles have no restriction on age or instrumentation, allowing for an ensemble to be made up of a more diverse group of musicians. SoundSport shows are typically anywhere from 5-7 minutes long and take place on a performance space that is 20 yards deep and 30 yards wide. The minimum number of performers needed to form a SoundSport ensemble is five.

Rhythm IN BLUE was formerly an alumni-focused performance ensemble for the Bluecoats but has since pivoted to provide performance opportunities for those wishing to march but are unable to commit to a full DCI touring model due to time and financial constraints. 

“We have always seen Rhythm IN BLUE as a great potential platform for extending the Bluecoats Experience to a wider audience,” said Mike Scott, CEO. “We have assembled an incredible staff of Bluecoats alumni, recent Bluecoats Fellows, and other experts from around the activity. Making Rhythm IN BLUE 18 and older, leveraging Bluecoats School of the Arts, and bringing together these amazing people, is sure to bring the Bluecoats Experience alive for this new generation of participants in our programming.” - Courtesy of Bluecoats.org

While the approach to show design and physically learning the show will vary from the DCI model, Rhythm IN BLUE members should expect a similar performance experience that is provided to corps members; "custom costuming from Stanbury Uniforms, top-of-the-line instruments from Yamaha and TAMA | Bergerault, and cutting edge electronic sound design." Dues for the 2023 season will be around $1,000.

Contracted members will meet remotely throughout the winter and spring to learn the show, and will meet four additional times throughout the summer to get the show under their feet. Rhythm IN BLUE's season will culminate with a performance during the 2023 DCI Championship Week, August 10th-12th.