Late Saturday night, after the DCI World Championship Finals were concluded, the migration home of all of the corps members began. Some by parents, some by the corps' buses, and many through the Indianapolis International Airport. Like geese flocking south for winter, 100's of tired corps members made their way to the airport with their suitcases, sleeping bags, and memories of the 2017 summer season.

Photographer Zach Ashcraft, an age-out of the Blue Stars, found himself at the airport surrounded by members waiting for their early morning flights. And so like the last 90-days those performers have been on tour, they found quiet spots, unrolled their sleeping packs, and got some "floor time" before heading home. 


Ashcraft took out his camera to capture the performers one last time. Not in full uniform or in the middle of their show. But in this candid moment when security guards, airport workers, and other travelers, walked past giving strange looks to these young men and women. Most of whom look like they have just been through hell. 

Not hell, just another amazing season of drum corps.


Members of various corps waiting for their flights inside Indianapolis International Airport following Finals

Members of various corps waiting for their flights inside Indianapolis International Airport following Finals

So if you're ever in the Indianapolis Airport following DCI Finals, don't be frightened by the strange tan lines, drum pads, and sleeping bags. They will all be gone shortly. And, sometime in August 2018, they will come again.

Join The Conversation On Social

• Follow us on Twitter @FloMarching
• Follow us on Instagram @FloMarching
• Follow us on Facebook

FloMarching's hottest content, delivered to your inbox

Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloMarching mailing list today.