Here's the plain-and-simple explanation for all of the rule changes going into effect this season and beyond. These rule/policy changes are the result of a voting membership that comes together to represent Drum Corps International's member corps, including Open and World Class organizations.

1. Performance Order Adjustments

In the past, performance order for shows was determined from scores of the year prior, including a random drawing from groupings of three. Moving forward, the Southwestern Championship in San Antonio, Texas, will utilize the old process. Immediately following the July 21 regional, scores from 2018 will be used to determine performance order of the remainder of the season.

This procedural change passed unanimously.

2. Drum Corps Membership Up To 154

In a nearly unanimous vote, with only one opposed, drum corps will now be allowed to field 154 members. Most recently growing from 150, the size of drum and bugle corps have been a constant factor of growth since the organization's inception in 1972. 

3. Music Analysis Gets Reinforcements

An additional music analysis judge will join the ranks of judges who will analyze and interpret drum corps shows across the country, all summer long. Kevin Shah, Blue Knights and DCI Rules and Systems Task Force, clarified this particular rule change:

"At some larger events and regionals (still to be determined), there will be two Music Analysis judges—both using the same new updated sheet and principles—but the staffing will be one from a brass background and one from a percussion background.

"Both are still judging the same caption—but will be encouraged to use their expertise and experience in their respective fields to dig a little deeper into their given disciplines. Those two scores will then be averaged into one Music Analysis score. All percussion judging will happen now with one sheet, and the caption will primarily be judged from field level, just like Brass."

4. Small Shows, Big Panels

One of the biggest points of contention in the "West Coast vs. East Coast" debate is the concept of more shows along the West Coast featuring eight-judge panels in the early part of the season than the Eastern United States. 

In a win-win scenario for all corps, a unanimous vote passed over the weekend calling for eight-judge panels to become the standard, no matter the size of the show. This rule will be enacted in 2019, presumably to give Drum Corps International proper time to prepare and handle the logistics of the ruling.