Blue Devils B and Vanguard Cadets, two corps that have dominated Drum Corps International's (DCI) Open Class Champs for the last decade, have decided they will not be leaving California in 2019.

In a shocking decision announced on September 5, both corps will be staying in California to compete for the entirety of the 2019 summer tour. The two corps from northern California have won the DCI Open Class World Championship title and runner-up nine of the last ten seasons, with only one corps breaking their streak--Oregon Crusaders.

"After carefully considering the sustainability and mission of the VMAPA organization, the Vanguard Cadets will be restructured as a California-based drum corps in 2019." #SCVC19 #DCIOpenClass

Read the full announcement here: https://t.co/YiN4nkUiZ7 pic.twitter.com/Q3ogKtuDqr

— Santa Clara Vanguard (@scvanguard) September 5, 2018

In the announcement, the groups commented on working in conjunction with each other, as well as being heavily involved in conversations with DCI.

"After carefully considering the sustainability and mission of the VMAPA organization, the Vanguard Cadets will be restructured as a California-based drum corps again to ensure the program will serve many performers for years to come."

Both organizations cite membership safety and education as their top priorities for the Open Class ensembles, while still being "a positive, life changing experience for all to enjoy." 

BDB To Travel and Perform In California Only In 2019 #bdworld pic.twitter.com/KXH9xRcXVK

— The Blue Devils (@TheBlueDevils) September 5, 2018

It is unknown how this may affect the California mid-to-late season schedule for DCI as a whole. But, they will join the ranks of a number of Open Class corps that opt to have shorter competitive seasons or a tour that stays in their own locale in the western United States.

We will update this article with further information as it is released from DCI and the organizations.