August 11, 2024 – Indianapolis, Indiana
This is sort of a reprise of the DCI Finals 2024 blog. It is a place to record my reflections on the events of the past few days and months following DCI shows. I will run the numbers when I return home, but last night was my 14th show of the 2024 season. I traveled to nine states by plane and car; alas, there were no trains in the formula this year. I am afraid to look at my credit card statement.
Sitting here in the breakfast nook of the hotel on Sunday morning, parting words are exchanged. Friends are dispersing to their destinations home. See you next year! I will linger here in the hotel for a while and then head north toward Michigan. The miles and hours alone in the car will provide ample opportunity to replay the events in my mind. In the forefront will be the people. One person who was not physically present but was present in our thoughts and words was the late Sandy Bertelle. This season was a tribute to her, with the many friends who miss her celebrating her life at every gathering. Sandy will be with me on the way home. New friends made include my seat neighbors Ron and Shari. Ron was very diligent in capturing thousands of photos over the three-day period to be featured in Drum Corps World Magazine. Kelly, from Music City Drum and Bugle Corps was just in front. We sat together two years ago. It was great to exchange thoughts and reactions again throughout the three days.
Throughout the season, I met innumerable drum corps moms and dads. Bluecoats trumpeter, Conner was the joy of parents that sat directly in front of me. Everyone around them proudly watched him perform vicariously. It was great to meet up with my friends from the Nashville area again in the lot: Momma Helga and Papa Joe. Son Patrick pushed that keyboard all over America. Brother Chris and his friends are the most ardent BAC fans. We met in Castleton at the Boston Crusaders spring training and then again at the Murfreesboro show. Suzette and her son Grayson, guard with the Madison Scouts, were new friends made. Suzette marched, and now all of her children. Grayson is the youngest, with many more years ahead. We reflected on the long legacy of drum corps families.
These types of friendships and reunions play out thousands of times over as thousands of families and fans converge here at the DCI mecca every August. The trucks and buses are gone, and they are vacated from the mega lot on the south side of the stadium. With frequent trips to the airport by friends and departures, this place is thinning out. Brother Garry has departed for his long-haul home in the rental car with Danny as co-pilot. Chuck is home already, jetting out early. Kurt and I remain. He is a Marine. He never misses an opportunity to be a hero. He will make a third trip to the airport with Karen. Karen is the matriarch of the BAC family of fans, board members, and alumni. I am blessed to be part of the gang each year. It’s time to head out for the Mitten again. Friends are looking forward to seeing me as I become a Vagabond for a couple more weeks of travel. On the 21st, I will head to the annual North Country Trail Celebration before finally heading home to be along the Mill Brook. I’ll keep you posted.