Bluecoats preparing for 2024 season at Mount Union
ALLIANCE − The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps will return this week to train at University of Mount Union.
Most of the team, which includes 160 performers, moves in Thursday and will spend six weeks preparing for the 2024 season. There will be an estimated 250 people, including staff, involved in the Bluecoats.
The first practice is Friday, and the team breaks camp July 1 − a day after the Bluecoats Party in the Plaza at Centennial Plaza in Canton. The team then will start its competition schedule July 2 at Summer Music Games at Atrium Stadium in Cincinnati.
"Mount Union already feels like home for the Bluecoats organization," said Bluecoats chief executive officer Mike Scott. "We're thrilled to be returning and embarking on our new five-year residency agreement."
Summer fun guide: More than 40 concerts and fests to be held in the Canton area
In February, the Bluecoats and Mount Union announced a five-year deal to keep the 2016 world champion's training site in Alliance. The contract followed a trial run last year after the Bluecoats left Indiana Wesleyan University.
At that time, Mount Union President Gregory L. King championed the partnership, describing the Bluecoats as a "nationally known, top-notch organization" that drew local support. His position was reiterated last week.
"We look forward to the opportunity to continue to put our campus and its facilities to good use over the summer months while also making a positive economic impact on our community," King said. "We hope to welcome even more visitors to Mount Union in 2024 and beyond to experience the class act that is Bluecoats.”
Local businesses encouraged to welcome Bluecoats
To his point, the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce has been encouraging local businesses to welcome and support the Bluecoats. Performers rehearse Tuesday through Sunday. They have free time on Mondays, and look for places to shop and dine.
The team also sparks visits to Alliance.
"Bluecoats draws visitor traffic to its rehearsals," the chamber said in an email. "Additional events, such as the Blue Way Summer Arts Camp, Bluecoats Fellowship, Band Director Days, and Opening Night Community Celebration will bring additional guests to the campus beyond the 250-plus individuals who will be involved with the Spring Training."
Rehearsals are open to the public unless posted otherwise. Photo, video and audio recording of any kind is prohibited without permission.
In addition to training, Bluecoats will offer programs, activities
The different programs being offered in 2024 from the Bluecoats and Mount Union under the five-year partnership are:
Band Director Days − Band directors can watch rehearsals, meet the staff, learn more about the Bluecoats approach and meet other band directors. More details will be released.
The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp (June 28-29) − Annual two-day summer camp for high school and college students to learn from the Bluecoats instruction team and spend two days living alongside the Bluecoats while they train for the season.
Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration (June 29) − Annual worldwide debut of the Bluecoats' production for each season. The event also showcases local music and arts programming like Bluecoats' Rhythm In Blue, the EN-RICH-MENT Drumline and Cincinnati Tradition.
Bluecoats Fellowship − Honors program for a select few "up-and-coming designers in the marching arts who come from traditionally underrepresented communities." Nearly 100 applications have been submitted for the 2024 program
Also, the Alliance Community Day will run 4 to 8 p.m. June 20 at Kehres Stadium at Mount Union. There will be food trucks and the Bluecoats will practice at 6:45 p.m. in the stadium. Attending the event is free.
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: The Bluecoats to train for six weeks at Mount Union in Alliance
