Epic Drum and Bugle Corps Battle: Midwest Bands Blaze in Cedarburg

Colorguard of the Colt Cadets, their flags illuminated by the setting sun.Photo byJim DeLillo, photographer

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Blaring brass and pounding drums echoed in the evening in Cedarburg.

The 24th annual Rotary Music Festival featured the Drum and Bugle Corps show.

The spectacle was performed by five competing bands from around the Midwest.

• Colt Cadets, Dubuque, IA
• Madison Scouts, Madison, WI
• Blue Stars, LaCrosse, WI
• Colts, Dubuque, IA
• Cavaliers, Rosemont, IL

The Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton, a community service organization, hosted the event as a fundraiser for their charitable work.

The well-attended event was held at Cedarburg High School Athletic Field. The bleachers facing the sun made for a warm evening with much squinting until the sun went down.

The bands took the field with precision and grandeur.

Each band conducted elaborate theatrical performances with themes like "The Woods," featuring Peter and the Wolf by the Colt Cadets, and "Universal," in which the Blue Stars moved in meticulous choreography with large planetary objects as a backdrop.

"Mosaic", the performance by the Madison Scouts shows off the large colorful props.Photo byJim DeLillo, photographer

During the 1990s, there was a rise in the use of props in Drum Corps International (DCI) shows. This period marked a transition to visually engaging performances beyond marching and playing music. Over time, these props have become more advanced and essential in telling stories and enhancing the appeal of the shows.

I was surprised to see every band include marimbas and a stationary percussion section, as the origins of Drum and Bugle Corps is marching bands.

MArimbas were featured with all the bands.Photo byJim DeLillo, photographer

The marimba entered Drum Corps International (DCI) shows around the mid-1980s. Bringing in the marimba and ensemble percussion instruments signaled a notable change in drum corps performances' musical and visual intricacy, enabling a broader range of elaborate arrangements. This shift shaped the sound and performance approaches within DCI.

This year's Rotary Music Festival has achieved a milestone thanks to the sponsors, passionate supporters, and the talented drum and bugle corps. The Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton is excited to share that in the 24 years, they have raised over $1 million successfully. These funds have impacted community initiatives, educational scholarships, and crisis relief efforts worldwide.

The Madison Scouts are featured in the Cedarburg July 4th parade and will perform in concert after the parade at Cedar Creek Park.