On the Field

The 2026 DCI season is moving toward its first major checkpoint, and the entire World Class field is about to collide in San Antonio. In this Week 2 episode of On the Field, Daniel Montoya Jr. and the GErMs recap the action from Drums Along the Smokies, Drums Across America, and the Kiwanis Thunder of Drums before checking the current rankings in Corps Clash. We also take a closer look at the 2026...

The 2026 DCI season rolls on, and we're starting to get our first real look at the competitive landscape. Daniel Montoya Jr. and the GErMs recap the latest competitions from Wisconsin & California, break down each corps' opening score and how it compares to last season, and take a look at the current DCI rankings. Then, we turn our attention to the shows themselves with thoughts and re...

The 2026 DCI season is heating up, and there's plenty happening on and off the field. The GErMs take a closer look at the 2026 productions from the Boston Crusaders, Colts, and Spartans, sharing our first impressions and thoughts on each show. We also recap Brad Furlano's appointment as the new DCI CEO and what the leadership change could mean for the activity, break down the results and e...

Welcome to the debut episode of On the Field! The 2026 DCI season is officially underway, and we're covering everything from the first competitive weekend. Join Daniel Montoya Jr. and the GErMs as they recap the latest show announcements, break down the weekend's results, review the productions that premiered, and discuss the biggest storylines emerging across Drum Corps International. Which corps...

It's prediction time. The GErMs put their reputations on the line and make their predictions for the 2026 DCI World Class season. From Finals placements and dark horses to breakout corps and championship contenders, we're making our picks before the season begins. Which predictions will age like fine wine... or milk? Drop your predictions in the comments and join the conversation.

The countdown is on. The GErMs take a first look at the 2026 DCI World Class season, discussing the corps, concepts, music, and storylines that have us excited for the summer ahead. Which productions have the most potential? Which show announcements caught our attention? Who could be poised to make a move up the rankings? And what are the biggest questions we'll be watching as the season unfolds?...

Every drum corps fan has had this conversation before: If you could hire anyone in drum corps history, who would be on your design team? In this episode, the GErMs turn that debate into a draft. From drill writers and brass arrangers to percussion composers, visual designers, and creative directors, we're building our dream DCI design staff one pick at a time. No duplicates. No stealing. Once a de...

With only four spots available, the GErMs are taking on one of the toughest debates in drum corps: Which DCI shows belong on Mount Rushmore? This isn't a conversation about the best shows ever. It's about the most iconic, influential, important, and defining productions in Drum Corps International history. The shows that changed the activity, shaped generations of performers, and left a lasting im...

With just weeks until the start of the season, the GErMs put together their ultimate drum corps wish list. Sharing songs, symphonies, film scores, and hidden GEMs we'd love to hear on the field someday. From serious design concepts to a few wild-card picks, we're playing armchair program coordinator and imagining what each World Class corps could do with the right piece of music. Drop your own wis...

With just 46 days until the start of the 2026 competitive drum corps season, the GErMs are looking both forward… and backward. In this episode, Daniel Montoya Jr., Aaron “Through a Glass” Blackley, and William “Tell” Bradfield dive into their favorite, least favorite, best, worst, most underrated, most overrated, and most confusing shows from *almost* every World Class drum corps. From legendary m...

This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley recap WGI Percussion & Winds Championships, break down drum corps shows on Pressboxd, and look ahead to drum corps season!

This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley give their predictions for WGI Percussion Championships, recap WGI Color Guard Championships, break down drum corps shows on Pressboxd, and more!

This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley give their final picks for the DCI World Champions Bracket (March Bandness), discuss the Boise Gems 2026 show announcement, preview the coming weeks in indoor winter percussion & color guard, and more!

Welcome to The Program, your deep dive into the sounds, visuals, and ideas driving the marching arts forward. We don’t just watch the show. We break it down, tear it apart, and celebrate the art of marching design. This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley give their picks for rounds 3 & 4 of the DCI World Champions Bracket (March Bandness), disc...

Welcome to The Program, your deep dive into the sounds, visuals, and ideas driving the marching arts forward. We don’t just watch the show. We break it down, tear it apart, and celebrate the art of marching design. This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley introduce the DCI World Champions Bracket (March Bandness), discuss the Troopers' announcement...

Welcome to The Program—your deep dive into the sounds, visuals, and ideas driving the marching arts forward. We don’t just watch the show. We break it down, tear it apart, and celebrate the art of marching design. This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley rank their favorite 2026 PIW Indoor shows, recognize March Fourth, make a HUGE announcement, and...

Welcome to The Program—your deep dive into the sounds, visuals, and ideas driving the marching arts forward. We don’t just watch the show. We break it down, tear it apart, and celebrate the art of marching design. This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley discuss GMU's 2026 production, "The Masons," DCI Leaks & Rumours, upcoming WGI Regionals, an...

Welcome to The Program—your deep dive into the sounds, visuals, and ideas driving the marching arts forward. We don’t just watch the show. We break it down, tear it apart, and celebrate the art of marching design. This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley discuss the Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime show, RCC's 2026 production, "Line Between Us," the UI...

Welcome to The Program—your deep dive into the sounds, visuals, and ideas driving the marching arts forward. We don’t just watch the show. We break it down, tear it apart, and celebrate the art of marching design. This week on The Program, hosts Daniel Montoya Jr., William Bradfield, and Aaron Blackley discuss the DCI Annual Meeting, Texas UIL news, changes at Avon and Cedar Park high schools, and...