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G7 Power Struggle in DCI

Aug 19, 2025

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Overview

This video discusses the attempted power grab by the G7 corps within Drum Corps International (DCI), how the Boston Crusaders challenged this through their 2014 "Animal Farm" show, and reflects on the broader impact of these events in the drum corps community.

The G7 and DCI Power Struggle

  • In 2010, leaders of the top seven corps (G7) proposed changes to DCI governance and compensation, giving themselves more power and money.
  • The G7 corps were Blue Devils, Carolina Crown, The Cadets, The Cavaliers, Santa Clara Vanguard, Bluecoats, and Phantom Regiment.
  • The G7 suggested a tiered system for corps classification, voting, and pay, which most other corps opposed and ultimately rejected.
  • In 2013, G7 threatened to split from DCI, forming "Music in Motion" and offering a revised governance plan favoring themselves.
  • These actions led to division and resentment within the DCI community.

Boston Crusaders' Response: "Animal Farm" in 2014

  • Boston Crusaders' 2014 show "Animal Farm" was a deliberate critique of G7's attempts to dominate DCI.
  • The show incorporated multiple references to both the G7 situation and George Orwell’s "Animal Farm," symbolizing power imbalances.
  • Visual elements included guard silks with Communist and DCI logos, a G7 field set, and thematic use of baby powder as a callback to a 2013 controversy.
  • The show’s narrative drew parallels between DCI's history and the allegory of Animal Farm, highlighting issues of equality and corruption.

Competitive and Community Impact

  • "Animal Farm" sparked conversation in the drum corps community about fairness, power, and resistance.
  • Boston Crusaders opted for a difficult show, prioritizing artistic statement over competitive success, based on member consensus.
  • The show did not place highly competitively but solidified Boston’s reputation for bold programming and set the stage for their future prominence.

Creator’s Reflections and Channel Goals

  • The video creator, Chris, thanks viewers for previous support and outlines intentions to elevate the quality of drum corps-related content on YouTube.
  • Plans include a mix of drum corps history, reaction videos, and efforts to provide more original, less repetitive coverage.

Decisions

  • Boston Crusaders chose a challenging artistic show over an easier, more competitive one for their 2014 season.

Action Items

  • TBD – Chris (creator): Continue producing innovative drum corps content and engage with audience feedback.

Full transcript