Presenting a drum line comprised of 14 recently graduated Blue Devil percussionists along with the corps' famed percussion director Scott Johnson, the "Blue Devils All-Star Drum Line" will be featured performers at several events during their visit and will present System Blue Clinics to musicians and educators from across the Baltic region.
Sponsored by Artspark, a youth development program based in Lithuania and founded by former Blue Devil drum major Daniel Ray, the Blue Devils make their first-ever appearance in this region of Europe, having taken a segment of the corps to France in 1992 and then the entire corps to several nations in western Europe in 2002 and again in 2005.
"The opportunity to travel to Europe with the Blue Devils in 1992 significantly influenced my own life-path. This first experience with international travel helped shape my own worldview, inspired me to continue traveling and eventually live overseas." states Daniel Ray. "As a result my own experience, I fundamentally believe in the mission and value of the Blue Devils' One Music One World program. The partnership between Artspark and the Blue Devils aims to not only create additional international opportunities for the next generation of Blue Devils, but provide both musical and personal role models for youth in Eastern Europe."
Arriving in Vilnius on May 8, the percussionists will perform as a featured act on an outdoor stage as part of the Vilnius Street Fair. The event concludes with several System Blue Clinics for percussionists and educators from across eastern Europe and the Baltic region.
David Gibbs, Executive Director of the Blue Devils, is excited for the opportunity. "We believe strongly in the value of international exchange and are proud to be able to expose current and former Blue Devil members to a variety of international experiences, bringing our unique brand of entertainment and excellence in education to fans around the world."
Gibbs goes on to share that the Blue Devil's "One Music One World" initiative allows the Blue Devils organization to integrate its members, teaching staff and System Blue Clinics in order to serve a variety of international requests. "Just this year alone we have been able to send ensembles and teachers to South Africa, Taiwan, Guatemala and Brazil. Adding Lithuania to this list is an exciting development for everyone involved".
To learn more about the Blue Devils' One Music One World initiative, visit bluedevils.org/about/omow.
To learn more about System Blue Live Events and Clinics, Products, and Publications, visit systemblue.org.