Dear 2020 Blue Devil Members,
We are writing to you to share important information in these unprecedented and difficult times. We know that your daily lives have been disrupted with changes in how you attend school or work, and interact with your family. We understand that with this disruption, it brings a great deal of uncertainty. We acknowledge that Drum Corps and its related activities are extremely important to you. We also understand that everyone was committed to an amazing 2020 summer and you have made considerable sacrifices to participate.
Every decision we make, we consider you and all the individuals involved with our organization.
We have been closely following and adhering to the guidance of the CDC and WHO, and we are committed to providing the safest possible environment, now and through these challenging times. Global health and economic conditions are currently affecting our ability to operate BDPA programs amidst these challenging circumstances.
After much deliberation with the Drum Corps International Voting Membership, the decision has been made to cancel the 2020 DCI summer tour. We at BD Performing Arts agree and support this decision. As a result, we are cancelling the Blue Devils 2020 summer tour and suspending all in-person activities for the immediate future. This includes BD International. Diablo Wind Symphony students, please stay up to date on the DWS web page about end of season events and auditions. John Maltester will be in contact.
We firmly believe that these conditions will not persist indefinitely. We will continue to work on all options available to us during this time. We intend to use the remainder of the 2020 calendar year to prepare for the future.
Many of you that have participated with the Blue Devils know we have never given up in any situation, and we will not start now. Look back on your many years of involvement. We all will draw on that strength of determination and conviction. We won’t back down. Ever. We will rally around each other at this time like we have done in the past, and be there for each other now in these uncertain times. You and everyone involved in the Blue Devils have always risen to every challenge we have faced, and we are determined to collectively meet this one confidently and unafraid.
DCI has passed a rule change for all members whose last year of eligibility was the 2020 season. These members will have their eligibility extended and will be able compete in the 2021 season. This measure will only apply to those participants “aging-out” in 2020 and shall not further extend to those scheduled to become ineligible in 2021 or beyond.
We are aware that this information will create questions. We will have a Zoom meeting at 5:00pm PDT Thursday, March 26 with the Blue Devils A Corps; and Friday, March 27 at 5:00pm with the Blue Devils B Corps to personally meet with all of you and answer questions. Please see you email from us in your inbox with details.
We have also developed an FAQ page.
The Blue Devils have been defined by very specific philosophies. As we look forward, it is appropriate to look back on the words of our founder, Jerry Seawright, when he was moving us from a drum and bell corps to the current Blue Devils:
”We prefer the challenges to a guaranteed existence and the thrill of fulfillment to the stale and calm of conforming. We have never cowered before any master nor bent to any threat. It is our heritage to stand erect, proud, and unafraid.”
— Jerry Seawright —
We are here for you if you have any questions or just want, or need to talk to someone we have included our cell numbers and email addresses so you can reach out to us anytime. We are here for you.
Please do your part with social distancing and washing your hands. Even though you are young and healthy, you could be carrying the virus to someone you love or do not even know. We will be in consistent communication through the spring and summer. Please be safe and stay healthy.
Thank you
Your Blue Devils family