Aug 26, 2020 MEMPHIS, TN, AUGUST 26, 2020 – Varsity Performing Arts, a division of Varsity Spirit—the global leader in apparel, camps and competitions for cheerleading teams, dance teams, and bands—and Drum Corps International (DCI) announced today that they are joining forces to expand, reimagine, and reintroduce SoundSport® as a Scholastic Performance Event Series in Fall 2021. Launched in 2013 as a part of the DCI Summer Tour, SoundSport® empowers musicians and performing arts groups of all sizes to stage audience-focused performances that reflect their local schools and communities. The “SoundSport® Scholastic” expansion program will increase overall participation in SoundSport® and ensure student safety while supporting lifelong participation in music and performing arts. Designed to welcome thousands of new participants, the program will eliminate barriers to participation and offer high-quality performance formats on both live and virtual stages. Groups will be encouraged to perform locally in a broad range of categories that can create pathways for national and international performance opportunities. “Our mission is to bring the life-enriching benefits and enjoyment of marching music performance to more people worldwide,” said Dan Acheson, CEO of Drum Corps International. “Our partnership with Varsity Performing Arts to launch the ‘SoundSport® Scholastic’ program will provide magnificent, expanded stages for performers to engage in the pursuit and achievement of their personal best.” Varsity Performing Arts’ mission is to offer the most enriching opportunities possible for all marching arts performers, fueling the passion and spirit found in every high school across America, on every sideline, in every halftime show, during every season. One of the company’s main goals is to create more opportunities for students to participate in music and performing arts with an eye on crowd engagement, creativity, and belonging to something bigger than themselves. “Varsity Performing Arts is excited to partner with DCI to introduce SoundSport® in a scholastic setting,” said Ben Schroeder, Manager for Varsity Performing Arts. “As ‘Marching Music’s Major League,’ DCI has fostered a pursuit of excellence and created an environment known internationally as the pinnacle of the art form for Marching Arts.” For more information on SoundSport®, visit soundsport.com. For more information about hosting, adjudicating or participating in future SoundSport® Scholastic events, or becoming an official affiliate circuit partner, visit https://varsityspirit.wufoo.com/forms/z1ymm9tx0guy76n/. About Varsity Performing Arts Varsity Performing Arts is a branch of Varsity Spirit, the leader in cheer, dance, and scholastic band with a mission to elevate the performing experience for all students through camps, education, and events. Through educational initiatives, Varsity Performing Arts works with coaches, leaders, and participants across campuses to develop opportunities for collaborative spirit in school and the surrounding community. For more information on Varsity Performing Arts, and to see the full line up of 2021 events, visit varsityperformingarts.com. About Drum Corps International DCI is the standard-bearer for elite marching arts. They are the world leader in producing and sanctioning competitive events for the world’s most elite and exclusive touring marching music ensembles. Their commitment to excellence fosters a loyal worldwide community of educators and performers alike. For more information, visit dci.org.
