DRUMS on the OHIO

DRUMS on the OHIO has an extensive history dating to 1978, with many thanks to the Evansville Civitan Club. They sponsored not only the show, but also the Evansville-based Imperial Guard Drum and Bugle Corps, which existed from 1980-1982. The Civitan-sponsored show ran for 30 years and took a brief hiatus. In 2013, members and friends of the F.J. Reitz Instrumental Music Boosters began producing the show, restoring the event to its former success, and attracting enthusiastic audiences of over 3,500 to Reitz Bowl in 2013 & 2014. DRUMS on the OHIO is once again a member of the Drum Corps International (DCI) Summer Tour and is the only DCI show within a 200 mile radius of Evansville. Individuals who are members of visiting drum and bugle corps all started as young musicians in local communities like ours. The mission of DRUMS on the OHIO is to further music education across the Tri-state, by contributing funds to local instrumental music programs and providing valuable scholarships to individuals from our area that join DCI corps, advancing their music careers. The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation and other local school corporations show tremendous support to our event by providing housing and rehearsal sites to visiting corps. This allows students to attend rehearsals and observe the discipline, dedication, and perseverance that all attending corps members exemplify. In addition, we offer middle school and high school students the opportunity to participate in the playing of the Star Spangled Banner as part of the opening ceremonies. Students are instructed by members of visiting corps during rehearsals, providing valuable education and adding to their music experience. We take great pride in hosting Drum Corps International in our community. Fans and families travel great distances to attend. More than 1000 performers from all over the world, 3500+ spectators, and over 100 volunteers make the evening truly amazing.