Music City Drum Corps in residency at Mars Hill University for summer training

Mars Hill, NC (06/23/2025) — Music City Drum Corps, a premier marching music ensemble, is in residency at Mars Hill University through July 4 for the second leg of its spring training rehearsals. The 165-member corps is using the campus as its home base while preparing for the 2025 Drum Corps International Summer Tour.

The ensemble, which includes young performers from more than 26 states and Puerto Rico, will conduct daily rehearsals across the Mars Hill campus as they prepare drill work and choreography for their competitive season. Community members are welcome to observe the rehearsals during the corps' two-week residency.

"We're thrilled to be welcomed by Mars Hill University and the Mars Hill community," said Chaz Bledsoe, corps director of Music City Drum Corps. "This campus provides the ideal environment for our members to rehearse, grow, and build the unity and excellence needed for a successful season."

The residency will conclude with a Friends and Family performance on Thursday, July 3, at 7 p.m. in Meares Stadium. The free public performance will showcase the ensemble's complete 2025 production before the corps departs for their nationwide tour.

Music City Drum Corps will compete in more than 80 events during their summer tour, with the season culminating at the DCI World Championships August 7-9 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The corps' 2025 tour includes stops in Lexington, South Carolina; Sevierville, Tennessee; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Founded in 2009 as a program of Music City Youth in the Arts, Music City Drum Corps has established itself as a World Class ensemble in Drum Corps International competition. The organization provides performance opportunities, leadership training, and character development for members aged 16-21. MHU music professor Brian Tinkel is percussion director and ensemble coordinator for this year's Music City Drum Corps.

Drum Corps International, known as "Marching Music's Major League," features more than 7,500 performers annually and connects with over 22,000 high schools and colleges nationwide. The DCI Summer Tour brings high-level marching music performances to audiences across the country.