CDA Regulation updates for the 2015 season

The 2014 drumline season was a great success! The inaugural year of the truly “Canadian” Canadian Drumline Association saw expansion to include events in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as a full circuit and championships in Québec through a partnership with the FAMQ. Executive Director Michael Beauclerc and Assistant Director Chad Morford recently met with the CDA board of directors to reflect on the 2014 season, and begin planning for 2015. The following regulation updates will be implemented for the 2015 season of Canadian Drumline Association competitions.

The CDA has a wide variety of Alumni Class ensembles competing and performing in multiple provinces. Previously there was a single classification – “Alumni Class”, and it was adjudicated with the same criteria and skill requirements as Premier Class. The CDA has Alumni ensembles that do not march, and the Premier visual skills require advanced choreography and marching techniques. Therefore the CDA has created the “Concert Alumni Class”, with advanced music requirements, and stand-still visual requirements. Marching Alumni ensembles may continue to compete in Alumni Class.

The regulations and adjudication system of the CDA accommodate the diversity of accompaniment instrumentation choices that Canadian drumlines perform with, while keeping the focus on the “Drumline” (as defined by regulation 2.0). This focussed approach allows all adjudicators to judge all performers, while providing our diverse ensembles with an equal opportunity for success.

We are excited to announce that, moving forward, the CDA will be providing real-time audio feedback from the adjudicators. All judges will use hand-held audio recorders during each performance, and provide valuable feedback in real-time. Audio files will be emailed or uploaded to each drumline director at the end of each competition.

For further information regarding regulations, please visit our website www.canadiandrumlineassociation.org/regulations.