presented by Drum Corps International,
hosted by Bluecoats
August 4, 2025 | Canton, OH
BANDtastic! is a program of Drum Corps International designed to celebrate the commitment to excellence made by middle school music programs all across the United States.
The nomination process is open now for BANDtastic! Canton 2025!
One-Day Middle School
Honor Band at Innovations in Brass
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
August 4, 2025
Full day of instruction, a t-shirt, swag, and a ticket to Innovations in Brass for $99/student. Event ends with a performance alongside Rhythm IN BLUE
at Innovations in Brass!
Nominate your students!
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1. Interest Form
Directors, create a Sideline Learning account.
Then, fill out the interest form to get your school involved with BANDtastic! Canton 2025!
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2. Nominations - Due March 1
Early February, you will receive a nomination link — share this with your students that would be a good fit for BANDtastic! Canton! Students will be asked to accept their nomination by March 1.
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3. Director Recommendation - Due March 21
Once your students have accepted their nomination, we will ask you to confirm their nomination to be sent to our BANDtastic! review committee.
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4. Registration - Due May 24
Acceptance letters and a link to register & pay for BANDtastic! Canton will be sent to selected students & directors on April 14th. Students who register by May 3 save $10 with early bird pricing.
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5. Have a blast at BANDtastic! - August 4
Students get a full day of instruction, a t-shirt, swag, and a ticket to Innovations in Brass. The event ends with a performance alongside Rhythm IN BLUE
at Innovations in Brass!
Why Should My Students Get Involved?
Participation in this program motivates middle school students to consider the arts as they make important skills development decisions for their high school years and beyond, and impact lifelong arts behaviors.
Students who participate in the BANDtastic! program will enjoy the following opportunities:
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime performance in front of thousands of spectators as a part of the national schedule of DCI Tour events
Take part in rehearsals and sectionals with professional artists and engaging educational clinicians
Take part in additional structured activities that promise to be packed full of engaging performances and speakers
Tickets to Innovations in Brass, presented by Solotech and the opportunity to observe performances from the “best-of-the-best” marching music ensembles
Exclusive BANDtastic! gear and “Swag” bags
FAQs
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Participation is open to students currently in grades 6-8 in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Exceptional and mature students in the 5th grade who will be incoming 6th graders in the 2025-2026 academic year are also eligible. If your student is entering the 9th grade during the 2025-2026 academic year, they're still eligible!
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Students are selected and accepted to the BANDtastic! honor band based on nominations from their band directors.
If you’re a student, tell your band director about this program so they can nominate you and your classmates! You can tell them to check out this website for more information: bluecoats.com/bandtastic.
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Early-Bird Registration by May 3 is $89
Regular Registration after May 3 is $99
Students get
To participate in the BANDtastic! honor band - including a session with a special speaker
A t-shirt & other swag
A ticket to Innovations in Brass, presented by Solotech
A meal
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Check out a more detailed FAQ page here.
If your question still isn’t answered, email us at bandtastic@bluecoats.com!
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