Unveiling the 2024 Season Schedule for Northern Lights Drum & Bugle Corps

As the church bell echoes of the 2023 season fade into memory, anticipation is building for the next firey chapter in the Northern Lights Drum & Bugle Corps journey. The 2024 season promises to be an exciting and transformative experience for the corps and its members, and fans alike. We are thrilled to announce our season schedule!

Virtual Informational Q&A Sessions:
Get to Know NLDBC! 

Our Virtual Q&A Sessions offer an excellent way to learn more about Northern Lights, get to know our board of directors and dedicated staff. 

• ​General Q&A on 10/26/2023 @ 8pm, Facebook Live Event
  

• Parent/Guardian Q&A on 11/2/2023 @ 8pm, Facebook Live Event

These sessions will be broken down for general Q&A and a parent/guardian session where we will dedicate our efforts to ensuring that our members' biggest fans are fully informed about what it means to be a member of the Northern Lights.   

Audition Camps:
Where Stars Begin to Shine!

Our journey to excellence begins with the audition camps, where we welcome talented musicians and performers from around the country to join our ranks. These camps provide aspiring members with the opportunity to showcase their skills, learn from our dedicated staff, and immerse themselves in the Northern Lights family. Mark your calendars for these audition camp dates:

• Audition Camp on 11/18/2023 @ 9am-5pm, Newaygo HS
• Call-Back Camp on 12/16/2023 @ 9am-5pm, Newaygo HS
  

These camps are not only a chance to prove your mettle but also to form lasting friendships with fellow performers who share a passion for the marching arts.


Rehearsal Camps:
Stoking the Flame & Forging Unity!

Once our roster is complete, the real work begins. Our spring and summer rehearsal camps are the crucible where raw talent is forged into a harmonious and synchronized corps. Here are the crucial dates to remember:

• Virtual Rehearsal 1 - Saturday, January 6th, 2024: 7pm to 8pm​ on the BAND app​
• Winter Camp 1 - Saturday, January 20th 2024: 9am to 5pm @ Newaygo HS
• Virtual Rehearsal 2 - Saturday, February 3rd, 2024: 7pm to 8pm on the BAND app
• Winter Camp 2 - Saturday,  February 17th 2024: 9am to 5pm @ Newaygo HS
• Virtual Rehearsal 3 - Saturday, March 2nd, 2024: 7pm to 8pm on the BAND app
• Winter Camp 3 - Saturday, March 16th, 2024: 9am to 5pm @ Newaygo HS
• Spring Training Day 1- Friday, April 5th 2024: 1pm to 5pm @ Newaygo HS
• Spring Training Day 2 - Saturday, April 6th 2024: 9am to 5pm @ Newaygo HS
• Spring Training Day 3 - Sunday, April 7th 2024: 9am to 1pm @ Newaygo HS
• Spring Drill Install 1  - Saturday, April 20th 2024: 9am to 5pm @ Newaygo HS 
• Spring Drill Install 2  - Saturday, May 4th 2024: 9am to 5pm @ Newaygo HS 
• Spring Drill Install 3 - Saturday, May 18th 2024: 9am to 5pm @ Newaygo HS 

These camps are where the magic happens. Months of hard work and dedication culminate in the formation of a tight-knit, high-achieving ensemble.

We have virtual rehearsals through the winter which act as memorization checks for at-home practice. Then we step off our spring program with a three day "Spring Training" event, which breaks up fundamentals blocks across spring break weekend and gives our members that feeling of moving into a touring corps.

Then through the spring months, we begin to put the show on the field with drill camps so come summer we'll be ready to perform our field show!


Performance Dates:
A Showcase of Excellence

The Northern Lights Drum & Bugle Corps has begun to build a tradition of blowing our audience away. The months of May, June, and July are for cleaning the show as we prepare for our culminating performance in August.

• Memorial Day Parade –Monday, May 27 2024 - TBD
• Rehearsal  - Saturday, June 1st 2024 
• Rehearsal - Saturday, June 15th 2024 
• Week of June 29th - DCI Show or Rehearsal TBD
• Week of July 13th - DCI Show or Rehearsal TBD
• Week of July 27th - DCI Show or Rehearsal TBD
• Friday, August 2nd - Parade TBD

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for venue announcements and ticket information for these performances.

Burning Bright in Indianapolis:
A Season to Remember

The highlight of our 2024 season will take place in Indianapolis, where we will compete against other elite corps and celebrate the culmination of a successful season. This event promises to be a spectacle of music, movement, and emotion as we strive to leave a lasting impression on judges and fans alike. Save the date for our grand finale:

• Shining a Light on Music Education Friday, August 9th 2024 – TBD
• DCI/SoundSport Championships Performance Saturday, August 10th 2024 - TBD 
• Return home – Sunday, August 11th 2024 - TBD​

As we embark on this exciting journey, the Northern Lights Drum & Bugle Corps invites you to be a part of our 2024 season. Whether you're a dedicated performer, a passionate fan, or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of music and artistry, we welcome you to join us in creating a season filled with unforgettable moments.

• If you are interested in joining us as a member of NLDBC this year, please complete our interest form HERE.
• For more information about ways to support accessible drum corps here in Mid-Michigan, please visit our support page HERE.

We can't wait to share more about our 2024 Northern Lights season with you. It's gonna be HOT! Be Where The Northern Lights Are!

Misty Olmstead
#NLDBC Executive Director