INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Every year, the day before prelims at Lucas Oil Stadium, Drum Corps International hosts a Performers’ Showcase (also known as Individual & Ensemble, or I&E) competition for soloists and small groups from competing drum corps to come together in a different kind of friendly competition.
This year, the Blue Knights had 15 performers participate, and many of them returned with first place titles. Four Blue Knights were crowned as champions in their respective events: Mikala Mortensen (Flute), Austin Gaesser (Saxophone), Brian Boydston (Trumpet), and Austin Horton (Auxiliary). Two members received silver medals: Adam Gammons (Tuba) and Christian Luke (Flag).  Three members took bronze medals: Ernie Olives (Dance), Nick Bedard (Auxiliary), and Krista Shields (Vocal).
Here’s how the scores played out (*denotes first place):
*Mikala Mortensen (Flute): 95.0
*Austin Gaesser (Saxophone): 95.6
Adam Gammons (Tuba): 84.0
Tyler Salyer (Tuba): 77.9
Jorge Alarcon (Tuba): 73.0
Nathan Salyer (Tuba): 69.3
*Brian Boydston (Trumpet): 93.0
Jamey Morgan (Trombone): 85.0
Ernie Olivas (Dance): 93.5
Christian Luke (Flag): 92.5
*Austin Horton (Auxiliary): 99.0
Nick Bedard (Auxiliary): 97.0
Sarah Pichardo (Auxiliary): 95.5
Krista Shields (Vocal): 85.4
» View all of the results of all DCI drum corps performers here.
Congratulations to all of our wonderful performers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Hanna is a native of Des Moines, Iowa and is currently pursuing degrees in Communication and in English at Truman State University, located in northeast Missouri.
Rachel has been a passionate supporter of music and the marching arts for many years; she performed in Truman’s Statesmen Color Guard in 2014, was on the founding executive board & design team of Amethyst Independent Winter Guard in 2015, and has been involved in various choirs throughout her life. She continues her involvement in Truman State’s music department through Sigma Alpha Iota, a national women’s music fraternity. She is excited to combine her professional communication interest with her love for the arts as a member of this brand new internship team.