BD 2026: Return of Those Naughty Little Devils!

[jwillis35]

On 12/3/2025 at 6:06 PM, Metalbinky said:

The number I heard was 55.  Interesting about the mellos.  It's a younger Euph line this year (Euphs had been vet heavy)

BD's Euphonium lines the last few seasons were outstanding. Great sound. 

[Metalbinky]

Daygo and I took a trip up the 15 to catch the Blue Devils' rehearsal. We spent about four hours listening to brass sectionals before they finally joined up with percussion for the first full ensemble music runs of the year.

Because they were rehearsing on a basketball court, there wasn’t a great spot to actually see or hear the ensemble—unless you climbed the steep hill right in front of it. So, that's exactly what we did. Another adventurous soul followed us up the hill and introduced himself as Jaime Holly, BD's Visual Caption Head! I had a million things I wanted to ask him, but I decided to hold back and not interrupt his creative process. Eventually, a few other dedicated parents and fans scaled the mountain with us to get their first glimpse of BD 2026.

So… how did they sound?

The staff spent the night fleshing out ideas for each section of music. They would chunk it down—playing Movement 1 from A to D, for example—then the designers would discuss, make tweaks, and have the ensemble run it again. This process went on until the piece was finished, culminating in a full run-through. They did this for both movements we heard, ultimately finishing the first two movements in their entirety. I’m sure they’ll continue to tweak things, but the foundation for the front half of the show is essentially done.

The Musical Takeaways

The sound was undoubtedly "BD-esque," but noticeably different. Here is what stood out:

• Elevated Difficulty: The book feels significantly more challenging compared to any of BD's recent shows.

• Return of the Runs: There are demanding runs from the high brass and mellophones that have definitely been missing from previous productions.

• Dense Chords: The chords in the first movement were incredibly thick. It sounded like each section was broken into four different parts instead of the three we are used to.

• Experimental Instrumentation: There was one section in particular that signals a major experimentation with sound and a very big departure from traditional BD instrumentation (and no, I’m not talking about woodwinds!).

• A Shift in Style: Also, I didn’t hear any jazz, but again, I only heard the first two movements.

I’m so excited for this iteration of BD and think everyone is in for a surprise.

[craiga]

On 2/2/2026 at 9:47 PM, truck251 said:

After scraping BD's website, I found some data and created a spreadsheet. I noticed the following trend for the years:

2008: 0.46753 (vets to hornline ratio), 1 (Brass Caption Rank at Finals), 2 (Finals Overall Placement)
2009: 0.47368, 2, 1
2010: 0.44156, 1, 1
2011: 0.63636, 3, 2
2012: 0.50667, 2, 1
2013: 0.56757, 3, 2
2014: 0.68831, 1, 1
2015: 0.46753, 3, 1
2016: 0.57143, 3, 2
2017: 0.47436, 2, 1
2018: 0.39474, 3, 2
2019: 0.51316, 4, 1

------(COVID)---------
2022: 0.05882, 3, 1
2023: 0.32292, 2, 1
2024: 0.50562, 3, 3
2025: 0.50000, 5, 4
2026 (as of 2/2/26): 0.55435, TBD, TBD

Here is more data I found on BD's hornline sizes over the years:

2008: 24 tpt, 12 mello, 29 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2009: 24 tpt, 16 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (76 total)
2010: 24 tpt, 17 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2011: 24 tpt, 16 mello, 25 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2012: 24 tpt, 15 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (75 total)
2013: 24 tpt, 15 mello, 22 euph, 13 tuba (74 total)
2014: 24 tpt, 15 mello, 26 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2015: 24 tpt, 17 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2016: 24 tpt, 17 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2017: 25 tpt, 16 mello, 24 euph, 13 tuba (78 total)
2018: 24 tpt, 16 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (76 total)
2019: 24 tpt, 16 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (76 total)

---(Member limit increased from 154 to 165)---
2022: 27 tpt, 20 mello, 24 euph, 14 tuba (85 total)
2023: 27 tpt, 24 mello, 30 euph, 15 tuba (96 total)
2024: 27 tpt, 21 mello, 27 euph, 14 tuba (89 total)
2025: 26 tpt, 21 mello, 28 euph, 13 tuba (88 total)
2026 (as of 2/2/26): 31 tpt, 19 mello, 27 euph, 15 tuba (92 total)

Anyways, I am a BD superfan and a nerd who likes to keep track of these things. Wondering if anyone finds this data interesting.

While I don't dispute your research, I am shocked at these recent hornline totals.  I had no idea that anyone had this close to 100 brass on the field, particularly BD. The last couple seasons I would have sworn they were at 72, but I never actually counted them. Maybe my perception was a result of the staging and props, or maybe it was just me.

[Metalbinky]

On 2/2/2026 at 6:47 PM, truck251 said:

After scraping BD's website, I found some data and created a spreadsheet. I noticed the following trend for the years:

2008: 0.46753 (vets to hornline ratio), 1 (Brass Caption Rank at Finals), 2 (Finals Overall Placement)
2009: 0.47368, 2, 1
2010: 0.44156, 1, 1
2011: 0.63636, 3, 2
2012: 0.50667, 2, 1
2013: 0.56757, 3, 2
2014: 0.68831, 1, 1
2015: 0.46753, 3, 1
2016: 0.57143, 3, 2
2017: 0.47436, 2, 1
2018: 0.39474, 3, 2
2019: 0.51316, 4, 1

------(COVID)---------
2022: 0.05882, 3, 1
2023: 0.32292, 2, 1
2024: 0.50562, 3, 3
2025: 0.50000, 5, 4
2026 (as of 2/2/26): 0.55435, TBD, TBD

Here is more data I found on BD's hornline sizes over the years:

2008: 24 tpt, 12 mello, 29 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2009: 24 tpt, 16 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (76 total)
2010: 24 tpt, 17 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2011: 24 tpt, 16 mello, 25 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2012: 24 tpt, 15 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (75 total)
2013: 24 tpt, 15 mello, 22 euph, 13 tuba (74 total)
2014: 24 tpt, 15 mello, 26 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2015: 24 tpt, 17 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2016: 24 tpt, 17 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (77 total)
2017: 25 tpt, 16 mello, 24 euph, 13 tuba (78 total)
2018: 24 tpt, 16 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (76 total)
2019: 24 tpt, 16 mello, 24 euph, 12 tuba (76 total)

---(Member limit increased from 154 to 165)---
2022: 27 tpt, 20 mello, 24 euph, 14 tuba (85 total)
2023: 27 tpt, 24 mello, 30 euph, 15 tuba (96 total)
2024: 27 tpt, 21 mello, 27 euph, 14 tuba (89 total)
2025: 26 tpt, 21 mello, 28 euph, 13 tuba (88 total)
2026 (as of 2/2/26): 31 tpt, 19 mello, 27 euph, 15 tuba (92 total)

Anyways, I am a BD superfan and a nerd who likes to keep track of these things. Wondering if anyone finds this data interesting.

Post pandemic BD has seen the corps contract many more alternate members.  I imagine that originally the decision to contract alternates was driven by the uncertainty of the pandemic.  The effect has been positive as the overall cost to members has been lower than that of other corps in the competitive tier.

Alternates can and do fill spots due to members leaving for whatever reason, and they are generally accepted in future seasons without going through the rigorous audition process that new auditionees go through.

[truck251]

4 hours ago, Metalbinky said:

Daygo and I took a trip up the 15 to catch the Blue Devils' rehearsal. We spent about four hours listening to brass sectionals before they finally joined up with percussion for the first full ensemble music runs of the year.

Because they were rehearsing on a basketball court, there wasn’t a great spot to actually see or hear the ensemble—unless you climbed the steep hill right in front of it. So, that's exactly what we did. Another adventurous soul followed us up the hill and introduced himself as Jaime Holly, BD's Visual Caption Head! I had a million things I wanted to ask him, but I decided to hold back and not interrupt his creative process. Eventually, a few other dedicated parents and fans scaled the mountain with us to get their first glimpse of BD 2026.

So… how did they sound?

The staff spent the night fleshing out ideas for each section of music. They would chunk it down—playing Movement 1 from A to D, for example—then the designers would discuss, make tweaks, and have the ensemble run it again. This process went on until the piece was finished, culminating in a full run-through. They did this for both movements we heard, ultimately finishing the first two movements in their entirety. I’m sure they’ll continue to tweak things, but the foundation for the front half of the show is essentially done.

The Musical Takeaways

The sound was undoubtedly "BD-esque," but noticeably different. Here is what stood out:

• Elevated Difficulty: The book feels significantly more challenging compared to any of BD's recent shows.

• Return of the Runs: There are demanding runs from the high brass and mellophones that have definitely been missing from previous productions.

• Dense Chords: The chords in the first movement were incredibly thick. It sounded like each section was broken into four different parts instead of the three we are used to.

• Experimental Instrumentation: There was one section in particular that signals a major experimentation with sound and a very big departure from traditional BD instrumentation (and no, I’m not talking about woodwinds!).

• A Shift in Style: Also, I didn’t hear any jazz, but again, I only heard the first two movements.

I’m so excited for this iteration of BD and think everyone is in for a surprise.

Wow! This is fantastic news, and the most we have gotten regarding pre-season hornline/show information in 2026 so far. I have a million questions that obviously can't be answered yet, but I'll try and humor you with some less show-specific ones:

1. Is there a clear show theme based on the music you heard?

2. Does it feel like BD is moving back towards more full ensemble moments/phrase building and less section feature --> drum break --> section feature?

3. Was any of the music they played easily recognizable to the average musician? (This isn't a trap, I love when BD takes pieces of music that are unknown and arranges them!)

4. Do you think aspects of the show be controversial (from what you have heard)?

PS: We are extremely grateful for you and all of the other people that continue to support BD and DCI in general!

[Metalbinky]

1 hour ago, truck251 said:

Wow! This is fantastic news, and the most we have gotten regarding pre-season hornline/show information in 2026 so far. I have a million questions that obviously can't be answered yet, but I'll try and humor you with some less show-specific ones:

1. Is there a clear show theme based on the music you heard?

2. Does it feel like BD is moving back towards more full ensemble moments/phrase building and less section feature --> drum break --> section feature?

3. Was any of the music they played easily recognizable to the average musician? (This isn't a trap, I love when BD takes pieces of music that are unknown and arranges them!)

4. Do you think aspects of the show be controversial (from what you have heard)?

PS: We are extremely grateful for you and all of the other people that continue to support BD and DCI in general!

Show theme- it isn’t clear to me but I have my own ideas based on the titles of the movements.  The conductors (design staff or from majors) clearly articulated the titles of the movements, but I can’t provide that info.

Full ensemble vs sections - yes, and this was surprising.    There are moments where it feels like the different sections layer on each other to contribute to a whole ensemble sound, instead of featuring individual sections.  There WAS a small trumpet section where the designers experimented with different effects on that ensemble.  The drum break that I heard was more integrated within the movement AND it was so many notes, (a lot of notes!)

I knew none of the music, though each movement gave me a different feeling.  The opening was very new, fresh, a signal that BD is trying something new (for them).   Movement 1 was dark, (murderous).  2 very different more happy.  Each movement felt like full piece instead of a snipet. 
 

Recognizable Music - probably if you listen to music written for wind ensembles.  The pre-music may have been pop music, I’m not certain.  But the 2 movements after the opening I didn’t recognize BUT to me they were both written for wind bands. 

Controversial.  Even with my idea of what I think the show theme might be (based on movement titles - which are probably titles of the pieces themselves), I can’t see anything so far as controversial.  The biggest surprise is in instrumentation, but it’s more like - oh cool!  rather than WTH?  

Sorry being cryptic in what I can say, I gotta respect the corps for having an open rehearsal and allowing parents/fans to view the process.  
Edit: I had one of the song titles incorrect.  I have zero idea about theme, but knowing the title does open many more questions as to the “why” use the song, which may be controversial

Edited March 2 by Metalbinky

[DAYGO]

5 hours ago, Metalbinky said:

Daygo and I took a trip up the 15 to catch the Blue Devils' rehearsal. We spent about four hours listening to brass sectionals before they finally joined up with percussion for the first full ensemble music runs of the year.

Because they were rehearsing on a basketball court, there wasn’t a great spot to actually see or hear the ensemble—unless you climbed the steep hill right in front of it. So, that's exactly what we did. Another adventurous soul followed us up the hill and introduced himself as Jaime Holly, BD's Visual Caption Head! I had a million things I wanted to ask him, but I decided to hold back and not interrupt his creative process. Eventually, a few other dedicated parents and fans scaled the mountain with us to get their first glimpse of BD 2026.

So… how did they sound?

The staff spent the night fleshing out ideas for each section of music. They would chunk it down—playing Movement 1 from A to D, for example—then the designers would discuss, make tweaks, and have the ensemble run it again. This process went on until the piece was finished, culminating in a full run-through. They did this for both movements we heard, ultimately finishing the first two movements in their entirety. I’m sure they’ll continue to tweak things, but the foundation for the front half of the show is essentially done.

The Musical Takeaways

The sound was undoubtedly "BD-esque," but noticeably different. Here is what stood out:

• Elevated Difficulty: The book feels significantly more challenging compared to any of BD's recent shows.

• Return of the Runs: There are demanding runs from the high brass and mellophones that have definitely been missing from previous productions.

• Dense Chords: The chords in the first movement were incredibly thick. It sounded like each section was broken into four different parts instead of the three we are used to.

• Experimental Instrumentation: There was one section in particular that signals a major experimentation with sound and a very big departure from traditional BD instrumentation (and no, I’m not talking about woodwinds!).

• A Shift in Style: Also, I didn’t hear any jazz, but again, I only heard the first two movements.

I’m so excited for this iteration of BD and think everyone is in for a surprise.

Well summarized!  I am still super hyped from yesterday.  Kid made if back home so can't wait to hear how it went.   Great kickin' it with you bro! 

[truck251]

1 hour ago, Metalbinky said:

Show theme- it isn’t clear to me but I have my own ideas based on the titles of the movements.  The conductors (design staff or from majors) clearly articulated the titles of the movements, but I can’t provide that info.

Full ensemble vs sections - yes, and this was surprising.    There are moments where it feels like the different sections layer on each other to contribute to a whole ensemble sound, instead of featuring individual sections.  There WAS a small trumpet section where the designers experimented with different effects on that ensemble.  The drum break that I heard was more integrated within the movement AND it was so many notes, (a lot of notes!)

I knew none of the music, though each movement gave me a different feeling.  The opening was very new, fresh, a signal that BD is trying something new (for them).   Movement 1 was dark, (murderous).  2 very different more happy.  Each movement felt like full piece instead of a snipet. 
 

Recognizable Music - probably if you listen to music written for wind ensembles.  The pre-music may have been pop music, I’m not certain.  But the 2 movements after the opening I didn’t recognize BUT to me they were both written for wind bands. 

Controversial.  Even with my idea of what I think the show theme might be (based on movement titles - which are probably titles of the pieces themselves), I can’t see anything so far as controversial.  The biggest surprise is in instrumentation, but it’s more like - oh cool!  rather than WTH?  

Sorry being cryptic in what I can say, I gotta respect the corps for having an open rehearsal and allowing parents/fans to view the process.  
Edit: I had one of the song titles incorrect.  I have zero idea about theme, but knowing the title does open many more questions as to the “why” use the song, which may be controversial

Thanks a ton for answering all that, I really appreciate it. I know you can’t get into specifics, which is why I tried to ask the questions the way I did, and what you shared was exactly what I was hoping for. Definitely sounds like something cool is in the works! 

If you end up going to another camp, please give us BD fans more updates 🙂 !!

[dcifanforlife]

7 hours ago, DAYGO said:

Well summarized!  I am still super hyped from yesterday.  Kid made if back home so can't wait to hear how it went.   Great kickin' it with you bro! 

Can we at least hold off the hype until corps move in?   I don't know if I can survive  12 more weeks of this Blue Devils  hype. 

[DAYGO]

18 minutes ago, dcifanforlife said:

Can we at least hold off the hype until corps move in?   I don't know if I can survive  12 more weeks of this Blue Devils  hype. 

I'm sure updates will be slow coming in for a while.  There is no March camp and April camp is in NorCal so Metalbinky and I won't be there.   I'm just hyped because everything I heard was great and totally unexpected.   I'm not predicting any particular placement based on that, but loved the bones of what this vehicle can become.