CASPER, Wyoming – Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, Wyoming’s musical ambassadors, successfully defended their status as finalists in the Drum Corps International World Championship, finishing the 2024 season in tenth place with a final score of 88.95.
This is only the second time in DCI and modern drum corps history that Casper’s Troopers have qualified for the finals three years in a row. Their last three-time finals success came in the early 1970s.
The corps won several medals throughout the season, winning four gold, two silver and one bronze. The brass and percussion sections placed fifth through seventh several times. The Troopers were in eleventh place overall before championship week and were able to work their way up to tenth place in finals week with a final push from their members and staff.
“2024 was a great success on so many levels and we are excited to build on a strong foundation of positive experiences for our members,” said Mary Duerkop, director of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps.
After being eliminated in the semifinals for 13 consecutive years, the Troopers ended that drought and returned to the finals of the DCI World Championship in 2022. Last summer, the corps made their second consecutive finals appearance and moved up the final standings for the first time in more than three decades.
This year’s show, “Dance with the Devil,” was a crowd favorite all summer, receiving standing ovations at each show. As in past seasons, a non-traditional instrument was incorporated into the show design for this year’s Troopers. Following the success of an electric cello in 2022 and a harmonica in 2023, the 2024 show featured both an electric and acoustic guitar, adding to both the musicality and history of the field production.
“I can’t think of a better attempt to fuse modern design aesthetics with the traditions of yesterday. There’s never any doubt who’s on the field, and it works,” said a regular on General Drum Corps’ social media about the 2024 Troopers production.
The Troopers concluded their competitive season on August 10 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. On Sunday, August 11, the Corps held its annual banquet in Lebanon, Indiana, honoring outstanding members and staff of the season before the final dismissal in 2024.
Troopers administration and creative directors quickly turned their attention to preparations for the 2025 competition year. The Corps made industry headlines by releasing its 2025 show theme just one day after the 2024 Finals.
“We’re actually already into the 2025 season and all the planning is in full swing,” noted Duerkop, who recently moved to Casper to lead the ensemble.
Interest registration and audition materials for the coming year are available on the Corps website.
“We are excited to start a new season and can’t wait to show the world how special the Troopers are,” said Deurkop. “If you would like to join the Troopers in the 2025 season, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
In-person auditions will begin later this fall.
In the meantime, the Corps will be active on two fronts: laying the groundwork for a 2025 production and continuing to focus on long-term relationships and stability.
According to Michael Gough, executive director of the Corps, a primary goal of the organization has been to restore the Troopers’ national prominence since the pandemic. For the Troopers, that goal is tied to restoring the ensemble’s commitment to the state of Wyoming and the city of Casper.
“We were proud to have more members from Wyoming this year than we have in the last two decades,” said Gough. “We were also proud to host our first annual TroopCon event in June, which brought Trooper fans from across the United States to the city of Casper, laying the foundation for our incredibly successful summer tour.”
The Troopers’ leadership said that support from the corps’ hometown played a critical role in their return to the top of the drum corps world.
“We look forward to continuing this relationship and reminding the nation that we are Wyoming’s musical ambassadors,” Gough added.
The Corps will release plans for engagement opportunities later this year. Donations to support this nonprofit organization can be made here year-round.
To stay up to date, follow the corps on Facebook and Instagram. Or check out the latest information on the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps here.
