Indianapolis, IN:
In a surprising turn of events, Drum Corps International announced field Judges will be returning to the field in the 2025 season. Not to judge brass or percussion performances, however. The return of field judges will serve to evaluate a previously overlooked portion of the performance:
Dutting.
For years, dutting has been a crucial yet underappreciated art form in drum corps. But after the 2025 Rules Congress, it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Field judges will be equipped with decibel meters to assess the dutting prowess of each corps.
“We’ve seen some incredible innovation in dutting techniques over the past decade,” said one DCI official. The time has come to give these performers the credit they deserve.”
The new scoring rubric will evaluate three key categories:
-
Projection – How well the duts carry across the field. Can a fan sitting in Row 24, Seat G hear the dut? Bonus points if it echoes off the press box.
-
Clarity – Are the duts crisp, clean, and articulate? Judges will dock points for muddy duts or excessive saliva interference.
-
Artistry – Does the dut enhance the performance’s emotional impact? Are they stylisticly aligned with the show’s narrative?
Early reactions from the drum corps community have been mixed. Purists argue that dutting is merely a functional tool, not an artistic element. Others, however, see this as an exciting opportunity. “I’ve always felt my dutting was unappreciated,” said one tenor player. “Now, I feel more empowered to express myself through my dutting.”
Personally? We can't wait to hear a sequence of perfectly executed, fortissimo duts completely overpowering all of the clarinet solos to come this season and beyond.