Brenton Nash of Madison, shown here, is marching with The Blue Knights in Drum Corps International’s Summer Tour 2015. DCI’s North Alabama tour will perform at Alabama A&M University on July 23. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – Superior musicians and auxiliary units will compete in the Drum Corps International (DCI) Tour – North Alabama at Alabama A&M University on July 23.

U.S. Army Bands are presenting the exposition in Louis Crews Stadium.

Competing corps are The Cadets, Allentown, Pa.; Crossmen, San Antonio, Texas; The Academy, Tempe, Ariz.; Troopers, Casper, Wyo.; Pacific Crest, Diamond Bar, Calif.; Oregon Crusaders, Portland, Ore.; Jersey Surf, Camden County, N.J.; Cascades, Seattle, Wash.; Pioneer, Milwaukee, Wis.; and Southwind, Mobile, Ala.

These corps will perform visual formations with stunning choreography set to classical, jazz, pop and rock music. Beginning with spring camp, a corps rehearses 9 to 12 hours daily to block marching, visual elements and music.

On tour, they travel overnight. Arriving at their next destination, they get ‘floor time’ to sleep a few hours, usually on a gym floor.

Brenton Nash of Madison was honored when The Blue Knights of Denver, Colo., ranked in DCI’s top ten, selected him to play baritone in his rookie year. (Facebook/BlueKnightsDrumCorps) Nash, a junior at the University of Alabama, is majoring in music.

“Marching drum corps has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. It’s allowing me to push myself in multiple areas all at the same time,” Nash said.

“I’m learning so much from incredible instructors. It’s great to be around so many people dedicated to work as hard as they can to be part of something bigger than themselves,” Nash said.

A 2013 graduate of Bob Jones High School, Nash served as the Patriot Band drum major two years and earned membership in Alabama All-Band, All-State Jazz Band and All-State Choir. His theatrical resume includes “Guys and Dolls” and “Godspell.”

At AU, he plays lead trombone in the Million Dollar Band and performs with jazz, concert and pep bands.

A&M stadium gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Corps start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35 with group rates available. For more information, visit dci.org/schedule.

Indianapolis will host DCI World Championships on Aug. 7-9.