2nd Annual James Ware Memorial Drumline Showcase
About the event
About the application
James Ware Memorial Drumline Showcase
Immediately Following the 2026 Fall Fest Parade
The Commons Stage, Downtown Mt. Vernon
Get ready for an electrifying musical experience as the James Ware Memorial Drumline Showcase in downtown Mt. Vernon! Held on The Commons stage immediately following the Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Small Town Common Ground Fall Fest Parade, this high-energy event strives to bring together some of the most talented and dynamic drumlines in Southern Illinois and beyond.
Named in honor of the late James Ware, a beloved former Mt. Vernon High School drummer, the showcase celebrates rhythm, precision, and the powerful community spirit that music inspires.
Marching bands that participated in the parade will transition from the street to the stage, where their drumlines will go head-to-head in a thrilling, upbeat performance filled with syncopated beats, cadences, solos, and crowd-pleasing routines.
This event isn’t just a performance—it’s a celebration of music education, tradition, and the honoring the incredible impact that James Ware had on our community.
Whether you're a drumline fanatic or just love a good beat, this showcase is sure to keep your toes tapping and your hands clapping!
Terms & Conditions
Participant Eligibility:
- Open to: Middle school, junior high, and high school band drumlines.
- Pre-registration Required: Schools must register in advance by a set deadline.
- Limit per School: One drumline performance per school.
- Adult Supervision: Each group must be accompanied by a band director or official school representative.
Participating school bands will receive a $200 thank you stipend after their performance.
Performance Guidelines:
- Performance Duration: Each drumline gets 5–7 minutes of performance time.
- Line-Up Order: Determined in advance or by parade order; a schedule will be provided.
- Location: Clearly marked performance area near the parade endpoint or central viewing area.
- Arrival Time: Drumlines must arrive at the showcase site immediately after the end of the parade.
Music & Conduct:
- Content: All performances must be school-appropriate and family-friendly in language, tone, and theme.
- Behavior: No taunting, obscene gestures, or antagonistic "battles." This is a showcase, not a competition.
- Volume: Acoustic percussion only—no electronic amplification allowed unless pre-approved.
Logistics & Safety:
- Equipment: Groups must bring their own instruments and stands.
- Set-Up/Breakdown: Must be done swiftly to keep the event moving.
Media & Permissions:
- Photo/Video Release: Schools should sign a waiver allowing photography and video by Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. for promotional use.
- Publicity: Participating schools may be recognized on city websites, social media, or press releases.
Day-of Coordination:
- Check-In: Each group checks in upon arrival at The Commons (911 Broadway).
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Additional information
- Photo/Video Release Agreement By signing this waiver, the undersigned school representative grants Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc., its affiliates, partners, agents, and representatives the unrestricted right and permission to record, photograph, and/or video any students, instructors, or representatives from the above-named school during the Fall Fest Drumline Showcase. These recordings and images may be used for promotional, marketing, and publicity purposes, including but not limited to: • Website and social media content • Print and digital advertising • Press releases and news coverage • Event recap videos and promotional reels This release is granted without expectation of compensation and includes the right to edit, reproduce, and distribute the materials in perpetuity. Acknowledgment I certify that I am authorized to sign this release on behalf of the participating school and that I have informed all student participants and their guardians of this media policy.
