With the 2016 Drum Corps International tour having already been started on Thursday in Indianapolis, the season is looking to be one of the most promising ones that I've followed, so far. Since I need to start to get in the DCI mood this summer, here's a list of some of my favorite DCI shows that show off musicianship, athleticism, and artistry, in case you want to start recruiting people to follow (become obsessed with) DCI, or just for the excited DCI fan in you that needs some drum corps while you wait to get in the stands to watch.

1. 2008 Phantom Regiment, "Spartacus."

OK, I’ll admit that I am biased because Phantom is my favorite corps. But this show does something that only Phantom can do for me -- it tells a story, it puts on a show, it’s theatrical and it’s dynamic. Them members are performing from the moment they walk onto the field. The lyrical piece isn’t lame. The ending gives me chills every time. This is an absolutely fantastic show that I wish I could have been in the audience to see.

2. 1989 Santa Clara Vanguard, "Phantom of the Opera."

They even had the masks as a part of their uniform. Since this is from 1989, this is more classic marching band-y, but the arrangements aren't overly predictable, and the drumline keeps the show energized from beginning to end. Let’s talk about the flags and the color guard and the dancing too -- they added such beauty to the regimented marching around them, which is hard for many corps to functionally incorporate together. This is a good show to show someone who is just learning about DCI because of the big sounds, impressive drills, and relatable music.

3. 2013 Carolina Crown, "E=MC2."

Winning the championship in 2013, Carolina Crown (the “purple pants band”) had an abstract show that featured the concept of numbers. This book is known as one of the hardest brass books in DCI history. Also, the use of narration at the end of the show makes my heart happy every time (not to mention how in love I am with the narrator).

4. 2014 Carolina Crown, "Out Of This World."

Opening within a cappella version of David Bowie’s, “Major Tom,” the show was a little predicable with what you think a show about outer space would sound like with synthesizers, etc., but is absolutely energetic the whole way through. This may be a good show to show people who you’re trying to convince to go to a show with you. Plus, the narrator from 2013 is also a singer in the beginning. God bless his beautiful soul.

5. 2013 Crossmen, "Protest."

Probably the most underrated of all shows that year, Crossmen put on a great show about protest and peace. The music was more modern, and the guard made effective use of signs as props for their protests. With the powerful quotes about protest throughout the show and using "The Sound of Silence," "They Don't Care About Us," and "We Shall Overcome," this show was full of rage and power.

6. 2011 Phantom Regiment, "Juliet."

Okay, the rest of the show is fantastic too. But the ending of this show brings Elsa’s Procession Into the Cathedral at 1:53-ish, which is a trademark Phantom piece. The Phantomette’s uniforms are gorgeous in this. This show is just beauty. Also, this show is so amazingly dramatic. Like Spartacus, Phantom has a way of making me appreciate how music can tell us stories. Watch this video to get your heart just pulled into a million directions.

7. 2014 Bluecoats, "Tilt."

So, there’s no plot to this show. But, the Bluecoats came out of nowhere with this innovative show that literally tilted the field at an angle. The music is very modern drum corps-y and the brass dos some really amazing things that are actually fun for the crowd to listen to.The front ensemble is going ham for a majority of the show and the tilted props add to the geometric theme. This show was both a crowd pleaser and one that placed high in the rankings, earning second place in 2014.

8. 2012 Cadets, "12.25."

I thought it was a great idea for a corps to do a Christmas show, and who better to do it than The Cadets with their traditional uniforms? There’s a silent flag feature in the beginning that gives me chills every time. Also, the music is arranged in a great way to where you’re not thinking, Ugh, another Christmas carol, but you're excited to see how they can make these traditional songs corps-y. They touch on every genre of Christmas music, like classic orchestral and even big band. And, when you're missing DCI in the winter, this is the show you need to see.

9. 2013 Madison Scouts, "Corps of Brothers."

For the 75th anniversary of the Scouts, the corps had a military theme to celebrate brotherhood. The drumline features in the show get me really excited because of the snare rimshots which are the sounds of guns. Both heart wrenching and heartwarming, this show is one that only the Scouts could pull off in this way.

10. 2014 Blue Devils, "Felliniesque."

Finally, I get to the Blue Devils. I’ve come to respect the Blue Devils after years of hating their abstract shows only written to impress judges. This show broke the record for the highest show score ever, earning a 99.650, and if you watch, you can see why. They’re perfect. This show is just so crisp and clean -- but what else can I expect from BD?