- November 28, 2024
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The first time he performed in front of thousands of people, 21-year-old Kevin Strcula was understandably nervous. Now? Now it's no big deal.
"It's easy because I've done it so often," Strcula said. "Performing is still a great feeling."
Strcula is in his fifth and final year of performing with The Bluecoats, a national marching music education organization made up of 150 men and women between the ages of 15 and 22. This year, 1,000 people audition to get in.
"It's something an instructor of mine in high school told me about," he said. "I auditioned, and I made it."
Before joining The Bluecoats, Strcula was a part of Teal Sound, a marching group based out of Jacksonville. During the school year, he attends Daytona State College, where he's studying to become a civil engineer.
The Bluecoats travel over 10,000 miles and compete in about 30 performances each season as participants in DCI's annual tour. Strcula, an Ormond Beach resident, has performed in places like the Buffalo Bills stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Indianapolis Colts) and many others.
Founded in 1972, The Bluecoats have consistently placed in Drum Corps International’s Top 12 since 1987. Members rehearse up to 14 hours per day perfecting their 11-minute competitive program. During the tour, they sleep on high school gym floors in sleeping bags.
Strcula is one of 16 mellophone players in the group, and will be performing in the Dayton Beach Municipal Stadium July 12.
