Colts 2026 Program Explores The American Experiment

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a collection of bold, courageous and audacious souls began what we know as the American Experiment. This enduring concept is rooted in our nation’s founding. It’s shaped our past and continues in all that we know today.

American Experiment explores the evolving story of our nation, not as a place, but as an idea. American Experiment is not about a series of events or places in time. The experiment is about its people. For America is ultimately a reflection of the people in it.

American Experiment is a celebration of who we are, and who we can become.

“The design team took on a big challenge by exploring an American concept on our nation’s 250th birthday,” said Colts Executive Director Jeff MacFarlane. “The show could have easily become trite, or been perceived as divisive, but the team navigated those waters and created a program filled with emotion. Beautiful and vulnerable. Then leaving you with an overwhelming sense of hope and joy.”

“The membership really pushed through spring training and now they're ready for the payoff,” said Colts Director Vicki MacFarlane. “The instructional team is collaborative in providing all the details the students need to deliver an amazing show, and the members are responding with tremendous drive and enthusiasm. We believe our fans and alumni are going to love the product on the field.”

American Experiment begins with “Anthem,” an original composition by Michael J. Miller, Andrew Monteiro and Travis Peterman. Additional sections include “Backlash” by Simon Dobson, “What Could Have Been” by Sebastien Najand and Alexander Seaver, and a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward. The program concludes with “Every Living Breathing Moment” by Grant Stellar.

You can see the Colts show live at one of our four hosted events coming soon. The Colts are bringing drum corps back to Omaha with one of the summer tour's first competitions — Drums Across Nebraska — on Wednesday, July 1. We return to Des Moines, Iowa, for Celebration In Brass on Wednesday, July 8. Two days later, we host our hometown show in Dubuque — Music On The March — on Friday, July 10, and we’ll complete our series of Home Shows in Olathe, Kansas, on Monday, July 13, at Brass Impact.

Keep up with the Colts all summer long by signing up for our email newsletter.

GRAPHICS