Blue Devils Performing Arts Appoints Matt Sieve as Director of Open Class Corps to Lead Blue Devils B and C Drum Corps

Blue Devils Performing Arts has officially announced an important leadership development that is set to shape the future of its Open Class programs. The organization revealed that longtime educator and alum, Matt Sieve, has been appointed as the new Director of Open Class Corps, a role that will give him oversight of both the Blue Devils B and Blue Devils C Drum Corps. This strategic appointment reflects BDPA’s commitment to continuity, growth, and providing high-level educational experiences to students at every stage of their journey in the marching arts.

For those familiar with the Blue Devils organization, Sieve’s name is already synonymous with dedication and excellence. He marched as a member of the A Corps, performing as a tuba player from 2013 to 2016. After aging out, he did not step away from the activity but instead continued to give back, transitioning into a teaching role with both the B and C Corps. His leadership qualities and deep understanding of the culture made him a natural fit to ascend through the organization’s educational ranks. In 2022, his passion for teaching and organizational development was recognized when he was named Director of Blue Devils C, a position where he oversaw the development of one of the activity’s most formative ensembles.

Now, with this new appointment, Sieve steps into a role that not only consolidates leadership but also strengthens the bridge between the two Open Class ensembles. The position of Director of Open Class Corps ensures that both groups benefit from unified oversight, creating a seamless educational pathway while preserving the individuality of each ensemble. This dual responsibility is particularly significant as both the Blue Devils B and Blue Devils C serve as crucial stepping stones within the BDPA system, offering performance opportunities and training that prepare young musicians and performers for higher levels of achievement, including potential participation in the world-renowned Blue Devils A Corps.

Sieve’s professional background is also worth noting. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Mathematics with a focus in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Beyond his instructional and directorial work on the field, he contributes in the BDPA front office as a Partner Liaison, demonstrating his versatility and ability to balance the operational, educational, and community aspects of the organization. His academic and professional skillset adds another layer of leadership capability, positioning him to guide the Open Class programs with both creativity and administrative precision.

In his own words, Sieve expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve in this expanded role. “I am honored to be stepping into the role of Director of Blue Devils Open Class,” he shared. “Having worked closely with both the B and C Corps, I’ve seen firsthand the impact our programs have on young performers. I am excited to guide both ensembles, honoring their unique identities while strengthening the educational pathway between them as we continue to create meaningful performance opportunities for students of all ages.”

His statement captures both a respect for the traditions of the Blue Devils B and C programs and a forward-looking vision for their growth. The emphasis on honoring individuality while also cultivating connection underscores his understanding of the delicate balance required in this type of leadership. Each ensemble has its own culture, strengths, and challenges, and Sieve’s history with both equips him with the insight to guide them toward even greater artistic and educational success.

BDPA CEO Mike Stone also voiced his confidence in the decision, emphasizing the importance of having a dedicated full-time director for the Open Class teams. “This role allows our teams that participate in the Open Class to have a director in a full time capacity,” Stone explained. “Matt was previously the Director of Blue Devils C, so we are pleased that he applied and ultimately accepted this expanded role. He will work closely with the talented design and instructional teams of both B and C to elevate the experience for every member.”

Stone’s remarks point to the structural significance of this role for BDPA as an organization. By establishing a director who can dedicate full-time attention to the Open Class programs, the Blue Devils are investing not only in the present but also in the future of their ensembles. The B and C Corps are essential in maintaining the pipeline of talent, leadership, and culture that has made the Blue Devils one of the most celebrated names in the world of drum corps.

Sieve himself highlighted the importance of the Open Class corps in shaping the future of performers and the marching arts as a whole. “The Blue Devils Open Class plays a vital role in preparing students for the challenges and rewards of the marching arts,” he said. “I look forward to this new opportunity and I am committed to supporting our performers, staff, and families as we continue our commitment to youth development and artistic excellence.”

The message is clear: this is not just an administrative reshuffling, but a purposeful step to reinforce BDPA’s educational mission. By guiding both ensembles under one director, the organization is ensuring that young performers receive consistent, high-quality instruction and performance experiences that align with the standards of the Blue Devils.

Sieve’s leadership is expected to provide stability, vision, and a strong connection between the performers, staff, and families who dedicate themselves to the Open Class corps each season. His journey from marching member to educator, director, and now Open Class leader is a testament to the pathways available within BDPA, inspiring current and future members to see that their involvement can extend far beyond the field.

The Blue Devils B and Blue Devils C programs continue to be cornerstones of the BDPA family, offering students of varying ages the opportunity to grow as musicians, performers, and individuals. With Sieve at the helm, the future looks promising for both ensembles as they strive to uphold the traditions of excellence that define the Blue Devils name while also evolving to meet the needs of today’s young performers.

In an activity that thrives on leadership, passion, and vision, the appointment of Matt Sieve as Director of Open Class Corps represents a meaningful investment in the continued success of the Blue Devils organization. It is not only a recognition of his past contributions but also an affirmation of the trust that BDPA places in his ability to lead its future generations.

As the marching arts community looks toward the upcoming season and beyond, the announcement of Sieve’s new role is sure to be met with excitement, optimism, and anticipation for the impact he will make. The Blue Devils have always been a symbol of innovation, excellence, and inspiration within drum corps, and this new chapter with Sieve at the helm of the Open Class corps ensures that this legacy will only continue to grow stronger.

In every way, this appointment represents the blending of tradition and progress—a leader who understands the past, values the present, and has a vision for the future. The performers of Blue Devils B and C will now march under the guidance of someone who has lived their experience, taught their lessons, and is now ready to chart their course forward. With Matt Sieve leading the way, the stage is set for the next generation of Blue Devils to thrive.