An odd observation about DCA...

[GeneralTsoChicken]

DCA still has corps in G

DCA corps don't use amps

DCA corps are more community based than DCI corps

These are all things that we have been told on DCP, by DCI, by DCI Corps Directors---that are things that are "killing" drum corps and holding it back.

The biggest problem with that theory... attendance at DCA events is going up and the number of DCA member corps is, too. If DCA is the "crustaceous period" for the old farts, full of the things that drive people away from drum corps... why is it growing faster than DCI---who isn't growing at all?

[Michael Boo]

DCA still has corps in G

DCA corps don't use amps

DCA corps are more community based than DCI corps

These are all things that we have been told on DCP, by DCI, by DCI Corps Directors---that are things that are "killing" drum corps and holding it back.

The biggest problem with that theory... attendance at DCA events is going up and the number of DCA member corps is, too. If DCA is the "crustaceous period" for the old farts, full of the things that drive people away from drum corps... why is it growing faster than DCI---who isn't growing at all?

I was in many of those Rules Congress sessions and never heard anyone say not using the new stuff would kill drum corps. I heard many state they wanted the freedom to use the new stuff and they didn't want certain restrictions, but I don't ever remember hearing, "Give us B-flat horns or this puppy gets it between the eyes."

The attendance at Atlanta, being the most recent show I've been to before tonight, was huge. My brain cells have already deleted any impressions I had from San Antonio and Minneapolis. People have been filling up other stadiums, though.

I don't think any of this is DCI vs. DCA. Each has a different mission. DCI corps have become like the powerhouses of NCAA football. DCA serves its mission well and the purpose is not to rehearse all summer and travel and perform across a multitude of states. If DCA attendance is going up, I applaud them for giving their audience what they want. From what I've seen from DCI audiences, they too are getting what they want or else they wouldn't be buying the tickets.

Both DCI and DCA involve drum corps. But after that, their mission and purpose diverge. Blessed are those who enjoy both for what they are.

[GeneralTsoChicken]

I was in many of those Rules Congress sessions and never heard anyone say not using the new stuff would kill drum corps. I heard many state they wanted the freedom to use the new stuff and they didn't want certain restrictions, but I don't ever remember hearing, "Give us B-flat horns or this puppy gets it between the eyes."

I was a "student member" in the electronics discussions down in 03. We heard this stuff, a lot.

[glory]

I was a "student member" in the electronics discussions down in 03. We heard this stuff, a lot.

Was that the session held on the grassy knoll?

HH

[glory]

And as regards the original point, I agree with you that it is an "odd" observation.

HH

[danielray]

DCA still has corps in G

DCA corps don't use amps

DCA corps are more community based than DCI corps

These are all things that we have been told on DCP, by DCI, by DCI Corps Directors---that are things that are "killing" drum corps and holding it back.

The biggest problem with that theory... attendance at DCA events is going up and the number of DCA member corps is, too. If DCA is the "crustaceous period" for the old farts, full of the things that drive people away from drum corps... why is it growing faster than DCI---who isn't growing at all?

[GeneralTsoChicken]

Was that the session held on the grassy knoll?

No. The technical title alludes me, but it was the electronics presentation by georgie porgie.

[Michael Boo]

No. The technical title alludes me, but it was the electronics presentation by georgie porgie.

Oh, that. If I'm remembering it correctly, the technical title was, "How to Destroy Drum Corps, the Dreams of Children Yet Unborn, and the Sanctity of Everything We Hold Sacred."

Edited August 6, 2011 by Michael Boo

[GeneralTsoChicken]

Oh, that. If I'm remembering it correctly, the technical title was, "How do Destroy Drum Corps, the Dreams of Children Yet Unborn, and the Sanctity of Everything We Hold Sacred."

I LOL-ed.

I don't think it killed DCI by any means, but there was a lot of "the sky is falling, the sky is falling..." at it.

[Tito John]

At the risk of being called a troll (again), what is the mission and purpose of DCI? DCA/DCI share, of course, the youth development and musical training mission and the camaraderie that goes along with it. What's after that?

The DCI Web page says:

From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, Drum Corps International (DCI) has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth activity with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. Through the annual DCI Tour and more than 35 World Championships in 17 North American cities, Drum Corps International provides entertainment to millions through live performances and nationally-televised events. Drum Corps International is Marching Music’s Major League™.

Scrolling down, there are headings about "touching lives" (very true) and "showcasing the best of the best" (arguably true, although probably limited to best of the best marching musicians).

You can read the rest for yourself. I'm not quibbling with anything there. My kid has matured and developed immensely because of DCI, and I'm grateful for that.

DCA's mission statement is longer, and the emphasis seems to me to be very different.

The Finest Drum & Bugle Corps in the US and Canada

• The primary function of DCA is to provide an organization of drum & bugle corps with rules and regulations which provide for continuous progress and growth for drum corps.
• Using entertainment as a primary goal, DCA performances are unique and represent "state of the art" in mass appeal drum and bugle corps.
• DCA strives to provide performers with stimulating and rewarding social experiences, to provide a competitive outlet for performers, and to entertain and excite the audience.
• It is DCA's objective that member corps should be entertaining, unique, emotional, diverse, vibrant, spirited, and energetic without sacrificing the highest level of quality.
• To achieve this objective, the DCA philosophy is to encourage each and all corps to choose and perfect the vehicles that entertain audiences and satisfy membership. Audiences should expect and receive varied programs performed with the highest level of proficiency within the structure of the activity.
• The evaluations of the performances are to be based upon the DCA environment. All adjudication will use DCA standards as outlined in the "DCA Rule Book" and "DCA Clinics". Use of and reference to the standards of any other organizations in the adjudication process are totally unacceptable. Competition outcomes MUST reflect audience appreciation and provide participant gratification.
• DCA's audience has the right to receive excellence. Our corps have the challenge, the responsibility, and the commitment to deliver it!

So here's the trolling, for those of you who think that's what I'm doing. Within the limits of each organization's stated mission, which one would you say is more fan-friendly? Does it matter? Does the difference between the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops matter, looking ahead to where drum corps activities may go?