Search the Community

Generally speaking, what are the basic ins and outs of running an open class corps? I've heard that the biggest expenses are gasoline, housing, and food, but I have no clue what the rough dollar amounts for those tend to be among OC corps. And then buses and instruments are capital expenses (up front) that you can maintain for years - correct me if I'm wrong. I'd just like some clarification and discussion. EDIT: this is not me trying to start a corps. This is solely for the purpose of wanting to know for my own interest.

"Scouts Honor" is a documentary film that follows the 2012 Madison Scouts on their journey from audition camp to finals night. It follows 3 members, one from the brass line, one from the drumline, and one in the colorguard, throught their personal struggles and stories about their experience within the organization. Two alumni who are professionals in the movie industry are the filmmakers. It's been doing well in the small festival circuit, but currently, distribution is limited to a theater on-demand style. I have requested a screening in DeKalb, IL, home of Northern Illinois University, 60 miles west of Chicago. If the film pre-sells at least 45 more tickets, it will take place on Thurs. February 26 at 7:30 p.m. No one is charged for the $10 ticket until the screening tips. This film is not just for Scouts fans. Anyone with an appreciation for drum corps and the marching arts will enjoy this film. I have seen a rough cut and it looks and sounds great. The screening will take place in the historic, restored Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb, home to many nice restuarants, bars, and shopping. Please consider supporting local business, independent filmmakers, and the marching arts activity by attending this screening! Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQeQDbRbRt0 Purchase tickets here: http://gathr.us/screening/10341 Learn more about the film here: http://www.scoutshonormovie.com/

As you know, in the offseason, we approved a rule change that would allow Open Class and Class A corps to compete in the World Class prelims if there were 50 or fewer total corps registered. We are now at 63 registered corps, so it will not be feasible to allow all Open Class and Class A corps to enter the WC prelims this season. I am willing to allow a small group (the top 6 finishing corps in each division) to enter WC prelims if the directors approve this. The poll will open now and will run through the end of the second week of the season. Active DCPI directors are eligible to vote. For this to be approved (since it is very short notice), the vote will need to pass with AT LEAST TEN directors voting "Yes"; otherwise, finals will work as they normally do.

First, a brief history lesson: On December 1, 1996, paperwork was filed in the State of Florida to create Heat Wave of Orlando Drum & Bugle Corps, Inc., the first DCA corps to come out of the Sunshine State. Heat Wave would go on to win or share the DCA Class A Championship twice. Skip ahead to 2009, when a change of direction led to a NEW name, Sun Devils, Inc. The Sun Devils took a more “serious” approach to programming than their fun-loving Florida-themed predecessors. Through a series of ups and downs, the Sun Devils would ultimately go on to become DCA Class A Finalists twice amid numerous DCA South Class A titles. Following the 2014 DCA season, there were philosophical differences that led to a split between the Sun Devils’ staff and administration. On October 1, 2014, the Board of Sun Devils, Inc. voted to change the name to Florida Marching Arts, Inc. The name change was part of a marketing decision based on the fact that we support more than one performing unit. On October 7, 2014, a group of former Sun Devils staff members founded Solaris Performing Arts, Inc. as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of Florida. You can read more about them here: http://www.solarisdrumcorps.org. To be clear, these are two separate groups operated by two separate organizations. So then you may be asking yourself, “well what happens to the Sun Devils?” That’s a very important question. There was much discussion on this topic and it was decided that, given recent events, it would be wise to forego competition in 2015 in order to firm up the corps’ infrastructure and ensure its long-term success. That said, the group is not experiencing financial woes (as is often the case in drum corps today). Additionally, the team in place has already made huge strides in repairing and/or replacing aging equipment and resources. And to be clear, the group is FAR from “inactive.” In fact, the group will be rehearsing in coming months in order to prepare for summer performances as well as solidify the nucleus that will help bring the corps BACK to competition in 2016 and beyond. Our new website is being developed at this time, but you can look for updates periodically athttp://sundevilspag.org. Moving forward, Florida Marching Arts, Inc. endeavors to create and foster more performance opportunities in the State of Florida. Our mission is first and foremost, to give back to the community by providing a positive atmosphere in which our young people receive an education in the performing arts and develop life-enriching character traits such as discipline, teamwork, integrity, leadership, dedication, and good citizenship. Our newest program offering is called PHOENIX. PHOENIX is a mixed ensemble that will perform in WGI’s Winter Winds circuit and possibly DCI’s new SoundSport division. By now you may be asking yourself, “so what is WGI Winds?” Glad you asked! “Continuing the Sport of the Arts tradition of performance and competition, WGI Winds is a unique form of the marching music activity. In fact, winds doesn’t mean “winds only.” Groups can include anything found in a concert band or orchestra as well as color guard and percussion performers. Winds is a natural extension of the WGI organization and will complete WGI’s support of the total band program.” What this means, is a unique and exciting performance opportunity that is open to literally EVERYONE! PHOENIX is open to all ages, ability levels, and instrumentation. Anyone with a great attitude and a desire to participate is welcome. The first organizational meeting for PHOENIX is scheduled for January 17th. More information will be available at their website: http://www.phoenixcorps.org/ PHOENIX is currently looking for staff and member applicants for their 2015 campaign. This first exploration of a new circuit(s) will start small – staying primarily local – with minimal fees and expenses. This is an excellent opportunity for those who have always wanted to check out the activity to “get their feet wet” so-to-speak without the exorbitant financial commitment normally associated with drum corps today. Please go to our website for more information on how you can become a performer or staff member today! We would be remiss if we did not offer a mention of our sister organization – Impact Drum & Bugle Corps. Impact has been performing at DCA’s mini corps championships and entertaining audiences all over for the past three seasons. The corps has shifted gears a bit this year with regards to programming and has taken on a very challenging but extremely fun and modern book. Impact welcomes all players ages 18 and up. You can find out more about Impact here: http://www.impactoforlando.org. In addition to the groups mentioned above, there are many more WGI Winds, DCI SoundSport, and other groups in development all over the state – probably the most exciting of which is the return of junior corps to the Sunshine State! Our friends at Heat Wave of Florida are bringing DCI-aged drum corps back to Florida. You can check them out here:http://www.heatwaveofflorida.com. In summary, drum corps/the marching arts are not dead in Florida. In fact, they’re very much alive AND GROWING! If you’ve read this far, we want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read and understand what has been going on. We appreciate your patience while we went “silent.” During any transition period emotions and tensions understandably tend to run high. It was our intent to stay quiet until emotions calmed and details were worked out and ready to share. We invite you to follow ALL the goings on at Florida Marching Arts, Inc. by visiting our website at http://www.fmainc.org. From there you can find information on all of our performing units, make a donation, learn more about joining, volunteer, or inquire about joining our staff. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued support. We’ll see you on the 50. Florida Marching Arts, Inc. is the longest running active drum corps organization in the State of Florida. Florida Marching Arts, Inc. is incorporated in the State of Florida and is registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service as a 501©3 not-for-profit corporation, governed by a board of directors.

What if we auditioned for drum corps in the same way that college students rush sororities/fraternities? Let me explain--many of the issues we are facing in our activity relate to overhype of the top 12-ish corps, and lower/non-DCI world corps struggling to survive with low membership. I personally know many individuals who go audition for one or two corps and get cut and do not pursue it further, either because of rankings or simply a lack of knowledge. I didn't know DCA was a thing until my first camp in it, to be honest. What if there was some sort of universal application/audition we could create, and there was a way to check out each corps without having to commit to it (and by commit I mean buying plane tickets, etc). What if there was a way that we could narrow down our range of possibilities based on our ability and willingness to work, rather than simply accepted or cut from each individual corps? This would allow more people to participate, thus growing the activity, and there would no longer be the imbalance of 1000 people trying out for 150 spots in BD and 50 trying out for XYZ corps in DCA. This is just my random crazy idea, but if anyone wants to implement it into their drum corps competitive circuit...

Action Wipes all natural wet wipes is doing a sale for the new year, 20% off with code "FEST2015" This product is really useful for members and spectators all year round, for after rehearsals or at shows. Wet wipes that use all natural ingredients and can be repurposed later on after wash, smell great and don't leave a sticky residue like most baby wipes. Wish I had these when I was marching. http://actionwipes.com/

As many of you already know back in 1991 a group of former members of the famed Mighty St. Joe's Junior Corps, Batavia NY, along with several other drum corps nuts got together and started Mighty St. Joe's Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps. Their goal was to perform on a non-competitive basis and keep the "good, old times" of drum corps alive. Today, as 2015 arrives, the corps is proudly preparing for it's 25th consecutive year. Over the years MSJ has experienced and survived the true test of time. Even though over 300 drum corps' fanatics have come and gone through the corps' swinging doors many are still working hard at keeping this activity alive and well in WNY. If any of you out there still have the desire to test your chops, play an indoor/outdoor concert to thousands of appreciative fans, march a parade and see all the smiles or just be involved with one of the few real drum corps' experiences left in the Rochester/WNY area visit us on the web at www.mightystjoes.com and/or come out to Leroy NY for a rehearsal soon. You certainly won't regret it! Help keep the memories alive, be a part of this great drum and bugle corps today... openings in all sections!

Hello DCP friends. Well, now that the 2014 DCI season has ended, does anyone want to talk about potential new venues that events could be hosted at or moved to for the 2015 season and beyond? We'll rule out talking about finals because that is a hot debate every year. I personally would love to see the DCI East regional moved from Allentown to Lincoln Financial Field. Loads of parking and lot space, plus room to hold the regional in just one day!. And It is not a dome! Yay outdoors! I'm sure this probably will not happen in the near future but it would be fantastic. Any input into this topic would be fantastic, thank you!

A recent thread in this forum asked about whether a map of corps' tour stops was available online. I had built a similar feature for Pacific Crest's website (as their webmaster) and had experience with the Blue Devils Tour Map feature that they've had in place for some time. Each of those pages provide information for the specific corps - but nothing I'm aware of provided tour stop information for ALL DCI corps ... until now. With the TREMENDOUS help of our very own "Garfield", who first expressed the desire for the feature in the thread above, we've put together a 'Tour Map' that allows you to select a particular corps and have its tour mapped for you. Each stop includes information about the venue location, as well as the other corps expected to be at the show. Once scores for the event have been loaded in our Caption Ranking System, we'll remove the schedule and provide a link to the score recap. My thanks to Garfield for taking on the task to assemble the data, while I was getting the code whipped together. We have ideas for future enhancements ... so continue to follow-along. You can access the Tour Map by pressing the "Tour Map" link in the menu at the top of this page ... or by directing your browser to http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/tour-map. Enjoy! -john

The official Crunchy Frog video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZeFz4unGVY

Mark your calendars... March 29, 2014, City Sound is hosting a "FREE" benefit concert, and they would love for you to attend. Cabrillo Beach Youth Waterfront Sports Center, 3000 Shoshonean Road, San Pedro, 90731. (http://www.cabrilloyouthcamp.org/) Please invite your friends and family. (See attached flyer) See you there

Sunday, March 2, 2014 - 1:00 p.m. Rock Falls High School 101 12th Ave. Rock Falls, IL 61071 Featuring Guest Percussionist, Judge, and Clinician Kevin Donka, the 2013 D.C.A. Solo Snare Drum Champion, whose technique and expertise can be found on YouTube. Featuring Guest Percussionist and Clinician Washboard Jo, nationally renown as a washboardist extraordinaire, songwriter, singer, and entertainer. Featuring The Knights Drum and Bugle Corps Alumni Drum Line. Featuring the Crystal Lake, IL, Strikers Drumline Featuring Rhythm-Quest Performance Ensemble Percussion-Palooza is an educational and entertainment event featuring a solo and ensemble competition prior to the state contest for snare drum, melodic percussion, multi-percussion, and drum set for Middle School (Grades 5-8), High School (Grades 9-12), and Senior (post-secondary) level percussionists. The emphasis will be on performance, and the top three preliminary performances in each category at each level will receive awards. The individual champions will be announced, and perform, at the Percussion-Palooza Premier Showcase, with exhibitions by guest percussionists, guest percussion ensembles, and the Rhythm-Quest Performance Ensemble. Visit our website at http://www.rhythm-quest.org

If you've never seen JDFunCorps on YouTube, you're missing a treat, and some lessons into the sometimes hilarious mind of a current marcher. He has been very creative in his little two-minute videos about drum corp, and in using he creativity to raise tour fees so he can march. Subscribe to his channel. It's well worth it (and maybe send him a buck or two for his tuition to Spirit this summer). In this video he takes a direct shot at the "Old Guys" on DCP who do nothing but complain about today's drum corps. Very funny, very relevant. In honor and support of his love of marching, of his creativity, and of his need for marching funds, I will, beginning today, match dollar-for-dollar every contribution from every public DCP member who donates to Spirit of Atlanta towards his 2014 tour fees, up to $250.* *This offer is valid from February 8th, 2014 through May 30, 2014 and represents my total matching contribution. Proof of contribution required for matching funds. PM me for my email address to send paid online receipt showing contribution to Spirit of Atlanta towards David's tour fees. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5m2lTw6KHA&list=UUYfEZOQxlNzUCS07ymgbmaQ&feature=c4-overview

Let me apologize for the length of this post. About me: This is my first post but I am by no means to DCP as I've been following for several years in the shadows, so I know how heated things can get. I never had the opportunity to march(I got into this around my age out year) but I am an avid fan and supporter, and I very much respect the rich history of the Drum Corps movement. For what it matters, I am also a band director. It is my hope that because of these elements that I can be give a different point of view. Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the point..... Interestingly enough this idea came to me from studying the evolution of the Nation Football League. Surprisingly, if one were to compare early Drum Corps to the early NFL, you would see a lot of similarities: local, community-based amateur teams competing in local competitions. In both scenarios, a handful of successful teams decided it was in there best interest to get together and form their own organization with specific rules and guidlines. Because of this, both groups changed through the years and are not necessarily very similar to what they were when they first started, i.e transitioning from a rugby-based approach, changing point values for touchdowns and field goals for the NFL and moving away from bugles and military-style precision drill in Drum Corps, to name a few. The point is, things typically change if there is a perception that it will make the activity better. Now let me clarify a few things about my own personal opinions: 1) I am a fan of the all brass set-up. It's a wonderful, powerful sound. 2) I am not someone who preaches that things need to "evolve" just for the sake of change. Change doesn't always make for better. From studying history and seeing how progression comes forward, I do think that eventually woodwind instruments and other typical instruments associated with school bands will make their way into Drum Corps. It's a double edged sword: you lose one of the main things that makes the activity different from a typical marching band but at the same time you open up this great experience up for whole new crop of kids. What if we could have our cake and eat it too? What if DCI modified their Open Class to be a true, anything goes category (and I'm not talking SoundSport here)? The groups that feel like they want to go that direction can now do that without being penalized. Leave a World Class Brass category (forgive my lack of creativity on these) for the traditionalists. In terms of competitions,the divisions should be treated like they would at any other competition and be given their own separate scores. The key really is to not allow these two divisions to compete against each other, as you don't want to get into the issue of either orchestration setup working better and comparing the two. Looking at it from a neutral perspective, the benefits seem to outweigh the negatives in terms of letting woodwinds and other instruments into DCI and that's why I see it happening in the future.The move would open up the playing field for many talented musicians who for whatever reason can't/won't learn another instrument and will open up the market value of the DCI brand. It may give credibility and incentive for directors who for some reason don't appreciate what DCI is about to plan trips with their students to shows and purchase DVDs/Blu-rays. A World level Marching Band group would be a great way to get the season started. But most importantly, it provides an educational opportunity and disciplined outlet for more kids. Isn't that what Drum Corps was about when it started? What do you think? Would this setup fly? Do you think this would be in the best interest of DCI?

Hello! I'm new here on this forum and I was just wondering... how are the auditions like for The Blue Devils and how is tour life in the corps? any advice or tips would be great!! Thank you

Hello drum corps fans! I just recently discovered the Waze app and thought it could be very useful for the drum corps community. With all of the driving we do it would be nice to get a heads up about traffic or other hazards on the way to camps or shows. If you don't know what Waze is you can download it on any smartphone platform (for free) or check out their website at www.waze.com. The drum corps group is called "Drum Corps Drivers" and it would allow the community to pin point traffic or other hazards and communicate efficiently using GPS and messaging. Hope this helps!

I have someone that creates music soundtracks. This is some epic music that will fit into any drum corps style of playing. They can create and score any type of music you want. Go to this site and listen to some of the clips that's available. You won't be disappointed. They're also on Facebook under Alnilam-Music. https://www.pond5.com/artist/alnilammusic#1

The off-season rules congress is hereby open! Directors wishing to propose a new rule change, nominate a candidate for the DCPI Hall of Fame or submit a bid for season 21's finals location (western region) may do so by creating a thread in the Rules Congress forum. This week is dedicated to discussion only- actual voting will take place next week.