The years ahead:

[David Hill]

Appropriating the "Guiding Principles and Values" of the federal government's Fiscal Commission co-chairs report for both field and floor:

We have a patriotic duty to come together on a plan that will make "field and floor" better off tomorrow than it is today.

-- Neither drum corps nor color guard can be great if we go broke. Our activities will not grow -- indeed, their future is in jeopardy -- without a plan to move through the changing national economy.

-- Throughout American history, sacrifices have been made to make our nation stronger over the long haul. That's the same promise towards which we should work: to give our children and grandchildren the same marching pageantry experiences we have enjoyed.

-- American families, school systems, and individuals have spent the past two years making tough choices in their own lives. They expect us to do the same. Pageantry folk are counting on us to put politics aside, pull together not pull apart, and agree on a plan to live within our means and make field and floor strong for the long haul.

Only thing: I wonder why it's the leadership that has to be convinced of this, not the fans, not the organizations, and certainly not the young people who want to participate?

New York Times columnist David Brooks looked ahead at a post-election crossroads America. Interestingly, his description of how the country got here has as much applicability, if not more, to the pageantry world as it does to politics.

"Howard Gardner of Harvard once put together a composite picture of the extraordinarily creative person: She comes from a little place somewhat removed from the center of power and influence. As an adolescent, she feels herself outgrowing her own small circle. She moves to a metropolis and finds a group of people who share her passions and interests. She gets involved with a team to create something amazing.

"Then, at some point, she finds her own problem, which is related to and yet different from the problems that concern others in her group. She breaks off and struggles and finally emerges with some new thing. She brings it back to her circle. It is tested, refined and improved.

"The main point in this composite story is that creativity is not a solitary process. It happens within networks. It happens when talented people get together, when idea systems and mentalities merge."

"She" is any of the thousands of creatives who have led marching pageantry as we know it, over the decades, to its evolved state. The state is not immune, however, to the same downturns and challenges that face each of us every day, in life.

However, to hear much of the leadership talk, marching pageantry remains in some sort of "bubble", immune to anything but their whim.

First the downest side of the dichotomy: drum corps. Add it up (down): fewer units, with fewer participants (overall), shorter season, smaller crowds, and decreased revenues. Yet the oral argument for economic sustainability is to give the top performing units -- as chosen by self-appointed judges -- a larger piece of the diminuitive financial pie. Even Mr. Beck and his blackboard would have trouble mapping this one for emotional effect. For whatever it's worth, I'm crying his alligator tears.

All the while, self-appointed new expenses are voted in; each one chewing away at diminishing bottom lines, all in the name of idiomatic "relevance". Pssst: larger chunks of fewer ticket sales won't make up the financial difference for eight units, or four, or two, or even one.

The floor folks are taking steps in what feels like a very right direction. Knowing that school system budgets are slashing -- particularly -- arts programs with little thought to their relevance, super regionals will bring the championship experience close to you. (And when this darned economy even levels off, we hope you'll be able to join us in Dayton for the Big Dance again.) "Spinfest", the high-end how-to event that has been held as an after-championship digestif, is going straight to the people, at several locations across the country.

Unit erosion recognized, the spidering, and long-term effects are being addressed. As for the effects within units, it was clear last year how they manifested: music from the public domain, fewer pieces of equipment, more straight-forward programming (read: purer examples of classic color guard), and in the gutsiest, medal-winning move of the season: no plastic tarp under foot. Funny, the power of performance.

HD-ification of the arts

Following the lead of Drum Corps International -- could it be?: "Opera houses, ballet companies, even the National Theater in London, are competing to lure audiences to live high-definition broadcasts in movie theaters, many of which are then shown again."

Been there (for years), doing that. The brillant Fan Network system also brings cable-style programming to both field and floor (and bands, too!) It's such a triumphant tri-fecta, its' use and impact on access will surely, and should, be broadened.

Why not a preview show of the year's "coming attractions," as an all-in, crash the servers, offering? For color guard, a "Project Runway"-formatted costume competition among the advertisers. For drum corps, individual and ensemble competition. The uses are endless, the staff is in place, the gains: priceless.

ALTHOUGH ... as something of a "wonder if, how, and when for us", this:

"While the HD phenomenon has brought performances to millions of people who would not otherwise see them, it also raises major questions. How will it reshape the way shows are cast, directed and designed? Will the photogenic gain the upper hand? Will musicians start acting for the camera? Will stage direction be shaped for close-ups instead of for the view from the balcony? What effect will it have on attendance at local orchestras, theater companies and operas? In a cultural world in which even the use of a microphone creates shock waves, how will the new onslaught of electronic sound change people's aesthetic expectations?"

Are you "nostalgic" for ...

... the activity, either field or floor, as you first found it? Fell in love with it? Recount it to friends and family? Many advertisers are too: Brut, Cotton Inc., General Mills, McDonald's, Pepsi-Cola, and Mr. Peanut are banking on what is being called a "new retro", reviving "classic ad mascots, slogans and jingles to appeal to present-day shoppers."

Research company Mintel International Group lists new retro "among a dozen trends that will shape the marketing of consumer packaged goods in 2011."

"But nostalgia is not what it used to be, particularly when it comes to younger consumers, so the goal is to be perceived not as old-fashioned — fusty and out of date — but rather as old-school — from an earlier era and worthy of respect."

The new animated, talking, Mr. Peanut is being taken "back to his roots," complete with turn-of-the-19th-century duds.

Along with "new retro" as an upcoming marketing trend, is "Professionalisation of the Amateur". Think of field and floor as ... give me a minute ... ummm ... here it is: "Marching Music's Major League" for example, or "Sport of the Arts".

It's everything that defines marching pageantry, and it's available to exploit right now!

I read the online "chatter", and it's clear that among this sub-group of fans and followers -- these top-of-the-line consumers and patriots for the causes -- is ready to come together on a plan that will make "field and floor" better off tomorrow than it is today.

Dig in, leadership! Your followers have deeper roots than you might think. The future is at stake. Genuinely.

For me: I want the activities to outlive my digital archives.

(With thanks to Mr. Hrothgar15 for his on-point comment.)

Edited November 14, 2010 by David Hill

[Lance]

explain how leadership in dci "back in the day" cared more about the future than leadership in dci today?

which leaders are you talking about, exactly, and how have they shown they don't care as much about the future as those who came before them?

[Hrothgar15]

Can you stop passing off blatant attempts at promoting your column as genuine contributions to discussion? It's getting kind of old.

[nemesiscorps]

explain how leadership in dci "back in the day" cared more about the future than leadership in dci today?

which leaders are you talking about, exactly, and how have they shown they don't care as much about the future as those who came before them?

How about the current leaders of the G7 vs this one who came before them... Scott Stewart.

He was virtually a one man crusade within the DCI BOD that repeatedly spoke to (and accurately predicted) how flaws in the existing policies would lead to what we see today. Far fewer corps in existence, fewer contest sponsors, further movement away from parity among the competing corps, fiscal mismanagement within too many organizations, the destruction of tiered competitive classes, questionable adjudication objectives, the "evolution" of the art form in ways that would make it more similar to existing activities rather than promoting the clearly unique aspects of the drum & bugle corps activity, etc., etc.

I'd guess that you and others would like specific details on all the above, but we all know how most of this has been debated beyond belief over the last decade or more, much of which can likely be found within the archive discussions on DCP.

He cared so much for the preservation of the uniqueness of the drum corps activity that he would not succumb to the pressures mounted against him and his organization. He refused to conform to the what he believed to be destructive behaviors of the status quo, and gave everything up for the cause, rather than fight internal and external adversaries that were determined to stop him. It was never about him and what he or his corps had to gain, it was always about the future survival of the activity.

[nemesiscorps]

Can you stop passing off blatant attempts at promoting your column as genuine contributions to discussion? It's getting kind of old.

He's a writer/blogger/etc. That's what they do.

What's wrong with him promoting his written thoughts, as well as the thoughts of others? This is an online discussion format, and I would think that as long as the topics are relevant to the activity (and specifically in this case, WC discussion), what's the problem? We do get to choose what we want to read or not read.

Admittedly, I didn't bother reading much of his column, but I think he makes his point clear enough for kicking off discussion. I'm not bothered by the promotion. I say allow him his 1st Amendment Right.

[Lance]

the 1st amendment has nothing to do with this. the 1st amendment prohibits the government from infringing on a citizen's right to free expression.

that said, i don't think anybody is going to take away mr hill's right to post his blog on here as long as it's focused on drum corps...but people will have opinions about it that shouldn't be prohibited either.

and yes to the specific details on dcp part. if they're on here so much, you should be able to find them no problem.

[BRASSO]

Appropriating the "Guiding Principles and Values" of the federal government's Fiscal Commission co-chairs report for both field and floor:

We have a patriotic duty to come together on a plan that will make "field and floor" better off tomorrow than it is today.

-- Neither drum corps nor color guard can be great if we go broke. Our activities will not grow -- indeed, their future is in jeopardy -- without a plan to move through the changing national economy.

-- Throughout American history, sacrifices have been made to make our nation stronger over the long haul. That's the same promise towards which we should work: to give our children and grandchildren the same marching pageantry experiences we have enjoyed.

-- American families, school systems, and individuals have spent the past two years making tough choices in their own lives. They expect us to do the same. Pageantry folk are counting on us to put politics aside, pull together not pull apart, and agree on a plan to live within our means and make field and floor strong for the long haul.

Only thing: I wonder why it's the leadership that has to be convinced of this, not the fans, not the organizations, and certainly not the young people who want to participate?

</a>New York Times columnist David Brooks <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/09/opinion/09brooks.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss" target="_blank">looked ahead at a post-election crossroads America. Interestingly, his description of how the country got here has as much applicability, if not more, to the pageantry world as it does to politics.

"Howard Gardner of Harvard once put together a composite picture of the extraordinarily creative person: She comes from a little place somewhat removed from the center of power and influence. As an adolescent, she feels herself outgrowing her own small circle. She moves to a metropolis and finds a group of people who share her passions and interests. She gets involved with a team to create something amazing.

"Then, at some point, she finds her own problem, which is related to and yet different from the problems that concern others in her group. She breaks off and struggles and finally emerges with some new thing. She brings it back to her circle. It is tested, refined and improved.

"The main point in this composite story is that creativity is not a solitary process. It happens within networks. It happens when talented people get together, when idea systems and mentalities merge."

"She" is any of the thousands of creatives who have led marching pageantry as we know it, over the decades, to its evolved state. The state is not immune, however, to the same downturns and challenges that face each of us every day, in life.

However, to hear much of the leadership talk, marching pageantry remains in some sort of "bubble", immune to anything but their whim.

First the downest side of the dichotomy: drum corps. Add it up (down): fewer units, with fewer participants (overall), shorter season, smaller crowds, and decreased revenues. Yet the oral argument for economic sustainability is to give the top performing units -- as chosen by self-appointed judges -- a larger piece of the diminuitive financial pie. Even Mr. Beck and his blackboard would have trouble mapping this one for emotional effect. For whatever it's worth, I'm crying his alligator tears.

All the while, self-appointed new expenses are voted in; each one chewing away at diminishing bottom lines, all in the name of idiomatic "relevance". Pssst: larger chunks of fewer ticket sales won't make up the financial difference for eight units, or four, or two, or even one.

The floor folks are taking steps in what feels like a very right direction. Knowing that school system budgets are slashing -- particularly -- arts programs with little thought to their relevance, super regionals will bring the championship experience close to you. (And when this darned economy even levels off, we hope you'll be able to join us in Dayton for the Big Dance again.) "Spinfest", the high-end how-to event that has been held as an after-championship digestif, is going straight to the people, at several locations across the country.

Unit erosion recognized, the spidering, and long-term effects are being addressed. As for the effects within units, it was clear last year how they manifested: music from the public domain, fewer pieces of equipment, more straight-forward programming (read: purer examples of classic color guard), and in the gutsiest, medal-winning move of the season: no plastic tarp under foot. Funny, the power of performance.

HD-ification of the arts

Following the lead of Drum Corps International -- could it be?: "Opera houses, ballet companies, even the National Theater in London, are competing to lure audiences to live high-definition broadcasts in movie theaters, many of which are then shown again."

Been there (for years), doing that. The brillant Fan Network system also brings cable-style programming to both field and floor (and bands, too!) It's such a triumphant tri-fecta, its' use and impact on access will surely, and should, be broadened.

Why not a preview show of the year's "coming attractions," as an all-in, crash the servers, offering? For color guard, a "Project Runway"-formatted costume competition among the advertisers. For drum corps, individual and ensemble competition. The uses are endless, the staff is in place, the gains: priceless.

ALTHOUGH ... as something of a "wonder if, how, and when for us", this:

"While the HD phenomenon has brought performances to millions of people who would not otherwise see them, it also raises major questions. How will it reshape the way shows are cast, directed and designed? Will the photogenic gain the upper hand? Will musicians start acting for the camera? Will stage direction be shaped for close-ups instead of for the view from the balcony? What effect will it have on attendance at local orchestras, theater companies and operas? In a cultural world in which even the use of a microphone creates shock waves, how will the new onslaught of electronic sound change people's aesthetic expectations?"

Are you "nostalgic" for ...

... the activity, either field or floor, as you first found it? Fell in love with it? Recount it to friends and family? Many advertisers are too: Brut, Cotton Inc., General Mills, McDonald's, Pepsi-Cola, and Mr. Peanut are banking on what is being called a "new retro", reviving "classic ad mascots, slogans and jingles to appeal to present-day shoppers."

Research company Mintel International Group lists new retro "among a dozen trends that will shape the marketing of consumer packaged goods in 2011."

"But nostalgia is not what it used to be, particularly when it comes to younger consumers, so the goal is to be perceived not as old-fashioned — fusty and out of date — but rather as old-school — from an earlier era and worthy of respect."

The new animated, talking, Mr. Peanut is being taken "back to his roots," complete with turn-of-the-19th-century duds.

Along with "new retro" as an upcoming marketing trend, is "Professionalisation of the Amateur". Think of field and floor as ... give me a minute ... ummm ... here it is: "Marching Music's Major League" for example, or "Sport of the Arts".

It's everything that defines marching pageantry, and it's available to exploit right now!

I read the online "chatter", and it's clear that among this sub-group of fans and followers -- these top-of-the-line consumers and patriots for the causes -- is ready to come together on a plan that will make "field and floor" better off tomorrow than it is today.

Dig in, leadership! Your followers have deeper roots than you might think. The future is at stake. Genuinely.

For me: I want the activities to outlive my digital archives.

(With thanks to Mr. Hrothgar15 for his on-point comment.)

This was like reading the novel" War and Peace" as it relates to Drum Corps. Do you have a Cliff Notes version of this ? Or maybe could you break this down into more manageable parts where your 52 thought patterns here might be condensed into segmented components of maybe one per week for us to digest, ponder, and respond too ? There is nothing inherently wrong with stream of conciousness postings. But Kerouac eventually burnt hinself out with such lengthy meandering musings, ya know what I 'm sayin' ? Keep it short and sweet, Man.

Edited November 14, 2010 by BRASSO

[Jeff Ream]

How about the current leaders of the G7 vs this one who came before them... Scott Stewart.

He was virtually a one man crusade within the DCI BOD that repeatedly spoke to (and accurately predicted) how flaws in the existing policies would lead to what we see today. Far fewer corps in existence, fewer contest sponsors, further movement away from parity among the competing corps, fiscal mismanagement within too many organizations, the destruction of tiered competitive classes, questionable adjudication objectives, the "evolution" of the art form in ways that would make it more similar to existing activities rather than promoting the clearly unique aspects of the drum & bugle corps activity, etc., etc.

I'd guess that you and others would like specific details on all the above, but we all know how most of this has been debated beyond belief over the last decade or more, much of which can likely be found within the archive discussions on DCP.

He cared so much for the preservation of the uniqueness of the drum corps activity that he would not succumb to the pressures mounted against him and his organization. He refused to conform to the what he believed to be destructive behaviors of the status quo, and gave everything up for the cause, rather than fight internal and external adversaries that were determined to stop him. It was never about him and what he or his corps had to gain, it was always about the future survival of the activity.

thats a great summation of his article

[nemesiscorps]

the 1st amendment has nothing to do with this. the 1st amendment prohibits the government from infringing on a citizen's right to free expression.

that said, i don't think anybody is going to take away mr hill's right to post his blog on here as long as it's focused on drum corps...but people will have opinions about it that shouldn't be prohibited either.

and yes to the specific details on dcp part. if they're on here so much, you should be able to find them no problem.

Thanks for the twisted lesson on the 1st Amendment. Do we really have to get into this? I was speaking to the concept and ideals surrounding one's right to express themselves in ways that do not violate the law (or the rules of DCP in this case). We all know that people have the right to free speech (protected speech), with the exception of certain kinds of speech/expression. As it relates to protected speech, they are free from government's infringement, as well as any infringement from anyone else that would suppress that freedom in violation of the law. Obviously, none of that applies here, but the spirit of that fundamental right is certainly a relevant and reasonable response to criticism of the OP promoting his column, and no one has suggested prohibiting others from giving their opinion on him promoting his column. You're a real trouble maker these days aren't you?

As for the specific details issue... I'm not interested in playing this game with you. You know full well that this is all old rehashed hash, certainly available to anyone with even minimal skills in searching the DCP archives. It seems that someone has already recently (today) posted the thread from 2006 that speaks to Scott's 1997 article on the "State of the Activity." Why don't you start there, though I'd be shocked if you're not already familiar with it. If that doesn't work for you, just search "Scott Stewart" and I'm sure you'll get a wealth of information that speaks to all of these tired issues.

It's fine if you don't agree with his points, but why act as if there's no reasonable substance to the OP's point about current DCI leadership? You asked:

"which leaders are you talking about, exactly, and how have they shown they don't care as much about the future as those who came before them?"

I've given you a reasonable response to that question by citing a well documented example. Agree or disagree with the substance, but don't suggest that it's not credible.

[N.E. Brigand]

What's wrong with him promoting his written thoughts, as well as the thoughts of others? This is an online discussion format, and I would think that as long as the topics are relevant to the activity (and specifically in this case, WC discussion), what's the problem?

Well, it's a discussion board, and DH isn't much for discussion. So far as I can tell, he never engages in discussions started by his drive-by threads, and almost always replies in others' threads only for the purpose of linking back to his blog. Will he actually read anything written in response to his post here?