Are electronics driving people away?

[FlamInvert122]

With all of these first-class composers/arrangers and staff members leaving some of the best corps in recent days, one has to wonder: can this have anything to do with the electronics debut in 2009? It's seems a little weird that SO MANY great people are walking away from the activity all at once.

Could this be the beginning of the end of the DCI we have all known and loved for so long? I sure hope not, but it's hard not to worry...

Your thoughts? Am I just crazy here?

[ItsOnTheField]

The corps voted on and passed this rule. While I'm sure there may have been some staff members that may not have been 100% behind the vote that was cast....I seriously doubt this has much effect on the decision to stay or not stay. Many arrangers write for successful marching bands who already use electronics. Besides, just because it will be legal it does not mean they have to use it.

[soccerguy315]

i vote that you are just crazy.

didn't someone post in one of the other threads that one of the big names was retiring to spend more time working with electronic music (among other things)?

[mn trumpter guy]

While true, there is possibly a fear that if they don't use it, they will not have a chance, and while winning is NOT everything even by a close shot, it usually helps membership increase, as it is a little ridiculous to do what these kids do all summer if you have no HOPE of doing well competitively (for the most part- there are always exceptions).

[soccerguy315]

While true, there is possibly a fear that if they don't use it, they will not have a chance, and while winning is NOT everything even by a close shot, it usually helps membership increase, as it is a little ridiculous to do what these kids do all summer if you have no HOPE of doing well competitively (for the most part- there are always exceptions).

if by "well" you mean "near the top" ... then most corps already have no chance at that, outside of a select few.

[jstdrumn]

yup - I think it is

[TerriTroop]

I don't know, and I don't really think so. As for the fear of having to use electronics to compete, I'm actually hopeful this will not bear out to be true, just as the dreaded "N" word has not borne out to be requisite for competitive success.

[magicdirect]

IMO - The average drum corps fan doesn't care about amplification but I would say most are NOT a fan of narration. Does this mean they are being turned off? Maybe but is attendance up or down.

JVN

[AverageJoe]

The air supply in the anti-electronic bunker must be running low. These conspiracy theories are getting out there.

Do you really think that people are moving on beacause of the synthesizer that goes bump in the night?

[Jeff Ream]

with the use of narration slowing, i'm giving it a chance. but if people go nuts with synths and mic'd brass is painful, it may drive me back away