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BD's worst meal in 84 was beef stroganoff. Not many of us ate it...so after the Pt. Huron rainout show, when we were stuck at the Canadian border with Garfield, Freelancers, and 27th, we gave it to Garfield....and we sat on our busses in slack-jawed amazement watching them pound it down like there was no tomorrow. Even today, alums of 84 Cadets tell me that was their BEST meal all year!

I am having a flashback. It was just 14 months ago that a quintet of protected classes (recited twice) and the name Darcie Aungst were all over a show design announcement. Now it is an "equality and inclusion committee". Inclusion? Really? And of all times, this moment of maximum irony? Drum corps WAS a truly inclusive activity, once upon a time. Now, it is unapologetically focused on being an advanced-placement summer camp for experienced alumni of the scholastic marching arts activities, which themselves are based largely in affluent suburbia. Drum corps can no longer even create the pretense of being "inclusive" toward the inexperienced and/or at-risk youth that they used to routinely train from scratch back in the day. And now, the activity faces its own economic challenges - some of which are of its own making. Forgive me if I do not hold my breath waiting to see how drum corps renounces its expensive ways, and instead returns to prioritizing outreach to the socioeconomically underprivileged. Notice that the poor are not one of the groups selected for greater opportunity and inclusion in these virtue signaling exercises.

I'm bored so I'll answer with a simple "yes". Here are my suggestions; others feel free to expand on these: 1) Reduce corp size to a "Pep Band" status only requiring one bus to eliminate extra buses & extra staff thus reducing cost. 2) Eliminate all equipment trucks. All instruments will be stored & transported in the bus bay. 3) The single bus will pull a small trailer for food prep & storage. (see #4) 4) All meals reduced to Oats, PB&J, Ramen Noodles, & Pop Corn. McDonald's Dollar Menu may also be utilized periodically for incentives/rewards. (For a small surcharge, fruit cups maybe added but will require cold storage in trailer.) 5) Eliminate using all schools for overnight stays. All sleep will be employed on the bus between events. 6) Add frequent WalMart visits for restroom, AC breaks, snacks, & toiletries. 7) Reduce all performances to a "standstill" style performance on the track thus eliminating extra staff for design, teaching, cleaning, etc & rehearsal venues.

Short-term forecast for this thread: This afternoon - Stormy This evening - Continued periods of stormy Tomorrow's forecast - Closed

thank goodness rational adults in the org are acknowledging there's been a problem for decades. that doesn't take being woke, just being a real human being who acknowledges that people with experiences different from their own do in fact exist.

Seriously the article says that Cadets will try to make sure everyone feels a part of the corps (aka included) and only thing you get is sexual orientation. I read it as checking that no one is shunned, threatened, harassed, etc, etc for any reason.

2023 - Courtney, now flush with cash from watching DCI videos, buys DCI and changes it's name to DCI (Drum Courtney International).

Brasso is one person I don’t worry about during the pandemic. If the Grim Reaper ever shows up at his door, he will argue with him until he forgets why he came and leaves with a headache.

I work in clinical trials and in fact on COVID-19. I cannot speak on behalf of my company so this is my educated belief: I believe it is almost certain we will have several effective, approved and ready vaccines by January, as well as dozens of drugs that will effectively treat at least some of the most serious symptoms. It is almost unthinkable to believe that no country in the world will have a successful vaccine at this point, because the entire scientific community is working together with powerful computer models that are essentially running trials on computers before they even make it to human testing. That’s why we have five government sponsored vaccines that are all likely to work, albeit in different ways. Never before in human history have we seen multiple clinical trials, in multiple countries, for the same virus get to approved Phase 3 trials as quickly as this has. Let alone at risk manufacturing. If you only watch the news and don’t understand clinical trials, to be fair, you cannot possibly appreciate how fast this is moving. There are over 100 different clinical trials happening simultaneously all over the world. Unprecedented. They all fall into a few different buckets of approaches, and each one has scientific efficacy. In other words, there is reason to believe that each approach will be effective. I think the biggest hurdle may be housing. Attendance will return, streaming will be much bigger than before, but where do kids sleep? Will school systems open up their buildings? That to me is very fragile.

Hello everyone. I’m still here in the Chicago suburbs and being very careful, mask, hand sanitizer, washing my hands raw. Cases here in Illinois are testing at 3%. I go out to stores now fully masked and I feel comfortable enough to have dinner on a patio once a week and a couple of beers at the outdoor areas at breweries. Jim and I are fine and haven’t killed each other yet. I hope there will be a safe and effective vaccine developed sometime in the next eighteen months. We are going to a cabin in the Smokies next month to enjoy nature safely. Besides that, I pray that everyone stays healthy and safe.

You don’t want to ask honest questions. You want to keep moving the goal post. You revealed your true colors when you wrote your now deleted post “oh thank god...something other than Black Lives Matter”

So 400 years of enslavement and legalized discrimination don't factor into your concerns? Lower income groups have higher level of criminality on a per capita basis than high income groups (though no one's been looting the last 40 years like the top guys). Why would African Americans be more likely to be low income after 150 years of nominal 'equality' than other ethnic groups? Until you address THAT issue head on and recognize that the country never took the cultural and legal steps necessary to grant black Americans full equality in issues having to do with voting, property rights, etc, etc, etc, focusing on what 20-somethings involved in gang pissing wars is more than a little disingenuous, imho. Anyone who marched drum corps in the 60s and 70s was born into a country where it was still legal to deny black people the right to vote in some states, so this isn't ancient history.

We are all getting sick of the nonsense in this country. I'm really asking an honest question though, not trying to stir the pot. The BLM movement is silent on two very important points: the large number of black on black killings in this country and the large number of abortions in the black community. These are two very valid points that many choose to ignore. And sadly, this honest question may get me banned from this site. Oh well, this is an extremely volatile time for America and I simply refuse to follow the forced narrative and be silent.

Yeah, but they were doing other things when they came up with that estimation.

yeah the old director had a special way about it

I’m reading it as the corps will not put up with exclusive or bullying behavior by any individual member. That’s not being “woke” that’s saying they’re not going to put up with anyone’s crap that could harm another member or the corps itself. Had the same thing where I worked and so do many other places. And in this overly legalese world you have to put down in writing what you wouldn’t put up with. Otherwise some clod will use it as a loophole “you didn’t tell me that...”

But it’s “the biggest threat to this activity we love”.lol I guess a global pandemic with no vaccine that shut down the season means nothing.

I think about the times in our country’s history when the citizenry was called upon to make sacrifices and now shake my head when people freak out over wearing a mask at the grocery store.

CADETS.LIVE.ORG Join Cadets Brass Caption Manager, Dr. Matt Stratton, on June 23rd, 8 pm EST, as he sits down and chats with the Heavy Hitters of DCI brass arranging. #CBrass #CadetsLive

Just wanted to share my little summer routine of the last few years, and God do I miss it. I work a summer restaurant job (teaching pays like #### in Colorado), and our getting-older Great Dane can't handle the intense mountain sun (day walks mostly amount to laying lazily in the grass). So, every summer night, for the past few years, I strictly avoid checking DrumScorps notifications on my phone at work; then I get home at 11:00ish or midnight, make myself a cocktail or pour myself a beer (and grab a few extra), take the pup on a much-cooler late night walk, and finally check the scores for the evening. After digesting said scores, I'd then look at the recaps and digest the caption placements, and would wrap up the walk by searching YouTube for bootlegged videos from the night, or rewatching those I had found from the night before. Maybe would post some booze-soaked thoughts on DCP upon returning home, or wait until I got up the following afternoon to do so. All of that routine is still in place --- except for the checking of scores. Now I'll listen to a podcast or some music or just think, but god do I miss the ritual of diving deep into the drum corps world while unwinding every night. It is a noticeable absence from the nighty walk. Just seems like a part of summer is gone. Life is good, and everyone I love is healthy, but I thought I'd lament the noticeable absence of an activity I love dearly : )

Grilled cheese sandwich made with butter flavored Crisco and fake cheese.

Traumatic childhood event.....

If "normal" means "continuing to be encouraged by the CDC to wear masks and practice social distancing," then I agree completely. These guidelines were just published today: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/activities.html

English, circa 2009: "Marcos Zapata was a thief Who once did steal, and roam the street Until a heist of his went bad He was shot (bang bang bang) and left for dead. Before his last breaths of life The witch saved him from the death of night And so arose Relampago! (thunderclap) To fight away the evil foe. And so begins our hero's story Of life, of death, and return to glory."

Got a little misty here.

Wow. Twice in one day, you have claimed greater knowledge than myself regarding what I think.

1 whole post for this to become a cesspool. shocker.

the biggest cost in drum corps has very little to what you see used in performance: food, fuel, housing and insurance. not props, equipment, or uniforms. and the state of the world come 2021, ESPECIALLY HOUSING, will determine what if anything happens.

🤷‍♀️Like Jim Schehr?

I think there are two issues here. First is the survivability of DCI in the (hopefully)wake of the pandemic. Second is the touring model and budget considerations. While I share the concerns about DCI's sustainability, the original post just feels to me like some folks are using the pandemic to try to revert DCI back to the 1976 activity. Seriously, the number of staff people or the size of props has very little to do with ensuring corps members are able to remain healthy. I do see tour housing as a huge challenge, and the college dorm idea has a great deal of merit. It is quite possible that this will all change very quickly with the eventual vaccines. In Boston, the MODERNA company is in it's final trials, and those folks are so sure that will get the final approval that they already have over 5 million doses ready to go when they get the green light. Let's hope it is soon!

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xp691o Happy Father's Day. Collectuons Shows Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yck89mhj The Champions Collection - Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y8clde25 The Silver Medal Collection - Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yac5flfd Top 12 Popularity Collection - Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ydx7vage 70's Popularity Collection - Top 6 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y83byovd 80's Popularity Collection - Top 6 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y8g37jmg 90's Popularity Collection - Top 6 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ybshxcj4 00's Popularity Collection - Top 6 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y86n6wwg 10's Popularity Collection - Top 6 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yb3hgo8c 70's Popularity Collection - Top 10 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y7spufuk 80's Popularity Collection - Top 10 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yc582ckx 90's Popularity Collection - Top 10 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ybvoeczd 00's Popularity Collection - Top 10 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y89kbqgy 10's Popularity Collection - Top 10 Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ya72za2a Corps Collectuons 27th Lancers Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yakhs2lv Anaheim Kingsmen Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y7uqeeoe Bluecoats Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y7ej2hxx Blue Devils Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yd7jgwlf Blue Knights Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ybzyftc5 Blue Stars Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ycdyxy5r Boston Crusaders Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ycgypyqa Bridgemen Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yd4fa3rj Carolina Crown Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yarefgqf Colts Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y8vkogs2 Crossmen Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ycwgorrh Dutch Boy Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y3pwk3c2 Freelancers Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ycrkejcp Glassmen Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ybeugpfz Guardsmen Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ycxf4ptc Kilties Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yd4hy2wm Madison Scouts Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y9hmws78 Magic of Orlando Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yc2bvsol Phantom Regiment Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yaldqev8 Santa Clara Vanguard Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ycryb47t Sky Ryders Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y8ecqt9v Spirit of Atlanta Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yaly4xf8 Star of Indiana Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y7hv2c4z Suncoast Sound Collection Easy Find http://tinyurl.com/y3m86l5w The Academy Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y84lad54 The Cadets Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yd3e2ky6 The Cavaliers Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ycz75cu7 Troopers Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/ybdf989q Velvet Knights Collection Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y96mbre2 Perspectives Collection - Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/y7pm8x7m Drum Corps Insights - Easy Find https://tinyurl.com/yatxgmkq Encores Cavaliers 2018 - Africa https://tinyurl.com/y8dqs78h Blue Knights 2014 - Can't Take My Eyes Off of You https://tinyurl.com/ybtpxj6h Alumni Shows 27th Lancers Alumni 1994 (Show) https://tinyurl.com/y8aeoeqr 27th Lancers Alumni 1994 (Story and Show) https://tinyurl.com/yaxrp22p Anaheim Kingsmen Alumni 2007 https://tinyurl.com/y9ctmuab Bridgemen Alumni 2016 https://tinyurl.com/y7ez4vop Madison Scouts Alumni 2006 https://tinyurl.com/y9sfn9ta Mighty St Joes Alumni 1995 https://tinyurl.com/ya3nartl Santa Clara Vanguard Alumni 2017 - 50th Anniversary https://tinyurl.com/y7fweuur The Cavaliers Alumni 2008 - 60th Anniversary https://tinyurl.com/y9wdtgh7 Finals Montages 2018 DCI World Championships Finale Montage https://tinyurl.com/y8azk77l US Marine Shows The Commandants Own 2014 https://tinyurl.com/y9txtb76 The Commandants Own 2015 https://tinyurl.com/yca2u63s The Commandants Own 2016 https://tinyurl.com/y6v8zhjo Senior Corps Shows Hawthorne Caballeros 1977 https://tinyurl.com/yd9jqrwt Others DCI - 9/11 Memorial https://tinyurl.com/ya2cv578 Halloween Screamers 1 https://tinyurl.com/ycddp49f Halloween Screamers 2 https://tinyurl.com/y8ybrebj Halloween Screamers 3 https://tinyurl.com/y75qy9ay Halloween Screamers 4 https://tinyurl.com/ybd4vp7x Halloween-Screamers-1~4 https://tinyurl.com/y9yc7rbo Phantom Regiment 92 (1812 Closer) https://tinyurl.com/y7y39uva Kilties 1978 (Auld Lang Syne) https://tinyurl.com/y7na9vpo Jim Ott Tribute https://tinyurl.com/y8sbvlbj

Wait, you mean it WASN'T an invitation to become a keyboard infectious disease Google search expert relating every occurance to the implications of repeating circumstances in the most densely-populated city in the country with the intent of scaring the entire population into staying home and shutting down a vibrant economy strictly to negatively affect the incumbent's chances in the upcoming presidential elections? I'm sure you'll forgive my not knowing after having to scroll through 168 pages to find your quote.

Initial reactions: 1. There may be a "vaccine by Halloween". One company has already made that claim, and there are strong natural incentives to make that date. So that is my new catchphrase. It even rhymes. But even if that happens, it is unlikely that vaccine deployment and acceptance throughout the community will be so rapid as to return us to "normal" in time for the same number of people and sites to participate in November auditions. No matter what, season 2021 will be different. 2. They are not going to give up a thing, unless it is taken from them by forces beyond their control. Electronics, props, tarps, annual costiforms, large staffs, long tours, long rehearsals... you name it, they will keep it unless it is impossible to do so. Many of these things are already committed to, and there is no way to divest from that practice. For instance, what sense would it make to ask corps to buy more expensive, long-lasting uniforms right now? My humble hope is that deforestation (i.e. get rid of the amp-the-whole-corps field mic setups) is one area where corps could divest. But even there, the corps who already own that equipment would need buyers... not sure that exists in the market today. 3. But I did say "forces beyond their control". As long as C-19 has not been eradicated, it will create forces that will mess with our ability to line up suitable show sites in a logical tour that we can rely on proceeding without restrictions on travel/assembly preventing fans and corps from attending as planned. The longer we remain without victory over the virus, the more likely tour will be substantially different as a result. 4. Usually, I adopt the "do not panic" stance. But just in case the previous talk here is accurate about corps hemorrhaging $100K per month while shut down, the key to DCI recovering might be in facilitating the rise of new/developing corps to replace those who do not survive the pandemic.

no and thus the biggest complaint about design......she loves it yet doesn't get it all. too many fans don't get it all and don't have the desire to dig for all the super deep hidden meanings. her reaction is what more fans need to have without having to know all that

You know a statement has broad appeal when it gets likes from both me and Cappybara.

I assure you Mr. Dan Cathy has received the message regarding what people think of his views loud and clear via various sources. So much so that he has issued statements regarding it numerous times. An ignored email will do nothing. I have written to owners of large corporations in the past (not Chick Fil A) with no reply. I understand views such as these are difficult to change, not everyone can have an epiphany moment like Drew Brees did just a few weeks ago. So the alternative option that I am hoping for is an eventual resignation. Until then, I will do what I feel is right, which is to make sure my family does not contribute a single dollar to that man's wealth. I am curious as to why people are so concerned about a simple boycott.

It seems that way. But a fair number of African Americans seems to be saying that what I think of as exhausting is how they always feel.

Sorry to reply to your post in reverse order, but that is how I roll. But my few minutes of research found that there are factions who seriously intend to dismantle entire police departments. One such idea was to eliminate the entire Minneapolis police department over the ensuing year, replacing them with some alternative service composed of people who actually reside in Minneapolis. Wait. The point is to create a lie to grab our attention? Then tell us what the real agenda is? After your "hydroxychloroquine BS" posts awhile back, I would never have expected you to defend anything less than absolute, factual accuracy in such public policy communications. Why should this be treated differently? The DCP demographic? What is that? In a thread devoted to combating racism, is it too much to ask for you to leave your -isms out of this conversation? Oh, okay. If reducing crime via other means could reduce the burden on police so as to permit their downsizing, in a package of changes that pay for themselves, that would be good. Unfortunately, reducing the burden on police is not possible at the moment when cities all across America are under attack. In fact, recent events might cause people to decide that they need a larger and more militarized police force to guard the residents, workers and visitors of cities from riots, looting and destruction of buildings.

Reallocate is the term you are looking for. Making excuses for inaccurate verbiage is kinda of pointless and self defeating. Either words mean something or they don't. It's pretty easy, "Sorry, we meant reallocate resources not defund the police force." Not hard. Defund has been used many times to mean precisely what it means. So I don't buy into the scramble to save face by altering word meanings. The polarization is ONLY coming from people that utter it, not the people listening and understanding it. "But this is what I meant" and continue to use inaccurate terms...sorry not being sold that bill of goods.

Like Jeff... I too received literally dozens of hate mails and even threats to mine and my family's physical safety. I even had someone post me a picture of my kids (yes, they got reported to the relevant authorities). All because "we didn't cave". You know what? The internet is huge. There are LITERALLY MILLIONS of places for you to discuss current events ELSEWHERE online. We however recognised pretty quickly the lay of the land and as a consensus decided to bend our rules and ALLOW discussion on THIS drum corps forum as well as the facebook page. What happened was certain SJW's got all bent out of shape because someone actually had the cajones to enforce rules and set boundaries on them. Like it or lump it, ones First Amendment rights do NOT extend to private, moderated online forums. I can absolutely assure you that nothing was taken lightly and nothing IS taken lightly with how we choose to moderate not only this forum but the facebook page as well. I've said my piece. Like John said, if you'd like to discuss it further with me, feel free to message me.

Having trouble following you. It started when you said this: Then, in your next post on this thread, you said this... ... which suppressed me. I care about the "little rules" by which a discussion forum can actually have discussion. And then you said... ... and this... ... so I guess you are not here for a discussion.

Ok my definition of “inclusion”: making sure anyone who joins the group feels welcome and is safe. This means safe from any harassment from group leaders and OTHER MEMBERS of the group. wow such a horrible idea.... sure glad we didn’t have this where I worked... oh wait we did....

As a society we evolve and we reevaluate. Some of society at least. The danger lies in not being able to do so and to continue to make the same mistakes.

I don’t think sexual orientation and identity will be the only focus or perhaps even major focus of this committee. Other corps have issued similar statements since the death of George Floyd and the unrest that has followed. Earlier this week Spirit of Atlanta issued a statement apologizing for past shows that have appeared to some as romanticizing a South is viewed as racist. There are also corps today that are racially diverse that have some serious racial issues in their past, especially those with long histories. If anyone would be aware of the importance of addressing racial issues, it is Denise Bonfiglio. Her father was a sticker that anyone who wanted to march and could should be allowed the opportunity to do so at a time welcome was not on the doormat of other corps. She probably learned from example.

We have existing friends/family or make new friends that we want to expose to the activity. We want them to understand exactly why we like this. It does not always happen. So often the appreciation for the skill/musicianship is lost. Video reactions like this feed into that interest in having people appreciate an activity that we love Courtney reacts the way we want our friends/family to react.

Well Covid 19 does relate to drum-corp because there is no 2020 season. And 2021 season is locked into how we deal with Covid 19 so yes it's all connected...

I have a great deal of concern over the fiscal survival of corps as the world faces this pandemic. Whereas I have seen some creative fundraising, and great efforts on the part of alumni, my concerns remain, and I am a bit alarmed that I do not see any (at least advertised) "game plans" regarding this. First off, everyone is expecting a 2021 season. If all goes perfect....(1) an effective vaccine for the virus is available to all by the end of the first quarter or early 2nd quarter of 2021, or (2) highly successful treatments for anyone infected are developed that stop the virus cold, or (3) somehow the disease dies down on it's own.....then, we will very most likely see a season. I am cautiously optimistic, as there has never been a bigger worldwide effort toward a vaccine. However, there is a real chance that we may not be out of the woods by next Spring. I think that all of the member corps need to consider (1) The current model......2 million dollar plus budgets, $4000+ membership fees, huge staffs, huge travel schedules.....all of these have made corps survival a challenge, even in fairly good economic times. Even if everything falls perfectly into place.....a vaccine, a return of most jobs, schools back to normal, etc......a strong return will not happen overnight, and the country could remain in economic depression or at the least, severe recession.....for quite some time. My purpose here is to not simply state "doom and gloom", but propose a model that I think could work and possibly insure the future of the corps. I know that some will find my suggestions a bit "radical", but I think in light of what we face, it may require that. (1) Corps should aim to reduce their average budget from 2 million dollars to around 800k. If they gun for that and it's a million, and they can come up with that, so be it, but I would go for a 60% reduction. Here is how I think it could happen. (1) shorten the season. July 1st until August 7th championship. (2) Corps would compete regionally (East, Midwest, West, South) until July 22nd. On July 22nd, tours would slowly start moving and groups crossing out of region, through August 3rd. There are no "full regionals" with everybody there. None. There is a high possibility that some competitors might not go head to head until nationals. There WILL be some of the traditional big shows......DCI East, DCI Midwest....for example..........but not everyone will be there. (3) I do think that fuel prices will remain lower than what they were due to the depression, and DCI might capitalize on a fuel consortium to save even more, like they have done in the past (4) reduce "paid" staff significantly......recent "apprentice age outs" could perhaps fill some void by being hired by just doing some things to not cost them money, but not pay them......food while with the corps, same housing, transportation, and help with getting them in and out. A typical staff would be reduced to......Brass arranger, two additional brass instructors.....Percussion arranger, two additional percussion instructors.......visual designer, two marching instructors, one guard instructor. This is 10 people, and 10-15 could be the norm......I just called up a staff of a finalist to get an idea, and they have 69 people listed. I won a title being part of a 16 person staff. (5) Have a "national move-in day set at 6/15...not unlike rehearsal restrictions that sports teams have....it will establish an equal playing field, and also help all to save money. (6) Encourage (but not force) corps to consider doing drills that do not have "8 million sets", so that the corps can achieve a decent performance level in a shorter time span, focus on moving and playing WELL, and insuring a solid product right out of the gate. (7) Props, especially expensive ones, should be highly discouraged.....rely on performance, not "glitz".......one corps last year was in serious financial trouble, yet they spent over 60K in props (and they didn't help their performance......). (8) consider a return to uniforms that can be worn and maintained for multiple years, (at least for the musicians), instead of the yearly new "costumes" that are being used currently with mixed audience reaction (9) encourage maintenance of current brass, percussion, and electronics.....for 3-5 years.....instead of new equipment each year or 2.........(10) explore the idea of all of the DCI corps to consider the use of the same insurance company, (and allow bids), if that company can reduce the insurance costs for all of the corps in return for getting all of the corps' business. (11) Reduce the prices for premium (40-40) seats modestly, and the price for outside of the 40"s significantly.....keeping them at "non-recession" prices wiould actually create less income as struggling fans are priced out Not any one thing is going to cut the budget all the way down, but the combination of all, with a frugal approach, can make it possible. You would still have 33 possible days of regular season shows, and 36 counting championship rounds.....Even if a corps took one day per week off, they could still easily get in 30 contests, which is actually more than many are doing now. Corps should also consider that family fiscal situations of members could see dire change in the next year. Corps should consider lowering costs to 2 K per member, and many have also already credited part of what was already paid for 2020 to 2021. They should also consider doing the typical things that the band and indoor world are already doing by creating more individual fund raising opportunities for members. It's more work for all, but far more "inclusive", providing a means for those who are really struggling to come up with the funds other than just the sponsorships and "fund me" pleas that are the norm for today. I am sure that some will say that the suggestions are extreme, but I honestly think that some administrations are going to be living in a "dream world" if they expect "business as usual" to happen in drum corps at a time of national depression. I believe that being pro-active, and starting the planning now, will allow the activity to not only survive, but thrive......especially after things start to gradually head toward "normal" again.....hopefully.........

I went to go pick up some takeout food last night and wore a mask as I walked into the side entrance (next to the bar) from the outside patio area and was harassed by some jack*** the entire way. Abbreviated version: First he kept trying to offer me to eat from his bowl of tortilla chips— “Just take your mask off. Why are you wearing a mask? Are you afraid of the COVID?” He and his buddy start to laugh. “No, I wear it for the same reason I wear a seat belt, because I actually have some common sense.” “Aw, c’mon, I’m just being funny.” [as I kept walking] “No, you’re not, and I **** sure don’t care what you think about it.” He just kept laughing as I went inside. Later, he made a point to laugh and wave at me as I was getting into my car with the food— I opened the door back up a bit, stepped out, gave a big wave in return, with a smile, and said, “Go **** yourself.” It had been a long day and I was NOT in the mood.

These days, can ANYONE understand the subtleties of a show from a single viewing? More importantly, does it really matter? She's promoting the activity.

Then what does it mean? Last I heard, "defund" means stop all funding. And when you cut off all funding to something that costs money to operate (like a drum corps, for example), it ceases to exist.